San Diego FC sign Tomas Angel, add 2025 international roster slot
Credit: San Diego FC
San Diego FC has had a busy week in what will become even busier with the MLS Expansion Draft this Wednesday, December 11.
This Monday, December 9, SDFC announced the signing of Tomas Angel in a deal with LAFC.
San Diego had to give up $200,000 and a second-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft in exchange for the Colombian forward. Angel was born in the United Kingdom but represented the Colombia national team, with his father being Colombian football legend Juan Pablo Angel.
Juan Pablo Angel had an illustrious footballing career, playing with top teams such as Atletico Nacional, River Plate, and Aston Villa. Angel also played in Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls, Los Angeles Galaxy, and Chivas USA.
Tomas Angel is an Atletico Nacional youth product, like his father, and also began his professional career with the Medellin club. The only other clubs Angel has played with are LAFC and Phoenix Rising in the USL Championship.
MLS today released the list of players eligible for selection by @sandiegofc in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft, which will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. ET).
https://t.co/evSDhAOmst— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) December 10, 2024
Angel’s best tournament to date was the 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals for the Colombia U-20 national team in five games. At 21 years old, the left-footed forward still has plenty of room to grow, and he will certainly see a spike in his playing time than what it had been with LAFC.
SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps spoke about Angel and what the young forward brings to the team. “Tommy is an exciting forward with a winning mentality, who adds top qualities to our front line”, said Heaps.
The other move that SDFC completed was giving up $100,000 to Columbus Crew in exchange for a 2025 international roster slot. This adds more options and flexibility for future signings, including more options in the Expansion Draft.
The MLS Expansion Draft will allow SDFC to add five players to the roster in what is a very talented pool available from all other teams in the league. This has the potential to be the core of the team going forward to 2025, depending on the draft selections.
Francisco, 26, 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 Loyal, San Diego Wave.