IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Friday the club had signed midfielder Tony Rocha as it continues to build its squad ahead of its title defense in the 2022 USL Championship season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Rocha joins Orange County having most recently compete for Major League Soccer’s New York City FC, with which he won the 2021 Audi MLS Cup. The veteran midfielder spent the past three seasons with NYCFC and made 36 appearances for the side across the regular season and playoffs. The 28-year-old Texas native has made 59 appearances in MLS overall in his career, having also competed for Orlando City SC.

“I joined OCSC because of their style of play and winning culture which was evident last year with them lifting the [USL Championship] cup,” Rocha said. “I hope to build on what the team did last year and win the USL Championship again this year.”

Rocha also brings extensive experience in the USL Championship to his new club, having made 60 appearances in the league’s regular season across spells with the Austin Aztex, Orlando City B and Saint Louis FC in his career. He also brings international experience to the side, having made three appearances for Belize since his international debut in 2019 in the Concacaf Nations League.

“I am excited to have a player of Tony’s quality and experience join our team,” said Chaplow. “He will add leadership both on and off the field, while bringing a welcomed balance to the roster. A proven winner, Tony is a player that is comfortable playing both with and without the ball and possesses flexibility to play a number of different positions effectively across the midfield. I am looking forward to integrating him into our setup.”