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Orange County signs Danish forward Emil Nielsen

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 01/02/23, 1:04PM EST

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29-year-old joins club with more than 200 appearances in the top two flights of Denmark, Norway

IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Monday the club had signed Danish forward Emil Nielsen, pending league and federation approval. Nielsen brings a title-winning pedigree with him to Orange County, having won the Norwegian top-flight championship and the Norwegian Cup with Rosenborg BK in 2015.

“I’m really happy to make the move to Orange County,” Nielsen said. “I can’t wait to get out there and hopefully make a big impact on the team. I have had some great years in Lyngby and thank them for everything, but now I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my career.”

The 29-year-old has made 205 appearances during his career in the Danish First and Second Divisions, as well as the Norwegian First Division. The majority of these appearances have come on the left wing (67) or as a center forward (63).

“Emil has great experience in the top division in Denmark,” said OCSC Sporting Director Peter Nugent. “He is a very dynamic forward and has the ability to play in any position across the frontline. His pace and directness will be a big asset for us this season.”

Nielsen has previously been a league-leading goalscorer once in his career as a member of FC Roskilde. He scored 33 goals in 30 appearances for the Danish Second Division East side during the 2013-14 season. After returning to the club in 2016, Nielsen again lit up the scoreboard in 2019. He scored 20 goals in 29 appearances, good for second in Denmark’s 1. Division.

After his most recent stop at Lyngby BK, Nielsen will head to Championship Soccer Stadium and set up a potential reunion with his fellow countryman, midfielder Daniel Pedersen. The two spent the 2015-16 season together at Danish side AGF.

“We are delighted to add Emil, a top quality forward to our roster,” said OCSC General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss. “Our Danish player signings over the years have been very successful in the league and we are expecting Emil to follow the trend on and off the field.”

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