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ORANGE COUNTY SC SUFFERS HEARTBREAKING WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL LOSS IN COLORADO SPRINGS

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

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

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!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORANGE COUNTY SC DUELS WITH THE SWITCHBACKS IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

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!

ORANGE COUNTY SC MOVES ON TO THE WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS POWERED BY POWERS’ LATE WINNER

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

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

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 👊

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORANGE COUNTY SC BEGINS THEIR PLAYOFF CAMPAIGN IN MEMPHIS

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!

THE KITS ARE HERE!

DOGHMAN’S BRACE, AMANG’S WINNER PROPELL OCSC INTO 6TH PLACE IN 3-2 OVER HARTFORD

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

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

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…

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORANGE COUNTY SC HOSTS HARTFORD IN THEIR REGULAR SEASON FINALE

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!

THE KITS ARE HERE!

ORANGE COUNTY SC CLINCHES A PLAYOFF SPOT IN DRAW AT HOME WITH NEW MEXICO

After a 0-0 draw with New Mexico United at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA on Saturday, October 19, the County Boys have officially clinched a playoff spot in the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by Terminix. Goalkeeper Colin Shutler’s record breaking 12th clean sheet of the season ensured the Black and Orange a point at home.

The match’s first chance belonged to OCSC in the 12th minute of play, when the ball fell to midfielder Ashish Chattha. Chattha took aim from over 20 yards out, but his shot was saved comfortably by goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.

Midfielder Chris Hegardt had the next chance for OCSC in the 18th minute, when a free kick was redirected out to the San Diegan at the top of the 18-yard-box. He unleashed a right-footed volley that tailed just wide of the right post and out of play.

Just before halftime, Shutler was called into action for the first time on the night in the first minute of first half stoppage time. New Mexico attacked down the right flank and midfielder Nicky Hernandez found forward Greg Hurst in the box. Hurst’s first-time strike was saved comfortably by Shutler.

Orange County SC kept their foot on the gas coming out of halftime, and found a dangerous chance in the 59th minute. Midfielder Seth Casiple played a ball for Hegardt near the top of the box. Hegardt turned and fired with his left foot, but his effort was saved by Tambakis diving to his left.

The best chance for the Black and Orange in the second half came in the 72nd minute, when defender Owen Lambe played a cross into the back post that was met by forward Cameron Dunbar. Dunbar’s header back across goal beat Tambakis, but was cleared off the line by the New Mexico defense.

In the 72nd minute, New Mexico found themselves in an odd-man rush situation attacking down the middle third. Substitute Zico Bailey dribbled into the box and laid a pass off for midfielder Jacobo Reyes. Reyes’ shot from the right side of the box was kept out by a diving Shutler.

Shutler’s final save of the night came in the 75th minute, with some assistance from Casiple. Reyes and Bailey once again connected for United as Reyes found Bailey near the top of the box, but his shot on target was deflected by Casiple and saved comfortably by Shutler.

With the result and results elsewhere in the USL Championship tonight, Orange County SC has officially clinched a spot in the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by Terminix!

The County Boys will play their final regular season home game at The Champ on Saturday, October 26 on Fan Appreciation Night against Hartford Athletic at 7:00 PM, presented by Great Park Live! A limited number of tickets for the match and our Oktobeer Fest are still available, grab yours today and join our Push to the Playoffs! Every match and every fan matters!!

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

This is now the seventh straight match unbeaten for Orange County SC, their longest such streak of the season.

With a shutout tonight, goalkeeper Colin Shutler has set a new club record for clean sheets kept in a single season (12) passing former OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky (11).

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
NMU	0	0	0
OCSC	0	0	0

SCORING SUMMARY:

N/A

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

90 +2’ Ethan Zubak

NEW MEXICO UNITED

17’ Will Seymore

41’ Kalen Ryden

69’ Jackson Dubois

90 + 5’ Nanan Houssou

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shutler (GK); Owen Lambe, Dillon Powers (C), Ashton Miles, Ryan Doghman, Seth Casiple, Ashish Chattha (Ben Norris 86’), Chris Hegardt (Charlie Asensio 77’), Bryce Jamison, Ethan Zubak, Cameron Dunbar

Unused subs: Adoniayah Aemiro (GK) Tomas Gomez (GK); Benjamin Barjolo, Jordan Chavez, Jaden Lewis, Pedro Guimaraes, Andrew Fox

