NEWS

Up a man and presumably in the driver's seat, Orange County SC was unable to find a winner or take home a point in the Valley of the Sun on a hot and humid Saturday, September 18. OCSC fell to hosts Phoenix Rising FC 2-1 via another late goal at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass.

It was only fitting that the first 45 minutes plus at Wild Horse Pass was going to be (wait for it) wild.

Following a 9’ corner kick that OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky batted away, Phoenix recovered possession just inside the penalty box where forward Santi Moar was left unmarked. Moar struck the ball with his right foot and the knuckling shot ricocheted off the post and into the back of the net.

In the 16’, Moar thought he scored the second goal of the game, however, an interesting sequence of events transpired in the next minutes. Moar celebrated his supposed second goal, the Phoenix supporters section was billowing with red smoke and OCSC players and technical staff were visibly upset at the officiating crew. OCSC’s pleas were justified as fourth official informed match official Elton Garcia that Phoenix forward Aodhan Quinn was in an obvious offside position thus nullifying the goal.

At the half-hour mark, the play of the field and the banter off the field got chippy. Phoenix defender Tate Schmitt was shown a yellow card for a dangerous sliding tackle. In the setup for the OCSC free-kick, OCSC forward Brian Iloski pushed down a Phoenix player and was also shown a yellow card. OCSC midfielder Mikko Kuningas had to be subbed off early due to an injury and was replaced by midfielder Ben Mines.

In the first of five minutes of stoppage time, Mines dribbled the ball past the midline and was challenged by a trailing Schmitt. Without hesitation, the referee went to his pocket and flashed a second yellow card to Schmitt which equated to a red card and an expulsion. It not only changed the complexion of the next half, but also forced Phoenix head coach Rick Shantz to make a tactical change. He brought on Joey Calistri for midfielder Arturo Rodriguez who had just made a goal-line clearance that sprung an unsuccessful Phoenix goal-scoring chance.

The second half primed OCSC to capitalize on being a man-up and find the back of the net. In the 47’, Iloski crossed in a ball into the box where forward Ronaldo Damus was there to head the ball in the upper left corner of the goal. It was Damus’s team-leading 13th goal and provided the start that OCSC was expecting.

Despite maintaining possession for most of the second half, OCSC found themselves chasing Phoenix forwards in the defensive half. After strings of OCSC offensive possessions would produce no result, Phoenix turned the field and sent long balls past the OCSC defenders. It often required Rakovsky to come way off his line to steer the ball away or make a diving save.

In the 86’, Phoenix got the ball into a dangerous area with their attacking unit. Quinn was able to dribble the ball into the penalty box before shuttling a pass to an unmarked forward Darren Mattocks who tapped the ball in for the winner. It echoed the same scenes that occurred just a month ago when OCSC squandered a lead and Phoenix drew the game at the death.

With interim head coach Richard Chaplow’s first loss, OCSC missed their chance to move into second place and increase their distance between the playoff line. OCSC returns home for a date with the surprise team of the second half of the season, Oakland Roots, on Saturday, September 25. A week later Phoenix Rising FC visits Championship Soccer Stadium in what will be an entertaining matchup during OCSC’s Oktoberfest, the final Beer Fest of the season on October 2.

Up a man and presumably in the driver’s seat, Orange County SC was unable to find a winner or take home a point in the Valley of the Sun on a hot and humid Saturday, September 18. OCSC fell to hosts Phoenix Rising FC 2-1 via another late goal at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass.

It was only fitting that the first 45 minutes plus at Wild Horse Pass was going to be (wait for it) wild.

Following a 9’ corner kick that OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky batted away, Phoenix recovered possession just inside the penalty box where forward Santi Moar was left unmarked. Moar struck the ball with his right foot and the knuckling shot ricocheted off the post and into the back of the net.

In the 16’, Moar thought he scored the second goal of the game, however, an interesting sequence of events transpired in the next minutes. Moar celebrated his supposed second goal, the Phoenix supporters section was billowing with red smoke and OCSC players and technical staff were visibly upset at the officiating crew. OCSC’s pleas were justified as fourth official informed match official Elton Garcia that Phoenix forward Aodhan Quinn was in an obvious offside position thus nullifying the goal.

At the half-hour mark, the play of the field and the banter off the field got chippy. Phoenix defender Tate Schmitt was shown a yellow card for a dangerous sliding tackle. In the setup for the OCSC free-kick, OCSC forward Brian Iloski pushed down a Phoenix player and was also shown a yellow card. OCSC midfielder Mikko Kuningas had to be subbed off early due to an injury and was replaced by midfielder Ben Mines.

In the first of five minutes of stoppage time, Mines dribbled the ball past the midline and was challenged by a trailing Schmitt. Without hesitation, the referee went to his pocket and flashed a second yellow card to Schmitt which equated to a red card and an expulsion. It not only changed the complexion of the next half, but also forced Phoenix head coach Rick Shantz to make a tactical change. He brought on Joey Calistri for midfielder Arturo Rodriguez who had just made a goal-line clearance that sprung an unsuccessful Phoenix goal-scoring chance.

The second half primed OCSC to capitalize on being a man-up and find the back of the net. In the 47’, Iloski crossed in a ball into the box where forward Ronaldo Damus was there to head the ball in the upper left corner of the goal. It was Damus’s team-leading 13th goal and provided the start that OCSC was expecting.

Despite maintaining possession for most of the second half, OCSC found themselves chasing Phoenix forwards in the defensive half. After strings of OCSC offensive possessions would produce no result, Phoenix turned the field and sent long balls past the OCSC defenders. It often required Rakovsky to come way off his line to steer the ball away or make a diving save.

In the 86’, Phoenix got the ball into a dangerous area with their attacking unit. Quinn was able to dribble the ball into the penalty box before shuttling a pass to an unmarked forward Darren Mattocks who tapped the ball in for the winner. It echoed the same scenes that occurred just a month ago when OCSC squandered a lead and Phoenix drew the game at the death.

With interim head coach Richard Chaplow’s first loss, OCSC missed their chance to move into second place and increase their distance between the playoff line. OCSC returns home for a date with the surprise team of the second half of the season, Oakland Roots, on Saturday, September 25. A week later Phoenix Rising FC visits Championship Soccer Stadium in what will be an entertaining matchup during OCSC’s Oktoberfest, the final Beer Fest of the season on October 2.

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Orange County SC vs Phoenix Rising FC

USL Championship | September 18, 2021

Venue: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass (Chandler, AZ)

Kickoff: 7:30 PM PDT

Weather: Hot. Humid. Wild.

