IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Thursday the club had signed 2024 USL League One Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner Lyam MacKinnon ahead of the upcoming USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

MacKinnon joins Orange County after starring for Greenville Triumph SC in USL League One over the past two seasons. The 25-year-old recorded 16 goals in the 2024 regular season to claim the Golden Boot and Player of the Year honors as he led the Triumph to the postseason for a sixth consecutive season.

“Lyam had an exceptional season last year, winning both the Golden Boot and Player of the Year honors in USL League One. We’re thrilled to add him to our squad as a key player for this season said Peter Nugent, OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager. “Our goal is to provide him with the platform to continue his development and showcase his talent in the USL Championship, just as we’ve done for past players who have successfully made the jump to the next level. We’re excited to help Lyam pursue that same path.”

A native of Lausanne, Switzerland, MacKinnon entered the professional ranks with Greenville. He recorded 24 goals and nine assists in 53 appearances across the League One regular season and playoffs for Triumph, averaging a goal every 142.1 minutes while posting a shot conversion rate of 23.3 percent. MacKinnon also recorded four goals and one assist in the 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup.

Prior to his time in Greenville, MacKinnon was selected with the 84th pick of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Nashville SC. Before turning professional, MacKinnon played his youth career with his hometown club Lausanne Sport. MacKinnon spent three years as a starter at Villanova where he made 56 appearances, scoring 17 goals and tallying 14 assists.

“I am really excited to be part of Orange County SC, a club that has a rich history and a lot of ambition,” said MacKinnon. “I am looking forward to being part of this club that has a great connection with its fans and hope to contribute to winning more trophies here in 2025!”