We’re squarely in the MLS offseason, but it’s not much of an “off season” is it? MLS Cup was just barely a week ago and an expansion team is two months away from debuting, one of the league’s 30 teams is up for sale, and players are moving left and right.
With so much to keep tabs on, it’s time for 10 MLS Thoughts. The schtick is self-explanatory. Onwards!
1. San Diego FC check-in
New things are fun and shiny and exciting, so let’s kick off this column with a dive into the newest team joining MLS next year: San Diego FC. The roster for MLS’s 30th team is slowly starting to take shape, but there’s still plenty to do.
Let’s start with what we know about San Diego before hitting what we don’t know:
We know…
- San Diego have 14 rostered players, with three goalkeepers, three center backs, two fullbacks, two central midfielders, and four forwards
- Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is the team’s only Designated Player so far — and head coach Mikey Varas plans to use him as a left winger in a front three
- San Diego are “very close” to signing another DP, according to chief soccer officer Tyler Heaps — that DP is slated to be a right winger
- Of all the position groups, San Diego seem to be most game-ready at center back, with the recently acquired Andres Reyes and English Championship veteran Paddy McNair forming a chaotic but experienced duo
Joseph Lowery
We don’t know…
- …what level of players San Diego will aim for to fill out their squad — they’re still probably six starters short right now, between goalkeeper, both outside back spots, two central midfielders, and a winger
- …what sort of coach Varas is at this level — he’s coached in the youth ranks and has a bit of experience on the sidelines for the U.S. men’s national team, but is he a difference-maker?
- …if they’ll be any good
That last one is the big, obvious question. I’m withholding final judgement until a few more players get over the line, but the early stages of this roster build whisper “middle-of-the-pack Western Conference team” to me.
2. Vancouver Whitecaps are up for sale
It’s been almost three years since a controlling stake in an MLS team was sold — that was when David Blitzer and Smith Entertainment Group purchased Real Salt lake back in January, 2022. Vancouver Whitecaps majority holder Greg Kerfoot is looking to restart that clock.
On Friday, the Whitecaps’ ownership announced their decision to put the team up for sale.
