NEWS

Orange County SC announced today the signing of forward Mouhamadou War for the upcoming USL Championship season. War joins OCSC from local NISA club LA Force.

War, 24, from Los Angeles, most recently played for the LA Force where he made 16 appearances and scored 5 goals in the Force’s 2024 NISA season.

“Mou’s journey to signing a professional contract with OCSC is a testament to his hard work and determination. Coming through the team’s open tryouts he has shown his relentless drive to compete and succeed. As the leading goalscorer during pre-season, he has fully earned this opportunity. We’re excited to see the impact he will have with us on the field. ” said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. 

War, a two-time trialist for OCSC who came through the OCSC open tryouts, played college soccer in Japan where he attended Komazawa University making 19 appearances. Before returning to Los Angeles, War spent 2023 in the Japanese Second League with Blaublitz Akita.

“It’s been almost a year since I returned to California from Japan and I always wanted to play for OCSC,” said War. “I’m so excited to play for this team and honored to be part of this team. The only thing left is to help win a championship.” 

The best way to catch Mouhamadou and the rest of the Black and Orange this upcoming season is by joining the Season Ticket Holder Family! Contact a Sales Representative to find out about all the exclusive benefits and perks you receive when you become a Season Ticket Holder or click HERE to get started.

This signing is pending league and federation approval, and per club policy, the details of the agreement will not be released.

NAME: Mouhamadou War

PRONUNCIATION: Moo-hah-mah-doo War

POSITION: Midfielder

AGE: 24

HEIGHT: 5’7”

WEIGHT: 148

DATE OF BIRTH: April 4, 2000

HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA

NATIONALITY: United States / Japan

PREVIOUS CLUB: Los Angeles Force

SOCIAL MEDIA: @MouWar on X / @mouwar on Instagram 

TRANSACTION: Orange County SC signed Mouhamadou War on February 25, 2025.
The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of February 25 is listed alphabetically as follows:
Goalkeepers: Colin Shutler
Defenders: Nico Benalcazar, Tom Brewitt, Ryan Doghman, Grayson Doody, Pedro Guimaraes, Ashton Miles
Midfielders: Chris Hegardt, Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott, Ousmane Sylla
Forwards: Ben Barjolo, Cameron Dunbar, Bryce Jamison, Lyam MacKinnon, Tristan Trager, Mouhamadou War, Ethan Zubak

Orange County SC announced today the signing of defender Nico Benalcazar for the upcoming USL Championship season. Benalcazar joins OCSC from FC Cincinnati 2.

Benalcazar, 23, from Wilton, CT, most recently played for FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS Next where he made 24 appearances and scored two goals in 2024.

“Nico is a highly versatile player, equally adept at both center back and midfield, making him an important asset to the squad. His composure on the ball, combined with his excellent technical ability, were key qualities we sought to strengthen the team with this season.,” said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. 

Benalcazar spent his youth career in the New York City FC academy, where he was named captain of the U-19 squad. In the 2017–2018 season, he was awarded NYCFC U-19’s Academy Player of the Year. Benalcazar represented the USYNT three times, his last call-up was with the U-20’s in 2020. Nico played college soccer at Wake Forest University where he received several ACC honors. In 2022 he rejoined NYCFC on a home-grown professional contract and was later named captain of the MLS Next development squad New York City FC 2. Benalcazar made his professional first-team debut for NYCFC on July 1, 2023, vs CF Montreal in a 1–0 win. After the 2023 season, Benalcazar signed an MLS Next Pro contract with FC Cincinnati 2 where he played 24 games in 2024.

“I am extremely excited to continue playing soccer, the sport I’ve loved since I was a kid,” said Benalcazar. “I hope to accomplish many things in OC, from showing others what I am capable of at any level and as a team, I would like to win as many trophies as possible.” 

The best way to catch Nico and the rest of the Black and Orange this upcoming season is by joining the Season Ticket Holder Family! Contact a Sales Representative to find out about all the exclusive benefits and perks you receive when you become a Season Ticket Holder or click HERE to get started.

This signing is pending league and federation approval, and per club policy, the details of the agreement will not be released.

NAME: Nico Benalcazar

PRONUNCIATION: nico-LAS ben-al-CAH-zar.

