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USL Orange County SC

Orange County SC Signs Three Southern California Players to USL Academy Contracts

April 21, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


Orange County SC has announced the signings of goalkeeper Juan Santana, midfielders Sunheon 'Solomon' Hwang and Jonathan Gomez to USL Academy contracts for the 2022 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.

With the Academy contracts, the players can make their professional debuts with the senior team and play for OCSC II in the USL Academy League all while maintaining college eligibility.

"We are delighted to sign Juan, Solomon and Jonathan to USL Academy contracts which are a critical component of our path to pro structure at OCSC," President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. "The players have been training regularly with our senior team and have impressed the coaching staff with their talent and commitment. We are looking forward to further their development in our professional structure and seeing them perform on our reserve and senior team"

The 17-year-old Santana is a native of Corona, CA and has been involved with OCSC's youth system since the 2021 season. Santana plays for West Coast FC and is mentored by OCSC goalkeeper coach Victor Nogueira.

"Signing with OCSC means a lot to me as everything has paid off since I started with the club and that the coaches have seen me improve enough to offer me a contract," Santana said. "Coach Paul [Hardyman] and Didier [Crettenand] along with all the OCSC coaches have taught me to become a better player and person and I hope everything goes up from here."

Hwang, 15, trained and played in scrimmages with OCSC II during the 2021 USL season. He also saw action in the 2021 USL Academy Cup in Tampa, FL alongside current OCSC defender Kobi Henry. From Irvine, CA, Hwang plays for West Coast FC and for Crean Lutheran High School. He was also the recipient of the first-ever USL educational scholarship from Bellevue University.

"I have been playing with OCSC for the past couple years and I have enjoyed my time with all the coaches as they have helped me to get better," Hwang said. "From being at the Academy Cup to training with the first team, all the work that I have put in for this has developed me into a better player."

To round out the signings, the 16-year-old Gomez will be joining OCSC after previously being a part of San Diego Loyal SC's youth system. Hailing from San Diego, CA, the young midfielder plays youth club soccer for San Diego Surf SC.

"I like the structure that they have here at Orange County and the staff, who I thank because they have all been helping me to get to the next level," Gomez said. "I am super grateful and excited to start."

The three Southern California teenagers are the next class of young talent to be a part of OCSC's pathway to professional. They follow other OCSC youth products, such as Henry, to take the next steps to achieve their professional aspirations under the guidance of OCSC's coaching staff.

OCSC II begins action in the summer where they will be competing in the Southwest Division of the USL Academy League. Beforehand, OCSC II is holding open tryouts on Monday, May 24 at the Orange County Great Park for players between the ages of 15 to 18.

Per club policy, the terms of the contract will not be made public.

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