August 11th, 2018 (Tempe, Arizona) – The match began as many expected, with Phoenix Rising FC trying to press Orange County SC out of their possession-based attack. Phoenix would lose midfielder Alessandro Riggi around the quarter-hour mark with a lower-body injury.
Orange County forward Michael Seaton had the match’s first attempt on frame, but his shot was controlled by Phoenix keeper Carl Woszczynski. After a good spell of possession in the attacking half from Orange County, substitute Jason Johnson made a great individual run on the counter attack. He worked his way right in front of goal, but he was turned away by Andre Rawls—making his return between the sticks for Orange County SC.
Forwards Darwin Jones and Thomas Enevoldsen both forced first half saves from Woszczynski. Just before the 40th minute, Orange County broke through. Orange County midfielder Aodhan Quinn was able to move the ball forward from near mid-pitch before feeding the ball to Seaton. He was able to bury the chance inside the far post from outside the area. Orange County totaled five corner kicks in the first half and held an edge of possession with 57%.
The second half started with Orange County SC pressuring the midfield and backline of Phoenix. A few minutes into the second frame, they found their second goal. Enevoldsen was allowed too much space, dribbling towards the box and firing a low shot into the net to tie the league lead with his 13th goal on the season.
Orange County was awarded a penalty when Phoenix defender Mike da Fonte was whistled for a foul on Orange County SC defender Walker Hume in the area. Quinn stepped up and buried the shot from the spot to put Orange County up 3-0. Then, Seaton tallied his second goal of the night when he tapped home Enevoldsen’s cross at the far post.
Rawls would lose his clean sheet when Phoenix midfielder Soloman Asante converted a penalty kick in the 68th minute. Phoenix would pull another one back when defender Devante Dubose’s low cross found the back of the net. It was initially ruled an own goal, then credited to Dubose—will likely end up a goal for Asante, who later got full credit for the third Phoenix goal in stoppage time.
Despite a furious rally from Phoenix Rising FC, Orange County SC would hold on for a crucial 4-3 win on the road. With the night’s victory, Orange County pulled within three points of first place Real Monarchs SLC and now solely controls the second position.
Notable Stats:
- Aodhan Quinn had a match-high 76 touches and tallied his ninth assist of the season.
- Thomas Enevoldsen tied Cameron Lancaster for the USL’s Golden Boot lead.
- Walker Hume completed 95% of his passes and won four aerial duels.
Next up, Orange County will host Las Vegas Lights FC in a mid-week fixture at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.
August 11th, 2018 (Tempe, Arizona) – The match began as many expected, with Phoenix Rising FC trying to press Orange County SC out of their possession-based attack. Phoenix would lose midfielder Alessandro Riggi around the quarter-hour mark with a lower-body injury.
Orange County forward Michael Seaton had the match’s first attempt on frame, but his shot was controlled by Phoenix keeper Carl Woszczynski. After a good spell of possession in the attacking half from Orange County, substitute Jason Johnson made a great individual run on the counter attack. He worked his way right in front of goal, but he was turned away by Andre Rawls—making his return between the sticks for Orange County SC.
Forwards Darwin Jones and Thomas Enevoldsen both forced first half saves from Woszczynski. Just before the 40th minute, Orange County broke through. Orange County midfielder Aodhan Quinn was able to move the ball forward from near mid-pitch before feeding the ball to Seaton. He was able to bury the chance inside the far post from outside the area. Orange County totaled five corner kicks in the first half and held an edge of possession with 57%.
The second half started with Orange County SC pressuring the midfield and backline of Phoenix. A few minutes into the second frame, they found their second goal. Enevoldsen was allowed too much space, dribbling towards the box and firing a low shot into the net to tie the league lead with his 13th goal on the season.
Orange County was awarded a penalty when Phoenix defender Mike da Fonte was whistled for a foul on Orange County SC defender Walker Hume in the area. Quinn stepped up and buried the shot from the spot to put Orange County up 3-0. Then, Seaton tallied his second goal of the night when he tapped home Enevoldsen’s cross at the far post.
Rawls would lose his clean sheet when Phoenix midfielder Soloman Asante converted a penalty kick in the 68th minute. Phoenix would pull another one back when defender Devante Dubose’s low cross found the back of the net. It was initially ruled an own goal, then credited to Dubose—will likely end up a goal for Asante, who later got full credit for the third Phoenix goal in stoppage time.
Despite a furious rally from Phoenix Rising FC, Orange County SC would hold on for a crucial 4-3 win on the road. With the night’s victory, Orange County pulled within three points of first place Real Monarchs SLC and now solely controls the second position.
Notable Stats:
- Aodhan Quinn had a match-high 76 touches and tallied his ninth assist of the season.
- Thomas Enevoldsen tied Cameron Lancaster for the USL’s Golden Boot lead.
- Walker Hume completed 95% of his passes and won four aerial duels.
Next up, Orange County will host Las Vegas Lights FC in a mid-week fixture at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.
