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Kickoff: Saturday, September 23 (5:30 PM PST)

Where: Toyota Stadium (San Antonio, TX)

How to Watch: ESPN+, The Official County Line Coalition Watch Party at The Harp Inn in Costa Mesa

Orange County SC heads to the Lone Star State for the third and final time this season to play their first match with reigning USL Champions San Antonio FC at Toyota Field in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, September 23 at 5:30 PM PST. It marks the first of two matches in three weeks between the 2021 and 2022 USL Champions as the race for the playoffs heats up.

SIX POINTS ON THE LINE WITH SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio FC enters Saturday’s match in second place in the USL Championship Western Conference. SAFC is formidable on both sides of the ball, leading the conference in goals scored with 54, allowing the second fewest goals against with 32 which provides the hosts with a +22 goal differential, the second highest mark in the West. However, they have struggled to pick up all three points recently, and they are in the midst of a six match winless streak. This streak has not significantly hurt them in the table though, since that winless streak consists of five ties and just one loss. With two matches to be played between these two teams, separated by four points, in just three weeks, both teams will be eager to grab a result and help put some distance between themselves and their fellow playoff hopefuls.

2023 Regular Season Record: 13-5-12 (2nd in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 54 | Goals Allowed: 32 | Clean Sheets: 8

Players to Watch

M Jorge Hernandez

F Tani Oluwaseyi

TIME TO REBOUND

Orange County SC’s nine match unbeaten streak came to a halt after their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Colorado Springs Switchbacks last Friday. Despite the result, the Black and Orange remained in third place in the Western Conference and well within striking distance of the West’s top spots. Especially with two head-to-head matchups with SAFC still to play. Another positive note, the last four times that OCSC has lost, they have responded with a positive result in each match following that loss (3-0-1). They will look to do so again at Toyota Field on Saturday with midfielder Kyle Scott expected to return to the lineup after serving his one game suspension for yellow card accumulation last Friday. Scott’s ability to begin the press and act as a deep lying playmaker will look to spark the offense.

Players to Watch

F Thomas Amang

M Kyle Scott

All-time record:

Orange County SC is 4-3-4 all-time against San Antonio FC.

Previous Matchup: 2022 USL Championship

San Antonio FC 2 – 2 Orange County SC (Toyota Field, San Antonio, TX)

Scoring summary: Brian Iloski 25’ (OCSC), Ignacio Bailone 43’ (SAFC), Michael Orozco 45 +1’ (OCSC), Cristian Parano 46’ (SAFC)

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.

COME EXPERIENCE AN AWAY DAY WITH THE CLC!

Do you miss watching the match with fellow fans while the Black and Orange are on the road? The County Line Coalition, Orange County SC’s Official Supporters Group, will be hosting a watch party at The Harp Inn in Costa Mesa! Come on down and enjoy good food, drinks and an OCSC match day with some fellow fans!

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.

Orange County SC fell to Colorado Switchbacks FC 1-0 on Friday, September 15 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA. It was OCSC’s first loss since their 2-0 defeat away to RGV FC on July 9, 2023.

The Black and Orange had the first chance of the night in the second minute as forward Thomas Amang found midfielder Kevin Lankford outside the box. Lankford sent in a pass to a streaking forward Milan Iloski, but Iloski’s first touch skied over the crossbar.

The next chance for OCSC occurred in the 18th minute when Lankford drew a free kick just outside the box. Midfielder Brian Iloski took the ensuing free kick with his left foot, curving in a ball that just missed the right goalpost. 

One minute later, OCSC pushed forward again as midfielder Seth Casiple led the attack. He dished the ball to Milan Iloski in the left side of the box. Iloski fired one with his right foot that was saved in the top left corner of the goal by Colorado goalkeeper Christian Herrera.

Milan Iloski again led the push in the 30th minute as the ball found its way to him outside the left side of the box. He created space between himself and the defender before firing a left-footed strike towards the right side of the goal that Herrera just got a finger to.

A minute later, following a corner, the ball found its way to OCSC defender Ryan Doghman. Doghman sent in a rocket right at Herrera whose quick hands punched it away from danger.

Brian found Doghman again on the left side of the box in the 35th minute. Doghman hit a strike on the ground towards Herrera, who again came up with a huge save to keep OCSC off the board, his fourth of the night.

Orange County SC dominated the first half with 56% possession, holding most of the ball in the final third during the half. Despite five shots on target compared to zero for Colorado Springs, both teams went into the break tied at 0-0.

Brian Iloski drew a free kick just outside the box in the 62nd minute, but his shot deflected off the keeper and hit the top of the crossbar.

