Orange County Awarded Team From National Adult Soccer League

LAKE FOREST, CA — Are you raising soccer fans in your home? If so, the whole of Orange County has exciting news from the North American Soccer League. A new, west coast NASL expansion team will play starting spring, 2018 at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Stadium in Orange County, according to recent release.

The team will be the ninth, and second in California, in the Division II league that began play in 2011 and carries the name of the league that played from 1968-84.

"It's important for us to have a significant presence on the West Coast, and we're fortunate to have the right owner bringing NASL energy and excitement to an area that is, without question, a hotbed for soccer," NASL interim Commissioner Rishi Sehgal said.

The team will be owned by Pete Capriotti, the owner of Cotti Foods, which operates 177 Taco Bell, Wendy's and Pieology restaurants nationwide.

"I'm a big fan and supporter of local, grassroots soccer and that's what this club will represent," Capriotti said.
"It will unite a base of soccer fans who are passionate about the quality of play and experiencing something fun and entertaining."

The club is considering several names in advance of its public launch in June, according to Neal Malone, the league's director of public relations.

"Pete is an extremely successful entrepreneur and we certainly look forward to having his knowledge and expertise in the board room as we continue to expand and evolve as a league," Malone said.

The field and stadium at Cal State Fullerton, consists of a 10,000-seat, natural-grass facility located on the campus. The soccer-specific stadium, which has a successful history of hosting professional clubs and top international friendlies, features seating that is close to the field, allowing fans to sit right on top of the action according to the NASL spokesperson.

“When I decided I wanted to become an owner, the NASL business model was the only one that appealed to me,” Capriotti said. “I like the freedom the NASL gives each club, and the fact that each club owns its player registrations. Overall, I was really impressed with the way the NASL approached our conversations and the amount of detail and overall care they dedicated to the process.”

The NASL, which is currently seven weeks into its 2017 Spring Season, can be seen nationally on a weekly basis through its broadcast partnerships with beIN SPORTS and ESPN.

For broadcast listings or general information on the league, visit www.NASL.com

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