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Orange County SC
Orange County SC
from Wikipedia

Orange County Soccer Club is an American soccer team based in the Orange County, California city of Irvine. Founded in 2010 as the Los Angeles Blues, the team currently plays in the Western Conference of the USL Championship, the second tier of the American soccer system.

Key Information

The team plays its home games at Championship Soccer Stadium, located inside Great Park in Irvine.

History

[edit]

The then Los Angeles Blues were founded by Iranian-American businessman Ali Mansouri in 1998 and announced as a USL Pro expansion franchise on December 7, 2010.[1][2][3][4][5] The team was associated with the United Soccer Leagues W-League team LA Blues, and is part of the larger Orange County Blues organization, which has competed in Los Angeles-area amateur leagues since 1998. They introduced their first three players—goalkeeper Oscar Dautt and midfielders Cesar Rivera and Josh Tudela—at a formal launch event on December 14, 2010.[6]

After an extensive pre-season, the Blues played their first games in the Caribbean over the weekend of April 15–17, 2011, a 3–0 victory over Sevilla Puerto Rico, and a 2–1 victory over Antigua Barracuda. The first goal in franchise history was scored by Cesar Rivera.[7]

In January 2012, the Blues announced the hiring of Steve Donner (formerly CEO of Orlando City) as vice president of business operations to focus on improving marketing for the club and to bring professionalism to the front-office.[8] The first game of the 2012 season reflected these efforts with a 2,432 attendance compared to 696 for the first home game in 2011 (the Blues averaged 382 during the 2011 season).

In September 2016, the team was purchased by American businessman James Keston for $5 million and rebranded to Orange County SC.[2] Keston had unsuccessfully attempted to purchase expansion teams in Major League Soccer for Portland, Oregon, and Seattle in the 2000s.[9] Prior to the 2017 season, Orange County became the USL affiliate of Los Angeles FC in a multi-year deal, which was ended after 2018.[10][11] The team won the Western Conference Regular Season Title in 2018 with 20 Wins, 8 losses and 6 ties. They defeated Saint Louis FC and Reno 1868 FC before losing 2–1 to Phoenix Rising FC in the Western Conference Final.[12] Thomas Enevoldsen scored 20 goals and was named to the All-League First Team along with Aodhan Quinn.[13]

In the 2021 season, Head Coach Braden Cloutier was dismissed mid-season and replaced by Assistant Coach Richard Chaplow.[14] OCSC went on to finish second in the Pacific Division, and advance to the USL Championship Final, defeating Tampa Bay Rowdies away at St. Petersburg, Florida, 3–1 in regulation.[15]

The 2022 season saw Richard Chaplow earn a last place Western Conference finish, despite Milan Iloski earning the USL Championship Golden Boot award.[16] Orange County SC finished the 2022 season 7-14-13 with 34 points, last in the Western Conference.[17]

The 2023 season also did not start strongly for Orange County, with just one win in eight games, with a 1-4-3 record before the team relieved Chaplow of duties and promoted newly hired assistant coach Morten Karlsen to interim head coach on May 1, 2023.[18] Karlsen led the team to a season-end 2nd place Western Conference placement at 17-11-6, earning two consecutive USL Championship Coach of the Month awards for July and August.[19] Coach Karlsen was appointed as Head Coach on a multi-year contract, announced November 2023.[20]

Orange County lost star forward Milan Iloski during the 2024 January transfer window to Danish Superliga club FC Nordsjælland.[21][22] The loss of the former Golden Boot winner resulted in Orange County having a mediocre start to their 2024 season, with a record of 6-3-6 by late June.[23] This start contributed to Coach Karlsen making a transfer in the middle of the season to another club in the Danish Superliga, Lyngby BK.[24] He was replaced by the assistant coach, Paul Hardyman,[25] who after being labelled as an interim coach, was promoted to lead as the official coach,[26] before he himself was sacked by the team and replaced by another assistant coach Danny Stone after a six-game winless streak.[27] Under Danny Stone, Orange County was able to rescue their season and clinch a visit to the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the Western conference semi-finals against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.[28]

Stadium

[edit]
View of the main grandstand in the Championship Soccer Stadium on August 3, 2024 from the Northwest corner of the stadium

In October 2023, it was announced the City of Irvine and Orange County SC had drafted a 5-year agreement for the team to operate Championship Soccer Stadium.[29] On October 23, City Council voted unanimously to approve the deal, striking a stadium naming right clause in the agreement for separate negotiation and later City Council approval.[30] The 5-year agreement includes one 5-year renewal.

Club culture

[edit]

Rivalries

[edit]

Ventura County FC

[edit]

Orange County competes in the 405 Derby against rivals Ventura County FC, formerly known as LA Galaxy II, nicknamed after Interstate-405, an interstate highway that links between Orange County and Los Angeles County.[31] The clubs were in a dispute over who would play at Championship Soccer Stadium in late 2022, after leaked documents showed the Galaxy organization attempted to seize full-time usage of the venue.[32] The rivalry has slowed down as of late, as after LA Galaxy II moved to MLS Next, the third tier of the American soccer system, both teams have only met in pre-season friendlies.[33][34]

The County Line Coalition during an August 2024 match against North Carolina FC

Supporter groups

[edit]

Orange County has one main supporter group, named the County Line Coalition.[35] A zero-fee supporter group that was founded in 2014 in correspondence with the rebrand from the Los Angeles Blues to the Orange County Blues SC,[36] they mainly sit in the left corner of the general seating bleachers behind the north goalpost, chanting and singing songs adapted to the tune of popular music, like "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver, amongst others.[37]

Gnarly after a March 2025 match

Mascot

[edit]

On April 9, 2021, Orange County introduced their new mascot, Gnarly.[38] He is an orange, surf-themed monster that can be typically seen on game day and at various Orange County SC activities around the county.[39]

Players and staff

[edit]

Current roster

[edit]
As of July 17, 2025[40]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  USA Colin Shutler
2 DF  USA Grayson Doody
4 DF  USA Nico Benalcazar
5 DF  ENG Tom Brewitt (Captain)
6 MF  USA Malik Pinto (on loan from Colorado Rapids 2)
7 FW  USA Cameron Dunbar
8 MF  SEN Ousmane Sylla
9 FW  USA Ethan Zubak
10 FW  USA Tristan Trager
11 FW  USA Bryce Jamison (on loan from Colorado Rapids)
13 DF  USA Pedro Guimaraes
14 MF  USA Chris Hegardt
15 DF  USA Tyson Espy
17 FW  SUI Lyam MacKinnon
18 MF  SLV Roberto Molina
No. Pos. Nation Player
19 MF  USA Kevin Partida
20 DF  USA Vuk Latinovich
21 FW  JPN Mouhamadou War
22 FW  USA Apolo Marinch
23 DF  NOR Ryan Doghman
26 FW  CIV Cheick Koné
27 MF  SCO Stephen Kelly
28 MF  USA Gavan Karam
29 MF  USA Oliver Kurnik
30 DF  USA Daniel Garcia
31 GK  JPN Tetsuya Kadono
32 DF  USA Nicola Ciotta
33 DF  USA Ashton Miles
35 GK  USA Fernando Aguirre

Academy

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
25 MF  USA Efren Solis
39 GK  USA Adoniayah Aemiro

Out on Loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
24 FW  USA Benjamin Barjolo (On Loan to Union Omaha)

Front office

[edit]
  • United States James Keston – Owner & CEO[41]
  • England Peter Nugent – Sports Director
  • England Dan Rutstein - Interim President of Business Operations

Technical staff

[edit]

Head coaches

[edit]

Record

[edit]

Year-by-year

[edit]

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the club. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Orange County SC seasons.

Season League Position Playoffs USOC Continental / Other Average attendance Top goalscorer(s)
Div League Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall Name Goals
2020 2 USLC 16 7 6 3 18 18 0 24 1.50 9th 17th DNQ NH DNQ 3,188 United States Sean Okoli 7
2021 32 15 10 7 44 37 +7 52 1.63 2nd 7th W NH 3,302 Haiti Ronaldo Damus 16
2022 34 7 14 13 49 59 -10 34 1.00 13th 23rd DNQ R3 4,230 United States Milan Iloski 22 ♦
2023 34 17 11 6 46 39 +7 57 1.68 2nd 5th SF R3 4,411 United States Milan Iloski 17
2024 34 13 14 7 40 47 -7 46 1.35 6th 14th SF R32 4,138 United StatesEthan Zubak 11

^ 1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ 2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in league play, playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, and other competitive matches.

Honors

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) is an American professional soccer club based in , that competes in the , the second tier of the . The club was founded in 2010 as Los Angeles Blues and was one of the original 12 teams in the USL Professional Division for its 2011 inaugural season. It was rebranded as Orange County Blues FC in 2014. In , under owner James , the team rebranded from Orange County Blues FC to Orange County Soccer Club to better reflect its regional identity and commitment to community development. OCSC plays its home matches at in the , a venue with a capacity of over 5,000 spectators designed specifically for professional soccer. OCSC has established itself as a competitive force in the Western Conference, highlighted by a record-breaking 2018 season where it achieved the most wins and points in club history, secured the regular season conference title, and advanced to the USL Championship final. The club's predecessor, the Orange County Blues, won the 2015 Western Conference regular season title and reached the conference semifinals in consecutive years. Its pinnacle achievement came in 2021, when OCSC defeated the 3–1 in the final to claim its first league title, with forward Ronaldo Damus scoring two goals in the decisive match.

Club overview

Basic information

Orange County Soccer Club is a professional soccer club based in Irvine, California, competing in the , the second tier of the American soccer league system. Founded in 2011 as the Los Angeles Blues in the inaugural USL Pro season, the club relocated to Irvine in 2014 as Orange County Blues FC and rebranded to its current name in 2017, with no connection to unrelated predecessor teams like the 1998 Orange County Blue Star of the Premier Development League. The team plays its home matches at in the , a soccer-specific venue with a capacity of 5,000 that includes professional locker rooms, training facilities, and fan zones. Ownership is led by James Keston, who acquired the club in 2017 and serves as its primary owner and CEO, alongside a pioneering model through that has engaged 1,463 shareholders worldwide as of January 2025, fostering deep fan involvement. The club's colors are , orange, and , reflecting its roots and energetic identity. Danny Stone serves as , having been officially appointed on December 12, 2024, following a successful interim role in 2024 that guided the team to the ; Stone brings experience from prior assistant coaching positions within the USL system. In the 2025 season, Orange County SC finished 7th in the Western Conference standings and advanced to the conference semifinals before a 2-1 defeat to on November 8. The club's official website is www.orangecountysoccer.com, where fans can access schedules, tickets, and news, while maintaining a strong social media presence on platforms like X (@orangecountysc) and for real-time updates and community engagement.

2025 season summary

The 2025 season marked Orange County SC's fifteenth year in the league, with the team finishing seventh in the Western Conference with a regular-season record of 10 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses, accumulating 39 points over 30 matches. The club scored 44 goals while conceding 45, reflecting a balanced but inconsistent offensive and defensive performance; at home, they recorded 7 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses with 29 goals for and 20 against, while away results showed 3 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses with 15 goals for and 25 against. This positioning secured a playoff berth as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, building on a playoff appearance from the prior year. In addition to the league, OCSC competed in the 2025 Jägermeister Cup, advancing to the group stage. Under head coach Danny Stone, who was appointed full-time in December 2024 following an interim role, the team emphasized a flexible 4-4-2 formation with fullbacks pushing forward to support attacks, contributing to late-game resilience in several matches. Mid-season adjustments focused on bolstering defensive organization, which helped stabilize results after a nine-match winless streak in the summer, allowing the squad to clinch a playoff spot with key victories like a 2-1 home win over on October 25, where Ousmane Sylla scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. Other regular-season highlights included a 4-2 home victory against on March 8, powered by second-half goals from Ethan Zubak, Nico Benalcazar, and . In the playoffs, Orange County SC advanced past the quarterfinals with a 0-0 draw against No. 2 seed on November 2, winning 5-4 in a where goalkeeper Colin Shutler made crucial saves. Their run ended in the conference semifinals on November 8, falling 2-1 to No. 3 seed in Albuquerque; Malik Pinto equalized for OCSC in the 68th minute, but Dayonn Harris scored a stoppage-time winner for the hosts. Forward Ethan Zubak led the team with 12 goals, providing consistent scoring threat, while assists were distributed among midfielders like and Ousmane Sylla, who combined for key creative contributions in pivotal games. Attendance at averaged 4,470 fans per home match across 14 games, totaling 62,581 spectators, representing a slight increase from the 2024 average of 4,189 and indicating steady fan engagement amid playoff excitement. The club's supporters, known for their vibrant Orange Army, showed increased involvement through themed matchdays and community events, contributing to a positive atmosphere despite the season's mixed results.

History

Founding and early years (2010–2013)

Orange County SC originated as the Los Angeles Blues, founded in 2010 by Iranian-American businessman Mansouri as an expansion franchise for the inaugural season of USL Pro, the third tier of professional . The club emerged from the successful women's organization in the USL W-League, which Mansouri had previously owned and which had won multiple championships. As one of 12 founding teams in the new league, the Los Angeles Blues aimed to establish professional men's soccer in , drawing on local talent and international players to build a competitive roster. Under head coach and general manager Charlie Naimo, who brought experience from coaching the and serving as general manager for the Women's Professional Soccer's , the team debuted in 2011 at Titan Stadium on the campus of . The inaugural season saw a solid performance, with the Blues finishing third in the Western Conference () with an 8-9-7 record and 33 points, qualifying for the divisional semifinals where they were eliminated. Key contributors included forward Cesar Rivera, who led the team with six league goals, highlighting the blend of youth academy prospects and experienced imports on the debut roster. The club played home matches in Fullerton, located in Orange County, but retained the name to appeal to a broader regional audience. The 2012 season brought challenges, as the Blues struggled with an 9-3-12 record, earning 30 points and finishing eighth overall, missing the amid difficulties in securing sponsorships and boosting ticket sales. Owner Ali Mansouri noted the financial strains, including low attendance at Titan Stadium, which hampered league integration as one of the original USL Pro teams. Naimo overhauled the roster, retaining only four players from the previous year and incorporating veterans like forward , who scored six goals, to stabilize the squad. These early hurdles tested the club's viability in a competitive landscape dominated by East teams. In 2013, the Blues showed improvement, achieving an 11-7-8 record for 40 points and securing sixth place overall, which earned them a spot in the USL Pro playoffs where they advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to the . Standouts included forwards Matthew Fondy and Chris Cortez, each netting 10 goals to power the offense. Despite on-field progress, ongoing financial pressures and the need for stronger local ties prompted considerations for rebranding and venue changes to better align with the Orange County community, setting the stage for future evolution.