 

SCORING SUMMARY:

9’ Santi Moar (PHX)

47’ Ronaldo Damus (OCSC)

86’ Darren Mattocks

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

33’ Brian Iloski

82’ Ben Mines

PHOENIX RISING FC

31’ Tate Schmitt

42’ Santi Moar

45+1’ Tate Schmitt (RED)

85’ Kevon Lambert

90’ Andre Rawls

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston (63’ Brent Richards), Dillon Powers (76’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (

C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus, Eric Calvillo, Sean Okoli, Kobi Henry, Mikko Kuningas (41’ Ben Mines)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Seth Casiple, Aidan Apodaca, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 58.7% | Shots: 14 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 12 | Offsides: 2 |

 

PHOENIX RISING FC LINEUP:

Andre Rawls (GK), Darnell King, Santi Moar (88’ Manuel Madrid), Darren Mattocks, Arturo Rodriguez (45+3’ Joey Calistri), Aodhan Quinn, Joey Farrell, Solomon Asante ( C ) (80’ David Loera), Tate Schmitt (RED), Kevon Lambert, James Musa

Unused subs: Edward Delgado (GK), Jon Bakero, Prince Saydee, David Egbo

Head Coach: Rick Schantz

Possession: 41.3% | Shots: 21 | Shots On Goal: 7 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 7 | Offsides: 4 |

Orange County SC vs Phoenix Rising FC

USL Championship | September 18, 2021

Venue: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass (Chandler, AZ)

Kickoff: 7:30 PM PDT

Weather: Hot. Humid. Wild.

 

SCORING SUMMARY:

9’ Santi Moar (PHX)

47’ Ronaldo Damus (OCSC)

86’ Darren Mattocks

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

33’ Brian Iloski

82’ Ben Mines

PHOENIX RISING FC

31’ Tate Schmitt

42’ Santi Moar

45+1’ Tate Schmitt (RED)

85’ Kevon Lambert

90’ Andre Rawls

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston (63’ Brent Richards), Dillon Powers (76’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (

C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus, Eric Calvillo, Sean Okoli, Kobi Henry, Mikko Kuningas (41’ Ben Mines)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Seth Casiple, Aidan Apodaca, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 58.7% | Shots: 14 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 12 | Offsides: 2 |

 

PHOENIX RISING FC LINEUP:

Andre Rawls (GK), Darnell King, Santi Moar (88’ Manuel Madrid), Darren Mattocks, Arturo Rodriguez (45+3’ Joey Calistri), Aodhan Quinn, Joey Farrell, Solomon Asante ( C ) (80’ David Loera), Tate Schmitt (RED), Kevon Lambert, James Musa

Unused subs: Edward Delgado (GK), Jon Bakero, Prince Saydee, David Egbo

Head Coach: Rick Schantz

Possession: 41.3% | Shots: 21 | Shots On Goal: 7 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 7 | Offsides: 4 |

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WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. PT at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass

WHERE TO WATCH:

The match will be streamed on ESPN+ 

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 9-7-7 (34 points, 3rd Pacific), Phoenix: 15-3-5 (50 points, 1st Pacific) 

FORM GUIDE (MOST RECENT FIRST):

Orange County: WDDWL, Phoenix: WWWWL

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. PT at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass

WHERE TO WATCH:

The match will be streamed on ESPN+ 

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 9-7-7 (34 points, 3rd Pacific), Phoenix: 15-3-5 (50 points, 1st Pacific) 

FORM GUIDE (MOST RECENT FIRST):

Orange County: WDDWL, Phoenix: WWWWL

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NO FRIENDS IN THE DESERT

Orange County SC travels to the Valley of the Sun to take on Pacific Division leaders Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, September 18 at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass. In their first meeting last month, OCSC took home a point behind a goal from midfielder Mikko Kuningas and a highlight reel save by goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky. 

OCSC v PHX PT. II, III AND IV

Remember when OCSC played Sacramento Republic FC four times in the first two months of the season and didn’t meet Phoenix Rising FC until mid-August? Well, OCSC faces their rivals from the desert three times in their next five games starting with Saturday's road trip. The last two meetings will take place in Irvine just 11 days apart—Saturday, October 2 on Oktoberfest, the last Beer Fest of the season, and Wednesday, October 13 on Fiesta de Fútbol night.

CERTIFIED HEADER BOY

OCSC defender Robbie Kiernan was named Dog Pawrk Brewing Co. Man of the Match after scoring his second goal of the season off a header while helping secure a clean sheet in OCSC’s 3-0 win against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, September 11. He completed 90% of his passes and won five duels giving him an 8.2 FotMob rating. The complete performance earned him an honorable mention in the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 21.

3-DILL

Thank you to Dillon the Pickle and our friends from the Portland Pickles for flying down from the Pacific Northwest to hang out and have fun with us at Championship Soccer Stadium during our win against Las Vegas Lights FC. We loved seeing Dillon interacting with fans, serving as our goalie in our half-time show and waving our colors with our supporters! Dillon passed the vibe check and is always invited to kick it with the soccer team without a mascot… yet. 

JUNTOS MÁS FUERTES 

Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15 and lasts until October 15. During this month, the USL and OCSC recognizes, honors and celebrates all members of the Hispanic community who have shaped the league, our club and our county. On Wednesday, October 13, OCSC will have a Fiesta de Fútbol during their game against Phoenix Rising FC where fans can enjoy Hispanic music, food and family fun. 

NO FRIENDS IN THE DESERT

Orange County SC travels to the Valley of the Sun to take on Pacific Division leaders Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, September 18 at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass. In their first meeting last month, OCSC took home a point behind a goal from midfielder Mikko Kuningas and a highlight reel save by goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky. 

OCSC v PHX PT. II, III AND IV

Remember when OCSC played Sacramento Republic FC four times in the first two months of the season and didn’t meet Phoenix Rising FC until mid-August? Well, OCSC faces their rivals from the desert three times in their next five games starting with Saturday’s road trip. The last two meetings will take place in Irvine just 11 days apart—Saturday, October 2 on Oktoberfest, the last Beer Fest of the season, and Wednesday, October 13 on Fiesta de Fútbol night.

CERTIFIED HEADER BOY

OCSC defender Robbie Kiernan was named Dog Pawrk Brewing Co. Man of the Match after scoring his second goal of the season off a header while helping secure a clean sheet in OCSC’s 3-0 win against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, September 11. He completed 90% of his passes and won five duels giving him an 8.2 FotMob rating. The complete performance earned him an honorable mention in the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 21.

3-DILL

Thank you to Dillon the Pickle and our friends from the Portland Pickles for flying down from the Pacific Northwest to hang out and have fun with us at Championship Soccer Stadium during our win against Las Vegas Lights FC. We loved seeing Dillon interacting with fans, serving as our goalie in our half-time show and waving our colors with our supporters! Dillon passed the vibe check and is always invited to kick it with the soccer team without a mascot… yet. 