Interim Head Coach: Danny Stone

NEW MEXICO UNITED LINEUP:

Alex Tambakis (GK); Christopher Gloster, Kalen Ryden, Jon-Talen Maples, Will Seymore, Nanan Houssou, Dominick Hernandez (Marlon Vargas 63’), Jacobo Reyes, Mukwelle Akale (Zico Bailey 63’), Jackson Dubois (Avionne Flanagan 80’), Greg Hurst (Daniel Bruce 80’)

Unused subs: Kristopher Shakes (GK); Anthony Herbert, Derek Lozano

Head Coach: Eric Quill

Orange County SC vs New Mexico United

2024 USL Championship | Matchday 33

Date: October 19, 2024

Venue: Championship Stadium

Weather: ¡Vamos a la Playoffs!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORANGE COUNTY SC KICKS OFF THEIR FINAL REGULAR SEASON HOMESTAND AGAINST NEW MEXICO

Kickoff: Saturday, October 19 (7:00 PM PDT)

Where: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

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

The Black and Orange placed themselves on the verge of clinching a Playoff Berth after their first ever win at Southwest University Park in a 2-0 defeat of El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday, October 16. Now the County Boys return home on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 PM for Fiesta de Fútbol Night against New Mexico United, presented by Taqueria Hoy, where another positive result (or help elsewhere) could see their ticket booked to the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs…

THE WEST RUNS THROUGH ALBUQUERQUE

New Mexico United enter Saturday’s contest in 1st place in the Western Conference and have locked up the top seed in the Western Conference ahead of the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs. It is the first time in their club’s history that United will enter the playoffs with home field advantage after their 1-1 draw with FC Tulsa, combined with Sacramento Republic FC’s draw against Memphis 901 FC last Saturday. New Mexico’s dominance at home (11-3-2) has been well documented, but what has flown somewhat under the radar is their road record. They have the second most road victories in the league and the most road victories in the West (7). Forward Greg Hurst leads New Mexico with 11 goals on the season and forward Mukwelle Akale leads the team in assists (5) and chances created (42).

2024 Regular Season Record: 18-10-4 (1st in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 44 I Goals Allowed: 41 I Clean Sheets: 8

Players to Watch

F Mukwelle Akale

F Greg Hurst

CONTINÚA LA FIESTA EN NUESTRA CASA

Orange County SC put themselves on the doorstep of the playoffs in a 2-0 victory over El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park on Wednesday. Forward Ethan Zubak opened the scoring with his 10th goal of the season, and fourth goal in as many matches. Substitute Cameron Dunbar added an insurance marker, his second goal of the season. Forward Bryce Jamison tallied his third assist on the season on the match’s opening goal and midfielder Seth Casiple provided his fourth assist of the season, placing him atop the team leaderboard. It was the first ever victory of Orange County SC on the road in El Paso, and it could not have come at a more perfect time. It extended their unbeaten streak to six matches and moved their Magic Number to 3. Any combination of a win, a draw and San Antonio FC failing to take victory in Louisville, or a loss and an SAFC loss to LouCity will be enough for the County Boys to claim a playoff spot. They have won their previous three home matches and have allowed just one goal on this unbeaten run.

Players to Watch

F Bryce Jamison

D Markus Nakkim

All-time record

Orange County SC is 2-3-2 all-time against New Mexico United

Previous Matchup: 2024 USL Championship

New Mexico United 2 – 0 Orange County SC (Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, Albuquerque, NM)

Scoring Summary: Ashton Miles – OG 50’ (NMU), Abdi Mohamed 73’ (NMU)

VAMOS A LA FIESTA DE FÚTBOL

Orange County SC returns home to Championship Stadium on Saturday, October 19 as they face New Mexico United at 7:00 PM on Fiesta de Fútbol Night, presented by Taqueria Hoy, the Official Taco of OCSC! We will have various activations celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the night, including a halftime performance from Ballet Folklorico Nueva Generacion of Santa Ana! Tickets are going fast, so grab yours here today!

GO ALL IN FOR 2025!

THE KITS ARE HERE!

