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Orange County SC Sign Local Standouts Zach Kobayashi & Michael Suchy

IRVINE, Calif. (April 20, 2017) – Orange County Soccer Club is delighted to announce the signings of Orange County natives Zach Kobayashi and Michael Suchy. Kobayashi joins the club from Croatian champions GNK Dinamo Zagreb, having spent over a year with the club. With Suchy signing on an amateur contract following a successful trial spell with the club.

Kobayashi, 19 returns to Southern California following a year long spell with Croatian powerhouse, GNK Dinamo Zagreb. Before making the trip to Europe, Kobayashi played youth soccer locally with West Coast Futbol Club and the Pateadores Academy, during this time he was tracked by a number of Elite European clubs. The highly sought after midfielder then went on to spend time with SV Werder Bremen in Germany and then Swiss champions FC Basel, before deciding to join the most successful club in Croatia, Dinamo Zagreb.

Suchy joins Orange County SC following a successful trial period with the club. Suchy becomes the first player in the club’s history to be signed to an amateur contract and will also be eligible to play for the club’s U-23 PDL team. The 19 year old keeper also came through West Coast Futbol Club before making the move to the LA Galaxy youth academy and then the Chivas USA youth academy. He will provide competition for current keepers, Charlie Lyon and Casey Beyers.

The pair become the 4th and 5th Orange County natives the 10th and 11th SoCal natives to sign with the club. As the club looks to deliver on its promise to sign the best local talent in the region and providing the clearest pathway to professional soccer in Southern California.

Orange County SC return to the field this weekend, as they take on SoCal rivals LA Galaxy II in the first installment of the I-405 derby this season. Both Kobayashi and Suchy are eligible to make their debuts in Saturday’s clash.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB:

The Orange County Soccer Club is Orange County’s Professional Soccer Team. The club was one of 12 founding members of the new United Soccer League (USL) in its inaugural 2011 season. Established in 2013, the predecessor club Orange County Blues were the 2015 Western Conference Regular Season Champions and have reached the Western Conference semifinals of the USL Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The club’s brand-new owner, James Keston, is the Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, and will actively oversee all operations of the USL club in Orange County. Keston is dedicated to transforming the club into a world-class professional soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players and youth clubs of Orange County.

For more information about Orange County Soccer Club and to become an Orange County Founding Member, visit: https://www.orangecountysoccer.com.

Contact:

Kelly Salmieri: VP, Marketing & Community Relations, kelly@https://www.orangecountysoccer.com, 805.844.0856

World Renowned Coach Spends Week with Orange County SC

Orange County will play their first home game on May 6th vs. LA Galaxy II at the Orange County Great Park. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/tickets.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB:

For more information about Orange County Soccer Club and to become an Orange County Founding Member, visit: https://www.orangecountysoccer.com.

Orange County will play their first home game on May 6th vs. LA Galaxy II at the Orange County Great Park. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/tickets.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB:

For more information about Orange County Soccer Club and to become an Orange County Founding Member, visit: https://www.orangecountysoccer.com.

Pinedas Thunderbolt Strike Earns Him Team of the Week Spot

Victor Pineda becomes the third Orange County SC player of the 2017 season to be named a USL Team of the Week following, Duke Lacroix’s and Carlos Alvarez’s selection in week one. However not only was Pineda selected to Team of the Week he was also nominated for Goal of the week following his screamer against Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday.

Pineda picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, took one touch and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top left hand corner of the goal, leaving the Timbers 2 keeper helpless. The strike was worthy of winning any fixture and will surely be nominated for Goal of the Year come season end. Not only was Pineda’s strike world class but he put in a performance to match, as he was instrumental in the midfield driving the club to their second victory of the season.

