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OCSC Adds Experienced European Midfielders

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 07/26/17, 5:24PM EDT

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Olijve, Baxendale expected to boost club as it pursues playoff position

IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Wednesday the signings of midfielder Frank Olijve and James Baxendale. Both players bring extensive experience to the club, with Olijve having competed in the Dutch Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie, and Baxendale in the English Championship.

“We are excited to add two high quality players to the group,” said OCSC Head Coach Logan Pause. “We look forward to integrating them quickly and I fully expect them to have a big impact for us.”

Olijve came through the famed AFC Ajax youth academy before he started his professional career with FC Groningen in the Eredivisie. The 28-year-old has made more than 150 professional appearances in his career, with stints at PEC Zwolle – with which he achieved promotion in the 2011-12 season – and FC Emmen following his time at Groningen.

A dynamic midfielder, Olijve will link up with fellow Dutchman Jerry Van Ewijk in the Orange County lineup, with Van Ewujk having previously made the transition from Holland to Orange County earlier this year. 

A former member of the Leeds United FC Academy, Baxendale arrives from Mansfield Town FC of England’s League Two. The 24-year-old turned professional with Doncaster Rovers in 2011 and made his debut in the English Championship at the age of 18 against West Ham United. Baxendale also went on to make 125 appearances for League One side Walsall before joining Mansfield prior to the 2016 season. 

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