IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Wednesday the club had signed forward Christian Sorto ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The El Salvador international becomes the fourth forward the Black and Orange have added this offseason. The 23-year-old most recently played for fellow USL Championship club Miami FC, where he made 61 appearances across all competitions over the past two seasons and recorded eight goals and three assists.

“I’m very excited to be joining OCSC, a club with high expectations and a winning mindset,” said Sorto. “I can’t wait to get started and help the team win!”

Sorto has spent five seasons in the Championship, beginning his career with Loudoun United FC midway through the 2019 season. He then joined Rio Grande Valley FC in 2021, where he recorded three goals and seven assists in helping the Toros reach the USL Championship Playoffs. Overall, he has recorded 13 goals and 13 assists in 108 appearances, logging 5,785 minutes in the regular season and playoffs.

“We are delighted to welcome Christian, he is an exciting and dynamic forward who can operate in a number of positions across the front line,” said OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Peter Nugent. “Despite his young age he has already amassed over 100 appearances within the USL Championship. His experience and versatility will be a valuable asset for us this season.”

Analysis

Christian Sorto’s top-line numbers won’t immediately blow you away – he has averaged a goal contribution every 222.5 minutes in the Championship – but his move to Orange County feels like an ideal fit for the versatile forward to come into his own. Predominantly a left-sided player, he was a key piece for Rio Grande Valley FC in the 2021 season and could have had more goals if not for inconsistency in his finishing that season.

As it is, he’s a 23-year-old who still has upside that can provide service for No. 9 Thomas Amang while also having the ability to finish chances when offered. His 13 goals have come on an Expected Goals mark of 12.36. and with some better fortune and consistent playing time he could deliver a breakout campaign.