
Orange County SC Announces the Return of the Starting Back Line for 2024
December 6, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC is pleased to announce the return of goalkeeper Colin Shutler and defenders Ryan Doghman, Owen Lambe, Markus Nakkim and Dillon Powers for the 2024 season. This unit was one of the best in the USL in 2023, ranking in the top five in shutouts (11) and goals allowed (39). When all five were on the field at the same time, they allowed just 17 goals in 20 matches, good for a 14-4-2 record.
Shutler, who has signed a new contract for the 2024 season, started in 23 matches in all competitions in 2023, and allowed just 21 goals. The Middleburg, VA native recorded a regular season Goals Allowed Average of 0.90, which was good for second in the league. He was also ranked fourth in save percentage last season (74.3%). Including the postseason, he recorded a 16-5-2 record and kept 11 clean sheets. In a partial season last year, Shutler's 10 regular season clean sheets were just one behind former goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky for most in a single season. He is also approaching Rakovsky's all-time club record in clean sheets and wins.
One of OCSC's many new faces in 2023, Doghman appeared in 32 of OCSC's 34 regular season matches, as well as two matches in both the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the USL-C playoffs. He was credited with one goal and four assists in 2023. The Oslo, Norway native ranked second on the team in crosses (83) and was top five in chances created (28).
After returning from a preseason injury, Lambe became a mainstay at right back for OCSC in 2023 and had his contract option exercised for 2024. The former Cal State Fullerton Titan tallied two goals and two assists across 25 appearances in all competitions in his first season for the Black and Orange. He ranked top five in tackles won and also was heavily involved getting forward, leading the team in crosses (121), chances created (43) and key passes (41).
The captain, Markus Nakkim, remains under contract with OCSC for the 2024 season, after an impressive 2023 season in the middle of the park. The vocal leader of his squad, the Norwegian also led by example on the pitch, leading OCSC in most defensive statistical categories including: clearances (138), blocks (32), and aerial duels won (97). He also chipped in two goals, including one off a free kick.
The newest addition to the Black and Orange backline, Powers made the switch from midfield to center back midseason in 2023, and shone in his new role. The 2021 champ first slotted in alongside Nakkim in an emergency center back role, but stayed there after a string of strong performances. Despite playing less games at the back, Powers ranked second only to Nakkim in clearances (98), blocks (17), and aerial duels won (60). He ultimately appeared in 34 matches across all competitions and has agreed to a new contract for 2024.
Stay tuned to orangecountysoccer.com and our social media channels for more player announcements to follow! Don't forget, the best way to catch Colin, Ryan, Owen, Markus and Dillon in 2024 is with a 2024 Season Ticket! Purchase your season ticket and secure your seats at the lowest price and enjoy exclusive benefits today at orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from December 6, 2023
- Republic FC Signs Defender Jonathan Ricketts Ahead of 2024 Season - Sacramento Republic FC
- Phoenix Rising FC Joins Coachella Valley Invitational - Phoenix Rising FC
- Orange County SC Announces the Return of the Starting Back Line for 2024 - Orange County SC
- MBFC Signs 18-Year-Old Former SD Midfielder Xavi Gnaulati - Monterey Bay FC
- Miami FC Announces Acquisition of Samuel Biek - Miami FC
- Carvana and Phoenix Rising FC Ink Multi-Year Commitment, Extending Their Winning Streak for a Seventh Season and Beyond - Phoenix Rising FC
- North Carolina FC Announces Returning Players for 2024 - North Carolina FC
- Loudoun United FC Re-Sign Defender Yanis Leerman - Loudoun United FC
- Star Striker Harris Re-Signs with LouCity on Multi-Year Contract - Louisville City FC
- Leland Archer Re-Signed by Charleston Battery to Multi-Year Contract - Charleston Battery
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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