If you want to watch one of soccer’s brightest young stars in action right here in Irvine, head over to the Orange County Great Park.
Orange County Soccer Club midfielder Francis Jacobs was the youngest soccer player to turn pro in U.S. history. After playing for local club Irvine Strikers, Jacobs signed a professional contract with the Orange County SC on Aug. 12, 2019, at 14 years, 4 months and 29 days old.
He beat the famous prodigy Freddy Adu, who signed with DC United in 2003, by a few weeks.
OCSC will welcome back home fans at the Great Park’s Championship Soccer Stadium for the first time in over a year on May 22 against Sacramento Republic FC.
“We are very excited to get back on the field,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss says. “In your backyard, we have one of the most beautiful soccer stadiums and a team of professional players who play at the highest level and some of the best young talent. It’s a great way to spend time with your family at very affordable prices.”
OCSC is part of the United Soccer League, which consists of 35 teams across the U.S. and is the fastest-growing Division II professional soccer league in the world.
Capacity at the stadium will be limited to 33% initially, Wyss says.
“We obviously feel strongly about the safety of our fans and players, and that comes first,” he says.
Jacobs has earned call-ups with the U.S. Under-14 National Team and the 2018 U.S. Junior National Team camp.
All of the games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
For tickets, promotions and more information, visit orangecountysoccer.com.