JUNTOS MÁS FUERTES 

Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15 and lasts until October 15. During this month, the USL and OCSC recognizes, honors and celebrates all members of the Hispanic community who have shaped the league, our club and our county. On Wednesday, October 13, OCSC will have a Fiesta de Fútbol during their game against Phoenix Rising FC where fans can enjoy Hispanic music, food and family fun. 

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ORANGE COUNTY, California (September 15, 2021) – Glasgow Rangers and Orange County SC will jointly host another series of camps this fall and winter as part of an expanded range of partnership activities. As part of their multi-year commitment to cultivating world-class professional soccer talent, Rangers and Orange County SC today announced a soccer camp in Orange County that builds on the foundational component of their youth development program. The partnership, founded in 2019, has led to several exciting programs, commercial activities and player movements between the two clubs. Two three-day intensive soccer camps have been announced for boys and girls aged 7-to-16 beginning November 22-24 and December 28-30 at the Great Park in Irvine. These camps continue the tradition of offering attendees the opportunity to work with Rangers and Orange County SC technical staff throughout the camp. The camp will feature comprehensive programming and reports to measure individual player growth and more. 

“Our relationship with Rangers, has always been about creating a winning culture and a pathway to pro”, said Oliver Wyss, President of Soccer Operation of Orange County SC. “Having ongoing clinics and training camps where kids from across Southern California put themselves in front of staff from a top European club is fantastic.” 

The innovative model employed by Orange County SC and Rangers continues to allow players visibility into the “Pathway to Pro” model that has produced numerous professional Orange County soccer players. Local products like Aaron Cervantes, Francis Jacobs and others have seen camps like this help launch their careers professionally, both domestically and in Europe.  

The first 100 camp sign-ups will be entered into a raffle to win a signed Rangers FC jersey. Additionally, all camp registrants will receive a co-branded t-shirt and a match ticket to a future OCSC game Registrants can sign up for either camp at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/camps.

ORANGE COUNTY, California (September 15, 2021) – Glasgow Rangers and Orange County SC will jointly host another series of camps this fall and winter as part of an expanded range of partnership activities. As part of their multi-year commitment to cultivating world-class professional soccer talent, Rangers and Orange County SC today announced a soccer camp in Orange County that builds on the foundational component of their youth development program. The partnership, founded in 2019, has led to several exciting programs, commercial activities and player movements between the two clubs. Two three-day intensive soccer camps have been announced for boys and girls aged 7-to-16 beginning November 22-24 and December 28-30 at the Great Park in Irvine. These camps continue the tradition of offering attendees the opportunity to work with Rangers and Orange County SC technical staff throughout the camp. The camp will feature comprehensive programming and reports to measure individual player growth and more. 

“Our relationship with Rangers, has always been about creating a winning culture and a pathway to pro”, said Oliver Wyss, President of Soccer Operation of Orange County SC. “Having ongoing clinics and training camps where kids from across Southern California put themselves in front of staff from a top European club is fantastic.” 

The innovative model employed by Orange County SC and Rangers continues to allow players visibility into the “Pathway to Pro” model that has produced numerous professional Orange County soccer players. Local products like Aaron Cervantes, Francis Jacobs and others have seen camps like this help launch their careers professionally, both domestically and in Europe.  

The first 100 camp sign-ups will be entered into a raffle to win a signed Rangers FC jersey. Additionally, all camp registrants will receive a co-branded t-shirt and a match ticket to a future OCSC game Registrants can sign up for either camp at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/camps.

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Orange County Soccer Club is Orange County’s only professional soccer team that is part of the United Soccer League (USL) the fastest-growing Division II professional soccer league in the world. The USL is comprised of 35 teams across the United States. The team plays its home games at the Orange County Great Park’s Championship Soccer Stadium located in Irvine, CA. Nestled in the heart of the Great Park, Championship Soccer Stadium has a capacity of more than 5,000 for Orange County SC matches. Orange County SC was one of 12 founding members of the USL during its inaugural 2011 season. The preceding club, Orange County Blues, won the 2015 Western Conference Regular Season Championship and reached the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the USL Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Team owner and Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, James Keston, purchased and re-branded the team in 2017. Keston, who actively oversees all operations of the team, is dedicated to providing a pathway to professional soccer and a world-class soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players, and youth clubs of Orange County. In December 2019 Orange County SC entered into a strategic partnership with Rangers FC from the Scottish Premier League.  

For more information about Orange County Soccer Club and to experience professional soccer in the OC visit: https://www.orangecountysoccer.com.  For more information about the United Soccer League visit: http://www.uslsoccer.com 

Orange County Soccer Club is Orange County’s only professional soccer team that is part of the United Soccer League (USL) the fastest-growing Division II professional soccer league in the world. The USL is comprised of 35 teams across the United States. The team plays its home games at the Orange County Great Park’s Championship Soccer Stadium located in Irvine, CA. Nestled in the heart of the Great Park, Championship Soccer Stadium has a capacity of more than 5,000 for Orange County SC matches. Orange County SC was one of 12 founding members of the USL during its inaugural 2011 season. The preceding club, Orange County Blues, won the 2015 Western Conference Regular Season Championship and reached the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the USL Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Team owner and Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, James Keston, purchased and re-branded the team in 2017. Keston, who actively oversees all operations of the team, is dedicated to providing a pathway to professional soccer and a world-class soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players, and youth clubs of Orange County. In December 2019 Orange County SC entered into a strategic partnership with Rangers FC from the Scottish Premier League.  

For more information about Orange County Soccer Club and to experience professional soccer in the OC visit: https://www.orangecountysoccer.com.  For more information about the United Soccer League visit: http://www.uslsoccer.com 

Orange County SC earned their first victory at home since mid-June with an entertaining 3-0 shutout of Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, September 11 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. It also marked interim head coach Richard Chaplow’s first career win at home since he took over in mid-August.

“It is a little bit of a mental hurdle when you know you’re in a rut [winless at home since June] and under a lot of pressure, but the big elephant in the room has now been taken care of,” Chaplow said. “Now it is back to business and focusing on taking as many points as we can now for the remaining games.”

The game kicked off with OCSC energized and pushing the ball upfield into the attacking third. Las Vegas tried to keep up with the physical play of OCSC’s midfield, but did not find much success. OCSC searched for the first breakthrough though they were inconsistent in their finishes.

In the third minute of first-half stoppage time, OCSC scored the game’s first goal with a header from defender Robbie Kiernan off a set-piece delivery from midfielder Eric Calvillo. Both of Kiernan’s two goals of the season have come from headers against Las Vegas.

