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, symbolizing the city's representation in soccer. The club's inception dates to September 2022, when it was founded by Cary Lyu, the founder and chairman of Zeta Sports Group.The team currently participates in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) at the Del Real Foods SoCal North Division.
Irvine Zeta FC has adhered to professional standards in its management and operations since its inception. A significant milestone in the club's journey occurred on March 16, 2023,when Zeta FC formally announced its membership in the American professional soccer league, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Irvine Zeta FC is set to take the field in the 2024 season as part of this highly competitive league.
IZFC offers a range of programs, encompassing youth interest classes, club teams, andacademies.
==History==
Zeta FC was established in September 2022 in Irvine, California. Cary Lyu is the founder and president of the Zeta Sports Group. Zeta FC has been operating according to professional standards. 
===Inauguration===
On September 25, 2022, Zeta FC launched its inauguration ceremony at the Irvine Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California. The ceremony included a welcoming speech, a team culture showcase, and an initiative player tryout. Several relevant members who contributed to Zeta’s establishment were invited to the ceremony, such as Irvine City Councilor Ms. Tammy Kim, Irvine City Councilman Mr. Larry Agran, and LA Galaxy player Douglas Costa. 
Zeta FC then became a member and competed in the 2023 Spring United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) for the preparation to professional soccer.
===Registration to the Professional League===
On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC submitted the application for the 2024 National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Two month later, 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. 
==Stadium==
Zeta FC shares the Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California with several other soccer teams. 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 and facilities 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 	Braeden Hatt 	GK
4 	Alex Cuwell 	CB
6 	Kristian Colaci 	FW
7 	Papa Faye 	FW
8 	Izzy 	CB
9 	Axel Ponce 	CM
10 	Edson Alvarado 	CM
11 	Danny Moreno 	CDM
16 	Joey Barry 	LW
19 	Miguel Peña 	RB
20 	Zhao Mingxuan 	MF
27 	Edgardo Artero 	MF
28 	Ivan Torres 	RB
30 	Francesco Zanin 	GK
32 	Jesus Vargas 	CB
33 	Brandon Parsio 	LB
34 	Christian Fernandes Fecula	FW
35 	Tien Cao 	FW
36 	Jake Kemhadjian 	RB/FW
37 	Manuel Aranda 	RB
40 	Jonathan Espada 	CAM
99 	Jake Shepard 	GK
==Club Staff==
As of
Name 	Position
Cary Lyu 	President
Leo Furquim 	Operation Manager
Ivan Todorovic	Sports Director
==Club Trophies==
Year	League 	Title
2023	2023 UPSL Spring League Division 1 Tier	Champions
2023	2023 Del Real Foods SoCal Regional Cup 	Champions
Category:Soccer teams
Category:Soccer clubs in California
Category:Football clubs established in 2022