Learning From the Draft: What 2024 Taught San Diego FC About Building Through Youth

The MLS SuperDraft rarely arrives with much fanfare. Names are read, headshots are shared, and most supporters move on, unsure of what comes next. That uncertainty surrounded San Diego FC’s first-ever draft class in 2024. A year later, the picture is much clearer.

Manu Duah’s rise has been one of the most impressive stories of San Diego FC’s inaugural season. Selected first overall, the Ghanaian center back arrived with limited experience at the highest level, having played just one collegiate season at UC Santa Barbara. From the beginning, San Diego FC viewed Duah as a long-term investment rather than a finished product.

Duah made his MLS debut in late June and was a regular starter by midseason. San Diego’s possession-heavy style puts constant pressure on its defenders, and early mistakes were followed by quick recoveries as Duah adjusted to the pace of play. His decision-making improved as the season went on, and he grew more comfortable handling space and responsibility in the back line. By October, Major League Soccer ranked Duah No. 15 on its annual 22 Under 22 list, early validation of San Diego FC’s belief in his development path.

Ian Pilcher’s impact has come in moments. Drafted 24th overall out of UNC Charlotte, the center back brought leadership and reliability to San Diego’s back line. His most defining contribution came in the Western Conference semifinal against Minnesota United, when a desperate goal-line clearance in the second half preserved the clean sheet and allowed San Diego FC to push forward in the playoffs. It was a chaotic, instinctive play that turned a draft pick into a trusted figure.

Heroic clearance off the line from Ian Pilcher! 🤯@MNUFC // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/AEpFossPvc

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 25, 2025

With that success fresh in mind, San Diego FC entered the 2025 MLS SuperDraft with a clearer understanding of what it values and how patience in the draft can pay off.

San Diego FC’s 2025 SuperDraft Class: Depth, Development, and Trust

San Diego FC made three selections in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, each addressing a different area of the roster. None arrived with expectations of immediate stardom, and that felt intentional.

Martin Luala

With the 28th overall pick in the first round, San Diego FC selected midfielder Martin Luala from Grand Canyon University. A Phoenix native, Luala was a key piece of one of the best college teams in the country. He started all 22 matches for GCU, logging the second-most minutes on the team and helping guide the Lopes to the NCAA Sweet 16, the deepest tournament run in program history.

Luala’s impact went beyond the stat sheet. He finished the season with one goal and two assists, but his ability to control tempo and connect phases of play stood out. He helped anchor a midfield that powered an offense with 43 goals and 42 assists. Before arriving at GCU, Luala played at Phoenix College, where he earned Junior College All-America honors and established himself as a reliable two-way midfielder. He now moves from one of the strongest college programs in the nation to one of the strongest teams in Major League Soccer.

Remi Agunbiade

In the second round, San Diego FC selected forward Remi Agunbiade from the University of Akron. The Toronto native appeared in 20 matches during the 2025 season, scoring seven goals and adding two assists. Three of those goals were game winners, a reflection of his ability to deliver in decisive moments. Agunbiade ranked among the Big East leaders in goals per game and shots on goal, and consistently challenged defenses with his movement and timing.

Kyle Durham

San Diego FC used its final pick on goalkeeper Kyle Durham from the University of Connecticut. Durham started all 21 matches for the Huskies during the 2025 season, recording eight clean sheets and leading the nation with 98 saves. He also led all Big East goalkeepers in save percentage and saves per game, earning All-Big East Second Team honors. In his first season as a full-time starter, Durham showed composure and resilience under pressure.

The path from draft pick to regular contributor is rarely linear, especially for goalkeepers. But Durham’s consistency and shot-stopping ability suggest a strong foundation for long-term development.

San Diego FC’s approach to the SuperDraft is becoming clearer. The club is not chasing headlines on draft day. It is identifying profiles that fit its culture and style of play, and trusting that development will follow. The success of Manu Duah and the moments delivered by Ian Pilcher have earned the front office that patience.

A year ago, the SuperDraft felt like a question mark. Now, it feels like a quiet strength. And if recent history is any indication, one or two names from this class will eventually feel very familiar at Snapdragon Stadium.

Jenny Furrer

Jenny is a San Diego native, athlete, and local sports fanatic. She covers San Diego FC and San Diego Wave.