Luca Bombino is on loan from LAFC, but San Diego FC should explore keeping the young defender long-term, as his play is developing.

In the first season of MLS soccer in San Diego, several surprises are occurring.

The play of the team is a revelation in itself, but that did not come without hard work. The roster construction of this group is off the charts as SDFC reaped immediate dividends from a squad full of winning chemistry. In less than a year together, these men are playing like a veteran team with years of service together. It is a special thing.

Playing the first game of their existence, San Diego FC put the MLS world on notice as the team shocked defending champions, LA Galaxy, 2-0 in February. They have not looked back in a year that shook the MLS community. San Diego FC won the Western Division in their first season in the league and is the first MLS team to win a playoff series in their inaugural season.

San Diego FC plays with an infectious style of play that is delightful to watch. Mikey Varas deserves a ton of credit for getting these men to compete and play as a family. Most importantly, the coach should be thanked for growing the soccer culture in San Diego. The stadium is packed each match, and those around the league are certainly impressed with the ambiance at Snapdragon Stadium.

It will never stop. San Diego FC will continue to be a prized franchise in Major League Soccer.

In searching for talent before the season started, the higher-ups set their eyes on Luca Bombino of LAFC. The 19-year-old (at the time) had played in that system since he was 12 years old. The former UCLA Bruin considered himself LAFC property, but that did not stop Tyler Heaps, the San Diego FC G.M. San Diego went aggressively after him as he was acquired via loan in exchange for a 2025 international roster spot.

The process took less than 24 hours, Bombino tells the San Diego FC Podcast. From first hearing the rumor to actually being property of San Diego FC, it was a quick experience. “As soon as I got that initial phone call from Tyler and Mikey, I knew I was going to have a lot of fun. And I was right,” Bombino tells the SDFC Podcast back in June.

Winning teams surely create a fun environment, but that doesn’t happen easily. The higher-ups at San Diego FC worked hard to create a special place.

Bombino was immediately impressed with the environment in San Diego. Coming to work is a delight as Bombino reports that the whole staff, all the way down to the cleaning crews, are happy and have smiles on their faces. It makes it easy to focus on your work when there aren’t any distractions. “It’s a great environment to work in,” Bombino explains. For a young player, it has allowed him to grow on the soccer pitch.

The defender made his MLS and club debut in the 72nd minute of a 3-1 win against Real Salt Lake on March 8 at America First Field. It was the club’s third game of the season. It took him a few weeks to establish his role with the coaching staff, but once he did, they had issues removing him from the starting lineup.

The possession style of play utilized by the team puts enormous amounts of pressure on the defense. Balls are constantly crossed in front of the goal by SDFC players as they regroup in their offensive scheme. Bombino shows natural aggression and impressive skills on the backline. If found out of position by an opponent, he easily regroups and responds. San Diego FC needs to keep defenders like that in the mix, as counterattacks seem to be the only way to pressure the squad.

Luca Bombino is 15th in tackles on the season with 33. He also has 85 clearances and 10 interceptions on the season. There is room for improvement, but at his age, time is on his side.

In October, the MLS unveiled the full 2025- 22 and Under Rankings Class. SDFC defender Luca Bombino ranked No.9. There is still an option for the 2026 season that needs to be picked up for Luca Bombino. In time, that should happen as SDFC values the young defender greatly. There is also a permanent transfer option for Bombino. The two sides could explore a long-term deal. That is exciting.

San Diego is building something very special in America’s Finest City. Hopefully, Luca Bombino is part of it for a long time.

“I am proud to do what I love for this club,” Bombino said about his time in San Diego.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.