Orange County SC defeated Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1-0 after a 90’ minute goal from Yaniv Bazini sealed the win for the Black & Orange.
OCSC came home from Lexington looking to return to their winning ways. Both Orange County and Pittsburgh went back and forth with attacking opportunities, but were unable to find the final key to unlock the first goal. Orange County were able to dominate the possession by 55%, with Kevin Partida returning to the starting lineup to help fortify the midfield.
Two dangerous set piece opportunities almost gave OCSC the lead in the first half. Chris Hegardt delivered a high cross from the free kick in the 24’ minute, nearly headed in by Jaylin Lindsey just outside the 6-yard box. Lindsey’s header was just wide of the net, and the Black & Orange continued their hunt for a goal.
The second opportunity would come in the 40’ minute as a free kick taken by Marcelo Palomino from outside the left side of the box where would just miss the net over the crossbar.
The second half saw both teams fighting to break through the other’s backline and secure a goal. The County Boys looked more determined to score with Ousmane Sylla taking a shot in the Pittsburgh box in the 46’ minute. Although the shot was blocked, the attempt proved Orange County’s determination to take the win.
The deadlock was broken precisely at the 90’ minute with a volley by Yaniv Bazini into the left side of the goal. His shot found Pittsburgh goalkeeper Nico Campuzano off his line, putting it out of reach for him to save. The Black & Orange earned the 1-0 lead late in the match and kept it until the final whistle at the 90+4’ minute.
Orange County earned all three points at home, with Bazini scoring his ninth goal of the season. The result would also give Alex Rando his seventh clean sheet of the season.
The Black & Orange sit fifth in the Western Conference and continue to hold their spot in the playoffs.
Orange County SC will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night when they play Monterey Bay FC on Saturday, October 3rd. For tickets and more information, click HERE.
Milestone:
- Ryan Doghman made his 115th appearance for OCSC, passing Brian Iloski for the club all-time record
| TEAM | FIRST HALF | SECOND HALF | FULL TIME |
| OCSC | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| PIT | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SCORING SUMMARY:
ORANGE COUNTY SC
90’ – Yaniv Bazini
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
29’ Yellow Card – Owen Mikoy (PRSC)
45’ Yellow Card – Marcelo Palomino (OCSC)
80’ Yellow Card – Jack Walti (PRSC)
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: (4-3-3)
Alex Rando (GK); Tom Brewitt (C), Ryan Doghman, Tyson Espy, Jaylin Lindsey, Ousmane Sylla, Marcelo Palomino (71’ Efren Solis), Kevin Partida (46’ Stephen Kelly), Chris Hegardt (86’ Mataeo Bunbury), Mohamadou War (63’ Sydney Wathuta), Lyam MacKinnon (63’ Yaniv Bazini)
Unused subs: Tetsuya Kadono (GK); Ethan Zubak, Grayson Doody, Finn O’Brien,
Head Coach: Dekel Keinan
Possession: 58% | Shots: 10 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 5 | Fouls: 21 | Offsides: 1 | Saves: 3
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC: (4-2-3-1)
Nico Campuzano (GK); Robbie Mertz (C), Perrin Barnes, Yu Tsukanome (63’ Eliot Goldthorp), Illal Osumanu, Victor Souza, Owen Mikoy, Sam Bassett, Charles Ahl (85’ Brunallergene Etou), Jackson Wälti, Albert Dikwa (Trevor Amann)
Unused Subs: Mike Sheridan (GK); Bradley Sample, Jorje Garcia, Guillaume Vacter
Head Coach: Rob Vincent
Possession: 42% | Shots: 14 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 2 |Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 2 | Saves: 1
Orange County SC v. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
2026 USL Championship Match 26
Date: September 26, 2026
Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA