“I'm very happy that Nathan is joining us for the 2020 season,” said OCSC Head Coach, Braeden Cloutier. “He is a player that can equally play on either side of the field. His versatility will be a huge asset for our team this season.”

Smith 24, played youth soccer in the LA Galaxy Youth Academy and attended UCLA from 2013-2015 where he earned Honorable All-Pac-12 honors in his sophomore and junior seasons. In 2016 he joined the LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship and in 2017 he split time between the LA Galaxy in the MLS and Galaxy II where the made 12 appearances and 9 starts in MLS league play. Smith spent 2018 and 2019 with the Portland Timbers 2.

“I’m grateful to be joining a prestigious club with such a talented group of guys,” said Nathan Smith. “I look forward to be playing again in front of my family and the fans in SoCal.”

Smith has over 20 appearances with the U.S. U-20 National Team. In 2011 he competed in the FIFA U-17 World Cup and later helped the team to the 2011 U-17 CONCACAF Championship, where he scored the game-winning goal in the final against Canada.

“We are delighted to add Nathan, a first-class professional to our roster,” said Oliver Wyss President of Soccer Operations. “He is an experienced player and will be a great addition to our backline.”

Smith is eligible to make his OCSC debut when the club opens the season at home on Friday, March, 6th. Per club policy, terms of player contracts with Orange County SC will not be released.