Korede Osundina Signs Professionl Contract with Orange County SC

Korede Osundina Signs First Professional Contract with Orange County SC

Seventeen-year-old Barca Residency Academy forward Korede Osundina has signed a multi-year contract with 2021 USL Championship Winners, Orange County SC (OCSC).

“I’m very excited to have signed my first professional contract, especially with such a well renowned team in the USL Championship, said Osundina. “I’m looking forward to learning from these experienced players and incorporating new things into my development.”

A native of Redmond, Washington, Osundina joined Barca Residency Academy in September of 2020 from his hometown club Crossfire Premier where he spent the previous six seasons. The move allowed Osundina to compete in the MLS Next, the highest level of youth soccer in North America.

“Finally joining our residency program from Crossfire Premier was worth the time and effort,” said Director of Recruiting and Operations, Miha Kline. “We were fortunate to watch him further develop as a player, tap into his enormous potential, and grow into the outstanding young man that he is.”

Osundina helped the Barca Residency Academy U19 team advance to the Round of 16 in the 2021 MLS Next Cup Playoffs after entering the tournament as the undefeated No. 1 seed. This season, he has scored nine goals in nine appearances and was selected to compete in the U17/U19 MLS Next “Best of Match” in December at the MLS Next Fest.

“I am really excited to welcome Korede to the team,” said OCSC Head Coach Richard Chaplow. “He is an exciting young forward with lots of potential and growth in front of him. We look forward to watching him develop with us and to provide him with a platform to showcase his talent”

Before signing his first professional contract with OCSC, Osundina was verbally committed to Ivy League program Cornell University to further his education and soccer career. He will join the three-time USL Championship Western Conference Winners (2015, 2018, 2021) just ahead of the 2022 season.

“Joining the current USL Champions is a testament to Korede’s ability and it is no surprise to us given the level of his performances during his time with our academy that he has landed in such a great environment and top club,” said Academy Director/U19 Head Coach Ged Quinn. “I am sure he will thrive in the culture that Coach Richard and his staff have created in Orange County. This is just the beginning of a very exciting career in the professional game for Korede and we look forward to tracking his success.”

You can catch Osundina and Orange County SC in their 2022 USL Championship season opener versus Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Saturday, March 12 on ESPN+ as they look to defend their title.

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