POSITION: Defender – Center Back

AGE: 23

HEIGHT: 5’11”

WEIGHT: 170

DATE OF BIRTH: June 6, 2001

HOMETOWN: Wilton, CT

NATIONALITY: United States / Ecuador 

PREVIOUS CLUB: FC Cincinnati 2

SOCIAL MEDIA: 

TRANSACTION: Orange County SC signed Nico Benalcazar on February 25, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of February 25 is listed alphabetically as follows:
Goalkeepers: Colin Shutler
Defenders: Nico Benalcazar, Tom Brewitt, Ryan Doghman, Grayson Doody, Pedro Guimaraes, Ashton Miles
Midfielders: Chris Hegardt, Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott, Ousmane Sylla
Forwards: Ben Barjolo, Cameron Dunbar, Bryce Jamison, Lyam MacKinnon, Tristan Trager, Ethan Zubak

Orange County SC announced today the signing of defender Tom Brewitt for the upcoming USL Championship season. Brewitt joins OCSC from Swindon Town F.C. in the English Football League Two.

Brewitt, 28, from Liverpool, England, most recently played for Swindon Town F.C. where he made 44 appearances at center back, scoring one goal in 2024.

Before returning to England in 2023, Brewitt spent time in the USL Championship with Hartford Athletic in 2022 and Tacoma Defiance in 2021 where he tallied over 60 USL Championship appearances. Brewitt played his youth football for Liverpool and Middlesbrough and made 12 appearances for the English youth national teams at the U-16 and U-17 levels. He wore the captain’s armband twice for the English youth team. He made his professional debut for Morecambe FC in League Two of the English Football League and tallied 27 appearances and two goals across all competitions. 

“I’m delighted to be joining Orange County SC and looking forward to having a big impact on and off the pitch for OC,” said Brewitt. “I’m looking forward to a successful year and aiming for the top in 2025!.”  

The best way to catch Tom and the rest of the Black and Orange this upcoming season is by joining the Season Ticket Holder Family! Contact a Sales Representative to find out about all the exclusive benefits and perks you receive when you become a Season Ticket Holder or click HERE to get started.

This signing is pending league and federation approval, per club policy details of the agreement will not be released.

NAME: Tom Brewitt

PRONUNCIATION: Brew-Wit

POSITION: Defender – Center Back

AGE: 28

HEIGHT: 6’1”

WEIGHT: 181

DATE OF BIRTH: February 11, 1997

HOMETOWN: Liverpool, England

NATIONALITY: English / United States

PREVIOUS CLUB: Swindon Town F.C.

SOCIAL MEDIA: @tombrewitt5 on X / @tombrewitt5 on Instagram

TRANSACTION: Orange County SC has signed Tom Brewitt on February 13, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of February 13 is listed alphabetically as follows:
Goalkeepers: Colin Shutler
Defenders: Tom Brewitt, Grayson Doody, Pedro Guimaraes, Ashton Miles
Midfielders: Chris Hegardt, Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott, Ousmane Sylla
Forwards: Ben Barjolo, Cameron Dunbar, Bryce Jamison, Lyam MacKinnon, Tristan Trager, Ethan Zubak

Orange County SC partner club Feyenoord Rotterdam announced the permanent transfer of forward Korede Osundina to Portuguese Premier League club Casa Pia A.C. 

“Korede’s transfer from Feyenoord to Casa Pia A.C. marks a historic milestone for the club, becoming the first-ever secondary transfer in our history,” said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. “This moment highlights our unwavering commitment to a forward-thinking development model that not only nurtures talent but also creates clear pathways for young players to build successful professional careers.”

In 2023 Osundina was the first player to be transferred between OCSC and Feyenoord after the clubs formed a first-of-its-kind collaborative partnership. He was loaned to FC Dordrecht in September 2023, where he made 54 appearances, and scored ten goals and six assists. 

Korede isn’t the only former OCSC player on the move. Last week Stade de Reims in the French Premier League loaned former OCSC center-back Kobi Henry to MLS side Real Salt Lake.

Osundina’s contract with Feyenoord runs until mid-2026 and details of the transfer will not be released.

Orange County SC announced today the signing of dynamic forward Lyam MacKinnon for the upcoming USL Championship season. MacKinnon won the USL League One Golden Boot and Player of the Year awards with Greenville Triumph in 2024. 

MacKinnon, 25, from Lausanne, Switzerland most recently played in the USL League one with Greenville Triumph where he scored 21 goals in 32 matches. MacKinnon also led all players with 28 goal contributions, four braces and four penalties won. 