Orange County Blues era (2014–2016)

In early 2014, the club relocated from to , and underwent a to Orange County Blues FC to better align with its new regional base and establish a stronger local identity. The move to Anteater Stadium at the , marked the team's first stable home venue in Orange County, facilitating improved community engagement and operational stability after years of nomadic play. The 2015 season represented a high point under head coach Oliver Wyss, who led the Blues to the USL Western regular season with a dominant performance that included 14 wins. This success propelled the team into the , where they advanced to the Western Conference semifinals before falling to LA Galaxy II. Attendance grew steadily, averaging around 1,500 fans per match at Anteater Stadium, bolstered by family-oriented events that helped cultivate a burgeoning supporter base in the region. Roster development emphasized integrating local talent alongside international players, with Wyss implementing a European-inspired youth structure to nurture pathways from academy levels to the professional squad. This approach introduced early academy connections, allowing promising Orange County prospects to train and compete alongside seasoned professionals from 16 nations, laying groundwork for sustainable talent pipelines. The 2016 season saw a decline, with the Blues finishing eighth in the Western Conference on a 12-4-14 record and exiting in the playoff quarterfinals, amid internal challenges that set the stage for an ownership transition later that year.

Modern era and rebranding (2017–2025)

In 2017, businessman James Keston acquired the Orange County Blues FC and rebranded the club as Orange County SC, marking a new chapter focused on professionalization and community engagement. Keston, who serves as owner and CEO, invested in infrastructure and operations to elevate the team's competitiveness in the USL Championship. This rebranding included a modernized logo and identity that emphasized the club's roots in Southern California soccer culture. That same year, Orange County SC entered into a multi-year affiliation with Major League Soccer's (LAFC), allowing LAFC to loan players to the club starting in to aid development ahead of LAFC's MLS debut in 2018. The partnership facilitated the integration of young talent into competitive matches, enhancing Orange County SC's roster depth and providing a bridge for prospects between youth systems and professional play. The affiliation concluded by mutual agreement after the 2018 season, having contributed to improved on-field performance and player pathways. A pivotal milestone came in 2018 when Orange County SC clinched the USL Western Conference regular-season title, securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a strong finish to the campaign. The team advanced to the Western Conference Final but lost to Phoenix Rising FC. Building on this success, the club achieved its greatest accomplishment in 2021 by winning the USL Championship under head coach Richard Chaplow, who took over midway through the season and led the team to its first league title in a decisive final victory. Chaplow's tactical approach emphasized defensive solidity and quick transitions, culminating in a 3-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with Ronaldo Damus scoring two goals. Coaching transitions in 2024 reflected ongoing efforts to sustain momentum, with Paul Hardyman stepping down mid-season and Danny Stone appointed as interim in August for the remainder of the year. Stone's leadership stabilized the squad, guiding them to a playoff berth, and in December 2024, he was officially named for the 2025 season on a multi-year contract. This move underscored the club's commitment to continuity and youth-focused strategies. In 2025, under Danny Stone, OCSC finished seventh in the Western Conference, advanced past the quarterfinals on penalties against , but were eliminated in the conference semifinals by on a last-minute goal. In 2023, Orange County SC launched a fan ownership initiative through a platform, allowing supporters worldwide to purchase shares starting at modest investments and fostering deeper community ties. The program expanded in 2024 to target fans via a transatlantic campaign, raising over $300,000 and attracting 303 new shareholders, bringing the total to 1,766 owners as of January 2025. This model not only provided financial support but also enhanced fan involvement in club decisions. Parallel to these developments, the club expanded its youth and reserve programs with the establishment of OCSC II as a dedicated reserve team in the USL Academy League, creating structured pathways for emerging talent aged 14-17 to transition to professional levels. These initiatives, including tryouts and developmental matches at Championship Soccer Stadium, have integrated seamlessly with the first team, supporting long-term sustainability and talent cultivation.

Stadium and facilities

Championship Soccer Stadium

The Championship Soccer Stadium serves as the current home venue for Orange County SC, located at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California, and opened on August 5, 2017. Situated at 8272 Great Park Blvd., the stadium replaced earlier temporary sites used by the club and provides a dedicated soccer-specific facility within a larger 1,300-acre public park development. With a capacity of 5,000 spectators, including 2,500 permanent seats and additional seating for expansion, the features professional locker rooms, facilities, concession areas, a , and an interactive True Path Fan Zone for enhanced supporter engagement. The surrounding Great Park complex includes seven soccer fields for and practices, supporting youth and amateur programs while promoting broader public access to athletic amenities. is integrated through the 's operation on supplied by the Orange County Power Authority, aligning with regional environmental goals. In October 2023, Orange County SC secured a 10-year use agreement with the City of Irvine, extending tenancy at the through 2033 and ensuring continued priority access for club matches alongside provisions for community and youth events. Matchday experiences emphasize an intimate atmosphere, with fans enjoying close proximity to the pitch in the open-air venue, free parking across multiple Great Park lots, and easy access to nearby attractions like the park's iconic tethered helium balloon ride and sports facilities. This setup fosters a vibrant, environment that highlights the stadium's role in local recreation and professional soccer.

