NEWS

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (December 7, 2016) – Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and United Soccer League’s (USL) Orange County Blues Football Club today announced a multi-year partnership that will expand player development and create a pipeline that will foster top-class players competing at both the MLS and USL levels.

"We are thrilled to launch this exciting new era in Orange County soccer with our LAFC affiliation,” said Orange County GM and Executive VP of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss. “This partnership will significantly enhance the quality of our first team and strengthen the bonds between the two clubs. Together we will expand opportunities for coaching education and focus on all aspects of player development.”

With LAFC set to take the pitch in 2018, the partnership will provide LAFC the ability to loan players to Orange County as soon as 2017 and provide fans the opportunity to see some of LAFC’s future MLS stars on display in Orange County. LAFC players on loan to Orange County will be provided with a unique opportunity to develop in US Soccer’s fastest-growing and most dynamic professional league while Orange County soccer players will be provided with a clear pathway to reach the highest level of American soccer with LAFC.

“We are incredibly excited about this partnership, which will contribute significantly towards our goals of building a competitive roster in 2018 and growing the game here in Southern California. In the OC Blues, we have a fantastic partner with an owner and staff who closely align with our vision to bring world-class professional soccer to Southern California,” said LAFC Executive VP of Soccer Operations John Thorrington.

The partnership with LAFC is just the first of many announcements that will be coming out of Orange County in the weeks to come. Since taking ownership of the club in August 2016, Orange County’s new owner and team president, James Keston is taking dramatic steps to transform the club into a world-class professional soccer organization. Keston’s first step towards accomplishing this goal is selecting a state-of-the-art venue for the club. The club is also undertaking a complete rebranding process that will see the team formerly known as the Blues take on a new identity built on significant fan input.

LAFC’s Banc of California stadium continues to make strides in 2016 and after several weeks of excavation and digging on its construction site, LAFC closes out another landmark year with a foundational concrete pour happening later this week. Earlier this year LAFC scored several tremendous victories for the Club, its fans and the people of Los Angeles including complete demolition of the Sports Arena, kicking off a historic groundbreaking ceremony with Club owners and supporters, announcing the official stadium naming rights, securing unanimous approval from the Los Angeles City Council on its Final Environmental Impact Report and proudly unveiling the new crest and team colors.

To become an Orange County Founding Member click here.

To learn more about LAFC or to become an LAFC Original Member visit LAFC.com.

ABOUT THE 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.

ABOUT LAFC:

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is the newest MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. Its ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. The LAFC ownership group is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. The home of the Club will be the Banc of California Stadium, the first open-air stadium built in Los Angeles since 1962 and boasts a 22,000-seat capacity. 
 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (December 7, 2016) – Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and United Soccer League’s (USL) Orange County Blues Football Club today announced a multi-year partnership that will expand player development and create a pipeline that will foster top-class players competing at both the MLS and USL levels.

“We are thrilled to launch this exciting new era in Orange County soccer with our LAFC affiliation,” said Orange County GM and Executive VP of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss. “This partnership will significantly enhance the quality of our first team and strengthen the bonds between the two clubs. Together we will expand opportunities for coaching education and focus on all aspects of player development.”

With LAFC set to take the pitch in 2018, the partnership will provide LAFC the ability to loan players to Orange County as soon as 2017 and provide fans the opportunity to see some of LAFC’s future MLS stars on display in Orange County. LAFC players on loan to Orange County will be provided with a unique opportunity to develop in US Soccer’s fastest-growing and most dynamic professional league while Orange County soccer players will be provided with a clear pathway to reach the highest level of American soccer with LAFC.

“We are incredibly excited about this partnership, which will contribute significantly towards our goals of building a competitive roster in 2018 and growing the game here in Southern California. In the OC Blues, we have a fantastic partner with an owner and staff who closely align with our vision to bring world-class professional soccer to Southern California,” said LAFC Executive VP of Soccer Operations John Thorrington.

