Alejandro VidalBefore the first goal, before the late winner, before the record crowd knew how the match would end, there was already a feeling inside the stadium that this night meant something much more.
Fans were walking in wearing Orange County Soccer Club jerseys, scarves and team colors. Families were moving around the pregame beer fest. Kids were waiting near the field to get a glimpse of some of the players before the game. Stands were filling fast as kickoff time approached. For this one night, Santa Ana wasn’t just hosting a soccer game, it was hosting a momentous occasion.
Orange County SC’s May 23 match against Oakland Roots SC at Santa Ana Stadium resulted in a 3-2 win for Orange County over Oakland. While winning the game itself was important, the real story was that 7,651 fans made their way to Eddie West Field, making it the highest attended match in club history. It was a monumental night for both the club and the city of Santa Ana where soccer is woven into family, youth sports and Latino culture.
This match was much bigger than a typical league match. OCSC usually plays at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, but the U.S. men’s national team is using the venue as its training facility prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Instead of viewing that situation as an issue, the club decided to take advantage of an opportunity to host professional soccer in another area of Orange County.
For Orange County club president Dan Rutstein, Santa Ana was not a random backup option. It was the first choice.
“In some ways, Santa Ana really is the only choice,” Rutstein said before the match. “It’s a great facility in the heart of a city that loves soccer.”
Soccer is part of the city’s history. Games are played in parks, schools, backyards, streets and even at the carne asada. Many children growing up in Santa Ana do not just watch soccer; they grow up dreaming about playing professional soccer. This added significance to Orange County’s decision to host a professional soccer match within the city of Santa Ana.
Rutstein added that the club wanted the event to provide a link for young players so that they could connect with the professional level of soccer.
That youth impact became one of the most important parts of the night. Throughout the stadium, young fans watched professional players warm up, compete and celebrate only feet away from them.
Orange County head coach Danny Stone noticed those young fans too.
“I saw so many of them out here tonight in the stadium,” Coach Stone said after the game. “For any young player in Santa Ana, we’re so appreciative that they spent the time to come out and watch us.”
Coach Stone’s message to those young players was simple.
“Enjoy it, work hard at it, have a love for the game, keep going with it.”The energy Orange County brought onto the pitch would be something to remember for those fans in attendance.
