Kickoff: Saturday, September 30 (7:30 PM PST)
Where: Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th Street and Washington (Phoenix, AZ)
How to Watch: ESPN+
Orange County SC completes their road trip this Saturday, September 30 with their first trip to the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at 38th and Washington in Downtown Phoenix, AZ to face Phoenix Rising FC at 7:30 PM PST. After Phoenix took the first match in this year’s series back in May, the Black and Orange are out to avenge that loss and move one step closer to clinching a playoff spot.
PHOENIX CERTAINLY HAS RISEN
Phoenix Rising FC enters Saturday’s match in fourth place in the USL Championship Western Conference. The side is currently in the midst of a seven match unbeaten streak (4-0-3) that has seen them vault up the standings. This current run of form has taken them from a side that was fighting just to get into the playoffs, into one that has now found themselves fighting for a spot in the top four and a first round home game. Even though they had a 5-0 victory over Detroit, Phoenix has primarily gone on this run through their defense, allowing just five goals in those seven matches. They are led up top by their forward duo of Manuel Arteaga and Daniel Trejo, as the two have combined for 32 of the team’s 52 goals so far this season and have also combined for 12 assists.
2023 Regular Season Record: 12-8-11 (4th in USL-C Western Conference)
Goals Scored: 52 | Goals Allowed: 36 | Clean Sheets: 7
Players to Watch
F Manuel Arteaga
F Daniel Trejo
REINFORCEMENTS LOOK TO BOOST THE BLACK AND ORANGE
Orange County SC found themselves on the wrong side of a 4-0 scoreline down by the Riverwalk against San Antonio FC last weekend. While it was a frustrating match for the Black and Orange, a new challenge presents itself in the form of a longtime rival in the desert as Saturday’s match will be the 30th regular season contest all-time between the two clubs. A slew of reinforcements will be on the way for the Black and Orange as they head into Saturday’s match. Midfielder Kevin Partida returns from his one match yellow card accumulation suspension and will be eligible for selection on Saturday. Forward Cameron Dunbar and goalkeeper Colin Shutler have both been taken off the injury report and are expected to be available for selection as well.
Players to Watch
F Cameron Dunbar
M Kevin Partida
All-time record:
Orange County SC is 9-12-8 all-time against Phoenix Rising FC.
Previous Matchup: 2023 USL Championship
Orange County SC 0 – 1 Phoenix Rising FC (Championship Stadium, Irvine, CA)
Scoring summary: Manuel Arteaga 67’
NOTHING LIKE THE CLASSICS
Orange County SC returns home to Championship Stadium at The Great Park in Irvine on Wednesday, October 4th as a part of our California Classic night against Oakland Roots SC. Come experience a classic car show in the parking lot pregame and enjoy an In-N-Out truck at the match all night long! You can get your tickets for this match, here.
JUST TWO REGULAR SEASON HOME MATCHES REMAIN!
There are just TWO regular season home matches left in Orange County SC’s 2023 USL Championship regular season! With sellouts on our previous four Saturday home matches, don’t miss out on our last two regular season home games and help us pack The Champ! Get your tickets here.
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.