Things finally turned Colorado’s way in the 84th minute as substitute forward Mallaque Foster found midfielder Tyreek Magee outside the box. Magee blasted a strike over the head of OCSC goalkeeper Eric Lopez, giving Colorado a 1-0 lead.

The Black and Orange had their final attacking chance in the 90th minute, when substitute forward Marc “Sparky” McNulty found captain defender Marcus Nakkim on the right side of the box. Nakkim made a sliding shot attempt that just missed the bottom left corner of the net.

OCSC fought hard until the final whistle, but in the end the one Colorado Springs goal got the better of them as the game ended in a 1-0 defeat, ending their streak of nine games unbeaten.

OCSC will hit the road the next two weeks against San Antonio FC and Phoenix Rising FC before returning home to The Champ on Wednesday, October 4 for our California Classic Night vs. The Oakland Roots at 7pm. Grab your tickets here today!

MILESTONES AND FACTS: 

Goalkeeper Eric Lopez made his OCSC debut tonight.

Midfielder Kevin Partida was shown a yellow card tonight in the 25th minute of play, his eighth of the season. Partida will be unavailable for selection next Saturday against San Antonio.

OCSC wore black armbands in honor of Korede Osundina’s grandmother, Susie, and Bryce Jamison’s grandfather, Rob, who recently passed away this past week.

Tonight was the first loss for Orange County SC since July 9, 2023 and their first goal allowed at home since July 1 against Monterey Bay FC.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
COS	0	1	1
OCSC	0	0	0

SCORING SUMMARY:

84’ Tyreek Magee (COS)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

25’ Kevin Partida

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC 

61’ Stevie Echevarria

90’+3 Christian Herrera

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Eric Lopez (GK); Ryan Doghman, Owen Lambe (Brent Richards 84’), Markus Nakkim (C), Dillon Powers; Seth Casiple, Brian Iloski (Andrew Fox, 71’), Kevin Lankford (Sparky McNulty 55’), Kevin Partida; Milan Iloski, Thomas Amang (Bryce Jamison 84’)

Unused subs: Juan Santana (GK), Alex Villanueva, Ben Barjolo

Head Coach: Morten Karlsen

Possession: 49% | Shots: 19 | Shots On Goal: 7 | Corners: 9 | Fouls: 8 | Offsides: 4 |

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC LINEUP:

Christian Herrera (GK); James Musa (Delentz Pierre 75’), Matt Mahoney (C), Drew Skundrich; Duke Lacroix, Jay Chapman, Stevie Echevarria (Tyreek Magee 75’), Speedy Williams, Deshane Beckford (Aaron Wheeler 90’+2); Juan Tejada (Maalique Foster, 65’), Romario Williams

Unused subs: Joe Kuzminsky (GK), Jairo Henriquez, Marco Rios

Head Coach: Stephen Hogan

Possession: 51% | Shots: 9 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 6 | Fouls: 16 | Offsides: 0 |

Orange County SC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 

2023 USL Championship | Matchday 29

Date: September 15, 2023

Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Weather: Small setback for a major comeback

Kickoff: Friday, September 15 (7:00 PM PST)

Where: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

How to Watch: At The Champ, ESPN+

Orange County SC squares off with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC during their lone Friday night match of the season this Friday, September 15 at Championship Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine during our Fiesta de Fireworks celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, presented by Taqueria Hoy! The match will kick off at 7:00 PM PST and will feature a postgame fireworks show following the conclusion of the match!

SWITCHBACKS STRUGGLE AT SEA LEVEL

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC enter Friday’s contest in eighth place in the Western Conference, currently in a tie with Monterey Bay FC in ninth place. They have gone 2-2-1 in their last five matches and have fought their way back into a playoff spot and they’ve done so against current playoff teams, including a 3-2 win over Oakland Roots SC and most recently a 1-1 draw with San Antonio FC. However, they have struggled to pick up results when they are not at 6,035 ft, the highest elevation of any stadium in the U.S. soccer pyramid. Their win over Oakland was their first win on the road since April 29, when they defeated the Charleston Battery, 2-1. They are led in attack by forward Romario Williams, who has 10 goals so far this season.

2023 Regular Season Record: 11-13-4 (8th in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 37 | Goals Allowed: 39 | Clean Sheets: 6

Players to Watch

F Maalique Foster

F Romario Williams

FUEL TO THE FIRE

Orange County SC stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches after their goalless draw with El Paso Locomotive FC last Saturday. The Black and Orange left the match feeling they deserved more, but Coach Karlsen noted postgame that there were still positives to take away from their performance. The defense not only earned another clean sheet, their fourth in their last five matches, they also did not allow a shot on target. Orange County’s offense was shutout for the first time since July, but it is worth noting the last time they were shutout, the County Boys responded with three goals in their next match. Look for Morten’s Men to try and put together a similar response against a Colorado Springs defense that has given up eight goals in their last four matches.

