Orange County SC Announces Friendly with German Side Hamburger SV
September 23, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
Historic German side Hamburg SV are jetting out to Southern California to take on USL Champions Orange County in an exhibition game.
The German second tier side will take on OCSC on November 15, 2022 at Championship Soccer Stadium during their World Cup break.
Hamburger SV plays in the 57,000 seat Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany and the former European champions have featured players such as Franz Beckenbauer, Uwe Seeler and Americans Bobby Wood and Benny Feilhaber.
“Our club’s motto is Community Heart, Global Vision. We have always had international ambitions both through our player pathway and our partners, and hosting Hamburg is the next part of that journey,” OCSC President of Business Operations Dan Rutstein said.
The HSV is one of the oldest clubs in Germany and are known for traditionally playing in their red shorts, leading to the nickname die Rothosen (the Red Pants). Their dinosaur mascot, “Dino Hermann” will travel with the team to Orange County to interact with the younger fans.
“Playing against international opposition just days before the World Cup starts is the right thing to do at the right time. And, of course, having a German-style beer fest is what our fans would want and expect,” Rutstein said. “Hamburg is a fantastic club with a rich history. As well, like us, being a partner club of Rangers.”
Last season, die Rothosen came close to earning promotion back into the Bundesliga. However, after finishing 3rd in 2. Bundesliga they lost their promotion play-off 2-1 on aggregate to Hertha BSC Berlin.
“For HSV, this tour is a very attractive opportunity to represent the DFL, German football and our club internationally and to gain experience,” board member Jonas Boldt said. “The shared experiences and unique days in the USA will also further weld the team together and shorten the long winter break a little.”
They are poised for another bright season, currently sitting top of the table after Matchday 9. HSV boasts the league’s stingiest defense, having conceded just five goals in those nine matches.
“International games, especially versus a historic German Bundesliga team, are always special and it gives our players the opportunity to showcase themselves,” President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss said. “Hamburg, who have won the German Champion six times, has a very strong roster this season and we are looking forward to playing and hosting them in Orange County!”
The match, which kicks off at 7pm, will feature a German Beerfest and a World Cup theme.
Presale tickets will go on sale today, September 23 at 8am PDT for Orange County SC season ticket holders. Tickets to the general public will go on sale at www.ticketmaster.com September 26 at 10am PDT.
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