San Diego FC’s new signing Elias Achouri insists he understands the “big responsibility” of being a designated player.
Achouri completed his move from FC Copenhagen last week for a reported $3.5m (€3m), and could make his San Diego debut against Minnesota United this Saturday.
Since joining Copenhagen in 2023, no player has provided more assists in the Danish Superliga than Achouri (23).
He also scored nine goals for Copenhagen across three seasons, and will now look to make his mark in MLS for San Diego.
After being named a designated player, the 27-year-old is determined to repay the club’s faith with strong performances on the pitch.
“It’s an honour to be a designated player. But that’s also a big responsibility. I know that,” said Achouri.
“So, I hope that I can, give the trust back on the pitch, because that’s where it matters.
“Of course it’s a very big move for, for me and my family. But we, we feel ready for that. And we are very excited to know more about the city and more about the country.
“I just want to, to help the team, to be a good teammate and help the team with some goals, with some assists. And give my best on the pitch.”
𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶.
Read more about Elias. https://t.co/pLhfciyKCv pic.twitter.com/iTlWhd47Dz
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) July 29, 2026
San Diego are three points and three places behind Minnesota ahead of their meeting, though could move above their Western Conference rivals with a win.
Minnesota have struggled either side of the World Cup break, having failed to win any of their last six MLS games (D3 L3).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Minnesota United – Kyle Duncan
Kyle Duncan was a perfect 5-for-5 on tackles against the Vancouver Whitecaps last Saturday.
He’s one of nine players in MLS with a 100% success rate (minimum five tackles) in a match this season, and the second Minnesota player (Joaquin Pereyra, 5-for-5 v FC Cincinnati).
San Diego FC – Alejandro Alvarado
Alejandro Alvarado scored his first career MLS goal last time out with a shot measured at 28.62 meters.
The only longer goal in an MLS match in team history came from Anders Dreyer (49.43 meters against Minnesota last June).
MATCH PREDICTION – MINNESOTA UNITED WIN
Minnesota have won their last two regular-season meetings with San Diego, both on the road, but are seeking their first home win against them.
The only other team to record consecutive regular-season wins against San Diego are the San Jose Earthquakes, while no team has won three straight.
Minnesota have also conceded one goal or fewer in seven of their eight home matches this season, allowing five total goals at home in 2026.
Since the start of 2024, Minnesota have held opponents to one goal or fewer 30 times in home regular-season matches, trailing only Los Angeles FC (34) and Charlotte FC (32).
Each of San Diego’s last seven wins in MLS (regular season and playoffs) have been shutout victories. Including the playoffs, San Diego have recorded 15 shutout wins in MLS play since the beginning of last season, fewer than only LAFC (21) in that time.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Minnesota United – 48.3%
Draw – 23.4%
San Diego – 28.3%