ORANGE COUNTY SC MAKES IT SIX UNBEATEN, MOVES TO SIXTH PLACE IN 2-0 VICTORY IN EL PASO

Entering a place they had yet to walk away with a result, Orange County SC picked up a massive 2-0 victory over El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park in El Paso, TX on Wednesday, October 16. The 10th goal of the season for forward Ethan Zubak, an insurance marker from substitute Cameron Dunbar and the 10th clean sheet for the reigning USL Championship Player of the Month Colin Shutler ensured all three points were coming home to Irvine.

The match got off to a quick start, with the Black and Orange earning their first chance of the match in the fifth minute. Midfielder Kevin Partida played a cross to defender Ryan Doghman pinching up the left side at the back post, but the Norwegian’s shot from in close at a tight angle missed just wide to the left.

The Locomotive also had their first chance of the match early in the first half in the seventh when midfielder Eric Calvillo played a long ball over the top to defender Miles Lyons, who’s shot from a near impossible angle was turned away by goalkeeper Colin Shutler and out for a corner.

On the ensuing corner, midfielder Amaury Escoto played a cross towards Calvillo at the back post, but the Salvadorian’s header was saved comfortably by Shutler.

The Black and Orange pressed on the attack in the 16th minute after midfielder Chris Hegardt played forward Bryce Jamison through on the right side. Jamison dribbled into a threatening area and played a perfect cross towards Zubak alone in the box, who finished first time with his right foot and nutmegging goalkeeper Jahmali Waite and the County Boys led 1-0 in El Paso.

After the two sides began to settle into the match, Orange County SC found the match’s next chance when defender Owen Lambe played Chattha through on the right side of the box. Chattha beat the El Paso defense and fired with his right foot, but Waite made the save.

Orange County SC nearly found a second in the 40th minute from a corner. Midfielder Seth Casiple played short to Hegardt, who’s cross found captain Markus Nakkim at the back post, but his header back across goal went agonizingly wide. However, the Black and Orange still took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

OCSC continued on the front foot early in the second half in the 51st minute through Jamison and Zubak again. Jamison collected a long ball on the right side of the pitch and dribbled into the box. After completing a stepover, the Atlanta native played a ball into the back post on the door step for Zubak, but the ball took a hop on Zubak and over the bar from in close.

The reigning USL Championship Player of the Month came up big once again for the Black and Orange in the 65th minute when Shutler kept El Paso off the board. Lyons played a cross in from the right that Calvillo headed straight down and off forward Amaury Escoto towards goal. Shutler quickly reversed direction and was able to make a fingertip save, clearing the danger.

The County Boys rewarded Shutler’s heroics at one end with a goal at the other end in the 69th minute to extend the lead. Casiple played a long through ball over the top of the El Paso defense into the path of substitute Cameron Dunbar. Dunbar made no mistake in alone on goal and finished into the top right corner, his second goal of the season and OCSC led 2-0.

Shutler made one final save on the night in the 85th minute, when Calvillo lifted a ball over the defense and into the path of substitute Amando Moreno. Moreno’s touch was redirected on target, but the save was comfortable for Shutler in the end and all three points were headed back to Irvine with the County Boys.

The County Boys return to The Champ on Saturday, October 19 for Fiesta de Fútbol Night against New Mexico United at 7:00 PM, presented by Taqueria Hoy! A limited number of tickets are still available, grab yours today and join our Push to the Playoffs! Every match and every fan matters!!

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Forward Ethan Zubak scored his tenth goal of the season, extending his team lead. It is his second double digit goal scoring season in the USL Championship.

Forward Bryce Jamison tallied his third assist of the season assisting Zubak’s goal, tied for second on the team this season.

Forward Cameron Dunbar scored his second goal of the season.

Midfielder Seth Casiple provided his fourth assist of the season, making him the team leader in assists this season. It was his third assist in as many matches.

Goalkeeper Colin Shutler kept his 10th clean sheet of the season, tying his OCSC career high and placing him one behind former goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky for most clean sheets in a single season (11).