“I had one the other time [in Las Vegas] and then actually had one off the bar so I was close to getting two last time,” Kiernan said. “I always give Eric [Calvillo] a bit of stick about his delivery so I owe him that one [on tonight’s goal].”

The second half was filled with fouls, cards, and goals all going OCSC’s way. Las Vegas defender Mohamed Traore did not fare well with OCSC’s frontline attacks that continuously blew past him with their speed. As Las Vegas resorted to committing hard fouls, Traore’s faults were proved to be too hard to the referee’s liking and was shown two yellow cards in the span of three minutes to put his team down to ten men for the rest of the night.

For the last thirty minutes, OCSC brought on forward Thomas Enevoldsen to get him more match action and keep the team playing at a high level. He replaced midfielder Mikko Kuningas who is one yellow card away from suspension due to yellow card accumulation.

In the 84’, OCSC midfielder Ben Mines drew a foul in the penalty area as he tried to dribble by Las Vegas goalkeeper Alexander Rando who ended up taking Mines down. The referee pointed to the spot and Enevoldsen calmly converted the penalty with his right-footed shot in the bottom left corner.

OCSC put the game out of reach with its third goal in the 89’ with forward Ronaldo Damus’s team-leading 12th goal of the season. It was an early birthday present to Damus who turned 22 the next day.

“I feel happy because it’s been a long time and we take this momentum forward,” Damus said.

OCSC made their final two substitutions in the 90’ which saw midfielder Seth Casiple make his season debut after being on the injury report since preseason. As the final whistle sounded, OCSC clinched a clean sheet with a complete performance from both the offense and the defense.

“We got Paul [Hardyman] now as my assistant who is a defender by trade so we are able to separate the units in training with specialized coaches,” Chaplow said. “Paul has been working really hard reinforcing the compactness and the aggression which you saw tonight and [I’m] delighted that they’re able to get out on the field and perform.

It was OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky’s sixth clean sheet this year.

An overall team effort to earn three points gave OCSC another boost in staying above the playoff line in the Pacific Division. OCSC faces a tough road test against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, September 18.

“The results the last couple of months haven’t been obviously up to standard, but I feel like this has been a real test of character, sticking together and doing the right things,” Kiernan said. “It’s nice to get a win for sure!”

Orange County SC earned their first victory at home since mid-June with an entertaining 3-0 shutout of Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, September 11 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. It also marked interim head coach Richard Chaplow’s first career win at home since he took over in mid-August.

“It is a little bit of a mental hurdle when you know you’re in a rut [winless at home since June] and under a lot of pressure, but the big elephant in the room has now been taken care of,” Chaplow said. “Now it is back to business and focusing on taking as many points as we can now for the remaining games.”

The game kicked off with OCSC energized and pushing the ball upfield into the attacking third. Las Vegas tried to keep up with the physical play of OCSC’s midfield, but did not find much success. OCSC searched for the first breakthrough though they were inconsistent in their finishes.

In the third minute of first-half stoppage time, OCSC scored the game’s first goal with a header from defender Robbie Kiernan off a set-piece delivery from midfielder Eric Calvillo. Both of Kiernan’s two goals of the season have come from headers against Las Vegas.

“I had one the other time [in Las Vegas] and then actually had one off the bar so I was close to getting two last time,” Kiernan said. “I always give Eric [Calvillo] a bit of stick about his delivery so I owe him that one [on tonight’s goal].”

The second half was filled with fouls, cards, and goals all going OCSC’s way. Las Vegas defender Mohamed Traore did not fare well with OCSC’s frontline attacks that continuously blew past him with their speed. As Las Vegas resorted to committing hard fouls, Traore’s faults were proved to be too hard to the referee’s liking and was shown two yellow cards in the span of three minutes to put his team down to ten men for the rest of the night.

For the last thirty minutes, OCSC brought on forward Thomas Enevoldsen to get him more match action and keep the team playing at a high level. He replaced midfielder Mikko Kuningas who is one yellow card away from suspension due to yellow card accumulation.

In the 84’, OCSC midfielder Ben Mines drew a foul in the penalty area as he tried to dribble by Las Vegas goalkeeper Alexander Rando who ended up taking Mines down. The referee pointed to the spot and Enevoldsen calmly converted the penalty with his right-footed shot in the bottom left corner.

OCSC put the game out of reach with its third goal in the 89’ with forward Ronaldo Damus’s team-leading 12th goal of the season. It was an early birthday present to Damus who turned 22 the next day.

“I feel happy because it’s been a long time and we take this momentum forward,” Damus said.

OCSC made their final two substitutions in the 90’ which saw midfielder Seth Casiple make his season debut after being on the injury report since preseason. As the final whistle sounded, OCSC clinched a clean sheet with a complete performance from both the offense and the defense.

“We got Paul [Hardyman] now as my assistant who is a defender by trade so we are able to separate the units in training with specialized coaches,” Chaplow said. “Paul has been working really hard reinforcing the compactness and the aggression which you saw tonight and [I’m] delighted that they’re able to get out on the field and perform.

It was OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky’s sixth clean sheet this year.

An overall team effort to earn three points gave OCSC another boost in staying above the playoff line in the Pacific Division. OCSC faces a tough road test against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, September 18.

“The results the last couple of months haven’t been obviously up to standard, but I feel like this has been a real test of character, sticking together and doing the right things,” Kiernan said. “It’s nice to get a win for sure!”

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Orange County SC vs Las Vegas Lights FC

USL Championship | September 11, 2021

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Weather: Warm and toasty with a side of dill

Orange County SC vs Las Vegas Lights FC

USL Championship | September 11, 2021

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Weather: Warm and toasty with a side of dill

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SCORING SUMMARY:

45+3’ Robert Kiernan (OCSC)

84’ Thomas Enevoldsen PEN (OCSC)

89’ Ronaldo Damus (OCSC)

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

43’ Robert Kiernan

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC

20’ Dylan Presto

39’ Armando Avila

45+2’ Frank Daroma

50’ Mohamed Traore

53’ Mohamed Traore (RED)

83’ Alexander Rando

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus (90’ Aidan Apodaca), Thomas McCabe (30’ Mikko Kuningas) (62’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Eric Calvillo (90’ Seth Casiple), Sean Okoli (68’ Ben Mines), Kobi Henry

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Stats: Possession: 55.1% | Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 12 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 16 | Offsides: 2 |

 

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC LINEUP:

