Irvine Zeta FC

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Irvine Zeta FC
logo Irvine Zeta FC.svg
logo
Full nameIrvine Zeta FC
Nickname(s)Zeta, IZFC
Founded2022
Stadium Championship Soccer Stadium
Irvine, California
Capacity5,000
OwnerCary Lyu
League United Premier Soccer League
National Independent Soccer Association
Website Club website

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. Later Zeta FC played in the semi-pro UPSL.

Contents

On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC formally announced its membership in the American professional soccer league, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Irvine Zeta kicked off its first professional soccer season in May 2024. The team now plays at the NISA Western Conference. [1]

IZFC offers a range of programs, encompassing youth interest classes, club teams, and academies. Its youth department, the Zeta Academy, encompasses various talent side teams and compete in NISA Nation, UPSL, and the SoCal Soccer League for juveniles.

History

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

On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC submitted the application for the 2024 National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). [2] 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.

Irvine Zeta at its first Open Cup game/first professional game against MesoAmerica FC. Zeta vs. MesoAmerica FC.jpg
Irvine Zeta at its first Open Cup game/first professional game against MesoAmerica FC.

U.S. Open Cup

Zeta's Open Cup game against Monterey Bay FC. 4J5A1817.jpg
Zeta's Open Cup game against Monterey Bay FC.

Zetas started its first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup journey with a 1-0 victory against the amateur MesoAmerica FC. The Irvine's team marched on after beating the MLS Next Pro Ventura County FC by 3-0. Irvine Zeta finished the tournament after a 1-2 defeat against the USL Championship powerhouse Monterey Bay FC.

First professional season

Irvine Zeta FC kicked off its first professional season in April 2024. The club competes in the third-division pro league NISA.

The team sits in the Western Conference of the NISA league, with a chance to qualify for the final NISA play offs.

Stadium

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. [4] Zeta FC will play their home games at the Championship Soccer Stadium during the 2024 NISA season.

Roster

As of [5]
NO.NamePosition
1 Mitch North GK
12Matthew Escareno GK
30Jake Hansen GK
45Braeden Hatt GK
4Aaron Keita CB
2Greg Stratton CB
10 Edson Alvarado CM
27Miguel Pena LB
13Israel Espinoza CB
33Alex Culwell CB
6Andrew Kleszewski CM
27Edgardo Artero MF
14Danny Moreno CM
3Joey Ciochetto CM
8Jonathan Estrada CM
11 Shinya Kadono FW
9Christian Fernandes Fecula FW
18Marcel Salceda FW
19George Almeida FW

Club staff

2024 Season
PresidentCary Lyu
General ManagerLeo Furquim
Marketing ManagerOscar Yu
PR ManagerMonica Lin
Academy DirectorPlatini Soaf
AdministrationSica Jefferson

Club trophies

Year League Title
2023 2023 UPSL Spring League Division 1 Tier Champions
2023 2023 Del Real Foods SoCal Regional Cup Champions

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References

  1. ↑ "Home | National Independent Soccer Association". nisaofficial.com. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  2. ↑ "West Coast Club Irvine Zeta FC Submits Application to NISA For 2024 Season". www.nisaofficial.com. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  3. ↑ "NISA Board Approves West Coast Club Irvine Zeta FC for 2024 Season". www.nisasoccer.com. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  4. ↑ "Great Park Sports Facilities". 5 July 2017.
  5. ↑ "Team-Zeta FC". Zeta FC. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
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