NEWS

Kickoff: Saturday, May 17th  (7:00 PM PDT)

Where: How to Watch: ESPN+, KCAL+, FanDuel Sports Network

Available in the U.K.: USL on YouTube

Orange County SC returns home for the last 2 weeks of May with what hopes to be the start of a win streak as the club continues to improve and find its form. OCSC currently sits in 7th place in a tight Western Conference race. It would be great for OC to grab as many points as possible at home before heading out on the road for 3 games. Despite the result in North Carolina, OCSC showed well, and there were a lot of positives that came out of the loss.

OCSC has been strong at home so far this season, which should give the Orange and Black an edge on Saturday night.

OCSC is back at the Champ on Saturday, May 24th for, Fiesta de Beer Fest. The game will be broadcast in Los Angeles on KCAL channel 9, and it has an early kickoff time of 6 pm. Beer Fest opens at 3 pm. For tickets and Beer Fest passes, click HERE.

SOMOS ESTAMOS EN PROBLAMAS

New Mexico United comes into OC on a 2-game losing streak and will be without goalkeeper Alex Tambakis and Marlon Vargas, who received red cards in the May 101th game against Phoenix Rising FC. Tambakis was replaced by reserve keeper Kristopher Shakes, who has made 3 appearances for the club. New Mexico’s leading goal scorer, Greg Hurst, was also noticeably absent in Phoenix, having picked up a knock in training. Rumors point to Hurst being questionable for Saturday night versus OC. Saturday will see the return of fan favorite Thomas Amang, who has taken on the role of super sub in New Mexico. He has 1 goal in 3 appearances, totaling only 64 minutes.

New Mexico United 2024 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 18-11-5 (1st place in USL Championship Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 46 | Goals Allowed: 44 I Clean Sheets: 9

Players to Watch: M Daniel Bruce, F Thomas Amang

TRUCK LOAD OF SHOTS

OCSC is back at the Champ and looking to be more clinical finishing after taking 23 shots without a goal in North Carolina. Bryce Jamison looked strong with 3 of the 23 shots, and he should open his 2025 account any day now. We also saw the return of Ethan Zubak and Tristan Trager in NC and expect to see more of them this week. OCSC has signed Vuk Latinovich for the remainder of the 2025 season and are looking for some consistency in the lineup to help build team chemistry and increase confidence in the group.

OCSC 2024 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 13-11-10

Goals Scored: 38 I Goals Allowed: 45 I Clean Sheets: 15

Players to Watch: F Bryce Jamison , GK Colin Shutler

All-time Record:

Orange County SC is 2-3-3 all-time against New Mexico United(Last 5 against NMU- 1-3-1)

Previous Matchup: 2024 USL Championship

Orange County SC 0-0 New Mexico United (October 19th, 2024 – Championship Soccer Stadium, CA)

Scoring Summary 10/19/24 – N/A

Orange County SC got off to a fast start against North Carolina FC as the home team looked sluggish and fatigued from their midweek Open Cup loss. North Carolina FC rolled out a new lineup on Friday night with some glaring omissions and interesting additions. The absence of NC’s top goal scorer, Evan Conway, gave 22-year-old Adam Luckhurst his first start of the season. Luckhurst and the rest of the NCFC offense were irrelevant for most of the first half. 

Bryce Jamison was strong to start the match, applying pressure and physicality to the North Carolina defense.  In the 16th minute, Jamison rocketed a shot at Jake McGuire, who made a crucial save, deflecting the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

OCSC continued to pound the goal with shots totaling 11 in the first half. 

North Carolina FC struggled to penetrate OCSC’s defensive lines and failed to register a shot on target until the 45th minute, when a cohesive team effort and precise execution led to Mikey Maldonado crossing the ball to a sliding Rodrigo Da Costa, who scored just under a diving Colin Shutler to give NCFC the lead.

The second half saw NCFC shore up their line with several defensive substitutions holding 5 across the back and looking to see a 1-0 lead through to the end.

OCSC responded by bringing on substitutes like Tristan Trager and Ben Barjolo, but the NCFC defense, particularly goalkeeper McGuire, consistently thwarted their attacks.

Hoping to find some late magic, OCSC brought Shutler into the box for a flurry of last-minute corner kicks to end the game, but despite 22 shots on the night and many opportunities, the Orange and Black failed to find the back of the net as time expired.

