Awarded the first overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft before its inaugural season in MLS, San Diego FC selected midfielder Manu Duah out of UC Santa Barbara.
Duah, a native of Ghana, started all 14 games he played for the Guachos. He also previously played in MLS NEXT for Santa Barbara Soccer Club, helping them reach the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
San Diego FC made four other selections Thursday, including a forward, Samy Kanaan, a Rancho Bernardo High alum and a junior at the University of San Diego.
The other picks: defender Ian Pilcher (North Carolina Charlotte); defender Harrison Bertos (Washington), and forward Donovan Sessoms (Sacramento State).
The SuperDraft featured an expanded player pool, as current collegiate sophomores, juniors, seniors and above were eligible for selection.
In other San Diego FC news, the club also announced its full 2025 MLS regular season schedule.
SD FC will play their first game on the road in Los Angeles against the LA Galaxy on Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. PST. The club will return to San Diego for their first ever home game against St. Louis CITY SC on March 1 at Snapdragon Stadium, which is set to start at 7:30 p.m. PST.
San Diego will face the Portland Timbers in Oregon to wrap up the regular season on Oct. 18. The playoffs will follow the conclusion of the regular season, with a schedule to be announced at a later date.
The full regular season schedule for San Diego FC can be viewed here.
