Exciting Moves in MLS Expansion Draft as San Diego FC Prepares for 2025

Major League Soccer’s 2024 Expansion Draft took place on December 11, 2024, marking a significant step for San Diego FC as they prepare to join the league in 2025. The draft saw San Diego FC making strategic moves to build a competitive roster ahead of their inaugural season.

Key Takeaways

• San Diego FC selected five players from the eligible pool during the expansion draft.
• The club made notable trades, including Thiago Andrade and Hosei Kijima.
• Lionel Messi was named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player.

San Diego FC’s Expansion Draft Strategy

San Diego FC entered the draft with the opportunity to select up to five players from a pool of 354 eligible players. Each of the 29 existing MLS teams protected 12 players, allowing San Diego to strategically enhance their roster.

The club’s sporting director, Tyler Heaps, expressed excitement about the new additions, stating, "We are thrilled to add three more exciting players to our squad as we continue to build our inaugural season roster."

Key Player Selections

San Diego FC made several key selections during the draft:

1. Thiago Andrade (New York City FC) – A Brazilian winger, traded to Toronto FC for a first-round pick and $250,000 in allocation money.
2. Hosei Kijima (St. Louis FC) – A midfielder traded to D.C. United for $400,000 in allocation money.
3. Jasper Loffelsend (Colorado Rapids) – A versatile fullback/midfielder.
4. Hamady Diop (Charlotte FC) – A solid defender.
5. Heine Gikling Bruseth (Orlando City) – A promising midfielder.

Additional Trades and Acquisitions

In addition to the expansion draft selections, San Diego FC made further moves to strengthen their squad:

• Christopher McVey (D.C. United) – Acquired for $50,000 in allocation money and a conditional $50,000 based on performance.
• CJ dos Santos (Inter Miami) – A goalkeeper acquired for $100,000, bringing valuable experience to the team.

Heaps highlighted the importance of these trades, stating, "We believe that the players we selected all fit into our identity and style of play."

MLS MVP Announcement

In a notable highlight from the MLS season, Lionel Messi was awarded the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player. Messi’s performance was instrumental in leading Inter Miami to the best overall record in the league, contributing significantly with 20 goals and 16 assists.

Messi’s achievement adds to the excitement surrounding the league as it prepares for the upcoming season, with San Diego FC looking to make a strong debut in 2025.

As the expansion draft concludes, all eyes will be on San Diego FC as they finalize their roster and prepare for a thrilling first season in Major League Soccer.

Sources

• 2024 MLS Expansion Draft: Eligible players & how to watch | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
• San Diego FC wheels, deals during Major League Soccer’s expansion draft – San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune.
• Houston Dynamo FC confirm protected players for the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft  | Houston Dynamo, Houston Dynamo FC.
• MVP: Messi named MLS’ top player – Front Row Soccer, Front Row Soccer.