Irvine Zeta FC
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| 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, symbolizing the city's representation in soccer. The club's inception dates to September 2022, when it was founded by Cary Lyu, the founder and chairman of Zeta Sports Group.The team currently participates in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) at the Del Real Foods SoCal North Division.
Irvine Zeta FC has adhered to professional standards in its management and operations since its inception. A significant milestone in the club's journey occurred on March 16, 2023,when 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, andacademies.
History
Zeta FC was established in September 2022 in Irvine, California. Cary Lyu is the founder and president of the Zeta Sports Group. Zeta FC has been operating according to professional standards.
Inauguration
On September 25, 2022, Zeta FC launched its inauguration ceremony at the Irvine Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California. The ceremony included a welcoming speech, a team culture showcase, and an initiative player tryout. Several relevant members who contributed to Zeta’s establishment were invited to the ceremony, such as Irvine City Councilor Ms. Tammy Kim, Irvine City Councilman Mr. Larry Agran, and LA Galaxy player Douglas Costa[1]. Zeta FC then became a member and competed in the 2023 Spring United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) for the preparation to professional soccer.
Registration to the Professional League
On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC submitted the application for the 2024 National Independent Soccer Association (NISA)[2]. Two month later, in May, 2022, Zeta FC received NISA's approval[3].
First Championship
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[4].
Stadium
Zeta FC shares the Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California with several other soccer teams[5]. The stadium is part of the Great Park Sports Complex in Orange County, California[6]. Built in 2017, the stadium has an overall capacity of 5,000, combines with sports infrastructures and facilities such as training fields, a box office, concession areas, etc[7]. Zeta FC will play their home games at the Championship Soccer Stadium during the 2024 NISA season.
Roster
| 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
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Cary Lyu | President |
| Leo Furquim | Operation Manager |
| Ivan Todorovic | Sports Director |
Club Trophies
| Year | League | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2023 UPSL Spring League Division 1 Tier | Champions |
| 2023 | 2023 Del Real Foods SoCal Regional Cup | Champions |
References
- ↑ "高朋满座！Zeta FC尔湾炫目启航 无人机+Fly Banner震撼全场-ZetaSports". www.zetasports.cn. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "创历史！Zeta FC进军美国职业足球 2024征战NISA联赛-ZetaSports". www.zetasports.cn. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
- ↑ "Orange County Great Park Sports Complex | Enjoy OC". 2018-09-15. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
- ↑ "Orange County Great Park Sports Complex | Enjoy OC". 2018-09-15. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
- ↑ "Great Park Sports Facilities".
- ↑ "Zeta FC-478789". Premier. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
- ↑ "TEAM". IZFC. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
External links
This article "Irvine Zeta FC" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles taken from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be accessed on Wikipedia's Draft Namespace.