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Orange County SC has officially released the schedule for the upcoming 2025 USL Championship season, including matches to be played in the newly expanded USL Jägermeister Cup. The schedule once again features 34 matches, split evenly into 17 home matches at Championship Stadium and 17 away matches.

The Black and Orange will play every Western Conference team home and away again in 2025, with newly promoted side Lexington Sporting Club slotting into the Western Conference. The County Boys begin the season with seven of their first 10 matches played within the friendly confines of Championship Stadium, including a three match homestand to begin the year. 

OCSC opens the season on Saturday, March 8 against Northern California rivals Oakland Roots SC. Then Lexington SC comes to town on Saturday, March 15, followed by Monterey Bay F.C. on Saturday, March 22.

This season also marks the first season that USL Championship clubs will be competing in the USL Jagermeister Cup, a new cup competition between the USL Championship and USL League One. OCSC’s inaugural Jagermeister Cup match will take place at home against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, April 26.

Times for OCSC’s home matches and a promotional schedule will be released at a later date in the near future.

Check out OCSC’s full 2025 USL Championship schedule, here. 

The best way to ensure that you’re at Championship Stadium for all the action in 2025 is by joining our OCSC Season Ticket Holder Family! It is the only way to guarantee you get your seats at the lowest price! To purchase a season ticket, contact one of our sales representatives today, or visit orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets.

Orange County SC today confirms the signing of forward Tristan Trager for the 2025 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 25-year-old forward returns home to Orange County to strengthen the forward group after providing double digit goal contributions in 2024.

“It feels amazing to be signing with Orange County SC, I don’t think any other words could describe it,” Trager said. “I grew up playing on the fields around the stadium, so it’s amazing to be back here close to family. I think Danny [Stone] did a great job turning things around and Orange County is a team that creates a lot of chances for their forwards and has Championship DNA. I’m excited to get to work.”

A San Clemente native, Trager most recently completed his third professional season with Monterey Bay F.C. in 2024. He scored eight goals and provided two assists across 22 matches played in all competitions. It was his second professional season of double digit goal contributions.

“We are delighted to bring Tristan back home to OC!” OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Peter Nugent said. “He is a proven goalscorer within the league and will complement our group of forwards perfectly.”

Trager has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 55 matches across all contributions in his first two professional seasons with Atlanta United 2 and the Charleston Battery. Prior to turning pro, Trager played collegiate soccer at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. He played his youth club soccer at Strikers FC here in Irvine, and now becomes an inspiration for Strikers players and other youth players in Orange County.

The best way to watch Tristan make his return to Orange County is to go All In and join the Season Ticket Holder Family! Speak with a sales representative today or click here to get started.

Per team and league policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Transaction Details

Orange County SC signs forward Tristan Trager, December 2024

Name: Tristan Trager

Pronunciation: TRIS-tuhn TRAY-gr

Position: Forward

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 159 lbs

Born: August 28, 1999

Hometown: San Clemente, CA

Previous Club: Monterey Bay F.C. (USL Championship)

Social Media: @ttrages on Instagram and X/Twitter

After a successful run as interim head coach leading the Black and Orange to the Western Conference Semifinal, Orange County SC has removed the interim tag and signed Danny Stone to a new contract as head coach. Stone becomes the 11th head coach in club history.

“We are delighted to name Danny our head coach, he came into a difficult situation last season and demonstrated tremendous leadership that helped propel the club to a Western Conference Semifinal,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Peter Nugent said. “He fully deserves the opportunity to lead this team forward and we are excited for the season ahead with Danny at the helm.”

After taking over in August, Stone led Orange County SC to a 7-4-1 record, the best record in the league over that stretch. After an undefeated month of October, he was named the USL Championship Coach of the Month. His side secured the 6-seed in the Western Conference and made an appearance in the Western Conference Semifinals. 

“I’m incredibly pleased and very happy to have been given this opportunity, and I can’t wait to come back with the club next season,” Stone said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here over the last three months of [last] season and I’m looking forward to continue building on that foundation that we began to create in the last 10-12 games last year.

“For us now, we do a lot of work in preseason to get back to the point where we are performing well again by the beginning of the season in March. From my personal perspective, I’m very pleased and really excited to be working with the squad in January for preseason, and of course to be back here at Championship Stadium in front of the fans and representing Orange County SC.” 