Alex Rando (GK), Mohamed Traore, Nathan Sepulveda, Bruce El Mesmari (60’ Christopher Jaime), Daniel Trejo, Roberto Molina ( C ), Tristan Weber, Frank Daroma, Christian Torres (71’ Julian Vazquez), Armando Avila (85’ Javen Romero), Dylan Presto (60’ Michael Yeboah)

Unused subs: Donovan Palomares (GK)

Head Coach: Steve Cherundolo

Stats: Possession: 44.9% | Shots: 5 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 13 | Offsides: 1 |

SCORING SUMMARY:

45+3’ Robert Kiernan (OCSC)

84’ Thomas Enevoldsen PEN (OCSC)

89’ Ronaldo Damus (OCSC)

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

43’ Robert Kiernan

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC

20’ Dylan Presto

39’ Armando Avila

45+2’ Frank Daroma

50’ Mohamed Traore

53’ Mohamed Traore (RED)

83’ Alexander Rando

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus (90’ Aidan Apodaca), Thomas McCabe (30’ Mikko Kuningas) (62’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Eric Calvillo (90’ Seth Casiple), Sean Okoli (68’ Ben Mines), Kobi Henry

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Stats: Possession: 55.1% | Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 12 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 16 | Offsides: 2 |

 

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC LINEUP:

Alex Rando (GK), Mohamed Traore, Nathan Sepulveda, Bruce El Mesmari (60’ Christopher Jaime), Daniel Trejo, Roberto Molina ( C ), Tristan Weber, Frank Daroma, Christian Torres (71’ Julian Vazquez), Armando Avila (85’ Javen Romero), Dylan Presto (60’ Michael Yeboah)

Unused subs: Donovan Palomares (GK)

Head Coach: Steve Cherundolo

Stats: Possession: 44.9% | Shots: 5 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 13 | Offsides: 1 |

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WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA

WHERE TO WATCH:

The match will be streamed on ESPN+ and televised on COX Yurview

WHERE TO LISTEN:

Tu Liga Radio 1220 AM

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 8-7-7 (31 points, 3rd Pacific), Las Vegas: 5-16-2 (17 points, 8th Pacific) 

FORM GUIDE (MOST RECENT FIRST):

Orange County: DDWLD, Las Vegas: LLLLL

MATCH THEME:

First Responders Night / Touch-a-Truck / Snow Globe Giveaway

BUY TICKETS HERE

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA

WHERE TO WATCH:

The match will be streamed on ESPN+ and televised on COX Yurview

WHERE TO LISTEN:

Tu Liga Radio 1220 AM

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 8-7-7 (31 points, 3rd Pacific), Las Vegas: 5-16-2 (17 points, 8th Pacific) 

FORM GUIDE (MOST RECENT FIRST):

Orange County: DDWLD, Las Vegas: LLLLL

MATCH THEME:

First Responders Night / Touch-a-Truck / Snow Globe Giveaway

BUY TICKETS HERE

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Into the Thick of It

Orange County SC hosts Las Vegas Lights FC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine for the first time this season in an important Pacific Division matchup on Saturday, September 11. OCSC is looking for their first win at home since June and are in prime position to achieve that against Las Vegas, who are bottom of the division table.

Heat Check

In their two previous meetings this season in Sin City where the teams exchanged 3-1 results, game time temperatures soared above triple digits despite the later kickoff times after the sun had set. On Saturday, while most cities in the County deal with higher than usual temperatures, the heat in Irvine should not be too overbearing as interim head coach Richard Chaplow’s men compete for three big points. 

Ugo’s First 

After returning to the club midseason, Sean ‘Ugo’ Okoli scored his first goal when OCSC tied Mountain Division leaders El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday, September 3. In what could have been the winning goal before a late El Paso equalizer, Ugo celebrated his header by running towards the County Line Coalition tightly holding the OCSC crest on his jersey followed by the rest of the team.

Getting the Band Back Together

Since Thomas Enevoldsen’s return to the squad list, OCSC took two more names off the injury report that not only increases the team’s depth, but also adds valuable veteran leadership during the final playoff push. Defender Nate Smith and midfielder Seth Casiple were unused substitutes against El Paso Locomotive FC as they make their way back from injury, though both will certainly make an impact on and off the pitch moving forward.

The Power of German Goalkeeping

OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky won the fan vote in the USL Championship Save of the Month race with his backtracking fingertip save during his team’s first bout against Phoenix Rising FC in August. He ranks in the top five among all goalkeepers in the Western Conference in saves throughout the season.

Into the Thick of It

Orange County SC hosts Las Vegas Lights FC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine for the first time this season in an important Pacific Division matchup on Saturday, September 11. OCSC is looking for their first win at home since June and are in prime position to achieve that against Las Vegas, who are bottom of the division table.

Heat Check

In their two previous meetings this season in Sin City where the teams exchanged 3-1 results, game time temperatures soared above triple digits despite the later kickoff times after the sun had set. On Saturday, while most cities in the County deal with higher than usual temperatures, the heat in Irvine should not be too overbearing as interim head coach Richard Chaplow’s men compete for three big points. 

Ugo’s First 

After returning to the club midseason, Sean ‘Ugo’ Okoli scored his first goal when OCSC tied Mountain Division leaders El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday, September 3. In what could have been the winning goal before a late El Paso equalizer, Ugo celebrated his header by running towards the County Line Coalition tightly holding the OCSC crest on his jersey followed by the rest of the team.

Getting the Band Back Together

Since Thomas Enevoldsen’s return to the squad list, OCSC took two more names off the injury report that not only increases the team’s depth, but also adds valuable veteran leadership during the final playoff push. Defender Nate Smith and midfielder Seth Casiple were unused substitutes against El Paso Locomotive FC as they make their way back from injury, though both will certainly make an impact on and off the pitch moving forward.

The Power of German Goalkeeping

OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky won the fan vote in the USL Championship Save of the Month race with his backtracking fingertip save during his team’s first bout against Phoenix Rising FC in August. He ranks in the top five among all goalkeepers in the Western Conference in saves throughout the season.

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Orange County SC hosted USL Championship leaders El Paso Locomotive FC and played to a 2-2 draw on Friday, September 3 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA. Before and throughout the first half, OCSC’s Fall Beer Fest took place with many fans staying around for the game adding to an electric atmosphere.

With the same lineup as their previous game against Charleston Battery, OCSC looked to get out on the front foot by applying pressure towards the El Paso goal. Their best opportunity came from a free-kick won by OCSC forward Ronaldo Damus just outside the box. However, OCSC came up empty-handed.

El Paso took advantage of a nice string of possession catching the OCSC defense flat-footed. El Paso midfielder Nick Ross hit a ball that tailed away from the outstretched OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky just barely past his fingertips for the game’s first goal.