Players to Watch

F Milan Iloski

M Kevin Partida

All-time record:

Orange County SC is 8-6-2 all-time against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, including playoff matchups.

Previous Matchup: 2023 USL Championship

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 4 – 0 Orange County SC (Weidner Field, Colorado Springs, CO)

Scoring summary: Drew Skundrich 28’, Romario Williams 60’, Jairo Hernandez (PEN) 70’, Marco Rios 73 ’ (COS)

9/15 PARKING ADVISORY

Due to a large event at The Great Park outside of the Club’s control, parking for the OCSC vs. Colorado Springs match will be severely impacted. We highly encourage you to:

• Parking is available only in Lots 2 and 4. Lot 3 for premium season ticket holders only
• Have Match Tickets ready prior to arriving to gain access to parking lots
• Fans are encouraged to use rideshare or carpool to avoid limited parking availability
• If you plan on purchasing tickets at the gate, mention you are attending the Orange County SC match to parking attendants

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

IT’S FIESTA TIME!

Orange County SC will be hosting our Fiesta de Fireworks night, presented by Taqueria Hoy, to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month! Grab the whole family and come experience another great night of professional soccer in the OC, with a special halftime performance by Ballet Folklórico Nueva Generación and a postgame fireworks show! Don’t have your ticket yet? Tickets can still be purchased here.

GOIN’ BAAAACK TO BACK

Orange County SC head coach Morten Karlsen has been named the USL Championship Coach of the Month for the month of August! Karlsen is the first coach in the history of the award to win in consecutive months! Morten’s men were undefeated in the month of August, claiming all 12 points in the month while outscoring opponents 8-1 and keeping three clean sheets. Congratulations Coach Karlsen on your achievement!

INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER: MILAN ILOSKI

Orange County SC’s all-time leading goal scorer and 2022 USL Championship Golden Boot winner Milan Iloski will be taking his talents to the Danish town of Farum and will join Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjaelland in the January 2024 window. He joins Korede Osundina, Kobi Henry and several others who have made the jump to Europe to continue their professional careers after shining with OCSC. Iloski will finish out the year with OCSC before heading to FC Nordsjaelland. Congrats Milan!

JUST THREE REGULAR SEASON HOME MATCHES REMAIN!

There are just THREE 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 few regular season home games and help us pack The Champ! Get your tickets here.

USL Championship Golden Boot holder will stay at OCSC for the remainder of the season to bolster the club’s playoff hopes, before completing a move to Denmark in January 2024.

Orange County Soccer Club has agreed to a permanent transfer deal with Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjaelland for star forward Milan Iloski for the January 2024 transfer window.

Iloski, who earlier in the season signed a contract extension with OCSC, will complete the remainder of the USL Championship season and contribute to the club’s strong push towards the club’s second USL Championship title in 3 years. 

The 24-year-old forward, born and raised in San Diego County, becomes the sixth player to transfer from the 2021 USL Championship champions to a major European team.

Iloski is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer and has scored 38 goals and contributed 11 assists in 62 club appearances since signing for OCSC in February 2022. In his debut season for the club he scored 22 goals, earning the USL Championship Golden Boot award for the most goals of any player on the season.

The reigning league top scorer has notched 15 goals in all competitions in the 2023 season, firmly placing OCSC in the heart of the playoff hunt.

“Milan has arguably been the best pure forward in the USL Championship the last two seasons, and we are beyond delighted to have come to an agreement to transfer him to FC Nordsjaelland at the end of the season,” OCSC General Manger and President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. “We have turned down multiple offers that did not meet our expectations for last year’s Golden Boot winner during his very successful time here, and we are convinced his value will only continue to rise in Denmark.

“Milan is a fan favorite and difference maker who will give his all for our quest of winning a second USL Championship title in three years before he fulfills his dream of playing for a top European club next season!”

OCSC pioneered the model of creating opportunities for young players to move directly to Europe, breaking the mold of traditional college or MLS routes. In joining Europa League hopefuls Nordsjaelland, Iloski follows in the footsteps of Orange County SC players who have continued their professional development with a major European team. Nineteen-year-old forward Korede Osundina completed his transfer to Feyenoord last month, while teenage U.S. international Kobi Henry shattered the USL Championship transfer record in June 2022 with his move to French top-flight side Stade de Reims. OCSC has formed strategic partnerships with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers and reigning Dutch champions Feyenoord as part of its dedication to its trailblazing Pro Player Pathway.