Orange County SC becomes the second club that Stone has managed, after an earlier stint at fellow USL Championship club Phoenix Rising FC. Stone was the assistant manager at Colorado Rapids from 2014-2018, OKC Energy FC from 2018-2021 and Phoenix from 2021-2024. 

Prior to becoming a coach, Stone played professionally in his native England for three seasons. The Liverpool born defender made over 40 professional appearances for Blackburn Rovers, Notts County and Southport.

Per club and league policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

TAMPA, Fla. (December 12, 2024) – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today the expansion of the USL Jägermeister Cup, uniting clubs from the USL Championship and League One in a groundbreaking interleague competition. The 2025 tournament represents a significant milestone for domestic soccer, as it marks the first time a U.S. soccer league has established its own interleague cup.

Entering its second year after a successful launch exclusively with League One clubs last season, the 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup will feature all 38 professional men’s clubs competing in a World Cup-style tournament throughout the regular season. Adding more meaningful matches to the annual calendar, the USL Jägermeister Cup includes fan-first modifications to encourage attacking soccer, such as penalty shootouts to determine match winners during the group stage and goals scored as the first tiebreaker in the group standings.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jägermeister to expand the competition to include both our men’s professional leagues and create more matches of consequence,” said USL President and Chief Soccer Officer Paul McDonough. “This new approach highlights the vision and commitment of our owners to explore innovative ways to adapt our structure, delivering a more compelling and entertaining format. This first-of-its-kind cup will give fans additional opportunities to support their teams and celebrate their communities in an exciting tournament.”

The USL Jägermeister Cup will consist of six regional groups [see below], with six or seven teams assigned by league or conference affiliation per group. Each team will play four matches – two home, two away – in group play with home assignments being randomly drawn. The group stage kicks off April 26 and concludes the weekend of July 26. After the group stage, a draw will set the matchups for the single-elimination knockout rounds, which will begin three weeks later. The USL Jägermeister Cup will conclude with the Final on the weekend of Oct. 11.

The Jägermeister brand has been a pioneer in sports business and soccer. In 1973, Jägermeister became the first company to place a logo on a Bundesliga club’s jersey with the sponsorship of Eintracht Braunschweig. Jägermeister is committed to crafting some of the best nights in sports and will be working with partners in local USL communities to host special events announced at a later date.

In addition to the clubs and players being highlighted throughout the tournament, fans will also have their own shot at glory in the “Shot at Glory Bracket Challenge” which will launch ahead of the first matchday.

More information about the USL Jägermeister Cup will be shared in the coming months leading up to the competition and throughout the tournament on our dedicated social media channels at USL Jägermeister Cup on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.

GROUP 1	GROUP 2	GROUP 3	GROUP 4	GROUP 5	GROUP 6
AV Alta FC	Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC	Birmingham Legion FC	Detroit City FC	Charlotte Independence	Charleston Battery
Las Vegas Lights FC	El Paso Locomotive FC	Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	Hartford Athletic	Lexington SC	Greenville Triumph
Monterey Bay F.C.	New Mexico United	Forward Madison FC	Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC	Loudoun United FC	Miami FC
Oakland Roots SC	Phoenix Rising FC	Indy Eleven	Portland Hearts of Pine	Louisville City FC	FC Naples
Sacramento Republic FC	San Antonio FC	One Knoxville SC	Rhode Island FC	North Carolina FC	Tampa Bay Rowdies
Orange County SC	Texoma FC	FC Tulsa	Westchester SC	Richmond Kickers	Tormenta FC
Spokane Velocity FC	Union Omaha				

The 2024 USL Championship season for 6-seeded Orange County SC came to a close in the Western Conference Semifinals in an agonizing 2-1 defeat after extra time to 2-seeded Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, CO. The County Boys gave everything they had for 120 minutes, but came up just short at the final whistle.

The match got off to a lightning fast start, as forward Ethan Zubak found the first chance of the match, applying pressure on the press in the fourth minute. After a poor backpass put goalkeeper Christian Herrera in trouble, Zubak forced a turnover and slotted home into an empty net, putting the Black and Orange in front 1-0.

The lead for the Black and Orange was shortlived, as the hosts answered back just six minutes later in the 10th minute. After switching the field from the far sideline into the middle, midfielder Devon Williams found fellow midfielder Zach Zandi just inside the top of the box, who fired first time into the bottom right corner, tying the game 1-1. 