With his 16 regular season goals in 2024, MacKinnon passed former Orange County SC goalscorer and current assistant coach Didier Crettenand as the most prolific Swiss goalscorer in modern American men’s professional soccer history.

“Lyam had an exceptional season last year, winning both the Golden Boot and Player of the Year honors in USL League One. We’re thrilled to add him to our squad as a key player for this season said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. “Our goal is to provide him with the platform to continue his development and showcase his talent in the USL Championship, just as we’ve done for past players who have successfully made the jump to the next level. We’re excited to help Lyam pursue that same path.”

Prior to his time in Greenville, MacKinnon was selected with the 84th pick of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Nashville SC. Before turning professional, MacKinnon played his youth career with his hometown club Lausanne Sport. MacKinnon spent 3-years as a starter at Villanova where he made 56 appearances, scoring 17 goals and tallying 14 assists.

“I am really excited to be part of Orange County SC, a club that has a rich history and a lot of ambition,” said MacKinnon. “I am looking forward to being part of this club that has a great connection with its fans and hope to contribute to winning more trophies here in 2025!”

The best way to catch Lyam and the rest of the Black and Orange this upcoming season is by joining the Season Ticket Holder Family! Contact a Sales Representative to find out about all the exclusive benefits and perks you receive when you become a Season Ticket Holder or click HERE to get started.

This signing is pending league and federation approval, per club policy details of the agreement will not be released.

NAME: Lyam MacKinnon

PRONUNCIATION: Mac-kin-in

POSITION: Forward

AGE: 25

HEIGHT: 6’1”

WEIGHT: 175

DATE OF BIRTH: September 25, 1999

HOMETOWN: Lausanne, Switzerland

NATIONALITY: Swiss

PREVIOUS CLUB: Greenville Triumph (USL League One)

TRANSACTION: Orange County SC has signed Lyam MacKinnon on January 23, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 23 is listed alphabetically as follows:
Goalkeepers: Colin Shutler
Defenders: Grayson Doody, Pedro Guimaraes, Ashton Miles,
Midfielders: Chris Hegardt, Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott, Ousmane Sylla
Forwards: Ben Barjolo, Cameron Dunbar, Bryce Jamison, Lyam MacKinnon, Tristan Trager, Ethan Zubak 

Orange County SC announced today the signing of midfielder and 2023 MAC Herman Trophy winner Ousmane Sylla for the upcoming USL Championship season. Sylla joins OCSC from the Houston Dynamo of the MLS. 

Sylla, 23, from Dakar, Senegal, was selected by Houston Dynamo in the second round (No. 55 overall) of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft out of Clemson University. 

“Ousmane is a player with immense potential.” said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. “Only a year ago he was voted the best college player in the country. We look forward to aiding his development and helping him achieve his goals of playing at the highest level possible. His speed, vision, and technical ability will bring a dynamic edge to our attack.” 

Sylla made one appearance for the Dynamo in the 2024 Concacaf tournament. Prior to signing with Houston he played at Clemson University where he won the 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy award, given to college soccer’s top player. He also helped Clemson win two NCAA titles in three years (2021, ’23) and was named a First Team All-American in the ACC. During his collegiate career, the Senegal native had 24g/24a in 71 matches. 

“I’m looking forward to playing with OCSC this season,” said Sylla. “I can’t wait to meet my teammates and all the fans and I hope to add to the legacy of such a great club by adding another championship in 2025.” 

The best way to catch Ousmane and the rest of the Black and Orange this upcoming season is by joining the Season Ticket Holder Family! Contact a Sales Representative to learn about all the exclusive benefits and perks you receive when you become a Season Ticket Holder or click HERE to get started. 

This signing is pending league and federation approval, per club policy details of the agreement will not be released. 

NAME: Ousmane Sylla 

PRONUNCIATION: OOZ-mon SILL-uh 

POSITION: Midfielder 

AGE: 23 

HEIGHT: 5’8” 

WEIGHT: 170 lbs 

DATE OF BIRTH: August 7, 2001 

HOMETOWN: Dakar, Senegal 

NATIONALITY: Senegalese 

PREVIOUS CLUB: Houston Dynamo (MLS) 

SOCIAL MEDIA: @ousman10_ on Instagram 

TRANSACTION: Orange County SC has signed Ousmane Sylla on January 21, 2025. 

