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San Diego FC’s Roster Steams Ahead of MLS Debut
San Diego FC’s inaugural roster is rapidly taking shape, with the technical staff buzzing with activity as the club races to field a competitive team ahead of their MLS debut in just under two months.
This week has been a whirlwind of activity. On Wednesday, San Diego FC orchestrated several trades and made key selections in the expansion draft, acquiring three new players and exchanging two of their five draft picks.
Key Acquisitions
Before the draft, San Diego secured the services of goalkeeper CJ dos Santos from Inter Miami and defender Chris McVey from D.C. United.
With the dust settled, the San Diego FC roster stands at an impressive 13 players (including one trade reported by *GIVEMESPORT* but not yet official).
Expansion Draft Results
San Diego FC selected three players in the expansion draft but also made two valuable trades.
- Pick one: Jasper Löffelsend (Colorado Rapids)
- Pick two: Hamady Diop (Charlotte FC)
- Pick three: Heine Gikling Bruseth (Orlando City)
- Pick four: Thiago Andrade (NYCFC… traded to Toronto FC for the No. 9 SuperDraft selection and $250k GAM add-ons)
- Pick five: Hosei Kijima (St. Louis City… traded to D.C. United for $400k GAM)
San Diego’s expansion draft selections add valuable depth to the squad, particularly with the addition of Bruseth.
The 20-year-old Norwegian youth international has already made 45 first-team appearances. While he didn’t play for Orlando after joining later this season, his potential is undeniable. San Diego also snagged Löffelsend, a versatile player who can contribute at both fullback and central midfield. Diop, a 22-year-old who was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 SuperDraft, adds to the squad’s defensive depth.
Trades Boost GAM and Expand Options
The trades made by San Diego during the draft were strategic moves that bolstered the club’s financial resources.
The Kijima trade, in particular, significantly increased San Diego’s General Allocation Money (GAM) reserves. GAM is a crucial asset in MLS, providing clubs with flexibility to acquire players and maneuver within the salary cap.
The Andrade acquisition secures a promising young player in the upcoming SuperDraft and the possibility of future add-ons.
The Core Players Taking Shape
Alongside the new additions, San Diego is building a foundation with a core group of experienced and exciting players:
• **Chucky Lozano:** The star winger, acquired from PSV this summer, is primed to lead the attack. Lozano boasts proven success in both the Eredivisie and Serie A, winning league titles with PSV and Napoli.
• **Paddy McNair:** The Northern Ireland international defender brings experience and leadership from his time in the English Championship.
• **Andres Reyes:** A key signing for San Diego as a vital force in New York Red Bulls’ surprise MLS Cup playoff run, Reyes adds defensive steel.
• **Jep