San Diego FC acquires USMNT U-20 international on loan from LAFC

Following their opening 2-0 win over LA Galaxy in ther opening fixture, San Diego FC have done a little more California business.

The boder club announced today the acquisition of LAFC defender Luca Bombino on loan hrough the 2025 MLS season, with a permanent transfer option, in exchange for a 2025 International Roster Slot.

“Luca is a talented young player with a bright future,” said SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps. “We’re excited to have him join the team this season and look forward to supporting his continued growth at San Diego FC.”

The 18-year-old defender joins SDFC after spending the last eight years with LAFC, where he recently became the sixth LAFC Academy player to sign a Homegrown contract on September 13, 2024. The Saugus, Calif. native was part of LAFC’s 2024 U.S. Open Cup-winning team.

Bombino began his development at the LAFC Academy at the U-12 level in 2018, signing an MLS NEXT Pro contract with LAFC2 in the summer of 2023. In total, Bombino appeared in 32 matches (29 starts) for LAFC2, recording 2 assists in 2,610 minutes between 2023 and 2024.

Internationally, Bombino has represented the U.S. Youth National Team at the U-17, U-19, and U-20 levels, earning a total of 10 appearances across all competitions. He played a key role in helping lead the U.S. U-20 Youth National Team to the final of the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship.

Transaction: SDFC acquire defender Luca Bombino on loan from LAFC through 2025, with a permanent transfer option, in exchange for a 2025 International Roster Slot.

Name: Luca Bombino
Position: Defender
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 152 lbs.
Born: July 10, 2006
Age: 18
Birthplace: Saugus, Calif.
Previous Club: LAFC
Pronunciation: LOO-kah bom-BEE-noh