San Diego FC signs young Danish defender Osvald Soe
Credit: SDFC
This Friday, January 9, San Diego FC officially announced the signing of young defender Osvald Soe.
The 20-year-old centre-back is coming over from Danish side Boldklubben af 1893 and has a guaranteed contract through the 2027-2028 season.
SDFC also has club options on Soe’s contract for the 2028-2029 and 2029-2030 seasons. Soe has been playing in the second tier of Danish football since 2023 and has increasingly been receiving more playing time.
The 20-year-old offers a tremendous physical presence at 6-foot-3, which is an attribute that SDFC has sought after. There is plenty of competition in the centre-back positions with players like Manu Duah, Christopher McVey, Paddy McNair, and Ian Pilcher. There is also the uncertain fate of Andres Reyes, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury.
From Copenhagen to San Diego.
San Diego FC acquires defender Osvald Søe from B.93.
🔗 https://t.co/tP7BzccCIv pic.twitter.com/ix70FTOqjs
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) January 9, 2026
SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps talked about Soe and what he offers on the pitch. “Osvald is a high-potential defender we’ve been tracking closely that has already gained significant experience for his age”, said Heaps. “He shows characteristics we value with and without the ball and plays with a level of maturity beyond his years.”
San Diego has clearly put a very specific agenda in place when it comes to signing certain players. This team proposed that youth would be a priority, and it certainly has up to this point, given the roster decisions since the inception of the club.
San Diego has taken several risks with inexperienced players, especially in the backline, but those decisions have paid off so far. Players like Luca Bombino, Ian Pilcher, and Manu Duah have been huge surprises so far.
Soe really fits the mold of the players, Mikey Varas and SDFC have been giving opportunities to. While this is not a splash signing to replace Hirving Lozano, it is a productive depth move to build the roster for next season.
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.