Orange County SC defeated Oakland Roots SC 3-1 on Wednesday, October 4 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA behind goals from forwards Milan Iloski, Thomas Amang and midfielder Brian Iloski. Following tonight’s results, OCSC officially clinched a spot in the 2023 USL Championship playoffs.
The Black and Orange had the first chance of the night in the second minute when Amang drew a corner on the right side of the pitch. Brian Iloski sent in a cross towards the captain, defender Markus Nakkim, but his header went just wide right of the goal post.
Oakland countered in the 11th minute when defender Neveal Hackshaw played a header to forward Anuar Peláez. Peláez fired a left-footed-shot from the center of the box that found its way just past OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler into the bottom left corner of the net, putting Oakland up 1-0 early.
OCSC had another opportunity in the 36th minute as the ball found its way to Milan Iloski on the right side of the box. Iloski found Amang in the center of the box, however, his strike missed just right of the goal.
The Black and Orange finally drew even in the second minute of first half stoppage time. Brian Iloski drew a foul in the box, giving OCSC a penalty kick. His brother, Milan, calmy stepped up to the box and calmly slotted his penalty past the outstretched hands of Oakland goalkeeper Paul Blanchette, tying the contest 1-1.
The home team continued on the attack five minutes into stoppage time. Defender Owen Lambe sent in a perfectly placed ball to Amang from a corner and Amang elevated over the Oakland defense, perfectly connecting with a header straight into the back of the net. OCSC took a 2-1 lead into the halftime dressing room
OCSC started the second half just like they ended the first in the 50th minute. Milan Iloski began the break, but lost it behind him. A trailing Brian Iloski was right there to clean it up as he fired a rocket with his left foot to the left corner of the net, putting the home team ahead 3-1.
The fireworks didn’t stop there, however. OCSC had another chance in the 51st minute as midfielder Kyle Scott led a two-on-one break finding Amang just outside the box. Amang tapped it back to Scott in the box, whose shot was narrowly saved by Blanchette, preventing yet another Orange County goal.
Oakland attempted to answer back in the 64th minute as midfielder Memo Diaz sent in a cross to captain midfielder Tarek Morad. Morad’s header just missed wide left.
Oakland had one more chance in the 84th minute as substitute forward Jeciel Cedeño found Reid inside the box. Reid connected with a header from close range, but just missed to the left of the goal.
OCSC attempted to pad the lead in the first minute of stoppage time as they drew a free kick just outside the box. Substitute defender Andrew Fox sent in a rocket with his left foot that was just saved by the outstretched hands of Blanchette.
In the end, the defense held up strong to Oakland’s last minute push, securing the win and all three points for OCSC. With the win, the Black and Orange have officially clinched a berth in the 2023 USL Championship playoffs.
OCSC will return home to The Champ on Saturday, October 7 for our Fan Appreciation Night and Beer Fest vs. San Antonio FC at 7pm. Be one of the first 750 fans in attendance to get your hands on a special giveaway at the gate! Grab your tickets here today!
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Forward Milan Iloski scored his 14th goal of the season.
Midfielder Brian Iloski scored his 2nd goal of the season.
Forward Thomas Amang scored his eighth goal of the season.
Tonight marks the second time both Iloski brothers have scored in the same game for OCSC.
| TEAM | FIRST HALF | SECOND HALF | FULL TIME |
| OAK | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| OCSC | 2 | 1 | 3 |
SCORING SUMMARY:
11’ Anuar Peláez (OAK)
45’+2 Milan Iloski – PK (OCSC)
45’+5 Thomas Amang (OCSC)
50’ Brian Iloski (OCSC)
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ORANGE COUNTY SC
22’ Kyle Scott
OAKLAND ROOTS SC
15’ Memo Diaz
39’ Bryan Tamacas
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:
Colin Shutler (GK); Ryan Doghman (Kevin Lankford 68’), Owen Lambe, Markus Nakkim (C), Dillon Powers; Seth Casiple(Brent Richards 82’), Brian Iloski (Andrew Fox 82’), Kyle Scott (Cameron Dunbar 71’), Kevin Partida; Milan Iloski, Thomas Amang (Sparky McNulty 68’)
Unused subs: Eric Lopez (GK), Alex Villanueva
Head Coach: Morten Karlsen
Possession: 50% | Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 8 | Corners: 7 | Fouls: 9 | Offsides: 1 |
OAKLAND ROOTS SC LINEUP:
Paul Blanchette (GK); Emrah Kilmenta (Luis Saldaña 77’), Neveal Hackshaw, Danny Barbir, Bryan Tamacas (Baboucarr Nije 60’); Napo Matsoso (Daniel Gomez 77’), Tarek Morad (C), Memo Diaz, Lindo Mfeka (Jeciel Cedeño 60’); Johnny Rodriguez (Trayvone Reid 67’), Anuar Peláez
Unused subs: Timothy Syrel (GK), Irakoze Donasiyano
Head Coach: Noah Delgado
Possession: 50% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 7 | Fouls: 15 | Offsides: 2 |
Orange County SC vs. Oakland Roots SC
2023 USL Championship | Matchday 32
Date: October 4, 2023
Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)
Weather: Jammin’ all the way to the playoffs