San Diego FC, the expansion club set to join Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2025, has made its first-ever signing by securing U.S. youth national team goalkeeper Duran Ferree. The 17-year-old talent, who previously played for San Diego Loyal, has signed a contract that extends until 2027, with an option for 2028. Despite league regulations preventing the team from adding players until next year, San Diego FC has been granted permission to sign local, young players like Ferree.
Ferree expressed his excitement about joining his hometown club, saying, “To be part of San Diego soccer history and play for my home city is beyond my wildest dreams. This is a testament to all the hard work I’ve put in to get here and is everything I’ve been working towards. I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of the club, and I am excited about the journey ahead with my future teammates and the incredible fans in San Diego.”
San Diego CEO Tom Penn revealed that the club intends to send Ferree on loan next year to aid in his development ahead of the team’s debut in MLS in 2025. Discussions are currently underway with Ferree and various clubs to determine the best fit for his continued growth in 2024.
Ferree, who emerged from San Diego Loyal’s development program, made his professional debut with the now-defunct USL Championship side in 2022. He has also represented the U.S. youth national team, earning five appearances, including a start at the 2023 Under-17 World Cup.
San Diego FC is backed by an ownership group that includes Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation (marking the first Native American tribe to co-own a professional soccer team in the U.S.), and San Diego Padres’ star Manny Machado. The club has also established a partnership with the Right to Dream academy.
CEO Tom Penn expressed his excitement regarding Ferree’s signing, emphasizing the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent. “This signing spotlights our commitment to providing opportunities for local talent to flourish right here in San Diego. Duran’s San Diego roots, natural talent, and promise for the future make him a valuable addition to our club.”
Last month, San Diego FC celebrated the groundbreaking of their training facility and local Right to Dream academy. These facilities are being developed in preparation for the club’s inaugural MLS season and demonstrate their dedication to cultivating talent from within the community.
San Diego FC’s acquisition of Ferree marks an important milestone for the club as they continue to lay the foundation for their future success. With an owner group that values local development and a promising young goalkeeper like Ferree, the club is poised to make a strong impact on San Diego’s soccer scene. Fans eagerly anticipate the contributions Ferree will make as he embarks on his journey with San Diego FC, and the club looks forward to witnessing the growth of their first-ever signing.
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