Orange County SC has announced the signing via transfer of midfielder Daniel A. Pedersen from Norwegian side SK Brann ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Pedersen, 29, has played in the top leagues in Denmark and Norway throughout his 11-year career, scoring 14 goals with 17 assists.
“I’m really excited to join Orange County and I’m looking forward to meeting the fans and everybody in and around the club,” Pedersen said. “I can’t wait to get to know my new teammates and get to work.”
The experienced midfielder spent the previous two seasons with SK Brann as the club’s captain in the Eliteserien, the top flight of Norwegian soccer. With the Bergen-based club, Pedersen made 36 appearances and scored six goals and assisted on one. With the move to Orange County being his first experience outside of Europe, Pedersen will be an integral part of head coach Richard Chaplow’s midfield core in the club’s quest to repeat as champions.
“Daniel joins us with a wealth of experience, and I’m delighted that we have him on board,” Chaplow said. “He has great attributes on both sides of the ball which will add depth and quality to our midfield. It is Important that we have good communicators and organizers in the team and Daniel brings with him strong leadership skills which will be a key ingredient for us throughout the season.”
At 18-years-old, Pedersen signed his first professional contract for Silkeborg IF in his native Denmark after coming through their youth teams. His first professional goal was a stunning long distance right-footed strike in his rookie season against FC Midtjylland. He totaled 116 appearances with his boyhood club before moving to Aarhus GF, Lillestrøm SK in Norway and finally to SK Brann.
“We are delighted to add Daniel, an experienced international midfielder to our team,” President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. “Daniel’s quality and leadership are a great addition to our talented roster and we are looking forward to him being a difference maker on the field for us.”
Born in Silkeborg, Pedersen first made his debut in international competition with Demark’s U20 squad before making the jump to the U21 level. He made a total of 9 appearances which included UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifying.
Since the 2018 season, OCSC has had at least one Danish international on their roster. Pedersen will become the fourth Danish player to don the OCSC crest with the last being recently retired Thomas Enevoldsen.
Per club policy, terms of player contracts with Orange County SC will not be released.
Transaction Details
Transaction: Orange County SC sign Midfielder Daniel A. Pedersen February 2022
Name: Daniel A. Pedersen
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 163 lbs
Born: July 27, 1992
Birthplace: Silkeborg, Denmark
Social Media: @danielapedersen