Hamburg heading to California for friendly fixture

Hamburg SV is coming to the California later this month for a friendly or possibly two. The 2. Bundesliga team will spend nine days stateside beginning on November 13th. In an official announcement, the German club declared that they will play Orange County Soccer Club in a friendly.

Jonas Boldt, team board member, expressed his excitement with 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,” stated Boldt.

“Also with a view to marketing aspects, the willingness of the sport and the coaching team was immediately given. The shared experiences and unique days in the USA will also further bond the team and make the long winter break a little shorter.”

Hamburg using winter break for California friendly

The German club will depart their homeland after playing SV Sandhausen on Saturday, November 12th. Leagues in Germany take a winter break during the regular season because of the weather. Hamburg do not have to be back in Germany for a league match until the end of January. This is especially long due to the World Cup in November and December.

Along with playing OCSC, Hamburg opened the door for other friendlies as well. They will play at least one other game while in California. However, opponent and venue has not yet been determined.

The game against the OCSC club will take place on Tuesday, November 15th at 7 p.m. local time. OCSC’s home stadium in Irvine, California will host the match. Tickets for the friendly can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

Orange County Soccer Club currently plays in the United Soccer League Championship. Founded in 1998, but playing their first match over a decade later, the team was originally called Los Angeles Blues. The team was rebranded to their 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 traveled across the pond in 1950. They then played friendly matches here in 1964, 1971, 1983, 1986, 1992, 1997, and 2000.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Ulrich Hufnagel