The partnership with LAFC is just the first of many announcements that will be coming out of Orange County in the weeks to come. Since taking ownership of the club in August 2016, Orange County’s new owner and team president, James Keston is taking dramatic steps to transform the club into a world-class professional soccer organization. Keston’s first step towards accomplishing this goal is selecting a state-of-the-art venue for the club. The club is also undertaking a complete rebranding process that will see the team formerly known as the Blues take on a new identity built on significant fan input.

LAFC’s Banc of California stadium continues to make strides in 2016 and after several weeks of excavation and digging on its construction site, LAFC closes out another landmark year with a foundational concrete pour happening later this week. Earlier this year LAFC scored several tremendous victories for the Club, its fans and the people of Los Angeles including complete demolition of the Sports Arena, kicking off a historic groundbreaking ceremony with Club owners and supporters, announcing the official stadium naming rights, securing unanimous approval from the Los Angeles City Council on its Final Environmental Impact Report and proudly unveiling the new crest and team colors.

To become an Orange County Founding Member click here.

To learn more about LAFC or to become an LAFC Original Member visit LAFC.com.

ABOUT THE 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.

ABOUT LAFC:

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is the newest MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. Its ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. The LAFC ownership group is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. The home of the Club will be the Banc of California Stadium, the first open-air stadium built in Los Angeles since 1962 and boasts a 22,000-seat capacity. 
 

Almost a year ago, Orange County Blues FC General Manager Oliver Wyss first met the man who would eventually become the club’s owner, James Keston.

It certainly left an impression.

“I was so impressed from the first moment I met him – as everybody is who meets James – at his enthusiasm for the game,” Wyss said recently. “He’s obviously a true fan of the U.S. game and fully committed to the development of the game. It goes without saying that he’s been a very successful businessman with his extensive experience in real estate, but more important than anything else, he is just a fantastic fan, and the enthusiasm and the passion he shows for the game – and especially for the growth of the game from the youngest levels – is remarkable.”

Wyss’ work with the Blues over the past two seasons has been the latest chapter in more than two decades of involvement in soccer in Orange County. The Swiss national who moved to California in the 1990s to play professionally became a key figure in the region’s soccer scene after his playing career ended early due to severe Aplastic Anemia, which saw him undergo a successful bone marrow transplant.

He soon took to coaching, and trying to provide a pathway for players to progress through the ranks. Now with Keston’s purchase of the Blues, the opportunity for the club to introduce not only its own academy system, but also work with already-established local clubs, could provide the framework for soccer in Orange County to reach an even higher level

Almost a year ago, Orange County Blues FC General Manager Oliver Wyss first met the man who would eventually become the club’s owner, James Keston.

It certainly left an impression.

“I was so impressed from the first moment I met him – as everybody is who meets James – at his enthusiasm for the game,” Wyss said recently. “He’s obviously a true fan of the U.S. game and fully committed to the development of the game. It goes without saying that he’s been a very successful businessman with his extensive experience in real estate, but more important than anything else, he is just a fantastic fan, and the enthusiasm and the passion he shows for the game – and especially for the growth of the game from the youngest levels – is remarkable.”

Wyss’ work with the Blues over the past two seasons has been the latest chapter in more than two decades of involvement in soccer in Orange County. The Swiss national who moved to California in the 1990s to play professionally became a key figure in the region’s soccer scene after his playing career ended early due to severe Aplastic Anemia, which saw him undergo a successful bone marrow transplant.

He soon took to coaching, and trying to provide a pathway for players to progress through the ranks. Now with Keston’s purchase of the Blues, the opportunity for the club to introduce not only its own academy system, but also work with already-established local clubs, could provide the framework for soccer in Orange County to reach an even higher level

“This is the first time I can truly say we have a clear leader that can make the only professional club in Orange County something the entire community can be proud of, and wants to be part of,” said Wyss. “James and I, we truly believe that the academy is the future of the club, but we also want to make sure that the players who will come from the local community can identify themselves with our club, and to build strong relationships with the youth clubs that are already out here who have produced and are producing fantastic players. To have them work together with one goal is a very exciting concept.”

As much as Wyss appreciates what Keston will bring to the Blues, Keston respects what Wyss and Technical Director Barry Venison have accomplished since joining the field. Orange County claimed first place in the USL Western Conference regular season a year ago, and remains in playoff contention going into the final game of the regular season this weekend. With that platform in place, Keston is looking forward to building out the club so it will not only compete year-in and year-out in the USL, but also offer a strong platform for young local players to come through the club’s system.

“I think my job in coming on – and why I’m so excited to get involved – is to build out the other side of that franchise and give us the resources and go out and get increasingly better players, and players who are perfectly fit for USL, but to also get involved in the player development side,” said Keston. “Our dream is ultimately to bring players up from our youth academy to play on the OC Blues, and have them represent Orange County. For a local team in a second division professional team, that is ultimately the dream and the goal.”

“This is the first time I can truly say we have a clear leader that can make the only professional club in Orange County something the entire community can be proud of, and wants to be part of,” said Wyss. “James and I, we truly believe that the academy is the future of the club, but we also want to make sure that the players who will come from the local community can identify themselves with our club, and to build strong relationships with the youth clubs that are already out here who have produced and are producing fantastic players. To have them work together with one goal is a very exciting concept.”

As much as Wyss appreciates what Keston will bring to the Blues, Keston respects what Wyss and Technical Director Barry Venison have accomplished since joining the field. Orange County claimed first place in the USL Western Conference regular season a year ago, and remains in playoff contention going into the final game of the regular season this weekend. With that platform in place, Keston is looking forward to building out the club so it will not only compete year-in and year-out in the USL, but also offer a strong platform for young local players to come through the club’s system.

“I think my job in coming on – and why I’m so excited to get involved – is to build out the other side of that franchise and give us the resources and go out and get increasingly better players, and players who are perfectly fit for USL, but to also get involved in the player development side,” said Keston. “Our dream is ultimately to bring players up from our youth academy to play on the OC Blues, and have them represent Orange County. For a local team in a second division professional team, that is ultimately the dream and the goal.”

In addition to the shared vision both Keston and Wyss have on the direction of the club, and the opportunity it will be able to afford young local players, the additional infrastructure and staff that Keston’s investment in the team will also allow the Blues to grow off the field in the local community. For Wyss, that investment will be essential as the Blues look to increase their visibility in Orange County.

“Obviously for James to spend a significant amount of financial resources into bettering our front office is obviously essential for the growth of our club,” Wyss said. “I believe we have done a very good job on the field in the last 20 months to put a top-quality product on the field, and that is due to the relentless work from everybody that’s been at the club. It didn’t matter what title you had in the club, everybody has been fully committed to making this the best on the field, but along with that, as we all know, if you don’t have the proper infrastructure you will never be able to succeed for the long run.”

But with the prospect of new additions to the club’s staff, and the potential in the long run for a permanent home stadium, Wyss is ready to put the wheels in motion to make the Blues the club both he and Keston have envisioned.

In addition to the shared vision both Keston and Wyss have on the direction of the club, and the opportunity it will be able to afford young local players, the additional infrastructure and staff that Keston’s investment in the team will also allow the Blues to grow off the field in the local community. For Wyss, that investment will be essential as the Blues look to increase their visibility in Orange County.

“Obviously for James to spend a significant amount of financial resources into bettering our front office is obviously essential for the growth of our club,” Wyss said. “I believe we have done a very good job on the field in the last 20 months to put a top-quality product on the field, and that is due to the relentless work from everybody that’s been at the club. It didn’t matter what title you had in the club, everybody has been fully committed to making this the best on the field, but along with that, as we all know, if you don’t have the proper infrastructure you will never be able to succeed for the long run.”

But with the prospect of new additions to the club’s staff, and the potential in the long run for a permanent home stadium, Wyss is ready to put the wheels in motion to make the Blues the club both he and Keston have envisioned.

“It’s extremely exciting,” he said. “Anytime when your leader and your new boss shows such enthusiasm and hard work and dedication to build this club with the goal to make it a world-class organization in every aspect, it’s an extremely exciting time.

