San Diego FC Squad 2025
The 2025 season marks a pivotal year for San Diego FC as the club continues to establish itself as a formidable force in Major League Soccer (MLS). With a blend of seasoned veterans, emerging talents, and strategic acquisitions, the squad boasts a balanced roster capable of competing at the highest level. This post delves into the intricacies of the team, breaking down the players by position and providing an in-depth analysis of their backgrounds, skills, and contributions to the club. From goalkeepers to forwards, each player brings a unique set of attributes that collectively define San Diego FC’s identity on the pitch.
Goalkeepers
1. Ethan Horvath
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Club Brugge (Belgium), Nottingham Forest (England), Luton Town (England)
Transfer Fee: $1.2 million
Ethan Horvath, a seasoned shot-stopper with extensive experience in Europe, joined San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his commanding presence in the box and exceptional reflexes, Horvath has become a cornerstone of the team’s defense. His ability to read the game and organize the backline has been instrumental in maintaining clean sheets. With over 50 caps for the US Men’s National Team, Horvath brings leadership and international pedigree to the squad. His distribution skills, particularly his long-range passing, have also added a new dimension to San Diego FC’s build-up play.
2. David Ochoa
Nationality: Mexican-American
Former Clubs: Real Salt Lake (USA), D.C. United (USA)
Transfer Fee: $500,000
David Ochoa, a rising star in American soccer, was acquired by San Diego FC in 2023. At just 24 years old, Ochoa has already demonstrated remarkable composure and agility between the posts. His quick reflexes and ability to make acrobatic saves have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising goalkeepers in MLS. Ochoa’s dual nationality has also made him a valuable asset, as he is eligible to represent both the United States and Mexico. His competitive nature and willingness to learn from Horvath have made him a reliable backup and a potential future starter for the club.
3. Tomas Romero
Nationality: Salvadoran-American
Former Clubs: Los Angeles FC (USA), Toronto FC (Canada)
Transfer Fee: $200,000
Tomas Romero, a young and ambitious goalkeeper, was signed by San Diego FC in 2024 to provide depth and competition in the goalkeeping department. Romero’s quick reflexes and ability to perform under pressure have made him a dependable option in cup competitions. His experience with the Salvadoran national team has further honed his skills, and he continues to develop under the guidance of Horvath and Ochoa. Romero’s work ethic and determination make him a valuable asset for the future.
Defenders
1. Aaron Long
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: New York Red Bulls (USA), LAFC (USA)
Transfer Fee: $1 million
Aaron Long, a veteran center-back with a wealth of MLS experience, joined San Diego FC in 2023. Known for his aerial dominance and tactical intelligence, Long has been a stabilizing force in the heart of the defense. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been vital in thwarting opposition attacks. Long’s leadership qualities and experience with the US Men’s National Team have also made him a key figure in the locker room.
2. Julian Araujo
Nationality: Mexican-American
Former Clubs: LA Galaxy (USA), FC Barcelona (Spain)
Transfer Fee: $2.5 million
Julian Araujo, a dynamic right-back, was signed by San Diego FC in 2024 after a brief stint with FC Barcelona. Known for his blistering pace and precise crossing, Araujo has become a fan favorite at San Diego FC. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has added a new dimension to the team’s play. Araujo’s versatility allows him to operate as a wing-back or even in midfield, making him an invaluable asset for the squad.
3. Walker Zimmerman
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: FC Dallas (USA), Nashville SC (USA)
Transfer Fee: $1.5 million
Walker Zimmerman, a towering center-back, was acquired by San Diego FC in 2023. Renowned for his physicality and ability to dominate in aerial duels, Zimmerman has been a rock at the back. His leadership and organizational skills have been crucial in maintaining defensive solidity. Zimmerman’s experience with the US Men’s National Team, including appearances in the World Cup, has further elevated his status as one of the league’s top defenders.
4. Kai Wagner
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: FC Würzburger Kickers (Germany), Philadelphia Union (USA)
Transfer Fee: $1 million
Kai Wagner, a technically gifted left-back, joined San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his pinpoint crosses and ability to overlap effectively, Wagner has been a consistent performer on the flank. His defensive awareness and ability to read the game have also made him a reliable option in one-on-one situations. Wagner’s experience in both European and American soccer has made him a well-rounded player capable of adapting to different styles of play.
5. Alistair Johnston
Nationality: Canadian
Former Clubs: Nashville SC (USA), Celtic FC (Scotland)
Transfer Fee: $1.8 million
Alistair Johnston, a versatile defender capable of playing both right-back and center-back, was signed by San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his tenacity and work rate, Johnston has quickly become a key player in the squad. His ability to contribute to both defense and attack has made him a valuable asset. Johnston’s experience with the Canadian national team, including appearances in the World Cup, has further enhanced his reputation as a top-tier defender.