Pineda will next be in action on April 22nd, when Orange County SC take on SoCal rivals LA Galaxy II in the first instalment of this year’s I-405 derby at StubHub Center.

van Ewijk and Pineda Lead Orange County SC to Victory Over Portland Timbers 2

Orange County SC vs. Portland Timbers 2
2017 USL Regular Season (Week Three)
Providence Park, Portland, OR
Saturday, April 8 – 7 pm PST

Portland, Oregon. (April 8, 2017) Orange County SC recorded their second victory of the season with a commanding 2-1 win on the road against Portland Timbers 2. Strong performances by midfielders Jerry van Ewijk and Victor Pineda, each with one goal, along with Orange County SC’s imposing defense helped close out the win on the road.

Orange County SC (1-1-0) headed to Portland, Oregon to take on Portland Timbers 2 who headed into the game with a 0-3-0 record. Both teams didn’t let the cold, drizzly night in Portland affect them as they both took advantage of every opportunity. It was Orange County SC who took the lead early on when Jerry van Ewijk scored a PK in the 9th minute following a T2 penalty on Rennico Clarke. T2 came back with a goal of their own in the 19th minute by Augustine Williams following a cross by Kyle Bjornethun.

Orange County SC showed T2 they were a force to be reckoned with as they came out strong in the second half. Gustavo Villalobos set a shot up to Richard Chaplow at the top of the box. This started the chain reaction which led to an incredible right footed strike by Victor Pineda from more than 35 yards outside the box in the 58th minute giving Orange County a 2-1 lead over T2.

Orange County kept the pressure on T2 and went on to record the 2-1 win, their second of the season. The club who has a by-week next week, will look to keep the winning momentum going as they prepare their next match versus cross-town rivals LA Galaxy II on Saturday, April 22nd.

Man of the Match: Victor Pineda

Scoring Summary:

OC – van Ewijk 9’ (P)

POR – Williams 19’ (Assists: Bjornethun)

OC – V.Pineda 58’

Misconduct Summary:

POR – Clarke 8’ (caution)

OC – Chaplow 30’ (caution)

OC – van Ewijk 77’

OC – A.Pineda 90’

Lineup:

POR: McIntosh (GK)(c), Hanson (D), Clarke (D), Batista (D), Bjornethun (D), Montes (M) (Cicerone 87’), Lewis (M), Brett (M)(Bodily 87’), Bijev (M), Arboleda (M), Williams (M)

Substitutes Not Used: Hamilton (GK), Jimenez (D), Ornstil (D), Damraoui (D), Mohamed (D)

OC: Lyon (GK), Navarro (D), Ocegueda (D) (Roy Meeus 45’), Franco (D), Wbias (D), Chaplow (M)(c) (A.Pineda 87’), Alvarez (M) (Fernandes 67’), Villalobos (M), V.Pineda, van Ewijk (M), Lacroix (F)

Substitutes Not Used: Beyers (GK), Sorto (D), Jeon (F)

Stats:

Head Referee: Joseph Dickerson

Assistant Referees: Cephas Quartson, Billy Baldwin

4th Official: Ian Miller

Attendance: 1,834

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB:

For more information about Orange County Soccer Club and to become an Orange County Founding Member, visit: https://www.orangecountysoccer.com.

Contact:

Kelly Salmieri: VP, Marketing & Community Relations, kelly@https://www.orangecountysoccer.com, 805.844.0856

Portland Timbers II vs. Orange County SC: Preview

DATE: April 8, 2017
KICKOFF: 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Providence Park, Portland, OR
FORECAST: Scattered Showers (High-49°/ Low-38°)
REFEREE: Joseph Dickerson
ARS: Cephas Quartson, Billy Baldwin
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Ian Miller
LIVE-STREAM: http://www.uslsoccer.com/portlandtimbers2-orangecountysc-905469

Orange County SC continues the 2017 USL season on Saturday
as they travel north to face Portland Timbers 2, affiliated with
Portland Timbers of MLS. Saturday’s match will be the first of two
matches between the clubs this season, with the teams meeting
again in July at the Orange County Great Park.
Orange County SC heads to Portland after a 4-0 loss to Sacramento Republic FC. The team’s attacking offense boasts Carlos Alvarez, Jerry Van Ewijk and Duke Lacroix, all of whom have a combined 16 shots in the last two matches. In addition to the offensive attack, the defensive wall, led by veteran Beto Navarro, looks to mimic their first week effort, where they earned a shutout on the road in Reno.
Saturday’s match will be the second-home match for Portland
Timbers 2, who head into Saturdays clash with an 0-3 record, on
the back of a 2-1 loss to Cascadian rivals Seattle Sounders II.