Alongside the Pathway to Pro creating a route to Europe for young players, the transfers of Ronaldo Damus to Sweden in 2022, and now Iloski to Nordsjaelland, shows OCSC is also establishing itself as a destination for elite attacking players looking to put themselves in the shop window.

“It’s been a privilege to represent Orange County SC, and I am very glad that I chose to play here and become a better player and professional,” said Iloski. “While leaving is difficult, I’m really excited to take on a new challenge in Denmark next year. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my teammates, coaches, fans and everyone involved at the club for their support over the last two seasons. However, I am fully focused on our playoff push and ultimately compete for the USL Championship title!”

Per club policy, terms of the deal and player contracts will not be released to the public.

Transaction Details:

Orange County SC transfers forward Milan Iloski to FC Nordsjaelland, January 2024

Position: Forward

Height: 5’ 10”

Weight: 154 lbs

Born: July 29, 1999

Birthplace: Escondido, CA

Social Media: @milan_iloski_ on IG / @milaniloski123 on Twitter

Orange County SC played to a chippy 0-0 tie with El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, September 9 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA. The draw extended OCSC’s unbeaten run to nine matches.

The Black and Orange had the first chance of the night in the 18th minute as midfielder Kevin Partida headed it towards forward Milan Iloski. Iloski got a soft touch on the ball and played defender Ryan Doghman through on goal. Doghman fired a shot that went just over the crossbar.

The home team continued on the attack in the 21st minute after a hard tackle by El Paso defender Marc Navarro led to an Orange County SC free kick. Midfielder Brian Iloski’s free kick sailed high and to the right of the crossbar.  

Orange County SC appeared to have their best chance of the first half in the 28th minute after Milan Iloski forced a turnover that fell to the feet of midfielder Kyle Scott. Scott then played Iloski in through on goal, but Iloski was taken down by Navarro in the box. Play however, was waived on.

El Paso had their first chance of the night in the 29th minute as forward Ricardo Zacarias found forward Aaron Gómez on the left side of the box. Gómez fired a shot with his left foot that went wide right of the post.

El Paso midfielder Louis Herrera sent in a through ball behind the OCSC defense in the 38th minute to Zacarías. Zacarías fired a left-footed strike from the left side of the box that just missed the near post.

Despite strong attacking efforts from both teams, the sides went into the break tied 0-0.

Orange County SC had the first chance of the second half in the 56th minute as midfielder Seth Casiple found forward Thomas Amang streaking on the right side of the box. Amang’s right-footed-strike sailed over the crossbar.

OCSC had another opportunity in the 58th minute as Milan Iloski tapped it to his brother, midfielder Brian Iloski. Brian’s shot from deep outside the box was saved in the center of the goal by El Paso goalkeeper Benny Diaz.

The Iloski brothers looked to combine again in the 59th minute, after Milan played a give and go with Amang and then looked to play Brian through on goal. Brian was one-on-one with the El Paso goalkeeper, but the play was whistled dead.

The Black and Orange continued on the attack as they had an enticing chance in the 77th minute. Substitute forward Marc “Sparky” McNulty tapped a header to Amang. Amang slipped in a strike with his left foot that missed wide left of the goal.

In the 78th minute, Orange County SC stayed on the front foot. Casiple played the ball to Doghman outside the box. Doghman’s shot from outside the box was saved in the center of the goal.

Both teams went head for head until the final whistle, but in the end no team had an edge over the other, with the game ending in a 0-0 tie.
OCSC will return to The Champ on Friday, September 15 for our Fiesta de Fireworks Night vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at 7pm. Grab your tickets here today!

MILESTONES AND FACTS: 

Orange County SC recorded their fourth Saturday sellout in a row with 5,500 fans in attendance tonight.

Goalkeeper Juan Santana recorded his second straight clean sheet.

The draw extended OCSC’s unbeaten streak to nine games.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
ELP	0	0	0
OCSC	0	0	0

SCORING SUMMARY:

N/A

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

28’ Bench

30’ Kyle Scott

69’ Markus Nakkim 

90’+1 Sparky McNulty

90’+2 Kevin Partida

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

20’ Marc Navarro

33’ Miles Lyons

36’ Nicholas Hinds

60’ Liam Rose

90’+7 Aaron Gomez

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Juan Santana (GK); Ryan Doghman, Owen Lambe, Markus Nakkim (C), Dillon Powers; Seth Casiple, Brian Iloski (Kevin Lankford 62’), Kyle Scott (Andrew Fox 62’), Kevin Partida; Milan Iloski (Sparky McNulty 62’), Thomas Amang 