OCSC responded in the second half by attacking the El Paso defense searching for the equalizer. Even though the Fireworks Spectacular was scheduled to start after the match, OCSC started the show early with a pair of goals in quick succession.

In the 61’, OCSC defender Robbie Kiernan sent the ball forward from the backline which landed on the feet of Damus who flicked it onto Eric Calvillo. The OCSC midfielder got the ball to the edge of the box before crossing it into Damus who slotted it in the goal to tie the match 1-1.

Just six minutes after in the 67’, OCSC forward Sean ‘Ugo” Okoli scored his first goal since returning to the club midseason. A cross from OCSC defender Brent Richards was whipped into the box where Ugo, who found himself between two defenders, rose up and nodded the ball past the El Paso keeper to increase the lead, 2-1.

“We went in and made adjustments which is the key thing about this team,” Ugo said. “We see adversity, we sit together and try to figure it out. For us, it’s about getting in a good spot in the box.”

OCSC was on its way to their first win at home since June, but El Paso found a late equalizer on a header from Leandro Carrijò. El Paso did not let up in stoppage time despite OCSC’s efforts to get the late winner. The two teams split points at the end of 90-plus minutes.

OCSC stays home to host Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, September 11. There will OCSC’s annual Touch-a-Truck event happening all day and a snow globe giveaway.

Orange County SC hosted USL Championship leaders El Paso Locomotive FC and played to a 2-2 draw on Friday, September 3 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA. Before and throughout the first half, OCSC’s Fall Beer Fest took place with many fans staying around for the game adding to an electric atmosphere.

With the same lineup as their previous game against Charleston Battery, OCSC looked to get out on the front foot by applying pressure towards the El Paso goal. Their best opportunity came from a free-kick won by OCSC forward Ronaldo Damus just outside the box. However, OCSC came up empty-handed.

El Paso took advantage of a nice string of possession catching the OCSC defense flat-footed. El Paso midfielder Nick Ross hit a ball that tailed away from the outstretched OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky just barely past his fingertips for the game’s first goal.

OCSC responded in the second half by attacking the El Paso defense searching for the equalizer. Even though the Fireworks Spectacular was scheduled to start after the match, OCSC started the show early with a pair of goals in quick succession.

In the 61’, OCSC defender Robbie Kiernan sent the ball forward from the backline which landed on the feet of Damus who flicked it onto Eric Calvillo. The OCSC midfielder got the ball to the edge of the box before crossing it into Damus who slotted it in the goal to tie the match 1-1.

Just six minutes after in the 67’, OCSC forward Sean ‘Ugo” Okoli scored his first goal since returning to the club midseason. A cross from OCSC defender Brent Richards was whipped into the box where Ugo, who found himself between two defenders, rose up and nodded the ball past the El Paso keeper to increase the lead, 2-1.

“We went in and made adjustments which is the key thing about this team,” Ugo said. “We see adversity, we sit together and try to figure it out. For us, it’s about getting in a good spot in the box.”

OCSC was on its way to their first win at home since June, but El Paso found a late equalizer on a header from Leandro Carrijò. El Paso did not let up in stoppage time despite OCSC’s efforts to get the late winner. The two teams split points at the end of 90-plus minutes.

OCSC stays home to host Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, September 11. There will OCSC’s annual Touch-a-Truck event happening all day and a snow globe giveaway.

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Orange County SC vs El Paso Locomotive FC

USL Championship | September 3, 2021

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Weather: 75ºF

SCORING SUMMARY:

20’ Nick Ross (ELP)

61’ Ronaldo Damus (OCSC)

67’ Sean ‘Ugo’ Okoli (OCSC)

89’ Leandro Carrijo (ELP)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

59’ Thomas McCabe

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

63’ Diego Luna

83’ Yuma Monsalvez

87’ Richie Ryan

90’ Matt Bahner

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco ( C ), Brian Iloski (90+2’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Ronaldo Damus, Thomas McCabe (68’ Ben Mines), Eric Calvillo, Brent Richards, Sean Okoli (81’ Aidan Apodaca)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Seth Casiple, Kobi Henry, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 46.8% | Shots: 12 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 8 | Fouls: 16 | Offsides: 2 |

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC LINEUP:

Logan Ketterer (GK), Mechack Jerome, Eder Borelli (75’ Matt Bahner), Richie Ryan, Nick Ross (75’ Aaron Gomez), Dylan Mares, Diego Luna (78’ Leandro Carrijò) , Luis Solignac, Macauley King (75’ Bryam Rebellòn), Yuma Monsalvez ( C ), Sebastian Velasquez

Unused subs: Benjamin Beaury (GK), José Aguinaga, Louis Herrera

Head Coach: Mark Lowry

Possession: 53.2% | Shots: 5 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 1 | Fouls: 16 | Offsides: 5 |

Orange County SC vs El Paso Locomotive FC

USL Championship | September 3, 2021

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Weather: 75ºF

SCORING SUMMARY:

20’ Nick Ross (ELP)

61’ Ronaldo Damus (OCSC)

67’ Sean ‘Ugo’ Okoli (OCSC)

89’ Leandro Carrijo (ELP)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

59’ Thomas McCabe

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

63’ Diego Luna

83’ Yuma Monsalvez

87’ Richie Ryan

90’ Matt Bahner

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco ( C ), Brian Iloski (90+2’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Ronaldo Damus, Thomas McCabe (68’ Ben Mines), Eric Calvillo, Brent Richards, Sean Okoli (81’ Aidan Apodaca)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Seth Casiple, Kobi Henry, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 46.8% | Shots: 12 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 8 | Fouls: 16 | Offsides: 2 |

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC LINEUP:

Logan Ketterer (GK), Mechack Jerome, Eder Borelli (75’ Matt Bahner), Richie Ryan, Nick Ross (75’ Aaron Gomez), Dylan Mares, Diego Luna (78’ Leandro Carrijò) , Luis Solignac, Macauley King (75’ Bryam Rebellòn), Yuma Monsalvez ( C ), Sebastian Velasquez

Unused subs: Benjamin Beaury (GK), José Aguinaga, Louis Herrera

Head Coach: Mark Lowry

Possession: 53.2% | Shots: 5 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 1 | Fouls: 16 | Offsides: 5 |

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA

WHERE TO WATCH:

The match will be streamed on ESPN+ and televised on COX Yurview

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 8-7-6 (30 points, 3rd Pacific), El Paso: 12-2-5 (41 points, 1st Mountain) 

FORM GUIDE (most recent first):

Orange County: DWLDL, El Paso: LWDWW

MATCH THEME:

Fall Beer Fest / Fireworks Spectacular

BUY TICKETS HERE

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA

WHERE TO WATCH:

The match will be streamed on ESPN+ and televised on COX Yurview

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 8-7-6 (30 points, 3rd Pacific), El Paso: 12-2-5 (41 points, 1st Mountain) 

FORM GUIDE (most recent first):

Orange County: DWLDL, El Paso: LWDWW

MATCH THEME:

Fall Beer Fest / Fireworks Spectacular

BUY TICKETS HERE

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NEW MONTH

Orange County SC opens the penultimate month of the USL Championship regular season against league leaders El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday, September 3 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine during the Fall Beer Fest and Fireworks Spectacular. 