Orange County SC Bolster Forward Options

IRVINE, Calif. (April 7, 2017) – Orange County Soccer Club is delighted to announce the signing of Cape Verde International Wuilito Fernandes. Fernandes joins the club following his time at UMass Lowell where he was voted 2016 American East Conference Striker of the Year and was subsequently picked up by FC Dallas in this year’s SuperDraft.

Fernandes, 27 was born in Praia, Cape Verde however he pursued a soccer career in the United States initially with the New York Red Bulls where he was invited for a trial in 2010. He was then picked up by UMass Lowell where he went on to win numerous honors. As a freshman he made 12 starts and was named to the American East All-Rookie Team. In 2014 & 2015 he was named in the America East All-Conference First Team and in 2016 was listed in the NSCAA First Team All-America along with America East Conference Striker of the Year. During his time with the River Hawks he scored a total of 25 goals and assisted 10.

In 2017 he became the first UMass Lowell product to be drafted at the MLS SuperDraft, where he was recruited by FC Dallas. Following his time with Dallas he was called up for International duty with Cape Verde, making his debut for his national side against Luxembourg.

At 6ft tall and 180lbs the powerful forward will bring a physical presence to Orange County’s front line and is eligible to make his debut this Saturday against Portland Timbers 2.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB:

For more information about Orange County Soccer Club and to become an Orange County Founding Member, visit: https://www.orangecountysoccer.com.

Contact:

Kelly Salmieri: VP, Marketing & Community Relations, kelly@https://www.orangecountysoccer.com, 805.844.0856

10 on 10 with Orange County SC Midfielder Ami Pineda

Height: 5-7 Weight: 150

Date of Birth: 3/1/1997

Hometown: Santa Ana, California

Last Club: LA Galaxy Academy

Q1: How old were you when you started playing soccer?

Ami: “Four years old. I was always around soccer, and my dad was a soccer player himself. My family was always at the park playing.”

Q2: What was the best advise you’ve received from a coach/mentor?

Ami: “My dad always tells me never to get comfortable where I’m at. You always have to work hard to become better.”

Q3: What do you listen to before a game?

Ami: “I listen to rap, and sometimes Reggaetón.”

Q4: What is something you do during training that’s a key to your success?

Ami: “I think pushing myself. When I’m tired in practice, and know I’m tired, I have to keep pushing because when I get to that point during the game, I’ll know that I can push through it and keep going.”

Q5: If you won the lottery, what would be your first purchase?

Ami: “I’d get a house for my parents. I think that’s any Hispanic soccer player’s answer to that question.”

Q6: Do you model your game after an existing player?

Ami: “I’ve always looked up to smaller players like Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala. I like those guys who are really good with the ball and I try to emulate what they do.”

Q7: Do you have any pre-game superstitions?

Ami: “After I have a good match, like I did in the Real Monarchs pre-season match this year, I try not to wash anything before the next match.”

Q8: What is your favorite memory on the soccer field?

Ami: “My first championship with my club team. We were a super small club and nobody really knew about us. After that, everyone was talking about the Fullerton Rangers.”

Q9: Besides soccer, what are your favorite hobbies?

Ami: “I love playing FIFA with my family. My family is very competitive and there are always plenty of tournaments going on.”

Q10: What is your ultimate goal in professional soccer?

Ami: “Obviously to get a Division I contract, whether it be the MLS, or another league in Europe.”

Orange County SC Come Up Short Against Sacramento Republic FC

Orange County SC travelled to California rivals Sacramento Republic FC looking to record their second win of the season and a repeat of their playoff success at Papa Murphy’s Park last season. However it was the Republic who came away with all three points on the night, as they came out 4-0 winners.

