Only a few days had passed after the news broke of San Diego FC potentially trying to seal the deal for San Jose defender, Oscar Verhoeven. Somewhere in San Jose, Oscar was packing his personal belongings and hopping on a short, two hour flight down the beautiful California coast to San Diego. A day later, Oscar was at the Sharp Healthcare Training Facility joining in on practice with the rest of the SDFC squad. His journey continues in San Diego, where the competition for a starting defensive spot is fierce.
The 18 year old comes to San Diego on loan through the end of the 2025 season with the option to buy. San Jose received $100,000 GAM (General Allocation Money) for next season.
Oscar earned 21 caps at the U-17 and U-20 international levels for team USA and had a part in playing at the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2023. He is touted as a standout defensive prospect with a high ceiling. The problem is, Oscar did not fit into Bruce Arena’s plans at San Jose, where a defensive line is established. When he struggled to get minutes with the first team, the Earthquakes wanted to do right by the young player and give him an opportunity to go somewhere he can have a real possibility of starting.
It is a smart decision from the Earthquakes side because they are letting him go when his ceiling is high. Meaning, if they kept the prospect and he did not pan out to be the player everyone hoped he would be, the club would certainly have a hard time moving him, let alone for $100K GAM. SDFC is willing to take on the risk as they have recently signed other young players. The club stands by their philosophy of developing young talent and now San Diego FC is putting their money where their mouth is.
Oscar will certainly have his hands full when it comes to battling for a spot on the first team as he joins the likes of Loffelsend, Willy, Bombino, Negri, Pilcher, Reyes and Diop – all guys who can play the defensive winger position. San Diego is currently dealing with multiple injuries and this move brings more depth to the roster for Mikey Varas to pick from. Verhoeven isn;t an overwhelming athlete but he is a technical, possession-style player. He will find himself more comfortable in San Diego due to the style of play that the team employs.
The sky is the limit when it comes to potential and Mikey Varas will be looking to bring it all out of his newest signing – the 18-year-old Oscar Verhoeven.