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 21 is listed alphabetically as follows:  
Goalkeepers: Colin Shutler 
Defenders: Grayson Doody, Pedro Guimaraes, Ashton Miles 
Midfielders: Chris Hegardt, Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott, Ousmane Sylla 
Forwards: Ben Barjolo, Cameron Dunbar, Bryce Jamison, Tristan Trager, Ethan Zubak 

Orange County SC announced today the signing of defender Grayson Doody for the upcoming USL Championship season. Doody joins the Black and Orange after previously playing for Las Vegas Lights FC and CF Montreal of the MLS.

Doody, 24, from Hermosa Beach California most recently played in the USL Championship with Las Vegas Lights FC where he made 11 starts in 16 appearances. Doody helped lead the lights to 4 clean sheets.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Grayson to the club,” said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. “After a successful loan spell last year in the USL Championship, he proved himself as an impactful player on both sides of the ball. His versatility and work ethic will make him an invaluable addition, as we aim to build on last season’s momentum.”

Prior to his loan stint in Las Vegas, Doody was selected with the 10th pick of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft by CF Montreal. Before turning professional, Doody played his youth career with Sand & Surf in Manhattan Beach and the LA Galaxy Academy. Doody spent 4-years as a starter at UCLA and in 2023 he helped lead the Bruins to their first Pac-12 conference title since 2012.

“I’m excited to join OCSC a team that I’ve always seen from a distance,” said Doody. “Being from Hermosa beach, I grew up playing on the fields outside Championship Stadium and now it will be nice to play in front of all the fans. I’m looking forward to meeting the guys and building on this successful project.”

The best way to catch Grayson and the rest of the Black and Orange this upcoming season is by joining the Season Ticket Holder Family! Contact a Sales Representative to find out about all the exclusive benefits and perks you receive when you become a Season Ticket Holder or click HERE to get started.

Doody’s signing is pending league and federation approval, per club policy details of the agreement will not be released.

NAME: Grayson Doody

PRONUNCIATION: Do-Dee

POSITION: Defender

AGE: 22

HEIGHT: 5’10”

WEIGHT: 165

DATE OF BIRTH: March 20, 2002

HOMETOWN: Hermosa Beach, CA

NATIONALITY: United States

PREVIOUS CLUB: Las Vegas Lights FC

SOCIAL MEDIA: @grayson31122647 on X / @grayson_doody on Instagram

TRANSACTION: Orange County SC has signed Grayson Doody on January 20, 2025.

The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 20 is listed alphabetically as follows: Goalkeepers: Colin Shutler Defenders: Grayson Doody, Pedro Guimaraes, Ashton Miles Midfielders: Chris Hegardt, Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott Forwards: Ben Barjolo, Cameron Dunbar, Bryce Jamison, Tristan Trager, Ethan Zubak

Orange County SC announced today the signing of midfielder Chris Hegardt for the upcoming USL Championship season. Hegardt returns to the Black and Orange after joining the club on loan from Norwegian club Stabæk in July of the 2024 season. 

Hegardt, 23, from San Diego, California, made an instant impact on the field for OCSC in 2024, appearing in 16 games with 1 goal and two assists. 

“We are delighted to welcome Chris back on a permanent basis,” said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. “He played a key role in the teams success last season, despite only being with the club for a short period of time. We look forward to seeing the impact he can have over the course of a full season.”

Hegardt made his USL Championship debut in 2019 with Tacoma Defiance while part of the Seattle Sounders Academy. He then spent two seasons at the University of Georgetown before signing with MLS side Charlotte FC prior to the club’s inaugural 2022 season. Hegardt then spent time on loan in USL League One with Charlotte Independence in 2022 and USL Championship side Loudoun United FC in 2023.

“Im really excited to sign permanently for Orange County,” said Hegardt. “I think that we are building a very good project here and can compete for titles this season. Last year we finished very strong, and I wanted to continue to build this project with Danny and the rest of the great players that we have. Personally, I’m really excited for this year and feel motivated to accomplish the goals that we have set forth. It’s gonna be an exciting year and can’t wait to play in front of our great fans at championship stadium this season. For county!”

The best way to catch Chris and the rest of the Black and Orange this upcoming season is by joining the Season Ticket Holder Family! Contact a Sales Representative to learn about all the exclusive benefits and perks you receive when you become a Season Ticket Holder or click HERE to get started.