OCSC is back at the Champ on Saturday, May 17th, for our family-friendly Touch-A-Truck and Sounds of OC Night. For more information and tickets, click HERE.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

OCSC has not scored a goal on the road in 2025

OCSC has not won on the road in 2025

OCSC has not secured a clean sheet in 2025 

OCSC has gone 11 games without a clean sheet – Longest streak 15

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
OCSC	0	0	0
NCFC	1	0	1

SCORING SUMMARY:

45’ Rodrigo Da Costa – (Assist Mikey Maldonado) – NCFC

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

41’ Yellow Card – Vuk Latinovich

NORTH CAROLINA FC

23’ Yellow Card – Jaden Servania

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: (4-1-4-1)

Colin Shutler (GK); Tom Brewitt [C], Koa Santos, Vuk Latinovich (64’ Chris Hegardt), Kyle Scott (84’ Ashton Miles), Nicholas Benalcazar, Ryan Doghman (99’ Mouhamadou War), Kevin Partida, Cameron Dunbar(80’ Benjamin Barjolo), Bryce Jamison (64’ Tristan Trager), Lyam MacKinnon 

Unused subs: Tetsuya Kadono (GK);  Ethan Zubak, Pedro Guimaraes

Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 52% | Shots: 22 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 10 | Fouls: 11 | Offsides: 3 |

NORTH CAROLINA FC LINEUP: (3-4-2-1)

Jake McGuire (GK); Rafael Mentzingen (97’ Tristan Hodge), Finn Sundstrom, Bryce Washington, Paco Craig [C], Jaden Servania (75’ Patrick Burner), Colin Martin (75’ Raheem Sommersall), Mikey Maldonado, Pedro Dolabella, Rodrigo Da Costa (65’ Louis Perez), Adam Luckhurst

Unused subs: Akira Fitzgerald (GK); Conor Donovan, Ahmad Al-Qaq, Oalex Anderson, Justin Malou, Jayson Quintanilla

Head Coach: John Bradford

Possession: 48% | Shots: 7 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 0 | Fouls: 12 | Offsides: 1 |

Orange County SC v. North Carolina FC

2025 USL Championship | Matchday 8

Date: May 9, 2025

Venue: WakeMed Soccer Park

Orange County SC is thrilled to announce that our May 24th home match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks will now kick off at 6:00 PM instead of 7:00 PM.

The reason?
KCAL 9 will be broadcasting the match live — marking the first time in club history that a home game will air on local television.

This is a major moment not just for OCSC, but for the soccer community in Orange County.

It’s a sign of growing visibility, growing belief, and growing pride in local football.

As a result of the earlier kickoff:
🍺 VIP Beer Fest will now begin at 3:00 PM, giving fans plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before the action starts.

We can’t wait to see the stands full and the cameras rolling. Let’s make it a night to remember.

📅 Friday, May 24
🕕 Kickoff: 6:00 PM
📍 Championship Soccer Stadium
📺 Live on KCAL 9

Let’s show the world what For County looks like.

Get Your Single Match Tickets HERE

Get Your Beer Fest Tickets HERE

Kickoff: Friday, May 9th (4:00 PM PDT)

Where: How to Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video

Available in the U.K: USL on YouTube

On Friday, Orange County SC will head to WakeMed Soccer Park for the first time in the second ever meeting between OCSC and North Carolina FC. OCSC rolls into town looking to avenge last season’s 1-0 defeat in the inaugural meeting between the two sides. OCSC is in a good place coming off a 2-1 win over FC Tulsa that saw 2024 League One MVP Lyam MacKinnon bag his first USL Championship brace. OCSC hopes to bring the momentum and excitement from last week into game 8, seeking their first road win and clean sheet in 2025.

OCSC will return home to face New Mexico United on Saturday, May 17th, for Touch-A-Truck and Sounds of OC night. For tickets to Touch-A-Truck click HERE.

RAILHAWKS

North Carolina FC comes into the game after a midweek extra-time loss (4-1) to local MLS side Charlotte FC in the US Open Cup round of 32. North Carolina FC will look to capitalize on its home advantage and build a fortress at WakeMed Field. NCFC will likely look to Evan Conway and Michael Maldonado to challenge OC’s backline and test the midfield pairing of Kyle Scott and Kevin Partida. Look for NCFC to apply early pressure and attempt to control the tempo to unsettle OCSC and energize the home crowd.

North Carolina FC 2024 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 13-12-9 (8th place in USL Championship Eastern Conference) 

Goals Scored: 54 | Goals Allowed: 43 I Clean Sheets: 13

Players to Watch: F Evan Conway, M Michael Maldonado

SEEKING A WIN ON THE ROAD

OCSC will rely on Lyam MacKinnon and Bryce Jamison’s speed to stretch NCFC’s defense. OCSC will look to employ a similar 4-4-1 formation that worked against Tulsa, emphasizing quick transitions, looking to exploit NCFC’s defensive lapses. Expect OC to strive for possession dominance and control the midfield. The squad should be close to full strength by Friday, so coach Stone will have some personnel decisions when assembling the final 18 for Friday. Last week, Lyam MacKinnon received a perfect Opta score of 100.0 and a FotMob ranking of 9.2. MacKinnon was named to the USL Championship team of the week, along with Nico Benacazar, and he was also nominated for goal of the week.