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
OCSC	1	1	2
ELP	0	0	0

SCORING SUMMARY:

16’ – Ethan Zubak (10th) Assisted by Bryce Jamison (3rd)

69’ – Cameron Dunbar (2nd) Assisted by Seth Casiple (4th)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

44’ Ashish Chattha

78’ Kevin Partida

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

48’ Amaury Escoto

82’ Wahab Ackwei – RED

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shutler (GK); Owen Lambe, Dillon Powers, Markus Nakkim (C), Ryan Doghman; Kevin Partida, Seth Casiple, Ashish Chattha (Cameron Dunbar 63’), Chris Hegardt; Bryce Jamison (Ashton Miles 90’), Ethan Zubak (Pedro Guimaraes 76’)

Unused subs: Tomás Gómez (GK); Charlie Asensio, Benjamin Barjolo, Andrew Fox

Interim Head Coach: Danny Stone

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC LINEUP:

Jahmali Waite (GK); Tony Alfaro, Wahab Ackwei, Arturo Ortiz (C), Miles Lyons (Lucas Stauffer 66’); Robert Coronado (Amando Moreno 66’), Eric Calvillo, Francisco Nevarez; Amaury Escoto (Joaquin Rivas 88’), Ricardo Ruiz, Tumi Moshobane

Unused subs: Ramon Pasquel (GK); Bolu Akinyode, Noah Dollenmayer, Malik McLemore,

Head Coach: Wilmer Cabrera

Orange County SC @ El Paso Locomotive FC

2024 USL Championship | Matchday 32

Date: October 16, 2024

Venue: Southwest University Park (El Paso, TX)

Weather: We Messed with Texas +3️⃣

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORANGE COUNTY SC HEADS TO SUN CITY FOR A BATTLE WITH EL PASO

Kickoff: Wednesday, October 16 (6:00 PM PDT)

Where: Southwest University Park (El Paso, TX)

How to Watch: CBS Sports Golazo! Network

After a gritty 2-0 win at home last Wednesday over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at The Champ last Wednesday, the County Boys placed a four point cushion between themselves and the rest of the pack chasing a playoff spot ahead of their final road trip of the regular season. Now, the County Boys attempt to climb higher up the table and tick off another club first along the way…

LIFE AS THE SPOILER CAR

El Paso Locomotive FC enter Saturday’s contest in 12th place in the Western Conference and are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. However, the Locomotive did not go down without a fight, as they are currently in the midst of their best run of form this season. They are currently unbeaten in their last four matches, including a thrilling 2-2 draw with San Antonio FC last Wednesday where both of their goals came after the 80th minute. To coincide with this good run of form, they have also been undefeated at Southwest University Park across their previous five home matches (2-0-3). Forward Amando Moreno leads the side in goals with six this season and former USL Champion with OCSC, midfielder Eric Calvillo, has generated the most chances for El Paso (41).

2024 Regular Season Record: 7-16-8 (12th in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 25 I Goals Allowed: 41 I Clean Sheets: 8

Players to Watch

M Eric Calvillo

F Amando Moreno

SQUEEZE EVERY LAST ROAD POINT

Orange County SC earned a hard fought three points at Championship Stadium last Wednesday in a 2-0 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. An own goal created by midfielder Chris Hegardt and a stoppage time sealer from leading goal scorer Ethan Zubak powered the offense as captain Markus Nakkim and his defense kept another clean sheet in front of the USL Championship Player of the Month, goalkeeper Colin Shutler. Hegardt has now been directly involved in two of the Black and Orange’s last three goals, while midfielder Seth Casiple now has two assists in as many matches. Casiple has been terrific in the midfield for Danny Stone’s side over the last two matches, completing 90% of his passes, 15/17 accurate long balls and 17 passes into the final third, all while making seven interceptions. Now the County Boys head to El Paso looking for their first win at Southwest University Park in club history and their first road win in their last eight road matches. Three points Wednesday would bring the Black and Orange on the verge of a playoff berth, with their magic number currently sitting at 6.

Players to Watch

M Seth Casiple

F Ethan Zubak

All-time record

Orange County SC is 2-4-4 all-time against El Paso Locomotive FC

Previous Matchup: 2024 USL Championship

Orange County SC 0 – 1 El Paso Locomotive FC (Championship Stadium, Irvine, CA)

Scoring Summary: Eric Calvillo – PK 64’ (ELP)

VAMOS A LA FIESTA DE FÚTBOL

Orange County SC returns home to Championship Stadium on Saturday, October 19 as they face New Mexico United at 7:00 PM on Fiesta de Fútbol Night, presented by Taqueria Hoy, the Official Taco of OCSC! We will have various activations celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the night, including a halftime performance from Ballet Folklorico Nueva Generacion of Santa An! Tickets are going fast, so grab yours here today!

GO ALL IN FOR 2025!

THE KITS ARE HERE!

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