January 24, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC has announced the signing of 17-year-old forward Oluwakorede ‘Korede’ David Osundina from the Barcelona Residency Academy USA to a multi-year contract, pending league and federation approval. Osundina spent the previous two years training, living and competing at Barça’s top and only international residential academy located in Casa Grande, AZ.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity of joining this successful club,” Osundina said. “I’m looking forward to giving my all in contributing to the squad as well as furthering my development as a young professional soccer player.”
With Barça Residency Academy, he played for the U19 MLS Next team that advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2021 MLS Next Cup after entering the tournament as the undefeated No.1 seed. At the 2021 MLS Next Fest Showcase, Osundina represented his club at the MLS Next West squad in the U17/U19 Best of Match.
“We are very excited to add Korede, a top US soccer prospect to our roster,” President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. “Korede’s pure talent is off the charts, but he also possesses a remarkable maturity for his age. Korede will continue to maximize his development in our proven professional environment, and we know for a fact that he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
According to the Top Drawer Soccer rankings, Osundina slotted in at No.7 in the Rocky Mountains and Southwest Regional classification, No.11 for forwards and No.66 in the IMG Academy 150. In addition, Barça’s U19 MLS Next team enjoyed a top two position in Top Drawer Soccer Club Soccer Team rankings over the past three months.
“I am really excited to welcome Korede to the team,” Head Coach Richard Chaplow said. “He is an exciting young forward with lots of potential and growth in front of him. We look forward to watching him develop with us and to provide him with a platform to showcase his talent”
Prior to transferring to Barça Residency Academy, Osundina played for Crossfire Premier Soccer Club based in Redmond, WA. He played for the club from his U10 days and worked his way up through the club’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams. At the time, the club was affiliated with Italian giants AS Roma.
Born in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, IL, Osundina has frequently featured for the United States Youth National Teams starting at the U15 level in international competition and training camps. Along with being a top prospect for the US Men’s National Team, Osundina is also eligible to represent Nigeria in international competition.
Before inking his first professional contract with OCSC, Osundina was verbally committed to Ivy League program Cornell University to continue his education and further his playing career. The forward joins defender Kobi Henry and midfielder Francis Jacobs as developing central figures in OCSC’s Pathway to Professional program.
Transaction: Orange County SC sign Forward Oluwakorede David Osundina January 2022
Name: Korede Osundina (Kor-Ray-DE Ocean-Dean-a)
Position: Forward
Height: 6′ 0″
Weight: 165 lbs
Born: February 13 2004
Birthplace: Naperville IL
Social Media: @korede.osundina
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