NEW COACH 

This will be interim head coach Richard Chaplow’s home debut since being appointed to the position in the middle of August. Since he took over the helm, OCSC has taken four of the six possible points in their last two matches including a comeback win at San Diego Loyal SC. Those results catapulted OCSC into the Top 20 in Week 19’s USL Championship Power Rankings.

SAME GOAL

Despite the change, OCSC still has their sights on the playoffs as they enter a stretch of pivotal matches right in the thick of the Pacific Division. One thing that will greatly benefit the team are the returns of players that have spent a long period of time on the injury report. In their previous match at Charleston Battery, OCSC forward Thomas Enevoldsen came on as a second half substitute for his first action since May 29 when he suffered a knee injury.

FRENEMIES 

OCSC forward Aidan Apodaca came from El Paso Locomotive FC on a midseason loan in the beginning of July. Since joining OCSC, Apodaca has scored one goal which came against Oakland Roots SC. This is the first and only time that he will face his old mates in the regular season.

OCSC OKTOBERFEST

OCSC will have their third and final Beer Fest on Saturday, October 2 against Phoenix Rising FC. It will be the first time former OCSC player Aodhan Quinn returns to Irvine with the matchup being one of the most anticipated ones in the final month of the season. Tickets are on-sale now at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/beerfest.

NEW MONTH

Orange County SC opens the penultimate month of the USL Championship regular season against league leaders El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday, September 3 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine during the Fall Beer Fest and Fireworks Spectacular. 

NEW COACH 

This will be interim head coach Richard Chaplow’s home debut since being appointed to the position in the middle of August. Since he took over the helm, OCSC has taken four of the six possible points in their last two matches including a comeback win at San Diego Loyal SC. Those results catapulted OCSC into the Top 20 in Week 19’s USL Championship Power Rankings.

SAME GOAL

Despite the change, OCSC still has their sights on the playoffs as they enter a stretch of pivotal matches right in the thick of the Pacific Division. One thing that will greatly benefit the team are the returns of players that have spent a long period of time on the injury report. In their previous match at Charleston Battery, OCSC forward Thomas Enevoldsen came on as a second half substitute for his first action since May 29 when he suffered a knee injury.

FRENEMIES 

OCSC forward Aidan Apodaca came from El Paso Locomotive FC on a midseason loan in the beginning of July. Since joining OCSC, Apodaca has scored one goal which came against Oakland Roots SC. This is the first and only time that he will face his old mates in the regular season.

OCSC OKTOBERFEST

OCSC will have their third and final Beer Fest on Saturday, October 2 against Phoenix Rising FC. It will be the first time former OCSC player Aodhan Quinn returns to Irvine with the matchup being one of the most anticipated ones in the final month of the season. Tickets are on-sale now at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/beerfest.

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Orange County SC traveled cross country and earned a 0-0 draw against Charleston Battery in a matchup of USL originals on Saturday, August 28 at Patriots Point at Mt. Pleasant, SC. It was the first time since the 2014 season that the two teams have played each other and it set up a high profile with playoff implications within their respective divisions.

The scoreless first half did not happen without drama that included two goals for Charleston that were called back for offsides. OCSC forward Ronaldo Damus almost found the back of the net after a breakaway was disrupted by a challenge from Charleston’s goalkeeper outside of his box. Damus collided with the keeper and fell inside the box, but there was no call for the penalty shot.

The second half produced the same result of the opening 45 minutes and saw numerous half chances fail to convert into goals. OCSC were able to bring the ball upfield and maintain possession but were unable to cleanly control the play in the attacking third.

After being on the injury report and out of commission since the end of May, OCSC forward Thomas Enevoldsen made his long-awaited return to pitch in the 85’ coming in for Sean ‘Ugo’ Okoli. However, Enevoldsen’s return was overshadowed by a 89’ straight red card to Charleston’s DZ Harmon.

The man-advantage did not make any difference nor did it last long as there were only two additional minutes to be added. OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky defended his goal until the end to secure the clean sheet and a point for his team.

OCSC returns home to host USL Championship leaders El Paso Locomotive on the second Beer Fest of the season on Friday, September 3. After the conclusion of the match, fans are invited to stay for the fireworks show.

Orange County SC traveled cross country and earned a 0-0 draw against Charleston Battery in a matchup of USL originals on Saturday, August 28 at Patriots Point at Mt. Pleasant, SC. It was the first time since the 2014 season that the two teams have played each other and it set up a high profile with playoff implications within their respective divisions.

The scoreless first half did not happen without drama that included two goals for Charleston that were called back for offsides. OCSC forward Ronaldo Damus almost found the back of the net after a breakaway was disrupted by a challenge from Charleston’s goalkeeper outside of his box. Damus collided with the keeper and fell inside the box, but there was no call for the penalty shot.

The second half produced the same result of the opening 45 minutes and saw numerous half chances fail to convert into goals. OCSC were able to bring the ball upfield and maintain possession but were unable to cleanly control the play in the attacking third.

After being on the injury report and out of commission since the end of May, OCSC forward Thomas Enevoldsen made his long-awaited return to pitch in the 85’ coming in for Sean ‘Ugo’ Okoli. However, Enevoldsen’s return was overshadowed by a 89’ straight red card to Charleston’s DZ Harmon.

The man-advantage did not make any difference nor did it last long as there were only two additional minutes to be added. OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky defended his goal until the end to secure the clean sheet and a point for his team.

OCSC returns home to host USL Championship leaders El Paso Locomotive on the second Beer Fest of the season on Friday, September 3. After the conclusion of the match, fans are invited to stay for the fireworks show.

