San Diego FC announced the signing of the U.S. youth national team and former San Diego Loyal goalkeeper Duran Ferree to a four-year contract with a club option for 2028 on Wednesday morning. The 17-year-old San Diego native most recently represented the United States in the U-17 FIFA World Cup helping lead the stars and stripes to the round of 16 after making five appearances and recording two clean sheets during the qualifying and competition.

Ferree also helped his national team make it to the Concacaf U-17 championship match earlier this year where they would eventually fall to Mexico 3-1 on Feb. 26. He played five games during his two seasons with San Diego Loyal and was the starting goalkeeper in the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup second round victory over Albion San Diego on Feb. 23 played at the San Diego State University Sports Deck.

“I’m honored to sign with my new hometown club,” said Ferree. “To be part of San Diego soccer history and play for my home city is beyond my wildest dreams.”

He also got the opportunity to play against one of the best teams from Europe, Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, at Snapdragon Stadium on July 27 coming in as a substitute for Koke Vegas in the second half.

A standout player at San Diego Surf Soccer Club, Ferree signed a professional contract with Loyal at the age of 15 where he had a rapid ascension through its development program making his professional debut with the first team at the age of 16.

“This signing spotlights our commitment to providing opportunities for local talent to flourish right here in San Diego. Duran’s San Diego roots, natural talent, and promise for the future make him a valuable addition to our club,” said San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn.

San Diego FC expects to announce other player signings in early 2024 in advance of its debut MLS season in 2025.

Photo courtesy: San Diego FC