Orange County were the side who settled quickest as they created a host of chances in the opening stages of the first half with Gustavo Villalobos, Duke Lacroix and Jerry Van Ewijk all going close. First Villalobos combined with Lacroix to get clear down the right hand side however he dragged his shot just wide. Then Lacroix found himself through on goal with just Evan Newton to beat in the Sacramento goal but Newton managed to pull off a fantastic save with his foot to deflect Lacroix’s shot just wide. And finally Van Ewijk went close when his free kick fired just past post.

However on the 21st minute and against the run of play, it was the Republic who took the lead in the when Sammy Ochoa turned home Wilson Kneeshaw’s rebounded shot. The goal came from a long ball over the top from Sacramento Republic Captain Danny Berrea, which sent Kneeshaw through on goal only to be denied by a fantastic stop by Orange County keeper Charlie Lyon, but the ball dropped to Ochoa who fired in the rebound to give the Republic the lead.

It was then the Republic who took control of the game and doubled their lead on the hour mark when Sammy Ochoa claimed his second of the night when he tapped in from close range. It was Kneeshaw again whose deflected shot fell to Ochoa who had the simplest of jobs to score from 2 yards out. Republic added a third 8 minutes later when Kneeshaw fired home a volley 10 yards from goal following a floated cross from Tyler Blackwood. Then in added time, substitute Harry Williams made it four after he was able to get on a long ball over the top and round Charlie Lyon to slot into an empty net.

The Republic managed to see out the remaining minutes to claim their second victory of the season. Orange County next face Portland Timbers 2 when they travel to Providence Park next Saturday night.

Orange County Gets Their Man: Logan Pause Named Blues Head Coach

IRVINE, Calif. (January 11, 2017) – The Orange County Blues Football Club has finalized their coaching staff for the 2017-2018 today. Logan Pause will lead the Orange County club after a successful 14-year professional career with the Chicago Fire as a team captain, coach and Vice President. GM and Executive Vice President, Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss made the announcement this afternoon. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Logan to the organization. We went through an exhaustive search over the last couple of months to identify a head coach who not only could succeed in the USL but also understands the importance of developing talented professional soccer players within Orange County and for our partner club LAFC,” Wyss said. “We feel that Logan is the prototype of what we were looking for based on his experience, passion, work ethic and commitment to the community. I’m excited to begin working with him and the entire staff on building an elite organization that is committed to setting a new standard for the USL.”

During his tenure with the Fire, Pause spent 12 years with the Fire as a defensive midfielder and served one year as club Vice President. Pause was named head coach of the Chicago Fire’s PDL team while maintaining his first team duties as assistant coach.
“It is with great joy and honor that me and my family are joining the Orange County Blues FC organization,” said new Head Coach, Logan Pause. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and confidence Mr. Keston and Oliver have given me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime project and a perfect fit for me and my family. I also want to thank Andrew Hauptman and the entire Chicago Fire community for our time together and their support in my career growth. My staff and I look forward to putting together a team that makes our fans and community proud.”
Returning to this year’s coaching staff will be First Assistant, Braeden Cloutier, who will continue to be an integral part of the organization.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY BLUES FC:
The Orange County Blues FC is Orange County’s Professional Soccer Team. The club was one of 12 founding members of the new United Soccer League (USL) in its inaugural 2011 season. The Orange County Blues were the 2015 Western Conference Regular Season Champions and have reached the Western Conference semifinals of the USL Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The club’s brand-new owner, James Keston, is the Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, and will actively oversee all operations of the USL club in Orange County. Keston is dedicated to transforming the club into a world-class professional soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players and youth clubs of Orange County. Keston is currently working on a complete rebranding of the team with a new name, colors, and crest driven by significant fan input.
For more information about Orange County Blues FC and become an Orange County Founding Member, visit: uslorangecounty.com.

Contact:
Kelly Salmieri: VP, Marketing & Community Relations, kelly@ocbluesfc.com, 805.844.0856

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