Orange County SC earned their first three points of the young 2024 USL Championship season after a 2-0 victory over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on the road at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, March 16. Goals from forward Brian Iloski and substitute Cameron Dunbar in tandem with the 13th clean sheet for goalkeeper Colin Shutler in Black and Orange secured the win in the Steel City.
The Black and Orange had the first chance of the match in the 2nd minute when midfielder Sofiane Djeffal earned a free kick on the left side of the pitch. Midfielder Brian Iloski played an outswinging ball in the middle of the box towards forward Ethan Zubak, but the ball was collected by Riverhounds goalkeeper Eric Dick.
OCSC broke through a minute later after defender Ryan Doghman danced through the Pittsburgh defense on the left flank and played an inch perfect ball to the far post where Iloski was able to tap home the opener. Iloski’s first of the year put OCSC on top 1-0 early.
There was a break in the match in the 26th minute to allow players to break their Ramadan fast after the sun had set. Play resumed shortly thereafter in the 28th minute.
In the 42nd minute, goalkeeper Colin Shutler kept the Black and Orange in front heading into halftime. Defender Dani Rovira played a cross into the box for forward Babacar Diene, who headed a shot on target that was saved by the outstretched arms of Shutler down to his left.
The sides came back out after the halftime tunnel and it was Pittsburgh who had the first chance of the second half with midfielder Robbie Mertz, however his right-footed effort went wide of the left post.
The Black and Orange found an insurance marker in the 76th minute through a pair of substitutes. As he was on the right flank, forward Christian Sorto played a cross into the box that found the feet of forward Cameron Dunbar. Dunbar then took a touch around a Pittsburgh defender and placed a shot into the bottom left corner that sent OCSC two goals ahead late in the match.
Shutler again kept the Hounds out of the back of the net late in the match in the 91st minute. Substitute midfielder Patrick Hogan played a cross into the box that found substitute forward Langston Blackstock at the back post. Blackstock struck on the half volley from in close, but Shutler turned him away.
The Black and Orange held onto their clean sheet for the rest of the five added minutes, secured their clean sheet and ensured that all three points were brought back to Orange County.
OCSC returns home to the friendly confines of Championship Stadium for the first time in 2024 next Saturday, March 23, when they host Miami FC at 7:00 PM for our Home Opener. Grab your tickets here today!
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Tonight was the first match as acting captain for midfielder Seth Casiple.
Forward Brian Iloski scored his first goal of the 2024 USL Championship season.
Substitute forward Cameron Dunbar scored his first goal in an Orange County shirt.
Goalkeeper Colin Shutler recorded his 18th win and 13th clean sheet for OCSC, moving him into a tie with former goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky for most all-time.
| TEAM | FIRST HALF | SECOND HALF | FULL TIME |
| OCSC | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| PIT | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SCORING SUMMARY:
3’ Brian Iloski (OCSC)
74’ Cameron Dunbar (OCSC)
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ORANGE COUNTY SC
24’ Ashton Miles
60’ Ryan Doghman
64’ Thomas Amang
84’ Colin Shutler
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC
71’ Patrick Hogan
81’ Luke Biasi
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:
Colin Shutler (GK); Ryan Doghman, Andrew Fox, Ashton Miles, Owen Lambe; Kevin Partida (Ashish Chattha 77’), Seth Casiple (C), Sofiane Djeffal (Ben Barjolo 90 + 4’), Brian Iloski (Christian Sorto 60’); Ethan Zubak (Thomas Amang 60’), Bryce Jamison (Cameron Dunbar 60’)
Unused subs: Duran Ferree (GK), Markus Nakkim
Head Coach: Morten Karlsen
Possession: 32% | Shots: 2 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 0 | Fouls: 13 | Offsides: 1 |
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC LINEUP:
Eric Dick (GK); Brunallergene Etou (Langston Blackstock 69’), Michael DeShields, Daniel Griffin, Illal Osumanu (Nate Dragisich 90’), Dani Rovira (Emmanuel Johnson 69’); Kenardo Forbes, Jackson Walti (Sean Suber 90’), Robbie Mertz; Edward Kizza, Babacar Diene (Patrick Hogan 69’)
Unused subs: Gabriel Perrotta (GK); Pierre Cayet
Head Coach: Bob Lilley
Possession: 68% | Shots: 13 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 9 | Fouls: 18 | Offsides: 1 |
Orange County SC @ Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
2024 USL Championship | Matchday 2
Date: March 16, 2024
Venue: Highmark Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA)
Weather: We (kept) the dogs out 😤