Irvine Zeta FC

Irvine Zeta FC (known as Irvine Zeta FC, IZFC, and Irvine Zeta) is a professional soccer team based in Irvine, California. The club is established and financially backed by Chinese investors. It is the inaugural professional football club bearing the name of the city of Irvine. The club's inception dates to September 2022, when it was founded by Cary Lyu, the founder and chairman. Later Zeta FC played in the semi-pro UPSL.

Irvine Zeta FC

Full name	Irvine Zeta FC
Nickname(s)	Zeta, IZFC
Founded	2022
Stadium	Championship Soccer Stadium Irvine, California
Capacity	5,000
Owner	Cary Lyu
League	United Premier Soccer League National Independent Soccer Association
Website	https://www.zetafc.com/
Home colours Away colours

On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC formally announced its membership in the American professional soccer league, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Irvine Zeta kicked off its first professional soccer season in May 2024. The team now plays at the NISA Western Conference.

IZFC offers a range of programs, encompassing youth interest classes, club teams, and academies. Its youth department, the Zeta Academy, encompasses various talent side teams and compete in NISA Nation, UPSL, and the SoCal Soccer League for juveniles.

History

Zeta FC was established in September 2022 in Irvine, California. Cary Lyu is the founder and president of the club.

Registration to the professional league

On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC submitted the application for the 2024 National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). In May, 2022, Zeta FC received NISA's approval.

First championship

On June 24, 2023, Irvine Zeta FC played in the 2023 UPSL Spring League Division 1 Tier playoffs and final game in Irvine, California. Zeta FC defeated FC Juarez Academy by 4-1 and won the UPSL league championship. This became the first time a Chinese-funded club won a title in an American league.

U.S. Open Cup

Zetas started its first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup journey with a 1-0 victory against the amateur MesoAmerica FC. The Irvine's team marched on after beating the MLS Next Pro Ventura County FC by 3-0. Irvine Zeta finished the tournament after a 1-2 defeat against the USL Championship powerhouse Monterey Bay FC.

First professional season

Irvine Zeta FC kicked off its first professional season in April 2024. The club competes in the third-division pro league NISA.

The team sits in the Western Conference of the NISA league, with a chance to qualify for the final NISA play offs.

Stadium

Zeta FC shares the Championship Soccer Stadium with other teams in Irvine. The stadium is part of the Great Park Sports Complex in Orange County, California. Built in 2017, the stadium has an overall capacity of 5,000, combines with sports infrastructures such as training fields, a box office, concession areas, etc. Zeta FC will play their home games at the Championship Soccer Stadium during the 2024 NISA season.

Roster

As of

NO.	Name	Position
1	Mitch North	GK
12	Matthew Escareno	GK
30	Jake Hansen	GK
45	Braeden Hatt	GK
4	Aaron Keita	CB
2	Greg Stratton	CB
10	Edson Alvarado	CM
27	Miguel Pena	LB
13	Israel Espinoza	CB
33	Alex Culwell	CB
6	Andrew Kleszewski	CM
27	Edgardo Artero	MF
14	Danny Moreno	CM
3	Joey Ciochetto	CM
8	Jonathan Estrada	CM
11	Shinya Kadono	FW
9	Christian Fernandes Fecula	FW
18	Marcel Salceda	FW
19	George Almeida	FW

Club staff

2024 Season

President	Cary Lyu
General Manager	Leo Furquim
Marketing Manager	Oscar Yu
PR Manager	Monica Lin
Academy Director	Platini Soaf
Administration	Sica Jefferson

Club trophies

Year	League	Title
2023	2023 UPSL Spring League Division 1 Tier	Champions
2023	2023 Del Real Foods SoCal Regional Cup	Champions