Kickoff: Wednesday, October 4 (7:00 PM PST)
Where: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)
How to Watch: At The Champ, Bally Sports SoCal, ESPN+
Orange County SC opens their final homestand of the 2023 USL Championship regular season in a midweek matchup on Wednesday, October 4 with Oakland Roots SC on California Classic Night presented by IPA Physio, at 7:00 PM. As a part of California Classic Night, we will also be hosting our friends at the Anaheim Ducks for some special activations and merchandise collaborations! You won’t want to miss it!
LOOKING TO UPROOT OAKLAND
Oakland Roots SC enters Wednesday’s match in eighth place in the USL Championship Western Conference. Once near the top of the table this season, the Roots are just looking to stay alive in the 2023 Race to the Playoffs as the season sprints towards the finish. The Roots are currently in the midst of a six match winless streak (0-4-2) and have only won two of their last ten matches (2-5-3). While things have not gone the way they would’ve hoped recently, they still find themselves above the playoff line in the West for the time being, which speaks to the quality on their roster. They are led by the USL Championship leader in saves, goalkeeper Paul Blanchette and actually have a better record on the road than they do at home. Plus, it is never wise to underestimate an opponent that is fighting for their playoff lives.
2023 Regular Season Record: 11-11-9 (8th in USL-C Western Conference)
Goals Scored: 41 | Goals Allowed: 39 | Clean Sheets: 9
Players to Watch
GK Paul Blanchette
F Johnny Rodriguez
THE MAKINGS OF A CLASSIC
Orange County SC earned a hard fought point in the desert last weekend after a 1-1 draw with Phoenix Rising FC. Forward Milan Iloski scored the lone goal of the night, his 13th goal of the season, his fifth career goal against Phoenix in four matches, and his 40th career USL Championship goal in 80 appearances. This match will be important for a multitude of reasons for OCSC, as they can clinch a playoff spot with a point against Oakland, but three points could go a long way for the Black and Orange towards their hopes of finishing in the top four in the West. With many of the other top four contenders idle on Wednesday, OCSC can make up some ground going into the final two weekends of the regular season.
Players to Watch
F Thomas Amang
D Ryan Doghman
All-time record:
Orange County SC is 4-2-1 all-time against Oakland Roots SC.
Previous Matchup: 2023 USL Championship
Oakland Roots SC 3 – 0 Orange County SC (CSUEB Pioneer Stadium, Heyward, CA)
Scoring summary: Dariusz Formella 30’, Tarek Morad 43’, Edgardo Rito 78’ (OAK)
FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT IS NEXT SATURDAY!
Orange County SC will play their final regular season home match of the 2023 USL Championship season this Saturday, October 7 at 7:00 PM against San Antonio FC on Fan Appreciation Night presented by the U.S. Army. This match will feature our last Beer Fest of the season, a giveaway for the first 750 fans at the gates and a postgame autograph session with the team after the match on the field. It will be a night you won’t want to miss! You can purchase your tickets today, here.
ORANGE COUNTY SC MAGIC NUMBER: 1
Orange County SC can clinch their spot in the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs with any of the following results:
Orange County SC def. Oakland Roots SC OR
Orange County SC draws with Oakland Roots SC OR
Orange County SC loses to Oakland Roots SC AND Hartford Athletic def/ties RGV FC
SECURE YOUR SEAT FOR 2024!
The only way to secure your seat for every Orange County SC home match in 2024 is by becoming a season ticket holder! Becoming a season ticket holder not only guarantees you’re getting your tickets at the lowest price, but also comes with special benefits, like access to exclusive season ticket holder events, your own entrance at The Champ, a ticket to one away game of your choice and much more! Deposits for the 2024 season are now open! Place yours today at orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets.