SoCal Dutch Lions FC
Overview
Founded in January 2021 as the ninth club in the Dutch Lions Capital Group network. Originally founded as Oceanside Dutch Lions FC, rebranded in April 2022 to SoCal Dutch Lions FC for broader regional reach. Based in the Carlsbad/Oceanside area of San Diego County, California.
A separate entity, Southern California Dutch Lions FC, was added in 2025 to compete in the USL W League (higher tier than WPSL), also based at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad.
Teams & Players
- SoCal DLFC Women’s Team: WPSL (2nd tier women’s). Won 2021 WPSL Best Franchise of the Year Award. Player Addison Steiner earned WPSL Best Offensive Player honors.
- Southern California DLFC Women’s Team: USL W League (2025, Western Conference). Home matches at La Costa Canyon High School, Carlsbad.
League Affiliations
- WPSL (SoCal DLFC)
- USL W League (Southern California DLFC, 2025)
No ECNL, MLS NEXT, or Girls Academy affiliation.
Leadership
- Nikhil Erlebach — CEO & General Manager (also runs Chicago DLFC)
- Mario Fernandez — Director of Soccer Operations
Competitive Position
San Diego County is a highly competitive youth soccer market with established clubs like San Diego Surf, Rebels SC, and SD Loyal Academy. Dutch Lions operates at a much lower tier here.
Investment Thesis
Minimal. Small-scale semi-professional women’s team operation in a saturated California market.
Open Questions
- Is there a youth academy component or only semi-pro women’s teams?
- Why two separate entities (SoCal vs Southern California) in the same geography?