Kickoff: Saturday, October 17, 2026 (7:00 PM PDT)
Where: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA
How to Watch: KCAL Plus 9.6 / CBS Golazo Network
Available in the U.K.: USL on YouTube
Orange County SC returns to Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday for a pivotal matchup against Phoenix Rising FC as the Western Conference playoff race remains tightly contested. OCSC sits seventh with a 10-9-9 record and 39 points through 28 matches, level on points with San Antonio FC and three points ahead of ninth-place Phoenix. With both clubs battling for postseason berths, a victory would strengthen Orange County’s position and create valuable separation from a direct playoff contender.
Orange County enters the match looking to regain momentum after consecutive 2-1 losses to Monterey Bay FC and El Paso Locomotive FC. Those results followed a 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Sept. 26. Chris Hegardt scored at first-place El Paso on Oct. 10 to cut a two-goal deficit in half, but OCSC could not find an equalizer. Defender Tom Brewitt is available after serving his suspension, providing an experienced presence to help organize the back line in front of goalkeeper Alex Rando.
The clubs have met three times across all competitions this season. They played to a 1-1 draw in Phoenix on March 14 in league action before Rising earned a 2-1 victory after extra time in the U.S. Open Cup and another 2-1 win in the USL Cup.
Phoenix arrives following a 3-2 home victory over Las Vegas Lights FC on Oct. 10. Ihsan Sacko scored twice to bring his league total to 15 goals, while Gunnar Studenhofft added a goal. Rising sits ninth with a 9-10-9 record and 36 points, keeping the club within reach of a playoff berth.
For Orange County, converting chances and maintaining defensive organization will be essential against a Phoenix attack coming off a three-goal performance. Brewitt’s return and the support of the home crowd could provide a boost as OCSC looks to capitalize on its final regular-season home match. A draw would keep Orange County ahead of Phoenix, while a victory would extend that advantage to six points heading into the final week.
Orange County SC concludes the regular season next week at San Antonio FC. Follow the club’s official channels for updates on the playoff race and potential watch parties.
OCSC Keys to the Match:
For Orange County SC, the night starts with the first 20 minutes. Championship Soccer Stadium gets loud when the home side is on the front foot, and a slow start would hand Phoenix the match state it wants. Tom Brewitt’s return should give the back line the organization it has lacked on the road, and Alex Rando needs a clean first half to settle the group. Tyson Espy, Ryan Doghman, and Jaylin Lindsey have to win the first ball and the second one so Rando is not left exposed. In midfield, Kevin Partida and Ousmane Sylla need to connect into Chris Hegardt and the forwards before Phoenix can counter. Yaniv Bazini and Lyam MacKinnon have to be clinical when the chances arrive, because the playoff math does not reward another night of good possession and no finish. One soft goal to Ihsan Sacko would give Rising a path back into the race.
OCSC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 10-11-9 (7th)
Goals Scored: 44 | Goals Allowed: 45 | Clean Sheets: 8
Orange County SC is 11-18-10 all-time against Phoenix Rising FC (Last 5 against PHX – 2-2-1)
Players to Watch:
M Chris Hegardt
D Tom Brewitt
Previous Matchup: 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup:
Orange County SC 1-2 Phoenix Rising FC (May 16, 2026, Phoenix, AZ)
Scoring Summary: 22’ Jamir Johnson (OC) – Assist Yaniv Bazini, 28’ Jean Moursou (PHX) – Assist Gunnar Studenhofft, 69’ Eziah Ramirez (PHX) – Assist Pape Boye
Phoenix Rising FC Keys to the Match:
For Phoenix Rising FC, the job is to stay in the game and use Ihsan Sacko. Rising does not need a statement win. A road point keeps its playoff path alive, and Gunnar Studenhofft has shown he can finish when the service arrives. Jean-Eric Moursou and Diego Gómez have to supply that service without forcing the ball, because Orange County will try to force the game into open space at home. Phoenix has to keep its shape when the crowd pushes after the first Orange County chance, and the back line cannot give Bazini or MacKinnon a free look in the box. Patrick Rakovsky will need to be sharp in goal, because Orange County will test him early and often at Championship Soccer Stadium.
Phoenix Rising FC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 9 -8-13
Goals Scored: 49 | Goals Allowed: 49 | Clean Sheets: 11
Players to Watch:
GK Patrick Rakovsky
F Ihsan Sacko