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Orange County SC Announces Signing of Joe Amico and Return of Amirgy Pineda

By Orange County SC Communications, 02/16/18, 3:15PM PST

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Irvine, Calif. (February 16, 2018) – Orange County Soccer Club announced the signing of former Swope Park Rangers defender Joe Amico today.  The club further announced that local standout Amirgy “Ami” Pineda will rejoin the club for its 2018 season. 

 

Born in Indianapolois, Amico signed with Swope Park Rangers in 2017 after completing his collegiate career at Jacksonville University.  Prior to signing with Swope Park Rangers, he played with the Premier Development League side Des Moines Menace. 

Amico, 22, began his professional career as a member of the Sporting Kansas City Academy from 2012 – 13.  A freshman at the University of Central Florida, Amico made 15 appearances before transferring to Jacksonville University.  As a senior, he helped the team to their first ASUN Conference Tournament Final in eight years.  He made 50 appearances in three seasons, including 43 starts, adding a goal and an assist. 

Orange County (Santa Ana) native, Amirgy “Ami” Pineda, returns to Orange County SC having made 15 appearances and 9 starts during his first season with the club, recording one assist.  The 21-year-old midfielder made his professional debut for the club on March 25, helping Orange County SC to a 2-0 victory against Reno 1868 FC.  Pineda recorded his first assist against Seattle Sounders FC 2 when he threaded a through ball in behind the S2 defense for Carlos Alvarez to slot home, contributing to a 4-3 win.

A familiar face in Orange County, Pineda was ever present on the youth soccer scene with the Fullerton Rangers, winning two national championships while with the club. Pineda, was also the first American invited to train in the Nike Academy in England.

Orange County SC will host their first pre-season match vs. UC Riverside on Sunday, February 18  then will play host on Wednesday, February 27 vs. Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente (“Xolos”).  The pre-season matches are open to the public, free of charge.  To view a complete schedule and learn more visit orangecountysoccer.com. 

Photo Credit Joe Amico: Nick Smith | Swope Park Rangers

Photo Credit Ami Pineda: Liza Rosales | Liza Rosales Photography

Joe Amico
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 181
Born: 4/17/95
Birthplace: Indianapolis, IN

Amirgy Pineda
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-7
Weight: 150
Born: 3/1/1997
Birthplace: Santa Ana, CA

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