“I know there is a lot of hard work in front of us, but I know we’re willing and committed to do whatever it takes to give Orange County, its fans, its community, its youth clubs exactly what they deserve, because let’s face it, Orange County is a very soccer-rich community. I think if we can deliver a club that everyone is proud of, and the community can identify with, we have something that will be a very successful club for many years to come.”

“It’s extremely exciting,” he said. “Anytime when your leader and your new boss shows such enthusiasm and hard work and dedication to build this club with the goal to make it a world-class organization in every aspect, it’s an extremely exciting time.

“I know there is a lot of hard work in front of us, but I know we’re willing and committed to do whatever it takes to give Orange County, its fans, its community, its youth clubs exactly what they deserve, because let’s face it, Orange County is a very soccer-rich community. I think if we can deliver a club that everyone is proud of, and the community can identify with, we have something that will be a very successful club for many years to come.”

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League’s Orange County Blues FC, which was founded in 1998 and joined the USL in 2010, has been purchased by James Keston, the Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, a diversified investment company headquartered in Los Angeles.

As part of the ownership transition it was announced that Ali Mansouri, who took ownership of the USL franchise in 2010, will remain as a minority investor.

“We are thrilled to welcome James Keston to the USL and reaffirm one of our key tenets of finding local and committed ownership,” said Alec Papadakis, the Chief Executive Officer of the USL. “James is part of an established Los Angeles family who has passion for soccer and has some very exciting initiatives planned for the team.”

Added Papadakis, “Ali Mansouri gave us a presence in Southern California and served as an anchor franchise for us on the west coast as we built the USL into what it is today. I want to thank Ali for his continued efforts to promote professional soccer in the Orange County market.”

The Blues are currently in ninth place in the 15-team USL Western Conference under the direction of Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss and Head Coach Barry Venison. Orange County finished the 2015 season atop the USL’s Western Conference standings and reached the conference semifinals. The team has played its home games at Anteater Stadium on the campus of the University of California-Irvine since 2014.

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to take control of the OC Blues and transform the club into a world-class professional soccer organization,” said Keston. “This is truly the realization of a lifelong dream. It’s a chance to make the only professional soccer team in Orange County a truly local team focused on the fans, players and youth clubs of Orange County. We will put a winning team on the field full of exciting young talent, initiate a cutting-edge youth development academy and create a fan experience worthy of one of the largest and most dedicated soccer markets in the United States.”

Keston’s plans for the Blues include a complete rebranding of the Orange County team with significant fan input, a dramatically improved game day experience in a new stadium with up to 10,000 seats, a first-class soccer academy for nurturing Orange County’s most talented youth players near their own communities, partnerships with a variety of clubs both domestic and international, and close links between the professional club and the community of Orange County, including fan interaction and charitable activities.

“I am extremely excited to hand over the club that I founded 18 years ago to James,” said Mansouri. “His impressive background speaks for itself, but it is his drive and excitement that give me the utmost confidence of a bright future for the Blues.”

Founded in 1993, LARO Properties specializes in investments in real estate, private equity funds, hedge funds, direct equity investments and publicly traded securities. Prior to his current position, Keston served as Chief Restructuring Officer for Larwin Company, during which he led negotiations with banks and creditors on behalf of the company in successfully resolving a distressed portfolio of over $150 million in outstanding loans.

Prior to his return to Los Angeles, Keston held a number of positions in Washington, D.C., serving in positions with the National Security Division of the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the House International Relations Committee.  

Keston holds an MBA in Finance from New York University's Stern School of Business and a Master’s degree in International History from the London School of Economics. In addition, James is a founding partner of two start-up companies, Quick Flicks, Inc. and Corsair Travel.

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League’s Orange County Blues FC, which was founded in 1998 and joined the USL in 2010, has been purchased by James Keston, the Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, a diversified investment company headquartered in Los Angeles.

As part of the ownership transition it was announced that Ali Mansouri, who took ownership of the USL franchise in 2010, will remain as a minority investor.

