December 6, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC is pleased to announce the return of goalkeeper Colin Shutler and defenders Ryan Doghman, Owen Lambe, Markus Nakkim and Dillon Powers for the 2024 season. This unit was one of the best in the USL in 2023, ranking in the top five in shutouts (11) and goals allowed (39). When all five were on the field at the same time, they allowed just 17 goals in 20 matches, good for a 14-4-2 record.
Shutler, who has signed a new contract for the 2024 season, started in 23 matches in all competitions in 2023, and allowed just 21 goals. The Middleburg, VA native recorded a regular season Goals Allowed Average of 0.90, which was good for second in the league. He was also ranked fourth in save percentage last season (74.3%). Including the postseason, he recorded a 16-5-2 record and kept 11 clean sheets. In a partial season last year, Shutler’s 10 regular season clean sheets were just one behind former goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky for most in a single season. He is also approaching Rakovsky’s all-time club record in clean sheets and wins.
One of OCSC’s many new faces in 2023, Doghman appeared in 32 of OCSC’s 34 regular season matches, as well as two matches in both the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the USL-C playoffs. He was credited with one goal and four assists in 2023. The Oslo, Norway native ranked second on the team in crosses (83) and was top five in chances created (28).
After returning from a preseason injury, Lambe became a mainstay at right back for OCSC in 2023 and had his contract option exercised for 2024. The former Cal State Fullerton Titan tallied two goals and two assists across 25 appearances in all competitions in his first season for the Black and Orange. He ranked top five in tackles won and also was heavily involved getting forward, leading the team in crosses (121), chances created (43) and key passes (41).
The captain, Markus Nakkim, remains under contract with OCSC for the 2024 season, after an impressive 2023 season in the middle of the park. The vocal leader of his squad, the Norwegian also led by example on the pitch, leading OCSC in most defensive statistical categories including: clearances (138), blocks (32), and aerial duels won (97). He also chipped in two goals, including one off a free kick.
The newest addition to the Black and Orange backline, Powers made the switch from midfield to center back midseason in 2023, and shone in his…