IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Friday the club had signed defender Nico Benalcazar ahead of the upcoming 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Benalcazar joins OCSC having spent the past campaign with FC Cincinnati 2 of MLS NEXT Pro. The 23-year-old center back made 24 appearances for the side, logging a pair of goals while also recording 24 interceptions, 126 recoveries and winning 53.3 percent of duels.

“Nico is a highly versatile player, equally adept at both center back and midfield, making him an important asset to the squad,” said OCSC President of Soccer Operations & General Manager Peter Nugent. “His composure on the ball, combined with his excellent technical ability, were key qualities we sought to strengthen the team with this season.”

A native of Wilton, Conn., Benalcazar spent his youth career in the New York City FC academy. In that time he made three appearances in the United States youth national team program up to the U-20 level. He went on to play college soccer at Wake Forest University before signing a Homegrown Player contract with NYCFC in 2022.

Benalcazar made his First Team debut for NYCFC on July 1, 2023, vs Club de Foot Montreal in a 1–0 win, while also making 33 appearances for New York City FC II over two seasons in MLS NEXT Pro.

“I am extremely excited to continue playing soccer, the sport I’ve loved since I was a kid,” said Benalcazar. “I hope to accomplish many things in OC, from showing others what I am capable of at any level and as a team, I would like to win as many trophies as possible.”