“We are thrilled to welcome James Keston to the USL and reaffirm one of our key tenets of finding local and committed ownership,” said Alec Papadakis, the Chief Executive Officer of the USL. “James is part of an established Los Angeles family who has passion for soccer and has some very exciting initiatives planned for the team.”

Added Papadakis, “Ali Mansouri gave us a presence in Southern California and served as an anchor franchise for us on the west coast as we built the USL into what it is today. I want to thank Ali for his continued efforts to promote professional soccer in the Orange County market.”

The Blues are currently in ninth place in the 15-team USL Western Conference under the direction of Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss and Head Coach Barry Venison. Orange County finished the 2015 season atop the USL’s Western Conference standings and reached the conference semifinals. The team has played its home games at Anteater Stadium on the campus of the University of California-Irvine since 2014.

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to take control of the OC Blues and transform the club into a world-class professional soccer organization,” said Keston. “This is truly the realization of a lifelong dream. It’s a chance to make the only professional soccer team in Orange County a truly local team focused on the fans, players and youth clubs of Orange County. We will put a winning team on the field full of exciting young talent, initiate a cutting-edge youth development academy and create a fan experience worthy of one of the largest and most dedicated soccer markets in the United States.”

Keston’s plans for the Blues include a complete rebranding of the Orange County team with significant fan input, a dramatically improved game day experience in a new stadium with up to 10,000 seats, a first-class soccer academy for nurturing Orange County’s most talented youth players near their own communities, partnerships with a variety of clubs both domestic and international, and close links between the professional club and the community of Orange County, including fan interaction and charitable activities.

“I am extremely excited to hand over the club that I founded 18 years ago to James,” said Mansouri. “His impressive background speaks for itself, but it is his drive and excitement that give me the utmost confidence of a bright future for the Blues.”

Founded in 1993, LARO Properties specializes in investments in real estate, private equity funds, hedge funds, direct equity investments and publicly traded securities. Prior to his current position, Keston served as Chief Restructuring Officer for Larwin Company, during which he led negotiations with banks and creditors on behalf of the company in successfully resolving a distressed portfolio of over $150 million in outstanding loans.

Prior to his return to Los Angeles, Keston held a number of positions in Washington, D.C., serving in positions with the National Security Division of the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the House International Relations Committee.  

Keston holds an MBA in Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a Master’s degree in International History from the London School of Economics. In addition, James is a founding partner of two start-up companies, Quick Flicks, Inc. and Corsair Travel.

Orange County Blues FC needed a late miracle to earn the first back-to-back postseason berths in the club’s history, but a season of ups and downs ended on a high note with a second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Semifinals as a penalty shootout win gave the Blues their first USL Cup Playoffs victory in their history.

As well as the side played at times during the season, though, the bigger news for the club was its acquisition by local real estate developer James Keston late in the season, who took over ownership of the club from Ali Mansouri. One of the USL’s original clubs is now poised for major growth off the field starting this offseason, which bodes well for a chance at greater consistency on the field in terms of personnel in 2017 and beyond. 

Orange County Blues FC needed a late miracle to earn the first back-to-back postseason berths in the club’s history, but a season of ups and downs ended on a high note with a second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Semifinals as a penalty shootout win gave the Blues their first USL Cup Playoffs victory in their history.

As well as the side played at times during the season, though, the bigger news for the club was its acquisition by local real estate developer James Keston late in the season, who took over ownership of the club from Ali Mansouri. One of the USL’s original clubs is now poised for major growth off the field starting this offseason, which bodes well for a chance at greater consistency on the field in terms of personnel in 2017 and beyond. 