OCSC appeared to re-take the lead in the 30th minute off a corner from midfielder Seth Casiple. The San Diego native’s corner found captain Markus Nakkim at the near post, who played a perfect header across goal that forward Cameron Dunbar tapped into an empty net. 

However, the whistle had blown the play dead for a foul in the box on defender Dillon Powers. The go-ahead goal for the Black and Orange was disallowed and the score remained 1-1.

On their next corner kick in first half stoppage time, Powers nearly took matters into his own hands to restore the lead. Casiple played another good ball into the box that appeared to come off the arm of Switchbacks forward Ronaldo Damus and into the path of Powers, who poked his shot just over the bar.

Orange County SC pressed on in search of a second goal coming out of the halftime break and found their first chance in the 51st minute. Defender Ryan Doghman played in Dunbar on the left flank. Dunbar dribbled into the box, cut back on his right foot and fired a shot towards the bottom right corner that was saved by Herrera.

The best chance for the Black and Orange in the second half came after midfielder Chris Hegardt drew a free kick in the 64th minute. Nakkim stepped up to take the ensuing free kick from around 30 yards out, fired up and over the wall a rocket destined for the top corner that was saved by Herrera at full stretch.

Neither team could find a winner prior to the end of regulation and the teams headed to Extra Time. Shutler kept the teams level in the 99th minute after Zandi found substitute Quanzi Herman who hit a rocket on the half volley that Shutler tipped up over the bar.

Colorado Springs found the go ahead goal in the 106th minute on a free kick. After the initial attempt was sent away by Shutler, substitute Cole Mrowka collected the bar and fired back on target that was redirected by Zandi past Shutler and the Switchbacks led 2-1.

Substitute Thomas Amang had the best chance for the Black and Orange in the second half stoppage time after fellow substitute Ben Barjolo played him into the box. Amang turned and fired with his right foot, but it was pushed away by Herrera.

To all of our supporters and owners, the lifeblood of our club, thank you for your unwavering support throughout the 2024 USL Championship season. It didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but this is not the end. We will be back! #ForCounty 🍊

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Forward Ethan Zubak scored his first playoff goal for Orange County SC tonight.

Orange County SC saw their season end in the Western Conference Semifinal for the second consecutive season.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	EXTRA TIME	FULL TIME
OCSC	1	0	0	1
COS	1	0	1	2

SCORING SUMMARY:

5’ Ethan Zubak (1st of #USLPlayoffs)

10’ Zachary Zandi

105+1’ Zachary Zandi

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

85’ Seth Casiple

108’ Dillion Powers

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC

69’ Zachary Zandi

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shutler (GK); Owen Lambe, Markus Nakkim (C), Dillon Powers, Ryan Doghman; Seth Casiple (Charlie Asensio 112’), Ashish Chattha (Ben Norris 106’), Chris Hegardt (Christian Sorto 78’), Bryce Jamison (Ben Barjolo 112’); Ethan Zubak (Thomas Amang 86’), Cameron Dunbar (Ashton Miles 117’)

Unused subs: Juan Santana (GK)

Interim Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 47% | Shots: 14 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 12 | Offsides: 0 |

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC LINEUP:

Christian Herrera (GK); Aidan Rocha, Matthew Mahoney (C), Dike Lacroix, Matthew Real (Delentz Pierre 117’), Zachary Zandi (Steven Echevarria 109’), Devon Williams, Jario Henriquez (Juan Tejada 69’), Tyreek Magee (Cole Mrowka 80’), Yoskuke Hanya (Quenzi Huerman 46’), Ronaldo Damus (Justin Dhillon 68’)

Unused subs: Joe Rice (GK)

Head Coach: James Chambers

Possession: 53% | Shots: 18 | Shots On Goal: 7 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 15 | Offsides: 1 |

Orange County SC @ Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

2024 USL Championship Playoffs | Western Conference Semifinals

Date: November 10, 2024

Venue: Weidner Field

Weather: See you in 2025!

