IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Tuesday the club had signed defender Nicola Ciotta to his first professional contract. The transaction was completed prior to the USL Championship Roster Freeze on Monday, Sept. 8.

The San Diego native, who holds an Italian passport, is the latest player to graduate from OCSC Academy’s having previously made 10 appearances for the club across all competitions as a USL Academy signing this season.

“We’re extremely proud of Nicola’s growth through our Academy program. He has fully earned this opportunity to sign his first professional contract, and we’re excited to support him as he continues his development with us.” said OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Peter Nugent.

Ciotta joined OCSCII in June 2025 and quickly established himself as a standout right back, showcasing his defensive strength and ability to get forward. He made his professional debut against Monterey Bay F.C. earlier this year and was named Man of the Match for his performance in the club’s USL Jägermeister Cup win against Sacramento Republic FC on June 28.

“I’m incredibly grateful to sign my first professional contract with Orange County SC,” Said Ciotta.  “This journey has taken a lot of hard work, patience, and support from the people around me. I’m thankful for my coaches and teammates who push me every day, who believed in me, and who helped me get to this point.

“But this is just the beginning. I’ll continue to learn and grow as a player and teammate, while working toward my dream of playing in Europe and one day representing my national team. Hard work and trusting the process have gotten me here, and I know the next steps will take me even further.”

Since joining the First Team, Ciotta has started in six of his 10 appearances, logging more than 500 minutes this season. He becomes the second OCSCII player, alongside Ashton Miles, to earn a professional contract with the First Team.

Before joining OCSCII, Ciotta developed with San Diego Nomads SC in MLS Next and San Diego Surf. In 2023, while playing for Nomads, he earned a trial with Italian Serie B club Modena, further underscoring his potential.