Record: 12-14-4
Place: Eighth in the Western Conference
Goals For: 39
Goals Against: 41
USL Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Semifinals (W 0-0 (5-4 PKs) at Sacramento Republic FC; L 2-1 at Swope Park Rangers)

2016 leaders: Trevin Caesar (10 goals), Mats Bjurman (4 assists), Roy Meeus (4 assists), Josh Cohen (46 saves)

Record: 12-14-4
Place: Eighth in the Western Conference
Goals For: 39
Goals Against: 41
USL Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Semifinals (W 0-0 (5-4 PKs) at Sacramento Republic FC; L 2-1 at Swope Park Rangers)

2016 leaders: Trevin Caesar (10 goals), Mats Bjurman (4 assists), Roy Meeus (4 assists), Josh Cohen (46 saves)

The Blues brought in a number of new faces to boost their attack, and the addition of Trinidad & Tobago international Trevin Caesar paid off handsomely. With 10 goals, Caesar complemented the continued production of Didier Crettenand, who notched nine, as the Blues got the goals when they needed them to earn a place in the postseason. Meanwhile, Josh Cohen’s second season with the club saw him be called upon in the club’s critical contests, usurping another big offseason signing in 2015 USL Goalkeeper of the Year Brandon Miller in the process. 

The Blues brought in a number of new faces to boost their attack, and the addition of Trinidad & Tobago international Trevin Caesar paid off handsomely. With 10 goals, Caesar complemented the continued production of Didier Crettenand, who notched nine, as the Blues got the goals when they needed them to earn a place in the postseason. Meanwhile, Josh Cohen’s second season with the club saw him be called upon in the club’s critical contests, usurping another big offseason signing in 2015 USL Goalkeeper of the Year Brandon Miller in the process. 

Consistency proved to be an issue throughout the season, as the Blues’ playoff hopes rested on a knife-edge down the stretch. Big wins that appeared to get back on track would be followed by letdowns that saw the side misfire as the side went only 7-6-2 at home. Secondary scoring also proved an issue, with almost half of the club’s goals (39) being scored by either Caesar or Crettenand (19).

Consistency proved to be an issue throughout the season, as the Blues’ playoff hopes rested on a knife-edge down the stretch. Big wins that appeared to get back on track would be followed by letdowns that saw the side misfire as the side went only 7-6-2 at home. Secondary scoring also proved an issue, with almost half of the club’s goals (39) being scored by either Caesar or Crettenand (19).

Trevin Caesar led the Blues with 10 goals as his timing in beating opponents’ back lines paid off regularly, such as in this opening goal in a 2-0 victory against the LA Galaxy II.

Trevin Caesar led the Blues with 10 goals as his timing in beating opponents’ back lines paid off regularly, such as in this opening goal in a 2-0 victory against the LA Galaxy II.

Roy Meeus’ four goals came mostly from the penalty spot, but his ripped finish from the top of the penalty area against San Antonio FC was an indicator of the technique the Belgian defender brought to the Blues.

Roy Meeus’ four goals came mostly from the penalty spot, but his ripped finish from the top of the penalty area against San Antonio FC was an indicator of the technique the Belgian defender brought to the Blues.

Brandon Miller’s anticipation and shot-stopping were on full display in this double-save against the Swope Park Rangers as he bailed out his teammate after a defensive turnover.

Brandon Miller’s anticipation and shot-stopping were on full display in this double-save against the Swope Park Rangers as he bailed out his teammate after a defensive turnover.

Josh Cohen made a number of big saves for the Blues throughout the year, including this outstanding stop on a deflected shot against Colorado Springs in late May.

Josh Cohen made a number of big saves for the Blues throughout the year, including this outstanding stop on a deflected shot against Colorado Springs in late May.

“I know there is a lot of hard work in front of us, but I know we’re willing and committed to do whatever it takes to give Orange County, its fans, its community, its youth clubs exactly what they deserve, because let’s face it, Orange County is a very soccer-rich community. I think if we can deliver a club that everyone is proud of, and the community can identify with, we have something that will be a very successful club for many years to come.” – Orange County Blues FC General Manager Oliver Wyss

“I know there is a lot of hard work in front of us, but I know we’re willing and committed to do whatever it takes to give Orange County, its fans, its community, its youth clubs exactly what they deserve, because let’s face it, Orange County is a very soccer-rich community. I think if we can deliver a club that everyone is proud of, and the community can identify with, we have something that will be a very successful club for many years to come.” – Orange County Blues FC General Manager Oliver Wyss