IRVINE, CA - LA Galaxy OC has announced the signing of UC Irvine Head Coach Scott Juniper to lead the team in its inaugural season in this summer in United Women's Soccer (UWS). Juniper is an Orange County resident and an active member of the local community, having coached the UCI Anteaters Women's Soccer Team since 2006 and will be heading into his 13th season with the program and 12th as head coach. The Anteater program is an annual contender under his tutelage and has led UCI to the first round & Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament and a Big West Tournament berth in nine of his 12 seasons.

UC Irvine has produced two All-Americans in Tanya Taylor and two-time recipient CoCo Goodson, in addition to multiple national team and professional players playing in the US and Europe. Juniper has worked extensively with the Olympic Development Program and has served as a scout and assistant coach for the US Soccer Youth National Team program.

"It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the LA Galaxy Orange County women's team this summer," said Juniper. "Living in Orange County for 15 years, I have watched the enormous talent pool that develops here, which is a huge credit to the thousands of coaches and volunteers who have built such an amazing soccer framework for these players to enjoy. I am energized to bring those players together this summer to represent Orange County and hope that our soccer community can enjoy watching them play and celebrate what they have all achieved."

"I have known Scott personally for 15 years and I have a massive amount of respect for who he is and what he has achieved," said LA Galaxy OC Director of Operations Tim Woodcock. "He is an outstanding member of the Orange County community and we are privileged to have him as our Head Coach. We are hopeful that having such a high profile Head Coach onboard, will attract top players from all areas of the USA and abroad."

Coach Juniper is active in the local community, running summer camps on campus and other events in Irvine. His UCI team have partnered with Harper For Kids to teach character development in elementary schools. They also work to raise awareness of childhood cancer with Soccer For Hope, host soccer clinics for National Women in Sports Day and run clinics for local AYSO organizations. Juniper holds the U.S. Soccer Federation "A" coaching license, UEFA "B" license, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Goalkeeper license and a Speed, Agility & Quickness trainer accreditation.

For more information on LA Galaxy OC, visit lagalaxyoc.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest on the LA Galaxy OC Women's Team.

About United Women’s Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women's soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer. UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at UWSPress@gmail.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.