Luca De La Torre’s lack of consistent playing time at La Liga club Celta Vigo forced the American midfielder to consider a new move in his career and joining MLS expansion side San Diego FC on loan has helped get De La Torre back to his best on the field.
De La Torre has played a large role in San Diego FC’s first half success in 2025, which has led him being included in Mauricio Pochettino’s CONCACAF Gold Cup roster. The 27-year-old’s 1,320 MLS minutes are the sixth-most in Mikey Varas’ squad, while De La Torre has contributed four goals and one assist.
San Diego FC has reaped the reward of acquiring De La Torre earlier this year, registering a 10-3-5 record so far. Their 33 points earned are tied for the third-most in MLS this season, making the expansion side one of the main surprise stories overall in the current campaign.
While De La Torre’s current focus is on the USMNT, he thanked San Diego FC for helping provide the platform for him to remain in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
“I’m really happy to be there and it’s given me the chance to get rhythm and to be called up to the national team and to keep playing games, which is really all that any player can ask for,” said De la Torre in a media call Tuesday.
After making his way up the Fulham academy ranks, De La Torre needed moves to Heracles Almelo and eventually Celta Vigo to truly put his name on the map. 136 combined appearances, six goals, and 14 assists later, the veteran midfielder remains an option for the USMNT heading into an exciting 2026 which features the FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Despite seeing his role at Celta Vigo decrease dramatically during the 2024-25, De La Torre remains under contract with the Spanish top-flight club until June 2026. Whether or not De La Torre heads back to Spain at the conclusion of the current MLS season remains to be seen, but he’s certainly thrived in his new opportunity back in his home city.
“I think at the moment that decision is too far away. I’m focused on every day and the next opportunity to train or to play a game,” said De La Torre when asked about his long-term club future. “San Diego has been great for me. I love playing there. I played a lot. I have rhythm now and fitness, so it’s been a great situation so far.”
De La Torre logged a strong 83 minutes in the USMNT’s 5-0 group stage victory over Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday, helping the Americans end a four-match winless run.
He is from San Diego so his agent is probably wrangling for San Diego to arrange a purchase from Celta Vigo. San Diego FC is trying to get as many local players as possible to build local support, which doesn’t seem to be a problem since they have been averaging more than 25,000 per game. They tried to get Arriola at the start of the season (another native), but thought his price was too high.
What’s your opinion on Mikey so far? He had good reviews with the U20s overall and then he acted like a caretaker in October which frustrated people.
putting aside my critiques of his play, i thought it was a wise choice of team, hometown, expansion level, etc. nothing much was ever happening at FFC which slowed his career down despite going to europe age 15. he started at heracles but that’s small fry. he went to vigo but was only starting half the time and i’d watch them play atleti and he might play 10′ or not at all. he’s 27, it’s time for him to find a home where he starts a few years in his prime.
re varas, obviously they are second, but with a fairly high amount of GA. the U20s could ship a lot of goals in a hurry, as did the MNT under him in september. the standings don’t look right. they will be reshuffled before fall. a team whose defense can’t control the game and keep the score down is not long for the playoffs.
“obviously they are second, but with a fairly high amount of GA.”
They’ve given up the 4th fewest goals in the league.