Orange County SC defeated Sacramento Republic FC 1-0 in a closely contested match on Wednesday, May 17 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA. Forward Milan Iloski scored the only goal of the game, his fourth goal of the season.
The Black and Orange struck first with their fastest goal of the season in the fifth minute after forward Marc “Sparky” McNulty found forward Milan Iloski just outside the box. Iloski took one touch and fired a right footed shot over Sacramento goalkeeper Carlos Saldana, putting OCSC ahead 1-0.
OCSC had another opportunity in the 13th minute as defender Ryan Doghman found forward Emil Nielson in the center of the box, but his right footed strike was saved by Saldana.
The home team had one more chance in the 25th minute, as Iloski found Sparky in the center of the box, and he fired a shot just high over the crossbar.
Sacramento almost got one in the 29th minute as forward Zeiko Lewis found forward Russell Cicerone in the middle of the box, however, his left footed shot went just wide right of the goal.
Sacramento found themselves with a chance in the 75th minute as forward Luther Archimede found forward Russell Cicerone again, whose left footed shot was saved by OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler.
Shutler recorded another save in the 85th minute, his third of the night after a right footed strike by substitute forward Keko Gontàn. In his second start of the young season, Shutler pitched a shutout and made three saves in net.
Sacramento midfielder Arnold Lopez picked up his second yellow card in the 95th minute after a hard foul on Brian Iloski in the Orange County final third.
The home team held strong until the end, applying constant pressure on the ball, and holding off a desperation push by Sacramento, securing the 1-0 victory.
OCSC returns home to The Champ for Community Night against Phoenix Rising on Saturday, May 20 at 7:00 PM. On Community Night, OCSC will be celebrating and rewarding community-based organizations and nonprofits in the area. Grab your tickets here.
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
With the goal tonight, Milan Illoski recorded his fourth goal of the 2023 USL Championship regular season, the fastest goal for OCSC scored this season.
This was the first assist of the season for Sparky McNulty.
Tonight marked the first start of the season for OCSC defender Owen Lambe.
Goalkeeper Colin Shutler earned his first clean sheet of the season, second of his career.
Defender Brent Richards played 45 minutes today. With the appearance, Brent has played in 14,977 minutes in his USL Championship career, 23 minutes short of the 15,000 minute mark.
| TEAM | FIRST HALF | SECOND HALF | FULL TIME |
| SAC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| OCSC | 1 | 0 | 1 |
SCORING SUMMARY:
5’ Milan Iloski (OCSC)
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ORANGE COUNTY SC
23’ Markus Nakkim
42’ Owen Lambe
88’ Danny Pederson
SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC
46’ Zeiko Lewis
81’ Keko Gontàn
87’ Arnold Lopez
90+5’ Arnold Lopez (Red)
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:
Colin Shutler (GK); Ryan Doghman, Owen Lambe (Brent Richards 45’), Markus Nakkim (C), Dillon Powers; Ashish Chattha (Ashton Miles 71’), Seth Casiple, Emil Nielsen (Daniel Pederson 66’), Kyle Scott (Brian Iloski 66’); Milan Iloski, Sparky McNulty (Bryce Jamison 45’)
Unused subs: Cody Cropper (GK), Ben Norris
Head Coach: Morten Karlsen
Possession: 38% | Shots: 15 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 21 | Offsides: 0 |
SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC LINEUP:
Carlos Saldana (GK); Jack Gurr, Shane Weidt, Connor Donovan, Lee Desmond (C) (Arnold Lopez 78’), Damià Viader (Rafa Jaregui 62’); Nick Ross, Matt LaGrassa (Keko Gontàn 78’); Russell Cicerone, Zeiko Lewis (Aldair Snchez 62’), Sebastian Herrera (Luther Archimede 62’)
Unused subs: Danny Vitiello (GK), Jared Timmer
Head Coach: Mark Briggs
Possession: 62% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 15 | Offsides: 2 |
Orange County SC vs. Sacramento Republic FC
2023 USL Championship | Matchday 11
Date: May 17, 2023
Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)
Weather: “iNdOmiTabLe CiTy”