Previous venues

Orange County SC's venue history prior to its current home reflects a period of instability typical for lower-division soccer clubs in , marked by relocations driven by facility availability and the need for a more localized identity. From 2011 to 2013, as the Los Angeles Blues, the club primarily played its home matches at Titan Stadium on the campus of , a multi-purpose facility shared with the university's athletic programs. Occasional scheduling conflicts at Titan led to games being hosted at alternative sites, highlighting the challenges of relying on university venues with competing priorities. In , following the rebranding to Orange County Blues FC, the team shifted to Anteater Stadium at the , a move that better aligned with its emerging regional focus and provided a more consistent setting for home games through the 2016 season. Anteater Stadium, with its capacity for several thousand spectators, served as a temporary base amid ongoing searches for a dedicated facility, though arrangements with the limited long-term planning. This period saw attendance gradually increase from modest figures in the early years, as the club worked to foster local support despite the nomadic setup. The 2017 rebranding to Orange County SC coincided with another transition to temporary fields at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, where the club played its initial home matches while construction progressed on a permanent stadium. These interim setups, consisting of portable infrastructure on existing park fields, accommodated the first seven home games of the season before the opening of Championship Soccer Stadium in August 2017. The relocations stemmed from broader issues in Southern California, including short-term leases at academic institutions, competition for multi-use spaces amid urban development, and the high cost of securing soccer-specific venues in a region dominated by major league teams. These factors contributed to attendance variability, with early instability hindering consistent fan growth, though the club actively pursued community outreach—such as youth clinics and local partnerships—to maintain engagement during transitions. Paving the way for a stable home in Irvine, these experiences underscored the importance of a dedicated facility for long-term viability.

Club identity and culture

Name, colors, and crest

Orange County Soccer Club, commonly known as Orange County SC, traces its naming evolution to its origins in the (USL) system. Founded in 2010 as the Los Angeles Blues, the club relocated and rebranded to the Orange County Blues in 2014 to better reflect its base in . In 2017, under new ownership, it underwent a significant rebranding to Orange County SC, emphasizing a broader regional identity while retaining ties to its professional soccer roots. The club's official colors since the 2017 rebranding are black (primary), orange (as an accent representing the county's namesake heritage), and white. These hues are prominently featured in the team's kits, which are supplied by Danish apparel Hummel under a multi-year that began in and continues into . For the 2025 season, kits include a "Back to " design incorporating accents as a nod to the club's pre-2017 history, alongside standard black-and-orange home and away variations. The current crest, introduced with the 2017 rebranding in collaboration with design firm Art Machine, centers on a stylized orange slice integrated with a soccer ball and the outline of Orange County's map. This design symbolically ties the club to local identity: the orange slice evokes the region's agricultural legacy, the county outline highlights geographic pride, and subtle sprigs draw from the California state seal's spear motif for broader regional heritage. The crest's bold, minimalist aesthetic was developed with fan input to foster community connection. Sponsorship integrations appear on the kits, with Hoag Hospital serving as the front-of-kit partner since 2017 under a long-term agreement that emphasizes local healthcare ties. This partnership, extended in 2024 for five years, features the Hoag logo on match jerseys, aligning the club's branding with community-focused initiatives in Orange County.

Mascot and traditions

Orange County SC's official mascot is Gnarly the , introduced in 2022 to enhance fan interaction and embody the club's energetic spirit. Gnarly appears at home matches at , engaging spectators with dances, races, and photo opportunities during pre-game and intermission periods. Beyond the pitch, Gnarly participates in community appearances, including school visits and public events, to promote soccer and positivity among local residents. Matchday traditions emphasize inclusivity and local flavor, evolving post-2017 rebranding to create a family-friendly environment that appeals to diverse audiences. Pre-match tailgates allow fans to gather in the parking areas with live music and food trucks starting 90 minutes before kickoff, building excitement in a relaxed setting. The "County Line" chant, set to the tune of Social Distortion's "Story of My Life," unites supporters with lyrics calling for passion and loyalty to the black-and-orange colors, often led from the dedicated fan section. Halftime shows incorporate elements of Orange County's multicultural heritage, featuring performances by local dance troupes and artists that celebrate regional diversity. These elements, coordinated with the primary supporter group, the County Line Coalition, for enhanced energy, contribute to Gnarly's broader community impact through regular involvement in youth soccer clinics and charity initiatives, such as fundraisers for local nonprofits. By integrating Gnarly into these programs, the club strengthens ties with young fans and families, encouraging participation in sports and volunteering across Orange County.

