San Diego FC sign Oscar Verhoeven on loan from San Jose Earthquakes
Credit: SDFC
This Monday, April 21, San Diego FC announced the acquisition of Oscar Verhoeven from the San Jose Earthquakes.
The deal was first reported by The Athletic reporter Tom Bogert, and the club has now made it official.
SDFC had to give up $100,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money, and the loan deal has a purchase option for 2026.
The 18-year-old defender has similar characteristics to Luca Bombino, who was brought in from LAFC. Verhoeven is the same age and height 6-foot-0 as Bombino, but also has the ability to play on both flanks.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝘅𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗹. 𝟭 pic.twitter.com/rP3HB9qMi9
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) April 21, 2025
With Bombino injured and Mikey Varas clearly unsatisfied with the left-back position, this signing adds depth to the backline. Franco Negri was initially the starting left-back, but Varas has started Bombino over him, and recently, even Christopher McVey, who had been playing centre-back all season.
The right-back slot seems to be secure with Jasper Loffelsend, but Verhoeven can potentially cover that flank if any injuries arise.
The young defender only has minimal MLS experience with one game played this season and just six last year. However, Verhoeven did start five games last season for San Jose, as he has been given that confidence to be a starter in the past.
Verhoeven played 14 games with The Town FC in MLS Next Pro last season and provided an assist. The Pleasant Hill, Calif, native has also represented the U.S. national team at the U-17 and U-20 levels.
Verhoeven made three starts in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and will certainly receive more international opportunities going forward.
San Diego FC has many players who can play in fullback positions, but Verhoeven can fight for a starting role with the current left-back situation. However, SDFC will certainly need to contemplate whether the young defender will be worth the GAM for a permanent deal after his loan spell.
Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.