Unused subs: Fernando Aguirre (GK), Brent Richards, Ben Norris, Ben Barjolo

Head Coach: Morten Karlsen

Possession: 50% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 4 | Fouls: 21 | Offsides: 2 |

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC LINEUP:

Benny Diaz (GK); Miles Lyons, Erik McCue, Marc Navarro, Noah Dollenmayer (José Carrillo 90’+5); Nicholas Hinds, Liam Rose, Denys Kostyshyn (Petur Knudsen  60’), Louis Herrera; Aaron Gómez, Ricardo Zacarias (Emmanuel Sonupe 60’)

Unused subs: Javier Garcia (GK), Diego Abarca, Christopher Garcia, Petar Petrovic

Head Coach: Brian Clarhurt

Possession: 50% | Shots: 7 | Shots On Goal: 0 | Corners: 1 | Fouls: 19 | Offsides: 0 |

Orange County SC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC 

2023 USL Championship | Matchday 28

Date: September 9, 2023

Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Weather: Check our Instagram comments…

Kickoff: Saturday, September 9 (7:00 PM PST)

Where: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

How to Watch: At The Champ, Bally Sports SoCal, ESPN+

Orange County SC returns back to the friendly confines of Championship Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine, CA, as they get set to host El Paso Locomotive FC at 7:00 PM on Heroes Night! Come on down and help us Pack The Champ as the team goes for their ninth straight win and the club aims for our fourth straight Saturday sellout!

MR. STARK…EL PASO DOESN’T FEEL SO GOOD…

El Paso Locomotive FC enters Saturday’s contest in eighth place in the Western Conference, clinging to the West’s last playoff spot. I say clinging because after a seven match win streak earlier in the season saw El Paso claim the top spot for a few weeks, they have now gone winless in 11 of their last 12 matches (1-8-3), with their only win in that span against Hartford Athletic, currently last in the Eastern Conference. Their defense has struggled to keep them in matches, letting in three goals or more to their opponents five times in their last seven outings. The visitors will also be without one of their key conductors on Saturday, as midfield maestro and former USL Champion with OCSC, Eric Calvillo is away on International Duty and not available for selection. A bright spot for El Paso? They are one of the league’s better teams away from home, posting a 6-3-3 mark away from Southwest University Park.

2023 Regular Season Record: 10-11-5 (8th in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 34 | Goals Allowed: 42 | Clean Sheets: 7

Players to Watch

M Denys Kostyshyn

F Luis Solignac

HULK SMASHIN’ RECORDS

Orange County SC enters Saturday’s match in third place in the Western Conference after their 5-1 thrashing of Las Vegas Lights FC on the road at Cashman Field last Saturday. It was arguably the Black and Orange’s most complete performance of the season, as the match featured five different goal scorers, forwards Thomas Amang, Milan Iloski, Kevin Lankford, Marc “Sparky” McNulty and captain Markus Nakkim, and five different assist providers, defenders Ryan Doghman and Owen Lambe, midfielder Brian Iloski, as well as Lankford and McNulty. The win extended the new club record win streak to eight matches and also set a new season high for the USL Championship this year, breaking El Paso’s streak of seven straight matches earlier this season. The Black and Orange look to make it nine straight on Saturday.

Players to Watch

F Kevin Lankford

M Kyle Scott

All-time record:

Orange County SC is 1-3-3 all-time against El Paso Locomotive FC.

Previous Matchup: 2023 USL Championship

El Paso Locomotive FC 1 – 0 Orange County SC (Southwest University Park, El Paso, TX)

Scoring summary: Luis Solignac 19’ (ELP)

CALLING ALL HEROES!

On Saturday, Orange County SC will be honoring all active duty military members, veterans and first responders with discounts at our Merchandise Shop and at the County Grill. Thank you for your service to our nation and our community! Don’t have your ticket yet? Tickets can still be purchased here.

SOCCER FOR HOPE

Orange County SC will be Going Gold and wearing their gold 10th Anniversary kits on Saturday, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with help from our longtime partners at Soccer For Hope. Saturday’s match will also feature an honorary captain from our friends at Soccer For Hope! Please consider making a donation to help fight childhood cancer at soccerforhope.org/donate.

ALMOST FIESTA TIME!

The Black and Orange play at home again next week when they host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for our Fiesta de Fireworks next Friday, September 15. This is our lone home Friday match of the season, so grab the family and come get your weekend started with a BANG! These tickets will sell out, so grab yours today! Tickets can be purchased here.

JUST FOUR REGULAR SEASON HOME MATCHES REMAIN!

There are just FOUR regular season home matches left in Orange County SC’s 2023 USL Championship regular season! With sellouts on our previous three Saturday home matches, don’t miss out on our last few regular season home games and help us pack The Champ! Get your tickets here.

Orange County SC defeated Las Vegas Lights FC 5-1 on Saturday, September 2 at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, NV. With five different goal scorers tonight, it was an all-around team effort by the Black and Orange that extended their win streak to eight matches, a new club record.

The Las Vegas Lights had the first chance of the night at the two minute mark when midfielder Daniel Rios’ right-footed shot missed the goal and strayed to the left of the post. 

The Black and Orange struck first in the 13th minute when forward Milan Iloski scored the first goal of the night with a right-footed shot from the center of the box that was assisted by defender Ryan Doghman. This gave the Black and Orange a 1-0 lead early on.

Orange County SC goalkeeper Colin Shutler’s first two saves of the night came on back to back attempts by Las Vegas in the 21st minute. Shutler first blocked a shot from Lights midfielder Jacob Bushue, the rebound found its way to midfielder Andres Jimenez who unleashed a shot from outside of the box that Shutler again turned away.

The Black and Orange turned good defense into good offense in the 22nd minute after midfielder Brian Iloski played forward Thomas Amang into the box. Amang beat Lights goalkeeper Leo Diaz calmly with a chip and the Black and Orange led 2-0.

OCSC added a third in the 38th minute, this time from a set piece. Defender Owen Lambe played a beautiful ball into the box that was headed home by defender and captain Markus Nakkim and the Black and Orange went into the locker room at halftime up 3-0. 

Orange County started the second half strong, but Las Vegas finally broke through in the 68th minute after forward Daniel Rios put the Lights on the board with a chip that was just out of the reach of Shutler. It was the first goal OCSC has conceded in the past 3 games.

The Black and Orange restored their three goal lead in the 82nd minute when a trio of substitutes contributed to OCSC’s fourth goal. Defender Andrew Fox found forward Kevin Lankford with a cross just outside the six-yard box. Lankford then headed the ball back across the front of goal for forward Marc “Sparky” McNulty to hammer home with a powerful header in close, and OCSC were ahead 4-1.

After Lankford assisted McNulty on the previous goal, Sparky returned the favor. After being played through by Milan Iloski, Sparky made the extra pass into Lankford who tapped home into an empty net for the Black and Orange’s fifth goal of the night and ensured all three points would be heading back to Irvine.

The Black and Orange will return home on Saturday, September 9 when they host El Paso Locomotive FC at 7:00 PM as a part of Heroes Night, presented by the Hoag Orthopedic Institute. At this match on Saturday, we will be honoring our local heroes: our active duty military, veterans, and first responders! Grab your tickets here today!

MILESTONES AND FACTS: 

Forward Milan Iloski scored his 12th goal of the season.

Forward Thomas Amang scored his seventh goal of the season.

Defender Markus Nakkim scored his second goal of the season.

Forward Sparky McNulty scored his third goal of the season.

Forward Kevin Lankford scored his first USL Championship goal.

The club extended their club record win streak to eight matches.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
OCSC	3	2	5
LVL	0	1	1

SCORING SUMMARY:

13’ Milan Iloski (OCSC)

22’ Thomas Amang (OCSC)

38’ Markus Nakkim (OCSC)

69’ Daniel Rios (LVFC)

82’ Sparky McNulty (OCSC)

89’ Kevin Lankford (OCSC)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

N/A

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC

35’ Jacob Bushue

41’ Zach Carroll

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shulter (GK); Ryan Doghman, Markus Nakkim (C), Dillon Powers (Andrew Fox 61’), Owen Lambe; Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott  (Kevin Lankford 61’), Seth Casiple (Ben Norris 79’), Brian Iloski (Brent Richards 73’); Thomas Amang (Sparky McNulty 61’), Milan Iloski

Unused subs: Juan Santana (GK), Benjamin Barjolo

Head Coach: Morten Karlsen

Possession: 45% | Shots: 21 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 5 | Offsides: 1 |

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC LINEUP:

Leo Diaz (GK); Alejandro Mitrano, Timothie Zali, Zach Carroll, Lucas Stauffer (Marcelo Lage 71’); Eric Oteng (Josh Dolling 46’), Jacob Bushue, Andres Jimenez Aranzau (Alexander Romero 85’), Justin Ingram; Danny Rios, Tyler Bagley

Unused subs: Andre Zuluaga (GK), Andrew Carleton, Jordan Ayimbila 

Head Coach: Isidro Sanchez

Possession: 55% | Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 11 | Offsides: 1 |

Orange County SC @ Las Vegas Lights FC

2023 USL Championship | Matchday 27

Date: September 2, 2023

Venue: Cashman Field (Las Vegas, NV)

Weather: WWWWWWWWhat trap game?

