For local soccer fans, the name Duran Ferree is one that automatically brings good memories and also a sense of eager anticipation for what is yet to come. The 17-year-old goalkeeper became the first player signed by San Diego FC on Dec. 13 of last year after making a name for himself playing with USL Championship side San Diego Loyal.

“It feels amazing, it’s the perfect situation for me growing up here in San Diego,” said Ferree. “Whenever we win a championship they can always look back and see that I was the first player signed. For me, that’s an awesome achievement and I’m very proud of that.”

Having started his soccer career with the San Diego Surf youth program before playing for Del Norte High School, Ferree joined Loyal Select in April 2021 tallying two shutouts among several other outstanding performances in his inaugural season there.

“Being able to go throughout academy to pro and then to MLS is a really big deal,” he added. “I was able to learn a lot with my time playing for Loyal and I think I’ve matured a lot quicker than I was supposed to.”

By the time he turned 9, Ferree knew that goalkeeper was the position he was destined to play despite being a talented goal scorer during with the Surf. Among those who have inspired him are his older sister, Charlese, who is a talented player in her own right, and former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. Once the USL Championship season ends, there is the possibility that Ferree goes to train in Denmark having already practiced with the SDFC sibling club, FC Nordsjaelland, during its recent visit to San Diego.

“I enjoyed it because they had a very specific style of play,” said Ferree. “I like the way they build out the back and it helped me become a better goalkeeper.”

He was also part of the U.S. Under-20 Men’s Youth National Team that nearly took the 2024 Concacaf Championship trophy before falling to Mexico 2-1 in stoppage-time on Aug. 4. With the 2025 MLS season just around the corner, there is no doubt that Ferree will be an integral part of the team’s success and embraced by the fans.

“Be excited and be ready because your excitement gives us a boost in play,” he said. “It’s all full circle. Your vocal chants will keep us going and playing well.”

On April 4, 2023, Ferree became the youngest player in USL Championship history to tally a clean sheet in the San Diego Loyal 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Torero Stadium.