After a positive 2019 season, Kevin Coleman is excited to return to Orange County SC for 2020.

In sports, music, and everything in between, there’s always a rivalry or comparison between the West Coast and the East Coast. Fairfax, Virginia native Kevin Coleman has decided on his ocean preference as he returns to Orange County SC for a second season. He told BGN, “California love. It’s definitely a different vibe out here I love it. I definitely prefer the Pacific!”

Despite preferring the ocean out west, a major step in his career began near the Atlantic. As a teenager, Kevin Coleman was able to play for the U.S. U-17 Residency team in Florida. There, he played with teammates like Christian Pulisic, Haji Wright, and Weston McKennie. “My best memory is winning the Nike Friendlies my first year at the residency with the USMNT in 2013,” he recalled.

He followed up on that success by going to Germany to play for the 1. FC Kaiserslautern Academy and SpVgg Bayreuth. Discussing what he learned in Germany, he said, “Honestly can say being a better competitor. Wanting to compete day in & day out to be the best footballer you can be.”

Now, he’s a 21-year-old explosive player out wide. He feels his game somewhat resembles Ousmane Dembele and describes himself as a “skillful, creative winger who is most effective in 1-v-1 situations.”

In 2019, Coleman played in 13 matches, 12 of those appearances coming off the bench. In less than 300 minutes of action in the USL Championship, he was able to register two assists, six key passes, and a match-winning goal vs. Tulsa. To prepare for this season, he said he “worked on getting a bit stronger mentally and physically and staying fit.” He wants to help the team win in any way he can. “Whether that’s me scoring goals or assisting my teammates,” Coleman added.

A stoppage time goal from @KevinColeman10 for the W! 💪⁣⁣⁣ pic.twitter.com/SGRXE6D1ar — Orange County SC (@orangecountysc) September 22, 2019

With former USL MVP Sean Okoli and former OC star Thomas Enevoldsen returning to the attacking group, Kevin Coleman should have plenty of chances to set up his teammates or find the net himself, either off the bench or as a starting winger. Orange County SC’s season gets underway in the first action of the USL Championship campaign as they host El Paso Locomotive FC at Championship Soccer Stadium at Great Park.