Orange County SC announced this morning the signing of FC Viktoria Köln forward, Kevin Lankford on a loan that will last through the remainder of the 2023 season, pending league approval. The team also hold an option to buy for the 2024 season, meaning if the rest of the season goes well enough, we could see Lankford stay in the OC a while.
Back and better than ever 🤩
Come party with us at The Champ this Saturday as the boys return home for #OCvNM.
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— Orange County SC (@orangecountysc) July 24, 2023
“I am really happy to finally be here in Orange County and play for a top USL Championship club,” Lankford said in a statement. “I can’t wait to play my first game and hopefully have an immediate impact for the team!” Lankford, a 24-year-old native of Heidenheim, Germany, has made over 100 appearances across the 2. Bundesliga and third division in Germany and has totalled 16 goals and 21 assists in his professional career to this point. He also made three appearances at the U-20 level for the United States Youth National Team, scoring one goal at the 2016 COTIF Tournament in Spain.
“We are excited to add Kevin, an experienced and very dynamic forward for the remainder of the season,” OCSC General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said in a statement. “Kevin can play anywhere up front and he is joining us at the right time as we are pushing for the playoffs and beyond!”
Orange County currently hold the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, with 13 matches left in the season. The team has won four of their last five matches, so bolstering the attack with a player like Lankford could be what the team needs to finish the season strong, possibly secure a better seed, and kickoff as possible championship run for their second title ever.
Thoughts on the new signing? Leave a comment below!