Kickoff: Sunday, November 10 (3:30 PM PDT)

Where: Weidner Field (Colorado Springs, CO)

How to Watch: With us at Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market in Costa Mesa, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, KCAL+, ESPN+

Available in the U.K: USL on YouTube

After a thrilling Western Conference Quarterfinal victory on the road in Memphis, 6th seeded Orange County SC is headed back on the road to face 2-seed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field on Sunday, November 10 at 3:30 PM PDT. The County Boys take their nine match unbeaten streak into the Rockies against a side that has lost just four times at home in 2024…

SWITCHING ON AT THE RIGHT TIME

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC enter Saturday’s Western Conference Semifinal as the 2-seed in the Western Conference. After enduring a three match winless streak from late September-early October, the Switchbacks have now won three matches in a row. This includes two matches away from Weidner Field against Monterey Bay and Sacramento to end the regular season and Saturday’s Western Conference Quarterfinal 2-0 victory over the 7-seed, Oakland Roots SC. During that stretch they have conceded zero goals and their 40 goals conceded in the regular season was good for 3rd best in the West. A familiar face in the 2021 USL Championship Final MVP Ronaldo Damus leads Colorado Springs’s frontline, tallying 13 goals this season. He converted a penalty in the victory over Oakland last Saturday, to increase his career #USLPlayoff goal total to eight goals in six playoff matches played.

2024 Regular Season Record: 15-12-7 (2nd in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 48 I Goals Allowed: 40 I Clean Sheets: 11

Players to Watch

F Ronaldo Damus

M Zachary Zandi

POWERING INTO THE SECOND ROUND

The 6-seed Orange County SC enters Saturday’s match after a thrilling 1-0 victory over 3-seeded Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park last Saturday. A 116th minute winner from defender Dillon Powers and the seventh clean sheet in nine matches for goalkeeper Colin Shutler and his defense was enough to send the County Boys into the Western Conference Semifinal and extend their unbeaten streak to nine matches. Forward Cameron Dunbar provided his fifth assist in all competitions, moving him into sole possession of the top assist provider for the club in 2024. Their defensive structure under USL Championship Coach of the Month in October, Danny Stone, has continued to yield results and stifle opponents. The Black and Orange are now unbeaten in their last four road matches, where they have conceded just one goal. Midfielder Chris Hegardt and defender Owen Lambe led the team in chances created in Memphis (4) and will look to continue to be productive moving forward.

Players to Watch

D Owen Lambe

F Ethan Zubak

All-time record

Orange County SC is 9-8-2 all-time against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, including 1-0-0 in the USL Championship Playoffs.

Previous Matchup: 2024 USL Championship

Orange County SC 2 – 0 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (Championship Stadium, Irvine, CA)

Scoring Summary: Devon Williams – OG 32’ (OCSC), Ethan Zubak 90 +5’ (OCSC)

WATCH PARTY INFORMATION

Can’t make it to Colorado Springs? Orange County SC will be hosting a Western Conference Quarterfinal Watch Party at Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market, located at 2300 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa, as the County Boys take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Sunday, November 10 at 3:30 PM! Come cheer on the Black and Orange at the Official Western Conference Semifinal Watch Party!

GO ALL IN FOR 2025!

34 cities, with one club to unite them all! Go All In on the 2025 Orange County SC season by placing a Season Ticket Holder deposit! For $34.01, you can unlock exclusive benefits like private parties, your very own entry to The Champ and merchandise discounts! For the full list of benefits and more information, go to orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets!

THE KITS ARE HERE!

The 2024 County Roads and Owners kits from our official outfitter at hummel are now back in stock! Our jet black kit features a road map of Orange County in orange on the front of the kit and our Owners kit with names of our owners in orange wave patterned accents on a bone colored kit are now back in stock in all sizes. Grab your County Roads kit and Owners kit along with the rest of our kit line at the stadium on Saturday or at ocscshop.com today, and Rep the County!

It took nearly two hours for 6-seed Orange County SC to find their first goal of the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by Terminix, but nobody seemed to mind when defender Dillon Powers scored his 116th minute winner over 3-seed Memphis 901 FC that secured the County Boys’ place in the Western Conference Semifinals. The victory extended Orange County SC’s unbeaten streak to nine matches, including seven clean sheets.

The Black and Orange nearly started the game lightning quick, when they earned a free kick on the left side of the pitch in a dangerous position. Midfielder Seth Casiple whipped in a ball that fell to forward Bryce Jamison near the top of the box. The Atlanta native struck on the half volley, beat goalkeeper Tyler Deric, but saw his strike ring off the right post and out.

Goalkeeper Colin Shutler’s best save of the first half came on a long range effort from Bruno Lapa in the 32nd minute. The Brazilian’s right-footed effort knuckled and dipped on Shutler, but he was still able to make the save.

After the two sides headed into the locker room tied, both teams earned chances quickly after the restart. Memphis had the half’s first chance on a free kick on the left side of the box. Forward Noe Meza struck with his right foot destined for the top corner, but Shutler tipped it up and over the bar.