OCSC 2024 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 13-11-10

Goals Scored: 38 I Goals Allowed: 45 I Clean Sheets: 15

Players to Watch: F Lyam MacKinnon, GK Colin Shutler

All-time Record:

Orange County SC is 0-1-0 all-time against North Carolina FC (Last 5 against NCFC- 0-1-0)

Previous Matchup: 2024 USL Championship

Orange County SC 0-1 North Carolina FC (August 3rd, 2024 – Championship Soccer Stadium, CA)

Delantero Becomes Official Tequila Partner in Largest Alcohol Sponsorship in Club History

Irvine, CA – [May 5, 2025] – Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) is proud to announce a groundbreaking four-year partnership with Delantero Tequila, marking the largest alcohol sponsorship in the club’s history. The premium tequila brand will become the Official Tequila Partner of OCSC, with integrated branding, fan engagement initiatives, and community-driven programs launching throughout the 2025 USL Championship season and beyond.

This historic collaboration aligns two organizations rooted in Orange County culture and committed to community impact. Delantero Tequila, already a proud supporter of Soccer For Hope—a leading OC-based non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children with life-threatening illnesses—will now extend its reach into the local sports community through this innovative partnership.

Fans can look forward to Delantero’s presence at home matches and local events, including collaborative promotions and community outreach efforts that will benefit both OCSC supporters and the broader Orange County community.

Fans can look forward to Delantero’s presence at home matches and local events, including collaborative promotions and community outreach efforts that will benefit both OCSC supporters and the broader Orange County community.

About Orange County SC:

Orange County Soccer Club is a founding member of the United Soccer League (USL) Championship and is the highest-level professional soccer club in Orange County, California. The club is dedicated to developing young talent, delivering high-level soccer, and serving its community on and off the pitch.

About Delantero Tequila:

Delantero Tequila is a premium tequila brand inspired by the spirit of soccer and crafted for community. With roots in Orange County and partnerships that support local causes like Soccer For Hope, Delantero is more than a drink—it’s a movement for connection, celebration, and purpose.

Orange County Soccer Club kept their 6-game unbeaten streak against FC Tulsa after a vigorous match that delivered a 2-1 win against their Oklahoman foes.  

The first half featured a vibrant OCSC that dominated possession against FC Tulsa. The County Boys took 14 shots within the 45 minutes while Tulsa only took 4. 

Throughout the half, OCSC’s midfield was as impenetrable as a sarlacc pit. The team capitalized on Tulsa’s multiple turnovers to try and solidify a goal, but were unable to get one past Johan Penaranda.

The second half was where the fun began. Lyam MacKinnon scored his first USL Championship goal in 55’ with a quick center net shot that chipped the goalkeeper. MacKinnon celebrated opening his scoring account with a proper Jedi Force stance.

FC Tulsa responded in the 74’ but not before fouling Orange County in the penalty box on multiple occasions. The Dark Side were able to get away with it to the dismay of OCSC and their fans. 

However, the fouls were in vain as OCSC took the lead in the 80’ when MacKinnon brought the power and earned a brace with a sweeping strike into the bottom left corner of the box – a shot with a precision that could bullseye a womp rat. He was assisted by Ryan Doghman whose sharp pass left FC Tulsa frozen in carbonite.

Orange County SC held possession 53% to Tulsa’s 47%. FC Tulsa had fewer shots on target than a stormtrooper would with only 1 on goal and 7 shots overall. OCSC had 22 total shots, 8 of them on target. 

The match ended after 8 minutes of added injury time, and the County Boys were able to deliver a home win to their fans at the Champ; the celebration rivaled that after the Battle of Endor. 

OCSC will return to Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday, May 17th, for our family-friendly Touch-A-Truck event. For more information and tickets, click HERE.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

This match marks Game 6 of Orange County SC’s unbeaten streak against FC Tulsa.

Lyam MacKinnon scores his first USL Championship goals with a brace in the second half. 

