San Diego picks UCSB’s Duah first in MLS draft​​

UC Santa Barbara midfielder Manu Duah was selected No. 1 overall by San Diego FC in Friday’s 2025 MLS SuperDraft, making him the first draft pick in the expansion club’s history.

Duah, a native of Ghana, played one season for the Gauchos and helped them notch six clean sheets in his 14 matches. He had one assist but mainly projects as a stellar defensive midfielder.

“With Manu, it was very, very obvious that this is a player with tremendous potential. A player who’s already good but can improve a lot,” coach Mikey Varas told reporters in a virtual press conference. “He can be a player who dominates MLS in a few years.”

The entire three-round, 90-pick college draft was held Friday afternoon.

The San Jose Earthquakes picked second overall after finishing last in the league standings in 2024 and drafted Saint Louis defender Max Floriani. The Chicago Fire took Wisconsin forward Dean Boltz at No. 3.

The Colorado Rapids traded up to No. 4 with Sporting Kansas City and took Cornell forward Alex Harris. The Earthquakes made a deal with the New England Revolution to move to No. 5 and used their second pick of the day on San Francisco defender Reid Roberts.

Orlando City SC sent forward Facundo Torres to Brazil‘s Palmeiras for a reported club-record $14 million transfer fee on Friday.

The 24-year-old Uruguayan departs as the MLS franchise’s all-time leading scorer after tallying 47 goals and 25 assists in 123 matches across all competitions from 2022-24.

“First, we want to thank Facu for everything he has done for this club. He has been involved in so many great moments and successes during his time here that will leave a lasting legacy in our history,” Orlando City general manager Luiz Muzzi said.

“Because of that success, Facu has generated the attention of the global market, and this is a move that, at this time, makes sense for both Facundo and Orlando City. Not only does this continue a great and established relationship with a successful club in Palmeiras, but it shows our success in developing young talent into world stars.”

Torres guided the Lions to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup title and the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs’ Eastern Conference final.

Torres joined Orlando City as a young designated player in January 2022 for a $7.5 million transfer fee from Peñarol in his native Uruguay.

“Today I say goodbye to a club that marked an unforgettable stage in my career and in my life, my first experience as a professional away from home. Thank you to the staff, my teammates and all the people who are part of this club for the constant support and trust from the first day,” Torres said.

“I leave with pride for what we achieved together and with the satisfaction of having left my mark on this club that will always be special to me. I wish you the greatest success in the future. Thank you for everything, Orlando. I’ll miss you.”

Torres’ departure opens a designated player spot on Orlando City’s 2025 roster.

UC Santa Barbara midfielder Manu Duah was selected No. 1 overall by San Diego FC in Friday’s 2025 MLS SuperDraft, making him the first draft pick in the expansion club’s history.

Duah, a native of Ghana, played one season for the Gauchos and helped them notch six clean sheets in his 14 matches. He had one assist but mainly projects as a stellar defensive midfielder.

“With Manu, it was very, very obvious that this is a player with tremendous potential. A player who’s already good but can improve a lot,” coach Mikey Varas told reporters in a virtual press conference. “He can be a player who dominates MLS in a few years.”

The entire three-round, 90-pick college draft was held Friday afternoon.

The San Jose Earthquakes picked second overall after finishing last in the league standings in 2024 and drafted Saint Louis defender Max Floriani. The Chicago Fire took Wisconsin forward Dean Boltz at No. 3.

The Colorado Rapids traded up to No. 4 with Sporting Kansas City and took Cornell forward Alex Harris. The Earthquakes made a deal with the New England Revolution to move to No. 5 and used their second pick of the day on San Francisco defender Reid Roberts.