Orange County SC countered with a chance of their own in the 63rd minute. Forward Cameron Dunbar played a perfectly weighted ball for the overlapping defender Ryan Doghman. Doghman cut back on his right foot and fired from the top of the box that was saved at full stretch by Deric. 

The match took a turn in the 79th minute after Memphis substitute Lucas Turci received his second yellow card and match ejection after a hard foul on midfielder Chris Hegardt. The home side went down to 10 men for the rest of the match and the match began to shift in favor of the Black and Orange.

Captain Markus Nakkim stepped up to take the ensuing free kick in the 80th minute just outside the box, but his effort just went wide of the right post. 

Neither side could find a winner in regulation, so the teams headed into extra time, with the County Boys still up a man. They found the first chance of the extra time period in the first half through substitute Christian Sorto. Memphis attempted to clear defender Owen Lambe’s corner kick, but it fell to Sorto who struck cleanly on the volley. His strike was just barely kept out by Deric.

Even after all their efforts, the reality of penalties began to loom as the teams were still scoreless in the 116th minute. Until, Lambe found Dunbar off a short corner. Dunbar turned and played a ball into the box that Powers rose highest to nod home and put the Black and Orange ahead with just minutes to go. 

Shutler kept the County Boys ahead in the dying moments when Memphis broke on the counterattack. Substitute Panos Armenakas played a cross into the box that substitute Dylan Borczak headed on frame, but Shutler pushed it around the post at a full stretch.

Orange County SC now awaits the winner of the other Quarterfinal on their side between the 2-seed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and 7-seed Oakland Roots SC. Information about the Western Conference Semifinal will be released in the coming days. Keep it locked on our social channels to stay up to date! #OurCountyOurTime

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Defender Dillon Powers scored his first goal of the season, OCSC’s first goal of the postseason. It is his first USL Championship Playoff goal.

Midfielder Cameron Dunbar provided his fifth assist of the season in all competitions, his first USL Championship Playoff assist.

Goalkeeper Colin Shutler recorded five saves tonight and has now made 103 saves in all competitions.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	EXTRA TIME	FULL TIME
OCSC	0	0	1	1
MEM	0	0	0	0

SCORING SUMMARY:

116’ Dillon Powers – 1st USL-C Playoffs (Assist Cameron Dunbar, 1st USL-C Playoffs)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

52’ Owen Lambe 

58’ Seth Casiple

82’ Markus Nakkim

100’ Christian Sorto

112’ Ben Norris

MEMPHIS 901 FC

5’ Akeem Ward 

55’ Memphis bench

64’ Leston Paul 

68’ Lucas Turci

79’ Lucas Turci – RED

82’ Bruno Lapa

88’ Memphis bench

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shutler (GK); Owen Lambe, Markus Nakkim (C), Dillon Powers, Ryan Doghman; Seth Casiple (Ben Norris 90’), Ashish Chattha (Ashton Miles 118’), Chris Hegardt (Christian Sorto 86’), Bryce Jamison (Ben Barjolo 112’); Ethan Zubak (Thomas Amang 86’), Cameron Dunbar

Unused subs: Juan Santana (GK); Pedro Guimaraes

Interim Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 56% | Shots: 24 | Shots On Goal: 5  | Corners: 14 | Fouls: 24 | Offsides: 2 |

MEMPHIS 901 FC LINEUP:

Tyler Deric (GK); Oscar Jiménez (Lucas Turci 45’), Walid Yacoubou, Abdoulaye Cissoko, Akeem Ward (Dyan Borczak 46’), Samuel Careaga, Zachary Duncan (Nighte Pickering 101’), Leston Paul (C), Bruno Lapa (Panos Armenakas 105’), Noe Meza (Carson Vom Steeg 82’), Jon Bakero (Marlon 76’)

Unused subs: Triston Henry (GK) 

Head Coach: Stephen Glass

Possession: 44% | Shots: 20 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 22 | Offsides: 2 |

Orange County SC @ Memphis 901 FC

2024 USL Championship Playoffs | Western Conference Quarterfinals

Date: November 2, 2024

Venue: AutoZone Park

Weather: Power(s) to the People 👊

Kickoff: Saturday, November 2 (11:00 AM PDT)

Where: AutoZone Park (Memphis, TN)

How to Watch: With us at Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market in Costa Mesa, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, KCAL+, ESPN+

Available in the U.K: USL on YouTube

The 2024 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by Terminix, for the 6-seeded Black and Orange begin on the road at AutoZone Park in Memphis, TN when they face 3rd seeded Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, November 2 at 11:00 AM PDT. Two of the West’s hottest teams to end the regular season will square off for the right to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals.

