A relatively subtle signing from San Diego FC this offseason was picking up Wilson Eisner through the MLS End-of-Year Waivers.

Mikey Varas had continuously switched up his fullback slots throughout the 2025 season, and it was no surprise to see SDFC pick up another fullback.

Franco Negri and Jasper Loffelsend, who were the starting fullbacks in San Diego’s first-ever game, are no longer with the club. While Luca Bombino has consolidated himself as the starting left-back, there are still several doubts about the right-back spot.

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Ian Pilcher was the most used player in that position in 2025, but that is not his natural position. Pitcher has a great physical presence and defensive capabilities, but does struggle on the offensive side of the ball at times.

Varas has most consistently used his fullbacks as high-energy players who go up and down the pitch throughout the 90 minutes. Eisner certainly fits that mold as he is much more offensively equipped than Pilcher. Eisner also has more speed to burn on that right flank, which is always useful with this style of play.

To much surprise, Mikey Varas immediately put his trust in Eisner as a starting player in the high-stakes series against Pumas UNAM. SDFC came away with a massive 4-1 victory at home, where Eisner was really able to show his offensive prowess and high intensity.

Eisner finished that game with an assist and three total passes that led to shots by his teammates. The 23-year-old fullback had eight total crosses in the match and completed 47 passes from 57 pass attempts.

The California native enjoyed his key moment in the match in the 76th minute when he crossed the ball into the box to find David Vazquez, who scored from a header.

Eisner was consistently a part of the attack going forward and kept the constant pressure on that right flank.

The return leg was a much different game for San Diego, which required calmness and defense in Mexico City. SDFC lost this game 1-0, but Eisner played the full 90 minutes in the CDMX altitude at that historic stadium.

The young fullback finished the game with two clearances, five recoveries, and a blocked shot. Eisner also won two out of three ground duels in what seemed like a very taxing game for SDFC.

Eisner was not required offensively much in this game and showed that he can be reliable in that backline. Varas switched up his fullbacks constantly last season, but it seems that Eisner will be the starter in that right-back slot in the season-opener against Montreal.

Francisco Velasco

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.