Supporters and rivalries

Supporter groups

The County Line Coalition (CLC) is the primary independent supporter group for , founded in 2014 by local soccer enthusiast Blaine Jenks as a zero-fee organization dedicated to fostering grassroots passion for the club. As of 2025, the CLC operates as an all-inclusive collective without formal membership dues, attracting hundreds of dedicated fans through its emphasis on community and accessibility, though exact numbers fluctuate with matchday participation and events. The group's activities center on creating an electric matchday atmosphere at , including organized chanting, drumming, flag-waving, and vocal support throughout games to energize players and spectators. Members also organize away travel support, with groups of dozens traveling to key fixtures, such as the 2021 Western Conference Final, where around 50 diehards journeyed to rally the team. Additionally, the CLC engages in community outreach by promoting professional soccer's growth in Orange County through inclusive events and collaborations that welcome families and newcomers to the sport. Since the club's launch of its fan ownership model in 2023, the CLC has expanded alongside it, incorporating international elements like UK-based supporters who invested over $600,000 by December 2024 and became part-owners, contributing to a total of 1,463 shareholders as of January and enhancing the group's global reach and enthusiasm. This growth has amplified the CLC's role in club culture, with their vibrant presence contributing to a 22% increase from to 2023, averaging over 4,400 fans per match by and helping set club records for turnout. Their influence extends to fan input on decisions, such as merchandise and engagement initiatives, strengthening the bond between supporters and the organization.

Key rivalries

Orange County SC's most prominent rivalry is the 405 Derby against Ventura County FC, formerly known as LA Galaxy II, named after the Interstate 405 highway that connects the two clubs' home regions in . The competition originated in 2014 when LA Galaxy II joined the , but it was officially dubbed the 405 Derby starting in 2017, reflecting the geographic proximity and regional tension between Orange County and the area. As of 2025, the all-time head-to-head record stands at 15 wins for Ventura County FC/LA Galaxy II, 10 wins for Orange County SC, and 5 draws across 30 matches. Notable encounters in the derby include the inaugural 2017 matchup, which ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the tone for competitive fixtures. A key moment came in 2021 when Orange County SC secured a 1-0 victory over Ventura County FC on October 30, clinching second place in the Pacific Division and boosting their playoff run to the final. The rivalry is characterized by intense media coverage as a cornerstone of soccer, with matches often drawing significant attention for their high stakes and passionate atmospheres. Beyond the 405 Derby, Orange County SC has developed other notable rivalries within the Western Conference. The historical matchup with , which competed in the from 2019 until folding in 2023, was fueled by geographic proximity as neighboring clubs, leading to heated regional derbies. Against , Orange County SC shares an enduring and unpredictable rivalry, highlighted by frequent playoff clashes and competitive regular-season battles, such as the four meetings in 2025 including the Western Conference Quarterfinals on November 2, where Orange County advanced via a 5-4 after a 0-0 draw before their season ended in the semifinals. Culturally, these rivalries feature trash talk amplified by supporter groups like the County Line Coalition, contributing to vibrant matchday experiences, though incidents of fan clashes have been minimal compared to European counterparts. Media outlets often portray the derbies as emblematic of California's growing soccer scene, emphasizing local pride and competitive intensity.

Management and ownership

Ownership model

Orange County SC's ownership is led by primary owner James , who acquired the club in 2017 through his investment firm LARO Properties and serves as its CEO, overseeing all major operations. The club transitioned from sole ownership under to a hybrid model in 2024, incorporating community-based fan to enhance and engagement following key developments that year. This fan ownership initiative, launched via the crowdfunding platform, attracted 1,463 shareholders in the initial US campaign closed in February 2024, followed by an international expansion to the UK that raised £561,450 from 1,893 investors, funded on March 25, 2025. The structure features tiered equity shares starting at $50 (or £50 for UK participants), offering perks such as exclusive merchandise, voting rights on select club decisions, and access to special events to foster deeper stakeholder involvement. These investments have boosted by creating a sense of shared , while providing funds to support youth development programs and long-term club sustainability amid competitive league growth.

