After months of anticipation, fans were able to see which players were selected by SDFC in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft during a live viewing party at Eighteen Threads in Mission Valley. The team made a total of five selections and two trades in anticipation of the 2025 season, which kicks off in late February.

1) 20-year-old Norwegian midfielder Heine Gikling Bruseth who previously played for Kristiansund BK.

2) 22-year-old defender Hamady Diop from Senegal.

3) 27-year-old German midfielder Jasper Löffelsend.

4) 22-year-old Japanese midfielder Hosei Kijima (who was traded to D.C. United).

5) 24-year-old Brazilian striker Thiago Andrade (who was traded to Toronto FC).

“We are thrilled to add three more exciting players to our squad as we continue to build our inaugural season roster,” said sporting director Tyler Heaps. “We are also confident that the trades we made will provide the necessary resources for us to make additional moves within the league in the coming days. We look forward to welcoming Heine, Hamady, and Jasper to San Diego FC.”

Before the selections were made, SDFC San Diego FC acquired the right of first refusal for defender Christopher McVey from D.C. United in exchange for $50,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money and up to $50,000 in conditional 2026 GAM if certain performance metrics are met. SDFC has also signed McVey to a new contract.

The team also acquired American goalkeeper CJ dos Santos from Inter Miami in exchange for $100,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money.

San Diego FC also announced the Club has acquired two 2025 International Roster Slots from the Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for $250,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money.

“We believe that the players we selected all fit into our identity and style of play,” Heaps added. SDFC opens its inaugural MLS season against the reigning championship LA Galaxy in late February and then plays St. Louis City SC in the home opener at Snapdragon Stadium on March 1.