Orange County SC Announces Two Roster Additions
Orange County SC has announced the signing of Liam Trotter and Jerry Van Wolfgang for the 2019 USL campaign.
Liam Trotter is an English midfielder who played for Millwall FC and Bolton Wanderers FC in the English Championship. Jerry Van Wolfgang is a Dutch forward who played for the Netherlands U17 team, including three matches at the 2009 UEFA European U17 Championship.
USL Soccer News: Orange County SC continues to fill its 2019 United Soccer League (USL) roster ahead of the upcoming campaign that kicks off in two weeks. OCSC announced the signing of English midfielder Liam Trotter on Tuesday as well as the return of Dutch forward Jerry Van Wolfgang in recent weeks.
Trotter is an experienced midfielder who joins the club with nearly 200 appearances in the English Championship.
“I’m really happy to be joining the club,” said Trotter. “It’s an exciting new challenge and an opportunity for me to experience soccer and life in a new country. I can’t wait to get started and to be part of the progression and growth of OCSC.”
The 30-year-old began his professional career with Ipswich Town in the English Championship and made 26 appearances for his hometown club. Following a number of loan moves, he signed for Millwall FC in the English Championship.
During his four years with the club, the 6’3″ midfielder made 163 appearances for the Lions, scoring 26 goals and recording 25 assists. During this period, he led Millwall to a memorable F.A. Cup run in 2013 where they were semifinalists. The club defeated Premier League opposition along the way with a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa. Millwall then lost to eventual winners Wigan Athletic FC at Wembley.
“I am extremely happy that we have come to an agreement with Liam,” said Braeden Cloutier, OCSC head coach. “This offseason we knew we needed someone of his stature in our team. He has the power and presence that we’ve been looking for. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to our team.”
In 2014, Trotter moved to Bolton Wanderers FC where he spent three years and recorded six goals in over 70 appearances for the club. He was awarded Bolton Wanderer’s 2014 Goal of the Season winner with a stunning 35-yard volley against Sheffield FC.
“We are very excited to add a player of Liam’s pedigree to our roster,” said Oliver Wyss, OCSC General Manager. “He has a wealth of experience in the English Championship and his leadership qualities along with his technical ability will have a significant impact on and off the field!”
Following a loan spell at Nottingham Forrest FC, Trotter joined EFL League One side AFC Wimbledon in 2017. He played alongside fellow OCSC forward Harry Forrester.
Van Wolfgang, a forward from the Netherlands, returns to OCSC for the 2019 campaign after suiting up for Reno 1868 FC (USL) in 2018. The 25-year-old scored nine goals in all competitions during 2018.
“I couldn’t be happier that Jerry has decided to return to Orange County,” said Cloutier. “Jerry is a player that I had a big part in bringing to America two years ago, and I feel he fits perfectly with our style and system of play we have now implemented here in Orange County.”
Van Wolfgang spent eight years of his youth career with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands before spending a majority of his adult career with first and second division Dutch clubs.
“It’s great to be back in Orange County,” said Van Wolfgang. “I am looking forward to seeing the great fans again at the stadium for an exciting season as we strive to win a USL championship!”
Orange County SC kicks off the 2019 USL campaign on the road versus Reno 1868 FC on Saturday, March 9, at 2:00 p.m. PT. The match will be hosted at Greater Nevada Stadium.
OCSC will host its first home match versus Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday, March 16, at 7:00 p.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased here.
