Kickoff: Saturday, March 9 (7:00 PM PDT)
Where: Heart Health Park (Sacramento, CA)
How to Watch: CBS Sports GOLAZO! Network
The 2024 USL Championship season is nearly here OCSC fans! After an offseason where the Black and Orange returned 10 of their 11 starters from a team that finished 2nd in the West last season, returned other key role players, and made exciting new signings across the pitch, Orange County SC’s first test of the season comes on the road at Heart Health Park against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, March 9 at 7:00 PM PDT.
A FAMILIAR FOE TO OPEN THE SEASON
Sacramento Republic FC head into 2024 off the heels of another strong season in 2023, where the Republic finished with the top spot in the Western Conference for the second time in their club’s history. The Republic made it to the Western Conference Final of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs, where they lost to eventual champion Phoenix Rising FC. Sacramento returns numerous players from last year’s successful season, including their leading goal scorer Russell Cicerone, goalkeeper Daniel Vitiello, and club legend Rodrigo “Roro” Lopez. The Republic are primed to be near the top of the Western Conference again in 2024, they are even a popular pick to lift the trophy at the end of the season according to some outlets. They are sure to provide a stern first test of the new season for the Black and Orange.
2023 Regular Season Record: 18-10-6 (1st in USL-C Western Conference)
Goals Scored: 51 | Goals Allowed: 26 | Clean Sheets: 14
Players to Watch
F Russell Cicerone
GK Daniel Vitiello
LOOKING TO PICK UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF
Orange County SC enters the 2024 season with high hopes after a wild ride in 2023. The Black and Orange began the season with just one win in their first ten matches, then a 1-0 victory at home over then previously defeated Sacramento Republic began to turn the tide for newly appointed interim head coach Morten Karlsen and his men. After taking over, Karlsen led OCSC to a 16-7-3 record and pulled the club from 11th place in the West up to 2nd. Karlsen returns 10 of 11 starters, needing only to replace the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Milan Iloski. Enter Cameron Dunbar after a loan spell last year, Ethan Zubak returning to his native Southern California and Christian Sorto primed for a larger role. The trio have combined for 55 USL Championship goals to go along with returning striker Thomas Amang’s 22 USL Championship goals, eight coming in his first season in Black and Orange last year. OCSC also returns its defensive core of goalkeeper Colin Shutler and defenders Ryan Doghman, Dillon Powers, Markus Nakkim and Owen Lambe. When those five were all on the field at the same time, OCSC was a remarkable 14-4-2 with just 17 goals allowed in 20 games. Should Shutler record a shutout on Saturday, he would move into a tie with former OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky for most clean sheets in club history.
Players to Watch
GK Colin Shutler
F Bryce Jamison
All-time record:
Orange County SC is 10-10-5 all-time against Sacramento Republic FC.
Previous Matchup: 2023 USL Championship
Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 2 Orange County SC (Charles C. Hughes Stadium, Sacramento, CA)
Scoring summary: Thomas Amang 54’, Seth Casiple 84’ (OCSC)
ALMOST HEAVEN…ORANGE COUNTY
Orange County SC launched their 2024 Road kit earlier this week, the County Roads kit. The County Roads kit is a jet black kit with orange designs, most notably being the map of Orange County on the front. The kit is a nod to our supporters’ group, the County Line Coalition, and their signature chant. You can purchase yours at ocscshop.com today!
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 comes with special benefits, like your own entrance at The Champ, a ticket to one away game of your choice and much more! Grab yours today before our Home Opener on Saturday, March 23 at orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets.