It’s official: Orange County’s number one has left the club. He becomes the second player (following midfielder Charlie Adams) to leave the club in 2019.
McLain joined Orange County SC on March 29, just in time for the fourth match of the season. He immediately made his debut the next day, making three saves in a 0-2 defeat to El Paso Locomotive. From then on, McLain was a regular feature and one of the bright spots of an Orange County defense that has struggled this year.
McLain last featured for OCSC on July 4 in Colorado Springs, where he was named man of the match after an impressive display that included a kick-save and two goal line clearances that earned the club its first road win in 2019. The goalkeeper did not travel the next week for the club’s match in Texas.
Just a few days later, he was embroiled in rumors surrounding a potential transfer to the New England Revolution. At the same time, it was reported that McLain had left the club to pursue other opportunities. Neither the Revolution nor Orange County SC responded to requests for comments on the transfer rumors and McLain’s contractual obligations.
Midday Friday, Orange County SC officially announced that Patrick McLain and the club had “mutually parted ways,” putting an end to the rumors. He leaves OC having recorded three clean sheets in twelve matches, making 37 saves from 52 shots (71.2% save rate), including one penalty stop against Rio Grande Valley on June 1.
His departure leaves the club with two senior goalkeepers. It is currently unknown if the club will seek a replacement for the veteran or if youngster Aaron Cervantes will inherit the starting job for the rest of the season.