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
OCSC	0	2	2
TUL	0	1	1

SCORING SUMMARY:

55’ – OCSC, Lyam MacKinnon

74’ – FC Tulsa, Boubacar Diallo

80’ – OCSC, Lyam MacKinnon

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

8’ – Yellow Card – Nico Benalcazar

10’ – Yellow Card – Danny Stone

57’ – Yellow Card – Vuk Latinovich

FC TULSA

2’ – Yellow Card – Giordano Colli

37’ – Yellow Card – Boubacar Diallo

48’ – Yellow Card – Owen Damm

85’ – Yellow Card – Al Hassan toure

90+6’ – Yellow Card – Taylor Calheira

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shutler (GK); Tom Brewitt [C] (51’ Ashton Miles), Koa Santos, Vuk Latinovich, Kyle Scott, Nicholas Benalcazar, Ryan Doghman, Kevin Partida, Cameron Dunbar (84’ Ousmane Sylla), Bryce Jamison (75’ Mouhamadou War), Lyam MacKinnon (84’ Tristan Trager) 

Unused subs: Tetsuya Kadono (GK); Chris Hegardt, Pedro Guimaraes, Benjamin Barjolo, Gavin Karam

Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 53% | Shots: 22 | Shots On Goal: 8 | Corners: 9 | Fouls: 10 | Offsides: 0 |

FC TULSA LINEUP:

Johan Penaranda (GK); Arthur Rogers, Abdoulaye Cissoko [C], Lamar Batista, Harvey St Clair, Giordano Colli, Boubacar Diallo (85’ Edwin Laszo), Owen Damm (58’ Lucsa Stauffer), Stefan Lukic (45’ Al Hassan Toure), Taylor Calheira, Alexander Dalou (58’ Jamie Webber)

Unused subs: Bryan Dowd (GK); Kalil ElMedkhar, Delentz Pierre, 

Head Coach: Luke Spencer

Possession: 47% | Shots: 7 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 15 | Offsides: 2 |

Orange County SC v. FC Tulsa

2025 USL Championship | Matchday 7

Date: May 3, 2025

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA

Jamie Maggio from CBS joined the Orange County Soccer Club Community Foundation at one of the OCSCCF/AESC after-school soccer quarter-final playoff matches between Horace Mann Elementary & Olive Street Elementary schools in Anaheim.

For several years now, OCSC and the Orange County Soccer Club Community Foundation have been working with the Anaheim Elementary School District to provide a coed after-school soccer league for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at 23 schools. The program is a partnership between the Foundation and the school district, with OCSCCF providing coaches, referees, and organizational support for the league.

The AESC Soccer championship game between Ponderosa and Westmont elementary schools will be played on Wednesday, April 30^th.  We’re excited to see which school will raise the championship trophy!

Orange County SC faced Las Vegas Lights FC in their debut match for the USL Jägermeister Cup. Despite fierce efforts from the Orange & Black, the team fell to Las Vegas 3-1.

Las Vegas opened up the scoring in the 14th minute when Rory O’Driscoll scored on a right-footed shot from the right side of the box to the top left corner. He was assisted by Christian Pinzón with a headed pass following a corner. 

Ben Barjolo, who made his first start for the club, looked to answer on a run but was taken out by Makiek Howell just outside the box, resulting in a yellow card for the Las Vegas defender and a free kick for OC.

Las Vegas took a 2-0 lead in the 34’ minute on a ​​Christian Pinzón header from the center of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Valentin Noël with a cross.

In 45’+1 minute, Las Vegas fouled Mouhamadou War inside the box, and Cameron Dunbar converted the PK to put OC on the board before halftime.

A handball by Ryan Doghman in the penalty area in the 54’ minute resulted in a goal by Johnny Rodriguez with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner just past a diving Colin Shutler.

Raiko Arozarena took out Lyam MacKinnon inside the box in the 78’ minute. MacKinnon went to the spot, and his shot was saved by Arozarena. Bryce Jamison got the rebound and fired a shot on target, but Arozarena was able to knock it away.

In the 90’ minute, OCSC subbed on 17-year-old Gavin Karam for his professional debut. Karam showcased skill and strength and held his own against Vegas’ older, more physical players.

The match ended after four minutes of added injury time. The County Boys led in possession 55%, while Las Vegas held 45%. OCSC also had the majority of shots with 17 to Vegas’ 5, with 7 of OC’s shots being on target. 

The Jägermeister Cup dream is not yet over for Orange County SC as they have three more group matches, the next being against Monterey Bay FC up north on May 31st.

OCSC is back for another home game at Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday, May 3rd, for Star Wars Night. They will face Tulsa FC in what will be an out-of-this-world match. For more information and tickets, click HERE.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Gavin Karam 17-year-old from Newport Beach, made his professional debut in the loss.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
OCSC	1	0	1
LV	2	1	3

SCORING SUMMARY:

14’ Rory O’Driscoll (assist Christian Pinzon.