FINDING THEIR RHYTHM ON BEALE STREET 

Memphis 901 FC enter Saturday’s contest as the 3-seed in the Western Conference. The Beale Street Boys are one of the hottest teams in the league. They are 3-1-3 in their last seven matches, including a 3-2 victory over New Mexico United to end the regular season, making them just the fourth team to defeat New Mexico at home. That result propelled them two spots from fifth place in the West into third, and now hosting a Quarterfinal Playoff match. Memphis 901 FC has been very good at home this season, finishing with just three losses at AutoZone Park, the fewest home losses in the Western Conference. Their attack scored the most goals in the Western Conference (52) led by Brazilian duo Bruno Lapa and Marlon, with Lapa leading the team in goals with 11 and Marlon right behind him with nine. Each player tied for the team lead in assists with five.

2024 Regular Season Record: 14-11-9 (3rd in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 37 I Goals Allowed: 49 I Clean Sheets: 9

Players to Watch

M Marlon

F Bruno Lapa

OUR COUNTY. OUR TIME!

Orange County SC enters Saturday’s match as the 6-seed in the Western Conference. The County Boys are riding an eight match unbeaten streak, the longest active streak in the USL. Their 3-2 win over Hartford Athletic on the final day of the regular season saw them overcome two separate equalizers from the Eastern visitors. Defender Ryan Doghman bagged a brace for his first two goals of the season, including a Goal of the Week nominee, and substitute Thomas Amang scored the match winner in the 86th minute in his return to action from injury. Forward Cameron Dunbar provided an assist on Amang’s winner, bringing his season total to four on the season, tied for the team lead. Now the Black and Orange embark on their first playoff game away from The Champ since 2021. They bring with them their playoff experience, as all but one of their starters from last year’s run to the Western Conference Semifinals remain on the team. They’ll bring this experience to AutoZone Park, where they were one of three teams to knock off Memphis 901 FC at home in the regular season. Midfielder Chris Hegardt has been key between the lines for Orange County and looks to continue to do so on Saturday.

Players to Watch

F Cameron Dunbar

M Chris Hegardt

All-time record

Orange County SC is 3-0-1 all-time against Memphis 901 FC. This is their first playoff meeting.

Previous Matchup: 2024 USL Championship

Orange County SC 4 – 1 Memphis 901 FC (Championship Stadium, Irvine, CA)

Scoring Summary: Bryce Jamison 5’ (OCSC), Ethan Zubak – PK 25’ (OCSC), Owen Lambe 43’ (OCSC), Christian Sorto 79’ (OCSC), Dylan Borczak 89’ (MEM)

WATCH PARTY INFORMATION

Can’t make it to Memphis? Orange County SC will be hosting a Western Conference Quarterfinal Watch Party at Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market, located at 2300 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa as the County Boys take on Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, November 2 at 11:00 AM! We will be on the patio in the back of the market near the bar beginning at 11:00 AM, so come cheer on the Black and Orange at the Official Western Conference Quarterfinal Watch Party!

GO ALL IN FOR 2025!

34 cities, with one club to unite them all! Go All In on the 2025 Orange County SC season by placing a Season Ticket Holder deposit! For $34.01, you can unlock exclusive benefits like private parties, your very own entry to The Champ and merchandise discounts! For the full list of benefits and more information, go to orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets!

THE KITS ARE HERE!

The 2024 County Roads and Owners kits from our official outfitter at hummel are now back in stock! Our jet black kit features a road map of Orange County in orange on the front of the kit and our Owners kit with names of our owners in orange wave patterned accents on a bone colored kit are now back in stock in all sizes. Grab your County Roads kit and Owners kit along with the rest of our kit line at the stadium on Saturday or at ocscshop.com today, and Rep the County!

In a back and forth match featuring five second half goals, Orange County SC secured 6th place in the Western Conference in a 3-2 victory over Hartford Athletic at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA on Saturday, October 26. Two goals for defender Ryan Doghman and a match winner from substitute Thomas Amang in his return from injury was enough for the three points in the regular season finale.

