San Diego FC Picks Manu Duah First Overall

San Diego FC has made history by selecting 19-year-old Manu Duah, a midfielder from UC Santa Barbara, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Duah, a Ghanaian player who started all 14 matches for the Gauchos last season, is the first UCSB athlete to be drafted first overall in a professional sports league. His selection is seen as a significant step for San Diego FC as they prepare for their inaugural season in 2025, with head coach Mikey Varas highlighting Duah's potential to dominate in MLS. Duah expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the hard work that led to this moment and his readiness to learn from experienced teammates. The club has already secured veteran midfielders, allowing time for Duah to adapt to the professional environment. The MLS regular season kicks off on February 22, 2025, with San Diego FC facing the L.A. Galaxy in their first match.