and technical staff

The of Orange County SC oversees the club's administrative, financial, marketing, and operational functions, reporting ultimately to owner and CEO James . Peter Nugent serves as President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, a role he assumed in December 2023 after joining the club in June 2015 as an assistant in soccer operations. An English native with a degree from University, Nugent has been instrumental in player acquisitions, youth development pathways, and , contributing to the club's consistent playoff appearances in recent years. Lisa Keston holds the positions of and of Community Relations, managing fiscal responsibilities and leading the OCSC Community Foundation's initiatives in youth soccer access and local partnerships. Dan Rutstein acts as President of Business Operations, focusing on revenue streams, sponsorships, and day-to-day management since his appointment in late 2023. In marketing, Hayden Czwarno, as of Brand & Marketing, drives fan engagement campaigns and digital content strategies that boosted attendance by over 20% during the 2025 season.
RoleNameKey Responsibilities
CFO & VP Community RelationsLisa KestonFinancial oversight, community outreach
President of Business OperationsDan RutsteinBusiness development, operations
VP of Brand & MarketingHayden Czwarno, fan engagement
The technical staff, led by Danny Stone since December 2024, supports player performance, training, and medical care, playing a pivotal role in the team's 2025 Western playoff semifinal run, where they advanced past in the Quarterfinals before a 2-1 defeat to in the Semifinals on November 8, 2025. Stone, an English former born in 1982, began in U.S. youth academies in before roles with LAFC's side and as of in 2024, where he guided the team to the playoffs. Appointed as first assistant to OCSC in August 2024 and interim by season's end, Stone's full-time contract through 2026 emphasizes tactical flexibility and youth integration, including the signings of U.S. Youth National Team prospects like 15-year-old forward Apolo Marinch and defender Tyson Espy. Assistant coaches include Didier Crettenand, a Swiss former who played for OCSC in 2015 after stints with and , and has coached the club's reserve side OCSC II since 2018 while assisting the first team. Dekel Keinan, an Israeli ex-defender with over 27 national team caps and professional experience in the English with Cardiff City, joined as assistant coach in 2024, bringing expertise in defensive organization from prior USL roles with . Victor Nogueira, in his eighth season as goalkeeping coach, is a Mozambican-American Hall of Famer who played professionally in the NASL and MLS with , focusing on shot-stopping techniques and youth goalkeeper development. The support staff features Tanner Hata as Head Athletic Trainer, managing injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols, and Rick Hernandez as Head Physical Therapist, specializing in recovery programs that supported the team's injury resilience during the 2025 playoff push. Robert Acosta serves as Head Performance Coach, integrating data analytics for training optimization, while the medical team includes Dr. David W. Kruse as official team doctor and specialists like Dr. Kevin Parvaresh and Dr. Michael Shepard as team surgeons. This technical unit has facilitated seamless youth-to-pro transitions, with academy products contributing to 15% of first-team minutes in 2025.
RoleNameKey Focus
Head CoachDanny StoneTactics, youth integration
Assistant CoachDidier CrettenandReserves, first-team support
Assistant CoachDekel KeinanDefensive coaching
Goalkeeping CoachVictor NogueiraGoalkeeper development
Head Athletic TrainerTanner Hata
Head Physical TherapistRick HernandezRehabilitation

Players

Current roster (2025)

The 2025 roster for Orange County SC in the consists of 29 players, with an average age of 23.2 years and 10 international players comprising 34.5% of the . The team features several academy products, including goalkeepers Fernando Aguirre and forwards Cheick Kone, highlighting the club's emphasis on youth development. International representation includes players from , , , [El Salvador](/page/El Salvador), , , , and . Key performers in the 2025 season include forward Ethan Zubak, who led the team with 11 goals in 27 appearances, and defender Nico Benalcázar with 4 goals and 3 assists in 29 matches. Midfielder Chris Hegardt contributed 3 goals and a team-high 8 assists across 29 games.
PositionPlayerAgeNationalityAppearances (2025)Goals (2025)Notes
GoalkeepersColin Shutler27280Contract expires Nov 30, 2025; injured in September 2025
Tetsuya Kadono2530International; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Fernando Aguirre1900Academy product; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
DefendersAshton Miles2100Centre-back; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Tom Brewitt28/180Centre-back; contract expires Nov 30, 2025; injured since October 2025
Nico Benalcázar24/294Centre-back; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Vuk Latinovich28/252Centre-back; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Tyson Espy1600Centre-back; signed August 2025; contract to 2027
Pedro Guimaraes17/212Left-back; academy product; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Ryan Doghman28273Left-back; international; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Grayson Doody2300Right-back; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
MidfieldersMalik Pinto2300Defensive midfield; signed September 2025; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Kevin Partida30210Defensive midfield; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Efren Solis1700Midfielder; academy product; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Oliver Kurnik1800Midfielder; academy product; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Stephen Kelly25161Central midfield; international; joined July 2025; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Chris Hegardt23293Central midfield; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Gavin Karam18/00Central midfield; academy product; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Ousmane Sylla24222Attacking midfield; international; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Roberto Molina2400Attacking midfield; international; signed August 2025; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
ForwardsLyam MacKinnon26Switzerland00Left winger; international; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Cameron Dunbar23211Left winger; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Nicola Ciotta19United States/Italy00Left winger; academy product; contract expires Nov 30, 2025; injured since September 2025, out for season
Bryce Jamison19222Right winger; academy product; transferred to Colorado Rapids April 2025, loaned back for 2025 season
Ethan Zubak272711Centre-forward; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Tristan Trager26/Vietnam192Centre-forward; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Mouhamadou War25/293Centre-forward; international; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Apolo Marinch15United States/Slovenia00Centre-forward; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Cheick Kone19Cote d'Ivoire/00Centre-forward; academy product; contract expires Nov 30, 2025
Mid-2025 roster changes included the transfer of academy product Bryce Jamison to MLS side on April 4, with Jamison loaned back to OCSC for the 2025 season, providing the club with a €365,000 transfer fee, and the arrival of midfielder Roberto Molina from on August 28 to bolster the attack. Injuries impacted the squad, with defender sidelined since October, winger Nicola Ciotta out for the remainder of the season after a September injury, and goalkeeper Colin Shutler missing time from a September injury.

