“Diego is a special player to me personally having worked with him for a few years when he was 11-12 years old. I couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to work with him again! Diego is a big strong center forward who can score goals & hold the ball up. I believe he has all the raw attributes to play at the next level and the structure we have created will give him an excellent platform to develop and reach his full potential.” said OCSC Head Coach, Braeden Cloutier.

Lopez signed his first professional contract with Atlanta United 2 in January of last year and went on to make his debut for the club against Bethlehem Steel later that year. Lopez now returns to his native SoCal and is eligible to play this weekend against Rio Grande Valley FC and will look to play a role in the clubs’ 2019 USL Championship Playoff push.

“We are thrilled to bring Diego back to Southern California and to have him part of our team”, said OCSC President of Soccer Operations, Oliver Wyss. “He is a local player who has the talent, passion and work ethic to excel in our professional environment. Diego adds to our exciting group of US Youth Internationals who have already signed at OCSC. This move further shows our total commitment to developing and preparing top prospects for the next level!”

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