Hamburg SV will arrive in California later this month for a friendly or possibly two. The 2. Bundesliga team will spend nine days in the United States starting on November 13. In an official statement, the German club stated that they will play in a friendly against Orange County Soccer Club.
Jonas Boldt, a member of the team’s board, expressed his excitement over the announcement. “For HSV, this tour is a very attractive opportunity to represent the DFL, German football and our club internationally and to gain experience,” said Boldt.
“Also with a view to the marketing aspects, the disposition of the sport and the coaching staff immediately took place. The shared experiences and unique days in the US will also bring the team even closer together and make the long winter break a little shorter.”
Hamburg takes advantage of the winter holidays for a friendly in California
The German club will depart from their homeland after playing SV Sandhausen on Saturday 12 November. The leagues in Germany take a winter break during the regular season due to the weather. Hamburg do not have to be back in Germany for a league game until the end of January. This is especially long due to the World Cup in November and December.
Besides playing OCSC, Hamburg also opened the door for other friendlies. They will play at least one other game while in California. However, the opponent and venue have yet to be determined.
The game against the OCSC club will take place on Tuesday, November 15 at 7 pm local time. OCSC’s home stadium in Irvine, California will host the game. Tickets for the friendly can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
The Orange County Soccer Club currently plays in the United Soccer League Championship. Founded in 1998 but playing its first game more than a decade later, the team was originally called the Los Angeles Blues. The team was renamed to its current name in 2016. OCSC finished bottom of the standings for the 2022 season.
The upcoming trip will be Hamburg’s ninth visit to the United States. The Red Shorts initially crossed the pond in 1950. They then played friendlies here in 1964, 1971, 1983, 1986, 1992, 1997 and 2000.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Ulrich Hufnagel
