Prior to the ball drop at center pitch against Monterey Bay FC, on Saturday, July 1, Orange County Soccer Club will host its season’s second annual Beer Fest, which coincides with the club’s 10-year anniversary celebration. 

OCSC has called Irvine home since 2013, and plans to recognize the club’s 10 most iconic players and coaches in its decade of play in Irvine. 

Aptly named “Ten Icons of OCSC” the feature will be released during the club’s anniversary home game on July 1, and will focus on highlighting some of the club’s key role players over the past decade.

Oliver Wyss, OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, said the most challenging part of managing a club is finding balance.

“As a club, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of player development in the USL,” Wyss said. “We have definitely set the standard for it, especially when it comes to player transfers into Europe. We have two great partnerships with world renowned clubs that have recognized our professional pathway. The key over the last 10 years has been to find the ideal balance between winning games and developing players, and if other USL clubs emulate our model that is a great compliment to our work and vision.”

Irvine’s orange and black squad had a quick fall from grace, after winning the USL Championship in 2021. Coming off a dismal year in 2022, which was plagued by injuries and smeared with a last place finish, OCSC only managed to win seven of 34 matches, losing 14, and finishing 13 in a draw. 

Now, with a 5-4-8 record, OCSC looks to get back to its championship ways. 

In a statement James Keston, OCSC Owner and CEO, said he remains proud of the accomplishments his club has achieved in its decade in Irvine. 

“I am proud that we have established ourselves as a unique and powerful professional club within the US soccer landscape in an extremely short period of time,” Keston said. “Winning a USL Championship, achieving multiple transfers to Europe and the USL, selling out our stadium consistently and representing the county with pride.”

OCSC’s “Start of Summer Beer Fest” will feature nearly a dozen local breweries offering tastings of more than 50 different beers in front of Championship Stadium inside the Great Park. Beer Fest doors open at 5 p.m., with a VIP option starting at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $20. VIP tickets are $55. 

Championship Soccer Stadium is located at 8272 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618

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