Kickoff: Saturday, September 2 (7:30 PM PST)

Where: Cashman Field (Las Vegas, NV)

How to Watch: ESPN+

Fresh off a statement 2-0 win over rival Sacramento Republic FC in front of a hostile crowd of 20,000, Orange County SC looks to push their luck on their new club record seven match win streak on the road in Sin City against Las Vegas Lights FC. This will be the final matchup with the Lights this season, following a 2-2 draw at Championship Stadium earlier this year. You can catch Saturday’s match on ESPN+, the official streaming home of the USL Championship.

HOUSE DOESN’T ALWAYS WIN

Las Vegas Lights FC enter Saturday in last place in the USL Championship Western Conference, having earned just 14 points so far this season. They have struggled in both phases of the game, ranking last in the conference and 23rd in the league goals scored, and last in the West and 21st in the league overall in goals allowed. To make matters worse for the Lights, they just recently transferred their leading goal scorer, forward Tabort Etaka Preston, to the Birmingham Legion. They are not to be overlooked, after playing to a 3-3 draw in a thriller with New Mexico United on Wednesday. Their previous two matches prior to that were decided by just one goal. While the playoffs currently look bleak for the Vegas side, they now have the opportunity to play spoilers for the rest of the season. They’ll get a chance to do that this Saturday, as they have defeated the Black and Orange on their last two trips to Sin City.

2023 Regular Season Record: 2-15-8 (12th in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 24 | Goals Allowed: 45 | Clean Sheets: 2

Players to Watch

F Pato Botello Faz

D Lucas Stauffer

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Orange County SC heads into Cashman Field in third place in the Western Conference. They have won seven straight matches after a 2-0 victory over Sacramento last Saturday behind goals from forward Thomas Amang and midfielder Seth Casiple, his first of his Orange County career. The win set a new club record for most consecutive victories, breaking the old record set in 2019. The victory over Sacramento marked the first professional start for 18-year-old Next Wave goalkeeper Juan Santana. The Corona, CA native performed exceptionally between the posts, making three saves in his first professional clean sheet, including his kick save on Republic forward and Golden Boot contender Russell Cicerone that was nominated for USL Championship Save of the Week. The accolades did not stop there for the Black and Orange, as midfielder Kyle Scott was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week, tallying one assist while completing 91% of his passes, winning 67% of his tackles and 63% of his duels. Santana and defender Dillon Powers were also selected to the Team of the Week bench. The return of forward and leading goal scorer Milan Iloski will also provide a lift to the offense heading into the desert.

Players to Watch

F Milan Iloski

M Seth Casiple

All-time record:

Orange County SC is 9-3-3 all-time against Las Vegas Lights FC.

Previous Matchup: 2023 USL Championship

Orange County SC 2 – 2 Las Vegas Lights FC (Championship Stadium, Irvine, CA)

Scoring summary: Erick “Cubo” Torres 44’, Pato Botello Faz 62’ (LVL), Alex Villanueva 60’, Milan Iloski 64’ (OCSC)

YOUNG PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: JUAN SANTANA

Called into action on short notice, 18-year-old Juan Santana started in his first professional appearance in front of 20,000 people at Charles C. Hughes Stadium in Sacramento, CA and earned his first professional clean sheet in the 2-0 victory over the Republic. Santana has been a feature on OCSC’s reserve team, OCSC II, for the past year and was recently called into the first team as the main backup behind starting goalkeeper Colin Shutler. He became the youngest goalkeeper in USL Championship history to record a clean sheet on his debut (18 years, 4 months, 21 days). Santana ranks as the ninth youngest goalkeeper in league history to record a shutout.

CONGRATULATIONS KOREDE!

Orange County SC transferred 19-year-old forward to club partner and reigning Dutch Eredivisie Champion Feyenoord Rotterdam on Wednesday. In his time with the club, Osundina amassed four goals and three assists across 41 appearances in all competitions. He becomes the latest Next Wave player to come through OCSC and take his talents to the next level in Europe. Best of luck Korede, and thank you for all you’ve done for OCSC!

CALLING ALL HEROES!

The Black and Orange head on the road for their next two matches, but will return home to Championship Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine on Saturday, September 9 when they face El Paso Locomotive FC on Heroes Night! At this match, we will be honoring our local first responders, military service members, veterans, and more! These tickets will sell out, so grab yours today! Tickets can be purchased here.

