Irvine Zeta FC
Full name | Irvine Zeta FC | ||
---|---|---|---|
Nickname(s) | Zeta, IZFC | ||
Founded | 2022 | ||
Stadium | Championship Soccer Stadium Irvine, California | ||
Capacity | 5,000 | ||
Owner | Cary Lyu | ||
League | United Premier Soccer League National Independent Soccer Association | ||
Website | Club website | ||
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Irvine Zeta FC (known as Irvine Zeta FC, IZFC, and Irvine Zeta) is a professional soccer team based in Irvine, California. The club is established and financially backed by Chinese investors. It is the inaugural professional football club bearing the name of the city of Irvine. The club's inception dates to September 2022, when it was founded by Cary Lyu, the founder and chairman.The team currently participates in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) at the Del Real Foods SoCal North Division.
On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC formally announced its membership in the American professional soccer league, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Irvine Zeta FC is set to take the field in the 2024 season as part of this highly competitive league.
IZFC offers a range of programs, encompassing youth interest classes, club teams, and academies.
History[edit]
Zeta FC was established in September 2022 in Irvine, California. Cary Lyu is the founder and president of the club.
Registration to the Professional League[edit]
On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC submitted the application for the 2024 National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).[1] In May, 2022, Zeta FC received NISA's approval.[2]
First Championship[edit]
On June 24, 2023, Irvine Zeta FC played in the 2023 UPSL Spring League Division 1 Tier playoffs and final game in Irvine, California. Zeta FC defeated FC Juarez Academy by 4-1 and won the UPSL league championship. This became the first time a Chinese-funded club won a title in an American league.
Stadium[edit]
Zeta FC shares the Championship Soccer Stadium with other teams in Irvine. The stadium is part of the Great Park Sports Complex in Orange County, California. Built in 2017, the stadium has an overall capacity of 5,000, combines with sports infrastructures such as training fields, a box office, concession areas, etc.[3] Zeta FC will play their home games at the Championship Soccer Stadium during the 2024 NISA season.
Roster[edit]
NO. | Name | Position |
---|---|---|
1 | Braeden Hatt | GK |
4 | Alex Cuwell | CB |
6 | Kristian Colaci | FW |
7 | Papa Faye | FW |
8 | Izzy | CB |
9 | Axel Ponce | CM |
10 | Edson Alvarado | CM |
11 | Danny Moreno | CDM |
16 | Joey Barry | LW |
19 | Miguel Peña | RB |
20 | Zhao Mingxuan | MF |
27 | Edgardo Artero | MF |
28 | Ivan Torres | RB |
30 | Francesco Zanin | GK |
32 | Jesus Vargas | CB |
33 | Brandon Parsio | LB |
34 | Christian Fernandes Fecula | FW |
35 | Tien Cao | FW |
36 | Jake Kemhadjian | RB/FW |
37 | Manuel Aranda | RB |
40 | Jonathan Espada | CAM |
99 | Jake Shepard | GK |
Club Staff[edit]
Name | Position |
---|---|
Cary Lyu | President |
Leo Furquim | Operation Manager |
Ivan Todorovic | Sports Director |
Club Trophies[edit]
Year | League | Title |
---|---|---|
2023 | 2023 UPSL Spring League Division 1 Tier | Champions |
2023 | 2023 Del Real Foods SoCal Regional Cup | Champions |
References[edit]
- ^ "West Coast Club Irvine Zeta FC Submits Application to NISA For 2024 Season". www.nisaofficial.com. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
- ^ "NISA Board Approves West Coast Club Irvine Zeta FC for 2024 Season". www.nisasoccer.com. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
- ^ "Great Park Sports Facilities". 5 July 2017.
- ^ "Zeta FC-478789". Premier. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
- ^ "TEAM". IZFC. Retrieved 2023-09-07.