OCSC adds former Galaxy forward Chandler Hoffman and plans to resume season without fans

Chandler Hoffman (right) joins the OCSC for the rest of the season. (Photo courtesy OC Soccer Club)

Orange County SC officials announced Friday the arrival of former LA Galaxy forward Chandler Hoffman, pending league and federation approval. He joins the club on loan from USL club Birmingham Legion FC for the remainder of the 2020 season.

The team is scheduled to resume play on Thursday, July 16 at the Great Park vs. Phoenix Rising FC. No fans will be allowed to attend due to health and safety restrictions pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We will resume the season on July 16th at home without fans, although we are optimistic that we will be able to welcome fans back to Championship Soccer Stadium at some point this season,” said Chad Romiti, public relations director.

“We just returned to full practice this week under strict protocols that have been approved by the Orange County Health Department, City of Irvine and the league.”

Team officials said they are excited about the addition of Hoffman.

“We are thrilled to add Chandler, a first-class professional to our talented roster,” said OCSC President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss. “Chandler is one of the best natural goal scorers this league has seen and we expect him to have a significant impact on our team.”

The Birmingham, Alabama native made 17 appearances with Birmingham in 2019 with four goals, after joining Legion FC as the club’s first-ever signing in August 2018. Hoffman is yet to make an appearance in 2020 due to the temporary suspension of play.

“I’m very excited that we have added Chandler to our roster,” said OCSC Coach Braeden Cloutier. “He is a proven goal scorer and will complement the players that we already have.”

Hoffman played college soccer at UCLA from 2009 to 2011 and was the 13th player picked in the MLS SuperDraft in 2012. He joined the LA Galaxy in 2013 and was a member of the LA Galaxy’s MLS Cup winner in 2014. Hoffman played for a number of MLS clubs prior to joining the USL in 2015. He has played for Louisville City, Real Monarchs and Birmingham in the USL Championship. 

“I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to get back on the field,” said Chandler Hoffman. “I cannot wait to join the group and get to work.”

In 2018, Hoffman scored his 50th goal in his 100th USL game, making him the fastest player in USL history to reach that milestone. He is currently No. 3 on the USL list of all-time scorers.

Per club policy, terms of player contracts with Orange County SC will not be released.