34’ Christian Pinzon

45’+3 Cameron Dunbar (PK)

56’ Johnny Rodriguez (PK)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

90’ +1 Yellow Card – Ousmane Sylla (OC)

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC

22’ Yellow Card – Maliek Howell (LV)

44’ Yellow Card – Joe Gyau (LV)

65’ Yellow Card – Johnny Rodriguez (LV)

73’ Yellow Card – Raiko Arozarena (LV)

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shutler (GK); Tom Brewitt [C], Koa Santos, Vuk Latinovich, Nicholas Benalcazar, Pedro Guimaraes (46’ Ryan Doghman), Kevin Partida (90’ Gavin Karam), Cameron Dunbar (57’ Bryce Jamison), Chris Hegardt (71’ Ousmane Sylla), Mouhamadou War, Benjamin Barjolo (57’ Lyam MacKinnon)

Unused subs: Tetsuya Kadono (GK); Ashton Miles, Daniel Garcia, Oliver Kurnik

Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 55% | Shots: 17 | Shots On Goal: 7 | Corners: 1 | Fouls: 18 | Offsides: 0 |

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC LINEUP:

Raiko Arozarena (GK); Joseph-Claude Gyau (71’ Shawn Smart), Johnny Rodriguez, Maliek Howell, Rory O’Driscol (17’ Christopher Pearson), Christian Pinzon, Valentin Noel (77’ Vaughn Covil), Gennaro Nigro, Patrick Leal, Elias Gärtig, Younes Boudadi

Unused subs: Carver Miller (GK); Jack Singer, Nighte Pickering, Turner Humphrey, Edison Azcona, 

Head Coach: Antonio Nocerino

Possession: 45% | Shots: 5 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 20 | Offsides: 1 |

Orange County SC v. Las Vegas Lights FC

2025 USL Jäger meister Cup | Round 1 – Game 1

Date: April 26, 2025

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA

Irvine, CA – March 5, 2025 – Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with renowned whisky producer Alexander Murray & Co. This partnership marks one of the first-ever collaborations between a U.S. sports team and a Scottish whisky brand to creating a limited edition single malt whisky that will be available to fans and whisky enthusiasts alike.

The exclusive whisky, a 12-year-old single malt from the Teaninich distillery, will be released in a special limited edition featuring OCSC’s iconic branding and colours. This unique creation will be available for in-store purchasing at Hi-Times Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa and online at shop.alexandermurray.com. It will also be served in the stadium, offering fans the chance to enjoy a one-of-a-kind product while watching the game at Championship Soccer Stadium.

“We’re incredibly excited to announce this partnership with Alexander Murray,” said Dan Rutstein, President of Orange County Soccer Club. “Our team has always strived for excellence both on and off the field, and this collaboration with a respected brand like Alexander Murray reflects that commitment. This limited edition whisky is a perfect way to honour the unforgettable season we had in 2021, and we’re thrilled that our fans will be able to share in this experience.”

In addition to the special edition whisky, Alexander Murray & Co. also becomes the official single malt whisky partner of OCSC. The brand’s premium single malt whiskies will now be available for purchase at the club’s stadium, providing fans with a distinctive and elevated experience during match days. As part of the partnership, OCSC and Alexander Murray will host exclusive ticketed whisky-tasting events, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the brand and enjoy a premium whisky experience.

Chris Cusiter, CEO of Alexander Murray & Co., expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “This is a very exciting moment for both Alexander Murray and Orange County Soccer Club. As both a whisky producer and part-owner of the club, it’s an honour to bring our two passions together in such a meaningful way. We are thrilled to create a product that not only represents the incredible achievement of OCSC’s 2021 season but also connects us with the passionate fanbase. We look forward to offering this special whisky to fans and being part of their matchday celebrations.”

For more information on the OCSC Alexander Murray & Co. limited edition whisky, visit shop.alexandermurray.com.

About Orange County Soccer Club: 

Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) is a professional soccer team based in Santa Ana, California. Established in 2010, OCSC competes in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship and is dedicated to providing exciting soccer experiences for fans, developing talent, and engaging with the local community. With a focus on excellence both on and off the field, OCSC is committed to building a winning legacy.

About Alexander Murray & Co.:

Founded in 2003, Alexander Murray & Co. is an independent whisky producer known for its exceptional single malt whiskies sourced from Scotland’s finest distilleries. Committed to quality and craftsmanship, Alexander Murray offers a wide range of premium whiskies enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world. With a passion for both tradition and innovation, Alexander Murray is proud to be at the forefront of whisky production and unique partnerships.