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Orange County SC vs Charleston Battery

USL Championship | August 28, 2021

Venue: Patriots Point, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Kickoff: 4:30 PM PDT (7:30 PM EDT)

Weather: 83ºF 

SCORING SUMMARY:

None

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

82’ Mikko Kuningas

87’ Thomas McCabe

CHARLESTON BATTERY

50’ Claudio Repetto

58’ Leland Archer

77’ Angelo Kelly-Rosales

89’ DZ Harmon (Red)

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers (78’ Mikko Kuningas), Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco ( C ), Brian Iloski (79’ Ben Mines), Ronaldo Damus, Thomas McCabe, Eric Calvillo, Brent Richards, Sean Okoli (85’ Thomas Enevoldsen)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Aidan Apodaca, Kobi Henry, Raymond Drai

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 56.2% | Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 10 | Offsides: 3 |

CHARLESTON BATTERY LINEUP:

Joe Kuzminsky (GK), Benjamin Di Rosa (45’ Burke Fahling), Patrick Hogan, Leland Archer ( C ), Robbie Crawford, Romario Piggott (67’ Stavros Zarokostas), Zeiko Lewis, Nicque Daley (75’ Joshua Penn), Claudio Repetto (67’ DZ Harmon), A.J. Paterson, Angelo Kelly-Rosales

Unused subs: Paul Lewis (GK), Erik McCue, Geobel Pérez Oquendo

Head Coach: Mike Anhaeuser

Possession: 43.8% | Shots: 10 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 12 | Offsides: 4 |

Orange County SC vs Charleston Battery

USL Championship | August 28, 2021

Venue: Patriots Point, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Kickoff: 4:30 PM PDT (7:30 PM EDT)

Weather: 83ºF 

SCORING SUMMARY:

None

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

82’ Mikko Kuningas

87’ Thomas McCabe

CHARLESTON BATTERY

50’ Claudio Repetto

58’ Leland Archer

77’ Angelo Kelly-Rosales

89’ DZ Harmon (Red)

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers (78’ Mikko Kuningas), Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco ( C ), Brian Iloski (79’ Ben Mines), Ronaldo Damus, Thomas McCabe, Eric Calvillo, Brent Richards, Sean Okoli (85’ Thomas Enevoldsen)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Aidan Apodaca, Kobi Henry, Raymond Drai

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 56.2% | Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 10 | Offsides: 3 |

CHARLESTON BATTERY LINEUP:

Joe Kuzminsky (GK), Benjamin Di Rosa (45’ Burke Fahling), Patrick Hogan, Leland Archer ( C ), Robbie Crawford, Romario Piggott (67’ Stavros Zarokostas), Zeiko Lewis, Nicque Daley (75’ Joshua Penn), Claudio Repetto (67’ DZ Harmon), A.J. Paterson, Angelo Kelly-Rosales

Unused subs: Paul Lewis (GK), Erik McCue, Geobel Pérez Oquendo

Head Coach: Mike Anhaeuser

Possession: 43.8% | Shots: 10 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 12 | Offsides: 4 |

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. PT at Patriots Point Soccer Stadium in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

WHERE TO WATCH:

The match will be streamed on ESPN+

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 8-7-5 (29 points, 2nd Pacific), Charleston: 8-7-3 (27 points, 5th Atlantic) 

FORM GUIDE (most recent first):

Orange County: WLDLW, Charleston: WLWLL

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. PT at Patriots Point Soccer Stadium in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

WHERE TO WATCH:

The match will be streamed on ESPN+

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 8-7-5 (29 points, 2nd Pacific), Charleston: 8-7-3 (27 points, 5th Atlantic) 

FORM GUIDE (most recent first):

Orange County: WLDLW, Charleston: WLWLL

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2,175.30 Miles Far From Home

Orange County SC takes their first and only cross-country trip to face Charleston Battery from the Atlantic Division on Saturday, August 28 at 4:30 p.m. PST. This is their first meeting since the 2014 USL season and the only time OCSC plays a team from the Eastern Conference this season. 

Battle of USL Originals

Both OCSC (then called LA Blues) and Charleston Battery were two of the 12 original teams that played in the USL’s inaugural season in 2011. Since then, the teams have only met five times and Charleston has won three of them including a playoff match. OCSC’s only win came during the 2013 regular season.

USL Championship History Crash Course

Because of their status as original USL members, the clubs take up the top spots in games played, victories, and goals scored in the history of the league. OCSC is currently the leader in goals scored with 434 regular-season goals and counting. Charleston has recorded the most victories with 128 wins just four above OCSC’s 124 wins. 

Huge Win Down in SD

OCSC’s most recent victory was a 2-1 come-from-behind win on the road against rivals San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday, August 21. It was the first career win for interim head coach Richard Chaplow who was appointed to the role midweek after former head coach Braedan Cloutier was relieved of his duties. 

Ronaldo Earns Midseason Award Nominations

On August 18, the USL Championship released the nominees for their 2021 Fans’ Choice Midseason Awards. Among the nominees, OCSC forward and leading scorer Ronaldo Damus was tabbed for not one, but two categories. With his stellar performance in the first half of the season with nine goals, Damus earned a spot in the Midseason Young Player and Midseason Most Valuable Player vote despite missing time when he played for Haiti in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. 

Beer Fest and Fireworks

OCSC’s next home game kicks off the Labor Day weekend with Beer Fest and Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, September 3 against USL Championship leaders El Paso Locomotive FC.

2,175.30 Miles Far From Home

Orange County SC takes their first and only cross-country trip to face Charleston Battery from the Atlantic Division on Saturday, August 28 at 4:30 p.m. PST. This is their first meeting since the 2014 USL season and the only time OCSC plays a team from the Eastern Conference this season. 

Battle of USL Originals

Both OCSC (then called LA Blues) and Charleston Battery were two of the 12 original teams that played in the USL’s inaugural season in 2011. Since then, the teams have only met five times and Charleston has won three of them including a playoff match. OCSC’s only win came during the 2013 regular season.

USL Championship History Crash Course

Because of their status as original USL members, the clubs take up the top spots in games played, victories, and goals scored in the history of the league. OCSC is currently the leader in goals scored with 434 regular-season goals and counting. Charleston has recorded the most victories with 128 wins just four above OCSC’s 124 wins. 

Huge Win Down in SD

OCSC’s most recent victory was a 2-1 come-from-behind win on the road against rivals San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday, August 21. It was the first career win for interim head coach Richard Chaplow who was appointed to the role midweek after former head coach Braedan Cloutier was relieved of his duties. 

Ronaldo Earns Midseason Award Nominations

On August 18, the USL Championship released the nominees for their 2021 Fans’ Choice Midseason Awards. Among the nominees, OCSC forward and leading scorer Ronaldo Damus was tabbed for not one, but two categories. With his stellar performance in the first half of the season with nine goals, Damus earned a spot in the Midseason Young Player and Midseason Most Valuable Player vote despite missing time when he played for Haiti in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. 

Beer Fest and Fireworks

OCSC’s next home game kicks off the Labor Day weekend with Beer Fest and Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, September 3 against USL Championship leaders El Paso Locomotive FC.

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