JUST FOUR REGULAR SEASON HOME MATCHES REMAIN!

There are just FOUR regular season home matches left in the 2023 USL Championship regular season! With sellouts on our previous three Saturday home matches, don’t miss out on our last few regular season home games and help us pack The Champ! Get your tickets here.

Orange County Soccer Club has added forward Benjamin Barjolo to its first-team roster, following his arrival from Atlanta United’s highly regarded MLS Academy program. 

The 16-year-old, who was a key member of the Atlanta United’s MLS NEXT Cup-winning U16 team, signs his first professional contract, and will be the latest player to be part of Orange County SC’s internationally renowned Pathway to Professional model. 

“We are delighted to sign Ben, he is a special talent and a player we have high hopes for,” OCSC Sporting Director Peter Nugent said. “With the right guidance, we believe he has all the attributes required to follow in the footsteps of previous OCSC players, who have flourished in our professional environment and made the transition to Europe.”

Earlier this week, teenage striker Korede Osundina became the fifth player to transfer from OCSC to a major European team, when he was signed by reigning Dutch Eredivisie champions Feyenoord Rotterdam. Osundina follows teenage U.S. international defender Kobi Henry, who shattered the USL Championship transfer record with his move to French top-flight side Stade de Reims last summer.

“I’m beyond excited to be joining Orange County SC and to get started with the group,” Barjolo said. “This is the perfect platform for me to develop and with the plan the club has laid out for me, I believe it gives me the best opportunity of realizing my dream of playing in Europe.” 

OCSC’s unique Pathway to Professional & Next Wave model breaks the mold of traditional college or MLS routes by giving promising young players the experience, development and opportunities to succeed at the highest levels of the European game.

As part of its trailblazing development strategy, and commitment to nurturing the best American talent, OCSC has also established first-of-its-kind technical partnerships with both Feyenoord Rotterdam and Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers.

Barjolo is eligible for selection for Saturday’s match at the Las Vegas Lights, where OCSC will be seeking to add to its impressive seven-game winning streak. Under head coach Morten Karlsen, the club currently occupies a playoff spot and is in the hunt for their second USL Championship title in three years.

Per club policy, terms of the deal and player contracts will not be publicly released.

Orange County Soccer Club has agreed to a permanent transfer deal for forward Korede Osundina with reigning Dutch Eredivisie champions Feyenoord. The 19-year-old forward, who has captained the United States U19 team, becomes the fifth player to transfer from Orange County SC to a major European team and the latest example of the club’s trailblazing development strategy and pro player pathway. 

The prolific forward is also the first player to be transferred between OCSC and Feyenoord, after the clubs formed a first-of-its-kind collaborative partnership in February 2023.  

A native of Naperville, IL, Osundina joined OCSC at the start of the 2022 season, after being scouted from the FC Barcelona Residency Academy in Arizona. Osundina has appeared for OCSC 41 times across two seasons, and has scored four goals in the current campaign.

With his move to the Netherlands, the teenager will be given the opportunity to continue the development that has been fostered in the USL Championship.    

“I’m beyond thrilled to move to Feyenoord and continue my career in the Netherlands,” Osundina said. “OCSC gave me the opportunity to play professional soccer and develop me, with a clear path to playing in Europe that I couldn’t have found elsewhere. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time in Irvine, and want to thank everyone at the club for their incredible support.” 

Osundina follows in the footsteps of young Orange County SC prospects who have continued their professional development with a major European team, including teenage U.S. international Kobi Henry, who shattered the USL Championship transfer record in June 2022 with his move to French top-flight side Stade de Reims.

“We are very pleased to transfer Korede to European powerhouse, Feyenoord Rotterdam, whose partnership is a huge asset for our club,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss said. “From the first day Korede stepped onto our training field, he impressed us with his special talent and desire to excel. Korede is a first-class professional on and off the field, and we wish him every success at Feyenoord and beyond!”

OCSC has pioneered the model of creating opportunities for young players to move directly to Europe, breaking the mold of traditional college or MLS routes. OCSC entered into a long-term partnership with Feyenoord in February 2023, providing synergistic value to both clubs in terms of player loans, development and scouting.

“Since our partnership with OCSC began, it became clear to me that the club offers a clear pathway to Europe for emerging talents in the USA,” Feyenoord Head of Global Football Mark Ruijl said. “OCSC has a very good technical infrastructure, highly competitive environment and a long-term vision that develops players like Korede for the next level. With this move, we believe Korede can take the next steps in his career, and we are thrilled to help him with that at Feyenoord.”

Per club policy, terms of the deal and player contracts will not be released to the public.