San Diego FC selects Manu Duah as the first overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.

UC Santa Barbara midfielder Manu Duah was chosen as the first overall pick by San Diego FC during the 2025 MLS SuperDraft held on Friday, marking a significant milestone as the inaugural draft selection in the club's history. Duah, originally from Ghana, played one season with the Gauchos, contributing to six clean sheets across 14 matches. Although he recorded one assist, he is primarily recognized for his capabilities as a defensive midfielder. Coach Mikey Varas expressed his enthusiasm for Duah, stating, "It is abundantly clear that this player possesses immense potential. He is already skilled but has significant room for growth. He has the potential to become a dominant force in MLS within a few years." The comprehensive three-round, 90-pick college draft took place on Friday afternoon.

The San Jose Earthquakes secured the second overall pick after finishing at the bottom of the league standings in 2024, selecting Saint Louis defender Max Floriani. The Chicago Fire followed by drafting Wisconsin forward Dean Boltz at the third position. The Colorado Rapids executed a trade with Sporting Kansas City to ascend to the fourth pick, where they selected Cornell forward Alex Harris. Additionally, the Earthquakes negotiated a deal with the New England Revolution to move up to the fifth pick, utilizing their second selection of the day to draft San Francisco defender Reid Roberts.