Midfielders
1. Kellyn Acosta
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: FC Dallas (USA), Colorado Rapids (USA), LAFC (USA)
Transfer Fee: $1.2 million
Kellyn Acosta, a versatile midfielder with a wealth of MLS experience, joined San Diego FC in 2023. Known for his passing range and ability to control the tempo of the game, Acosta has been a key figure in the midfield. His work rate and ability to break up opposition play have also made him a valuable defensive asset. Acosta’s experience with the US Men’s National Team has further solidified his status as one of the league’s top midfielders.
2. Eduard Atuesta
Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs: Independiente Medellín (Colombia), LAFC (USA), Palmeiras (Brazil)
Transfer Fee: $2 million
Eduard Atuesta, a technically gifted midfielder, was signed by San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his vision and ability to dictate play, Atuesta has been a creative force in the midfield. His ability to pick out precise passes and control the tempo of the game has made him a vital cog in the team’s engine room. Atuesta’s experience in both MLS and South American soccer has made him a well-rounded player capable of adapting to different styles of play.
3. Caden Clark
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: New York Red Bulls (USA), RB Leipzig (Germany)
Transfer Fee: $1.5 million
Caden Clark, a young and dynamic midfielder, was acquired by San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his creativity and ability to score from midfield, Clark has quickly become a fan favorite. His ability to drive forward with the ball and create chances has added a new dimension to the team’s attack. Clark’s experience in both MLS and European soccer has made him a promising talent with a bright future ahead.
4. Cristian Roldan
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Seattle Sounders (USA)
Transfer Fee: $1.8 million
Cristian Roldan, a hardworking and versatile midfielder, joined San Diego FC in 2023. Known for his energy and ability to cover ground, Roldan has been a key player in both defense and attack. His ability to win duels and contribute to the team’s pressing game has made him a valuable asset. Roldan’s experience with the US Men’s National Team has further enhanced his reputation as one of the league’s top midfielders.
5. Alan Soñora
Nationality: Argentine-American
Former Clubs: Independiente (Argentina), FC Juárez (Mexico)
Transfer Fee: $1 million
Alan Soñora, a creative and technically skilled midfielder, was signed by San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his ability to unlock defenses with precise passes and dribbles, Soñora has been a key playmaker for the team. His vision and ability to control the tempo of the game have made him a vital cog in the midfield. Soñora’s experience in both South American and North American soccer has made him a well-rounded player capable of adapting to different styles of play.
Forwards
1. Jesús Ferreira
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: FC Dallas (USA)
Transfer Fee: $2 million
Jesús Ferreira, a prolific striker with a keen eye for goal, joined San Diego FC in 2023. Known for his clinical finishing and ability to link up play, Ferreira has been a consistent goal scorer for the team. His movement off the ball and ability to create space for himself have made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Ferreira’s experience with the US Men’s National Team has further solidified his status as one of the league’s top forwards.
2. Cristian Arango
Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs: Millonarios (Colombia), LAFC (USA), Pachuca (Mexico)
Transfer Fee: $2.5 million
Cristian Arango, a dynamic and versatile forward, was signed by San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his ability to score from various positions, Arango has been a key player in the team’s attack. His physicality and ability to hold up the ball have also made him a valuable asset in build-up play. Arango’s experience in both MLS and South American soccer has made him a well-rounded player capable of adapting to different styles of play.
3. Diego Rossi
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Peñarol (Uruguay), LAFC (USA), Fenerbahçe (Turkey)
Transfer Fee: $3 million
Diego Rossi, a technically gifted winger, was acquired by San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his dribbling skills and ability to create chances, Rossi has been a constant threat on the flanks. His ability to cut inside and score from distance has added a new dimension to the team’s attack. Rossi’s experience in both MLS and European soccer has made him a well-rounded player capable of adapting to different styles of play.
4. Brian Rodríguez
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Peñarol (Uruguay), LAFC (USA), UD Almería (Spain)
Transfer Fee: $2 million
Brian Rodríguez, a pacey and skillful winger, was signed by San Diego FC in 2024. Known for his ability to take on defenders and deliver precise crosses, Rodríguez has been a key player in the team’s attack. His speed and ability to stretch opposition defenses have made him a constant threat on the flanks. Rodríguez’s experience in both MLS and European soccer has made him a well-rounded player capable of adapting to different styles of play.
5. Jeremy Ebobisse
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Portland Timbers (USA), San Jose Earthquakes (USA)
Transfer Fee: $1.5 million
Jeremy Ebobisse, a versatile forward capable of playing both as a striker and on the wing, joined San Diego FC in 2023. Known for his work rate and ability to score from various positions, Ebobisse has been a consistent performer for the team. His ability to link up play and create chances for his teammates has made him a valuable asset in the attack. Ebobisse’s experience with the US Men’s National Team has further enhanced his reputation as one of the league’s top forwards.
Conclusion
The 2025 San Diego FC squad is a testament to the club’s commitment to building a competitive and balanced team. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents, the team is well-equipped to challenge for honors in MLS. Each player brings a unique set of skills and attributes that collectively define the team’s identity on the pitch. As the season progresses, San Diego FC will look to build on its strengths and continue to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in American soccer.