Orange County SC earned their first three points of the 2023 USL Championship season on Saturday, April 15 as Milan Iloski’s 25th regular season goal in an Orange County shirt was enough to take down the visiting Indy Eleven 1-0, at Championship Stadium.
In his first Orange County start, forward Thomas Amang nearly got the party started in the first minute. Forward Bryce Jamison played him into the box and the Cameroonian turned and fired just high over the bar.
Later on in the 29th minute, Indy Eleven midfielder Aodhan Quinn took down Jamison in the box and earned a penalty for the home side. After the visitors aired their grievances, Iloski stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted the penalty in the bottom right corner and OCSC led 1-0.
Orange County went into the locker room not only ahead in the match, but also without allowing a single shot on target, led by captain Markus Nakkim and Andrew Fox controlling the middle of the pitch.
Indy Eleven came out strong in the second half and forced the first save of the night for OCSC goalkeeper, Cody Cropper, who made a nice save to deny midfielder Jack Blake’s shot from outside the box.
Midfielder Alex Villanueva nearly doubled the host’s lead in the 58th minute, when he headed a cross from defender Brent Richards on target, but Indy Eleven goalkeeper Yannik Oettl made a save at full extension.
Cropper preserved his shutout in the 67th minute, as he denied forward Jonas Fjeldberg’s attempt from in close.
The visitors pushed for the equalizer late, but they were kept at bay by strong defensive performances from the Black and Orange that secured all three points.
OCSC will return home to Championship Stadium on Saturday, April 22 for Gnarly’s Birthday Party against Eastern Conference foe Birmingham Legion FC at 7:00 PM. Come celebrate with Gnarly and enjoy another great night of professional soccer in the OC! Tickets can be purchased here.
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Milan Iloski set a new OCSC regular season USL Championship record for goals scored with 25.
He now has 28 goals across all competitions, which moves into a tie with Michael Seaton for the all-time lead.
Tonight was the first start for Thomas Amang and the first appearance for Morten Bjorshol.
| TEAM | FIRST HALF | SECOND HALF | FULL TIME |
| IND | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| OCSC | 1 | 0 | 1 |
SCORING SUMMARY:
30’ Milan Iloski (PEN)
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ORANGE COUNTY SC
56’ Bryce Jamison
73’ Kyle Scott
INDY ELEVEN
23’ Adrian Diz Pe
33’ Jack Blake
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:
Cody Cropper (GK); Ryan Doghman, Andrew Fox, Markus Nakkim (C), Brent Richards, Ashish Chattha, Kyle Scott (Morten Bjorshol 74’), Alex Villanueva (Brian Iloski 86’), Thomas Amang (Emil Nielsen 80’), Milan Iloski, Bryce Jamison (Korede Osundina 80’)
Unused subs: Mark Hyan (GK), Dillon Powers, Nico Ruiz
Head Coach: Richard Chaplow
Possession: 37% | Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 0 |
INDY ELEVEN LINEUP:
Yannik Oettl (GK); Younes Boudadi (Bryam Rebellón 75’), Adrian Diz Pe, Jesus Vazquez, Robby Dambrot, Cam Lindley, Jack Blake, Aodhan Quinn, Harrison Robledo (Solomon Asante 65’), Douglas Martinez (Jonas Fjeldberg 65’), Sebastian Guenzatti
Unused subs: Tim Trilk (GK) Mechack Jérôme, Gustavo Rissi, Juan Tejada
Head Coach: Mark Lowry
Possession: 63% | Shots: 13 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 11 | Fouls: 18 | Offsides: 0 |
Orange County SC vs. Indy Eleven
2023 USL Championship | Matchday 6
Date: April 15, 2023
Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)
Weather: Swing and a Miss, Indy!