Football Season Guide

San Diego are the newest expansion team of the MLS. The ambitious San Diego got busy assembling their squad early. Since last September they have been signing players, many coming from Europe. Already filled 25 of their allocated 35 roster spots. There is still plenty of salary cap space left to add a big name or 2 too. Even as currently constructed the team looks solid. Paddy McNair arrives from England to become the main figure in defence. Many other experienced defenders have been signed too. A trio of players arrived from the Danish top flight side Nordsjaelland (Tverskov, Mighten and Ingvartsen). At least, 2 of them should play key roles. Kumado also came from the Danish top flight, while Celta Vigo’s loanee De la Torre should be the key creator in midfield. Probably the biggest signing so far is that of Mexican winger Lozano. Together with another Dane (Dreyer) they promise lots of problems for the MLS defences down the flanks. The head coach chosen for San Diego’s debut MLS season is not a household name. This will be 1st proper HC job for Mikey Varas. He coached USA U20 most recently, while from 2017 to 2021 was in charge of Dallas Academy. Lacks experience as a coach at senior level, or at MLS level. The usual buzz around a new team should give San Diego strong start to the campaign. History suggests that expansion teams often do well in their 1st seasons. Having a blank roster list and all of your salary cap space and allocations available helps a lot to build a competitive squad fast. San Diego seem to have done that already and their fans can’t wait to see how they will do in the MLS.