Notable former players

Orange County SC has been instrumental in developing players who have advanced to and , leveraging its affiliation with LAFC to facilitate pathways for talented . Several former players achieved significant milestones during their tenures, including all-time records for goals and appearances, while earning international recognition or record transfer fees. Forward emerged as a standout, becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 38 goals and 11 assists across 62 appearances from 2020 to 2023. In 2022, he set a single-season club record with 22 goals, securing the Golden Boot as the first OCSC player to win the award, and contributed to the team's victory. Iloski transferred to in Denmark's Superliga in 2023 before joining the in MLS on a permanent deal in August 2025. Defender Michael Orozco, a former U.S. men's national team member with 10 caps, established himself as the all-time appearances leader with over 100 matches for OCSC from 2019 to 2022. As team captain, he anchored the defense during the 2021 title win and amassed the most starts and minutes in club history by 2022, retiring at the end of the 2022 season. Another key figure, defender , joined OCSC at age 16 via a contract in and quickly became a regular, making 45 appearances. His development led to a landmark transfer to Ligue 1's in 2022, setting a then- record fee and highlighting the club's youth-to-pro pathway. Henry, who earned U.S. U-17 international call-ups, later moved to MLS with . Forward Michael Seaton ranks second all-time in goals with 28 across 60 appearances from 2018 to 2019, earning multiple call-ups to Guyana's senior national team during his stint. These alumni exemplify OCSC's role in fostering talent, with several progressing through academy signings to professional success in MLS or abroad.

Records and honors

Season-by-season record

Orange County SC has competed in the (formerly USL Pro) since its inaugural season in 2011, compiling a varied record across 15 campaigns through 2025. The club experienced early struggles but achieved notable success in the late 2010s, including a Western Conference regular-season title in 2018 and the league championship in 2021. By November 2025, Orange County had secured eight playoff berths, demonstrating improved consistency in recent years.
YearLeagueRegular Season (W-D-L)Position (Western Conference unless noted)PlayoffsTop Scorer (Goals)Average Attendance
2011USL Pro8-9-78th (overall)Did not qualifyCesar Rivera (7)N/A
2012USL Pro9-3-128th (overall)Did not qualifyBright Dike (6)N/A
2013USL Pro11-7-86thConference QuarterfinalsMatthew Fondy / Chris Cortez (10)N/A
2014USL Pro9-1-1811thDid not qualifyAllan Russell (8)N/A
2015USL14-5-93rdConference FinalsChristopher Ramírez (8)N/A
2016USL12-4-148thDid not qualifyTrevin Caesar (10)N/A
2017USL11-10-1110thDid not qualifyJerry van Ewijk (8)2,527
2018USL20-6-81stConference SemifinalsThomas Enevoldsen (20)3,259
2019USL Championship15-9-105thConference QuarterfinalsMichael Seaton / Darwin Jones (12)3,192
2020USL Championship7-3-69th (overall, shortened season)Did not qualifySean Okoli (7)399
2021USL Championship15-7-104thChampionsRonaldo Damus (14)3,646
2022USL Championship7-13-1411thDid not qualifyMilan Iloski (22)4,051
2023USL Championship17-6-113rdConference QuarterfinalsMilan Iloski (16)4,583
2024USL Championship13-7-147thConference QuarterfinalsEthan Zubak (10)4,107
2025USL Championship10-11-97thConference SemifinalsEthan Zubak (11)4,470
The team's performance highlights include a debut season finish of 8-9-7 in 2011 and a pinnacle achievement with the 15-7-10 record en route to the 2021 USL Championship title. Overall trends show stronger home form, with the club posting a 128-60-79 home record compared to 78-76-116 away through 2025, contributing to eight postseason entries. Attendance has steadily grown from under 3,000 in the mid-2010s to over 4,000 in recent seasons, reflecting increased fan engagement.

League honors and achievements

Orange County SC captured its first title in 2021, defeating the 3-1 in the league final held at in . Ronaldo Damus scored twice in the match, earning MVP honors for the final and contributing four goals across the postseason. This victory marked the club's deepest playoff run to date, following a Western Conference final win over on penalties. The club has secured the Western Conference regular season title on two occasions. In , operating as the Orange County Blues, it clinched the title with a strong finish, advancing to the conference semifinals. In 2018, Orange County SC set club records for wins (20), points (64), and average attendance (3,206) en route to the Western Conference regular season crown and a berth in the conference championship match. Individual accolades have highlighted standout performances from Orange County SC players and staff. Forward won the 2022 USL Championship Golden Boot with a club-record 25 regular-season goals, the first such in team history. Head coach Morten Karlsen earned the 2023 Coach of the Year after guiding the team to the playoffs, along with a Coach of the Month honor for July. Orange County SC has qualified for the playoffs eight times since joining the league in 2011 (2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, , 2023, 2024, 2025), including deep runs in 2015 (conference finals), 2018 (conference semifinals), (), and 2025 (conference semifinals). In 2025, OCSC defeated 5-4 on penalties in the quarterfinals before losing 1-0 to in the semifinals on November 8. Notable club records include an eight-game in 2023, tying for the second-longest in league history at the time, and a nine-game unbeaten streak to close the regular season.

References

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