The best chance for either side in the first half came courtesy of midfielder Chris Hegardt in the 28th minute. Captain Markus Nakkim played a ball to forward Ethan Zubak, who laid off a pass for Hegardt. Hegardt took one touch and fired a shot destined for the bottom left corner, but it was kept out by Hartford goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro.

Hartford began the second half on the front foot and appeared to take the lead in the 52nd minute. Forward Mamadou Dieng fired a shot on target that Shutler kept out, but a rebound from Marcus Epps was slotted home. However the offside flag was up and the goal was taken off the board.

The County Boys took full advantage not even a minute later, when Hegardt played Doghman in on the left side of the box. Doghman’s left-footed effort back across goal beat Ribeiro and put OCSC in the lead 1-0.

The lead however was short lived, as defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele played a ball over the top for forward Marcus Epps in behind the County defense. Epps buried a shot into the bottom left corner, the first goal that Colin Shuter conceded in three matches, and Hartford drew level in the 54th minute.

As soon as they gave up the lead, they took it right back in the 58th minute again through the left boot of Doghman. After Hartford attempted to clear the ball out of the box, substitute Ashish Chattha battled to keep the ball in a dangerous position. Doghman picked it up, took one touch and unleashed a rocket off his left boot into the bottom right corner, restoring the lead at 2-1. 

After defending for a longer spell, Hartford again drew level in the 83rd minute. A series of deflections had the ball end up near the six-yard box where substitute Kyle Edwards hit an overhead kick over Shutler to tie the match at 2.

For the second time in the match, the Black and Orange conceded a goal and bounced back within five minutes. Midfielder Cameron Dunbar and substitute Thomas Amang played a give and go on the counterattack into the box. Amang collected at the top of the box and fired into the bottom right corner, to take the lead 3-2. The County Boys held on to the lead and ended the night with three points.

Next week, the 6-seeded Orange County SC plays their opening match of the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by Terminix, on the road against 3-seeded Memphis 901 FC on Saturday at 11:00 AM PDT. Watch party details will be released in the coming days, so stay locked into our social media pages for more information. #OurCountyOurTime

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Defender Ryan Doghman scored his first and second goals of the season tonight.

Forward Thomas Amang scored his sixth goal of the season, good for second most on the team.

Midfielder Chris Hegardt provided his second assist of the season, assisting Ryan Doghman’s first goal of the night.

Midfielder Cameron Dunbar tallied his fourth assist of the season, moving him into a tie for the team lead (Seth Casiple, 4).

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
HFD	0	2	2
OCSC	0	3	3

SCORING SUMMARY:

54’ Ryan Doghman (1st) (Assist Chris Hegardt, 2nd)

56’ Marcus Epps 

58’ Ryan Doghman (2nd of the game. 2nd)

83’ Kyle Williams

86’ Thomas Amang (6th) (Assist Cameron Dunbar, 4th)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

40’ Chris Hegardt

74’ Ashton Miles

HARTFORD ATHLETIC

10’ Thomas Vancaeyezeele

17’ Michee Ngalina

73’ Marcus Epps

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shutler (GK); Owen Lambe, Markus Nakkim (C), Dillon Powers (Ashton Miles 46’), Ryan Doghman; Seth Casiple, Kevin Partida (Ashish Chattha 26’), Chris Hegardt (Thomas Amang 77’), Bryce Jamison (Benjamin Barjolo 77’); Ethan Zubak (Pedro Guimaraes 34’), Cameron Dunbar

Unused subs: Juan Santana (GK), Andrew Fox, Charlie Asensio, Ben Norris

Interim Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 42% | Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 8 | Offsides: 0 |

HARTFORD ATHLETIC LINEUP:

Renan Ribeiro (GK) (Greg Monroe 63’); Jordan Scarlett, Emmanuel Samadia (Kyle Edwards 63’), Younes Boudadi (Tyler Freeman 85’), Tristan Hodge, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Marlon Hairston, Anderson Asiedu (Pele Ousmanov 12’), Marcus Epps, Michee Ngalina, Mamadou Dieng

Unused subs: Michael DeShields, Beverly Makangila, Daniel Barrera, 

Head Coach: Aaron Wheeler

Possession: 58% | Shots: 12 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 2 |

Orange County SC vs Hartford Athletic

2024 USL Championship | Matchday 34

Date: October 26, 2024

Venue: Championship Stadium

Weather: @USL, if Ryan doesn’t win GOTW…

Kickoff: Saturday, October 26 (7:00 PM PDT)

