USL Orange County SC

Former Yeovil Town Defender Albi Skendi Transferred to Orange County SC

Published on March 4, 2022 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


Orange County SC has announced the signing of Albanian national and defender Albi Skendi via transfer from Yeovil Town FC in England, pending league and federation approval. This will be Skendi's first professional experience in the U.S. having already played collegiately in California.

"I cannot wait to start the season," Skendi said. "I get to play for the best team in the league and now live in the most beautiful county in America."

Skendi, 28, spent the previous two seasons in the National League with Yeovil Town FC. He made 75 appearances scoring nine goals across league and FA Cup competitions. In January 2021, Skendi was awarded National League Player of the Month after scoring three goals in four games for Yeovil.

"We are excited to add Albi, an experienced and versatile player to our roster," President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. "Albi has been on our radar for a while now and we are glad he is finally part of Orange County."

Born in Albania, Skendi and his family moved to Greece before establishing themselves in England. It was in England where Skendi got his start on his path to playing professional soccer with semi-professional sides Oxford City FC and Banbury United FC.

Southern California is a familiar place for Skendi. In 2014, he left his adopted home of England to pursue an education in Business Administration on an athletic scholarship with Santa Barbara City College and Marymount California University. After his stint in California and opting to continue his soccer career, Skendi returned to England to join seventh tier side Stratford Town FC which led to a trial and a contract with Yeovil.

"We are happy to have Albi on board," head coach Richard Chaplow said. "He is the right fit for our locker room and brings with him good leadership skills from his time playing in England. Albi is a powerful and mobile player that has the flexibility to play in both the defense and midfield, he will be a big part of what we do this season."

Skendi will be the first Albanian-born player to suit up for OCSC in its history, though he will be classified as a domestic player on the roster due to him holding a green card. His signing brings the total number of countries represented on OCSC's roster to 10 for the 2022 season.

Per club policy, terms of player contracts with OCSC will not be released.

Transaction Details:

Transaction: Orange County SC sign Defender Albi Skendi March 2022

Name: Albi Skendi

Position: Defender

Height: 6' 5"

Weight: 207 lbs

Born: September 26, 1993

Birthplace: Albania

Previous Club: Yeovil Town FC

Social Media: @albiskendi

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