OC Blues resign Feeley and Felix

The Orange County Blues FC announced that they’re bringing back two rookies from last season, resigning forward Tyler Feeley and defender Ryan Felix.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tyler and Ryan back to the OC Blues,” said Oliver Wyss, Orange County’s coach and general manager, in a press release. “The coaching staff is excited to continue to help them develop as professional players and we expect them to contribute significantly in the 2016 season.”

As the youngest player on last year’s squad, Feeley joined the OC Blues as an 18-year-old after growing up in Glendale, Ariz., and playing in Real Salt Lake’s Arizona Development Academy. In 2015, the rookie appeared in just seven matches but showed promise toward the end of the year. He recorded his first assist in a 3-0 victory over Arizona United SC on Aug. 15.

“I want to thank the coaching staff for helping me develop as a player in my first year and I’m looking forward to another great season,” Feeley said in the release.

Felix, a mid-season acquisition, helped the OC Blues finish the regular season on top of the United Soccer League Western Conference. After making his professional debut in June, the Corona native appeared in 14 of the Blues’ final 16 regular-season matches. Felix played in the back line and in the defensive midfield.

“I’m very excited for my first full season with the OC Blues,” Felix said in the release. “I can’t wait to build on the success we had last year and challenge for the USL Championship.”

— From staff reports