Orange County SC were on the wrong side of a 3-0 result on the road to the Oakland Roots at Pioneer Stadium on the campus of Cal State East Bay in Hayward, CA on Saturday, March 13.
OCSC had the first solid chance of the night, when captain Daniel A. Pedersen whipped in a cross for forward Milan Iloski, but the former golden boot winner’s header went just above the bar.
After an initial free kick was blocked in the 28th minute, hometown man Ashish Chattha found midfielder Brian Iloski who then rifled a shot on the half volley from a tough angle just outside the left side of the 18-yard-box that just missed the top right corner of the goal.
The hosts scored the game’s first goal just two minutes later in the 30th minute, after a ricochet in the box fell kindly to Roots forward Dariusz Formella, who then made no mistake.
Oakland doubled their lead off a corner in the 43rd minute, after Roots defender Tarek Morad broke free for a header, and Oakland led 2-0 going into the halftime break.
The Black and Orange threatened again in the 72nd minute after Chattha chipped a ball over the defense, but Milan Iloski’s header went just wide of goal.
Roots substitute forward Johnny Rodriguez had an instant impact, assisting forward Edgardo Rito in the 78h minute for a 3-0 Roots lead.
Defender Dillon Powers nearly pulled one goal back in stoppage time, but his effort rattled the crossbar and back out.
OCSC returns home to Championship Stadium for two matches next week, starting with Whisky Wednesday against Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 PM. You can grab your tickets here.
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Tonight marked the professional debut for 16-year-old midfielder Ben Norris.
This was also the club debut for defender Owen Lambe and season debut for defender Ashton Miles.
| TEAM | FIRST HALF | SECOND HALF | FULL TIME |
| OCSC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| OAK | 2 | 1 | 3 |
SCORING SUMMARY:
Dariusz Formella 30’ (OAK)
Tarek Morad 43’ (OAK)
Edgardo Rito 78’ (OAK)
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ORANGE COUNTY SC
Ashton Miles 90 +3’
OAKLAND ROOTS SC
None
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:
Cody Cropper (GK); Ryan Doghman, Daniel A. Pedersen (C) (Ashton Miles 83’), Dillon Powers, Brent Richards (Owen Lambe 68’); Kyle Scott, Ashish Chattha (Ben Norris 84’), Bryce Jamison (Sparky McNulty 58’), Brian Iloski (Seth Casiple 58’); Milan Iloski, Emil Nielsen
Unused subs: Colin Shutler (GK), Joe Buckley
Head Coach: Morten Karlsen
Possession: 43% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 6 | Fouls: 7 | Offsides: 4 |
OAKLAND ROOTS SC LINEUP:
Paul Blanchette (GK); Daniel Babir, Neveal Hackshaw, Tarek Morad; Memo Diaz (Kevin Wright 75’), Napo Matsoso, Daniel Gomez (Emrah Klimenta 84’), Bryan Tamacas (Anuar Pelaez 87’); Lindo Mfeka (Johnny Rodriguez 75’), Dariusz Formella (Trayvone Reid 84’), Edgardo Rito
Unused subs: Taylor Bailey (GK); Etsgar Cruz
Head Coach: Noah Delgado
Possession: 57% | Shots: 10 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 10 | Offsides: 4 |
Orange County SC @ Oakland Roots SC
2023 USL Championship | Matchday 10
Date: May 13, 2023
Venue: CSUEB Pioneer Stadium (Hayward, CA)
Weather: If only your basketball team was this good…