San Diego FC traded Luca de la Torre’s rights to Charlotte FC on Tuesday, clearing the way for the midfielder to sign with a new club.
SDFC received $50,000 in 2026 general allocation money from Charlotte in exchange for what Major League Soccer calls “right of first refusal.” Charlotte then announced that it had struck a deal with de la Torre’s Spanish club, FC Celta de Vigo, that will keep him in Charlotte through June 30, 2029, with a club option for the 2029-30 season. Charlotte also paid Celta de Vigo an undisclosed transfer fee.
A San Diego native who grew up playing on the Nomads and Surf club teams, de la Torre was in many ways a natural fit for San Diego FC when it began play in 2025. The club acquired him on a one-year loan from FC Celta de Vigo ahead of the season, hoping that the 27-year-old with U.S. Men’s National Team and overseas experience would help balance a young club.
De la Torre started 26 matches and came off the bench in 11 more during the SDFC’s inaugural season, scoring five goals and logging two assists. He came off the bench during the club’s postseason run, which ended with a home loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta de la Torre “will bolster our midfield as he brings technical ability, experience from a top league in the world, and a knowledge and understanding of Major League Soccer.”
“We want to continue to be a destination for USMNT players,” Krneta added, “and Luca is another who is looking forward to playing in the Queen City.”
Wave sign another college star
For the second time in as many days, the San Diego Wave signed a college star to a pro contract.
Midfielder Lia Godfrey signed a two-year contract, with the Wave holding club options for both the 2028 and 2029 seasons.
Godfrey, 24, was a four-time first-team All-American at the University of Virginia. As a senior, she was named ACC midfielder of the year and was a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, given annually to the best collegiate soccer player in the country. Godfrey scored a team-high 11 goals for the Cavaliers, who were the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
Godfrey has also represented the United States in youth competition. In 2016, she became the youngest player in U.S. history to appear with the U-17 national team; she was just 14.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lia to San Diego,” said Wave sporting director Camille Ashton. “Lia has proven to be one of the most exciting midfielders at the collegiate level as a consistent difference-maker, both as a creator and a goal scorer. She will add quality and competitiveness to our club, and we are looking forward to supporting her development as she begins her professional career.”
The Florida native joins Florida State defender Mimi Van Zanten, who signed a two-year deal with the club on Monday.