Where: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

How to Watch: At The Champ, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal, ESPN+

After officially clinching a spot in the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs, The County Boys play their final regular season home match at the friendly confines of Championship Stadium when they host Hartford Athletic for the first time on Saturday, October 26 at 7:00 PM. Hartford Athletic fight for their playoff lives while the Black and Orange fight for a higher seed as the Playoff Race begins…

NEW ENGLAND’S RISING STAR LOOKS TO RISE INTO THE PLAYOFFS 

Hartford Athletic enters Saturday’s match in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. While they are still yearning for something more, it is worth noting that this is already one of Hartford Athletic’s most successful seasons. The Connecticut side is guaranteed to finish the season with their highest point total ever after their 2-2 draw on the road with Tampa Bay on Wednesday, best overall record, best home record (9-4-4) and longest unbeaten streak in club history (7). Since a loss to Rhode Island FC on August 10, Hartford has gone 6-1-4 to bring themselves firmly back into the playoff conversation. After Wednesday’s draw, they will need help elsewhere to get into the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. They’ll know their fate prior to taking the pitch Saturday night, but even if they get that help, they’ll need to help themselves at The Champ first, especially considering their 3-9-4 road record.

2024 Regular Season Record: 12-13-8 (9th in USL-C Eastern Conference)

Goals Scored: 37 I Goals Allowed: 49 I Clean Sheets: 9

Players to Watch

F Mamadou Dieng

M Michee Ngalina

ORANGE COUNTYYY…THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!

Orange County SC booked their ticket to the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs after a goalless draw at home last Saturday against the West’s Best in New Mexico United. It was a record setting night for goalkeeper Colin Shutler, who rewrote the Orange County SC record books once again after his 12th clean sheet on the season. This clean sheet moved him past a tie he was in with former goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky and into sole possession of first place. Saturday’s goalless draw was just the second time under interim head coach Danny Stone that the Black and Orange have been kept off the scoreboard. In each of those matches, OCSC’s defense also shut out their opponents and were able to walk away with a point. Midfielder Seth Casiple dropped back into a more defensive role in the absence of midfielder Kevin Partida (Yellow Card Accumulation Suspension) and still continued his bright run of form, winning two tackles, five duels, and still leading the team in chances created (3). Expect the assists leader for the Black and Orange to be heavily involved in the buildup once again Saturday.

Players to Watch

M Seth Casiple

F Ethan Zubak

All-time record

Orange County SC is 0-0-1 all-time against Hartford Athletic

Previous Matchup: 2023 USL Championship

Hartford Athletic 1 – 1 Orange County SC (Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT)

Scoring Summary: Milan Iloski 7’ (OCSC), Elvis Amoh 45 +8’ (HFD)

FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT OFFERINGS

Orange County SC closes out the 2024 USL Championship Regular Season on Saturday, October 26 against Hartford Athletic on Fan Appreciation Night and Oktobeer Fest! Grab your Halloween costume and sample over 50 different beers, seltzers, and ciders from around the County. This match will also feature a postgame autograph session, a tattoo artist, and many more surprises! Tickets are going fast, so grab yours here today!

PARKING WARNING

All fans in attendance to tomorrow’s match are encouraged to arrive early, as the Ektaa Diwali Festival will also be taking place at the Great Park on Saturday and will impact parking. Should Lot 2 be full due to a higher volume of people at The Great Park, we encourage you to use Lot 4 for the easiest Matchday experience. Due to both events expected to end around the same time, stick around after the match for Postgame Pints and our Fan Appreciation Night Player Autograph session to beat the traffic!

GO ALL IN FOR 2025!

34 cities, with one club to unite them all! Go All In on the 2025 Orange County SC season by placing a Season Ticket Holder deposit! For $34.01, you can unlock exclusive benefits like private parties, your very own entry to The Champ and merchandise discounts! For the full list of benefits and more information, go to orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets!

THE KITS ARE HERE!

The 2024 County Roads and Owners kits from our official outfitter at hummel are now back in stock! Our jet black kit features a road map of Orange County in orange on the front of the kit and our Owners kit with names of our owners in orange wave patterned accents on a bone colored kit are now back in stock in all sizes. Grab your County Roads kit and Owners kit along with the rest of our kit line at the stadium on Saturday or at ocscshop.com today, and Rep the County!