Hegardt’s signing is pending league and federation approval, per club policy details of the agreement will not be released.

NAME: Chris Hegardt

PRONUNCIATION: hay-gart 

POSITION: Midfielder

AGE: 23

HEIGHT: 5’9”

WEIGHT: 145

DATE OF BIRTH: January 6, 2002

HOMETOWN: San Diego, CA

NATIONALITY: United States

PREVIOUS CLUB: Stabæk

SOCIAL MEDIA: @crhegardt_ on Instagram

TRANSACTION: Orange County SC has signed Chris Hegardt on January 17, 2025.
The current roster heading into the 2025 season as of January 17 is listed alphabetically as follows:
Goalkeepers: Colin Shutler
Defenders: Pedro Guimaraes, Ashton Miles
Midfielders: Chris Hegardt, Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott
Forwards: Ben Barjolo, Cameron Dunbar, Bryce Jamison, Tristan Trager, Ethan Zubak

Orange County SC today announced their preseason schedule for the upcoming 2025 USL Championship season. OCSC will play eight friendlies in preparation for their USL Championship home opener on March 8th. 

All home preseason matches will take place behind closed doors at Championship Soccer Stadium, with the exception of one game TBD that will be open exclusively to season ticket holders and owners. Details regarding attending this pre-season match to follow.

“Our preseason schedule will of course give us an opportunity to work through the necessary physical training demands needed for the players to begin the USL championship season. The range of opponents we’ll face offers good competitive game minutes and a chance to develop an understanding and philosophy of how we would like the team to play as we move into the season,” OCSC Head Coach Danny Stone said. “Preseason is always both about working physically and tactically, but just as importantly it’s about developing a connection and bond between the players in the group in order to create a great locker room environment, this will be key for us to be able to compete well together as a team.”

OCSC will begin the preseason at home against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, January, 25. 

This is followed by a matchup with UC Irvine of the Big West Conference at home on Saturday, February 1. The Black and Orange will then host long time USL Championship rival Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday, February 5, 

OCSC will head north to play their only road match of the preseason on Wednesday, February 12 against the LAFC in Los Angeles. 

The preseason will conclude with a four-match homestand, beginning with a game against USL League One newcomers AV Alta FC on Saturday, February 15. OCSC will round out the preseason with games against LMU on February 22, LAFC II on February 23 and LA Galaxy II on Friday, February 28th.

The 2025 USL Championship regular season kicks off at home on Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 PM, versus Oakland Roots SC at Championship Soccer Stadium. This game will sell out! Be sure to grab your tickets before they are gone, HERE.

OCSC 2025 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

January 25 | Home vs. Portland Timbers at TBD

February 1 | Home vs. UC Irvine Anteaters at TBD

February 5 | Home vs. Sacramento Republic at TBD 

February 12 | Away @ LAFC at TBD (Los Angeles, CA)

February 15 | Home vs. AV Alta FC at TBD

February 22 | Home vs. LMU at TBD

February 23 | Home vs. LAFC II at TBD

February 28 | Home vs.LA Galaxy II at TBD

Orange County SC has officially released the schedule for the upcoming 2025 USL Championship season, including matches to be played in the newly expanded USL Jägermeister Cup. The schedule once again features 34 matches, split evenly into 17 home matches at Championship Stadium and 17 away matches.

The Black and Orange will play every Western Conference team home and away again in 2025, with newly promoted side Lexington Sporting Club slotting into the Western Conference. The County Boys begin the season with seven of their first 10 matches played within the friendly confines of Championship Stadium, including a three match homestand to begin the year. 

OCSC opens the season on Saturday, March 8 against Northern California rivals Oakland Roots SC. Then Lexington SC comes to town on Saturday, March 15, followed by Monterey Bay F.C. on Saturday, March 22.

This season also marks the first season that USL Championship clubs will be competing in the USL Jagermeister Cup, a new cup competition between the USL Championship and USL League One. OCSC’s inaugural Jagermeister Cup match will take place at home against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, April 26.

Times for OCSC’s home matches and a promotional schedule will be released at a later date in the near future.

Check out OCSC’s full 2025 USL Championship schedule, here. 

The best way to ensure that you’re at Championship Stadium for all the action in 2025 is by joining our OCSC Season Ticket Holder Family! It is the only way to guarantee you get your seats at the lowest price! To purchase a season ticket, contact one of our sales representatives today, or visit orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets.