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MILAN ILOSKI TIES CLUB REGULAR SEASON GOAL RECORD IN 1-1 DRAW WITH HARTFORD

Orange County SC played to a chippy 1-1 draw with Hartford Athletic on Saturday, April 1 in their first ever trip to Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford, CT. Forward Milan Iloski scored his second goal of the season and 24th goal of his Orange County career, moving him into a tie with former Jamaican forward Michael Seaton for most regular season goals in club history.

Orange County began the match on the front foot after forward Milan Iloski was taken down just outside the box in the sixth minute by Hartford defender Kaveh Rad, who was shown a yellow card for his troubles. Iloski then beat Hartford goalkeeper Richard Sanchez near post on the ensuing free kick in the seventh minute to put the Black and Orange in front.

Forward Marc “Sparky” McNulty nearly had the second for OCSC in the 21st minute, after receiving a through ball from Iloski, but his right footed shot was saved by Sanchez.

Iloski almost found his second of the match after McNulty found him with a cross near the six yard box, but Sanchez made himself big and came up with a point blank save.

Hartford defender Matt Sheldon had the first shot on target for the home side, but his effort was saved comfortably by Cody Cropper.

The home side found the equalizer through forward Elvis Amoh in the eighth minute of first half stoppage time. There was a minimum of four minutes to be added on to end the half.

Defender Ryan Doghman, making his first Orange County start, found Iloski in close with a good cross in the 54th minute, but Iloski’s effort went just wide of the near post.

Forward Emil Nielsen looked to put the Black and Orange ahead in the 60th minute after Iloski pulled Sanchez out of his net, but the Dane’s shot was cleared off the line.

Midfielder Kyle Scott had the last chance to send home OCSC with all three points in the 97th minute with a shot from just outside the box, but his effort sailed high over the crossbar.

Orange County SC earned a point in their debut match with Hartford Athletic and will now return home on Wednesday, April 5 as they begin their march towards the CONCACAF Champions League in their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round match against Capo FC. Come experience the Magic of the Cup! Tickets can be purchased here.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

With a goal today, Milan Iloski tied the record for most regular goals scored in club history (Michael Seaton, 24).

Ryan Doghman, Bryce Jamison and Sparky McNulty made their first starts of the 2023 season.

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

SCORING SUMMARY:

7’ Milan Iloski (OCSC)

45 + 8’ Elvis Amoh (HFD)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

65’ Markus Nakkim

81’ Kevin Partida

87’ Ryan Doghman

90 + 5’ Kyle Scott

90 + 5’ Brent Richards

HARTFORD ATHLETIC

6’ Kaveh Rad

65’ Jeciel Cedeno

70’ Triston Hodge

72’ Danny Barrera

85’ Niall Logue

87’ Tab Ramos

90 + 3’ Conor McGlynn

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Cody Cropper (GK); Ryan Doghman, Andrew Fox, Markus Nakkim (Thomas Amang 83’), Alex Villanueva (Brent Richards 46’); Daniel Pedersen (C), Kevin Partida, Ashish Chattha (Kyle Scott 83’); Milan Iloski, Sparky McNulty (Emil Nielsen 41’), Bryce Jamison (Seth Casiple 46’) (Korede Osundina 86’)

Unused subs: Mark Hyan (GK)

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow

HARTFORD ATHLETIC LINEUP:

Richard Sanchez (GK); Niall Logue (C), Kaveh Rad, Triston Hodge, Matthew Sheldon; Jeciel Cedeno, Beverly Makangila (Kyle Edwards 41’), Danny Barrera, Antonie Hoppenot (Conor McGlynn 63’), Prince Saydee; Elvis Amoh

Unused subs: Luke Merrill (GK), Jonathan Filipe, Kyle Edwards, Luke Merrill, Joseph Rice, Walid Yacoubou

Head Coach: Tab Ramos

Orange County SC @ Hartford Athletic

2023 USL Championship | Matchday 4

Date: April 1, 2023

Venue: Trinity Health Stadium (Hartford, CT)

Weather: Avocado toast is actually pretty good, idk why all the hate.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORANGE COUNTY SC HEADS TO HARTFORD

Kickoff: Saturday, April 1 (11:00 AM PST)

Where: Trinity Health Stadium (Hartford, CT)

How to Watch: ESPN+

Orange County SC leaves the friendly confines of Championship Stadium for the first time this year, as they head across the country to play Hartford Athletic for the first time in club history. This is OCSC’s lone morning game of the USL Championship season (11:00 AM), so put on a pot of coffee, grab some orange juice and cheer on your Black and Orange!

COAST TO COAST

Hartford Athletic enters their fifth season in the USL Championship out of the Nutmeg State, now led by former USMNT U-20 manager Tab Ramos. Just like OCSC, this will also be Hartford’s third interconference match, after a West Coast road trip to Monterey Bay and Colorado Springs kicked off their season. They recently have struggled to find the back of the net, scoring just one goal in their previous two matches.

2023 Regular Season Record: 0-2-1 (10-18-6 in 2022, 10th in USL-C Eastern Conference)

Goals Scored: 4 | Goals Allowed: 7 | Clean Sheets: 0

Players to Watch

F Antoine Hoppenot

F Prince Saydee

A WHALE OF AN OPPORTUNITY

Orange County SC makes their first road trip of the 2023 USL Championship season, looking to improve on their road record in 2022. The road was not kind to the Black and Orange last season, as they finished just 2-10-5 away from the Champ. Hartford is the first opportunity of the young season to find more success on the road this year, as they currently have the league’s leakiest defense. They have allowed seven goals in three games, the most in the USL-C, which should provide plenty of chances for the likes of Thomas Amang, Sparky McNulty and reigning Team of the Week member Milan Iloski.

All-time record

Orange County SC has never faced Hartford Athletic.

THE MAGIC OF THE CUP

Orange County SC’s Road to the CONCACAF Champions League begins with the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, April 5th against NISA Nation side Capo FC at 7:00 PM at Championship Stadium. Our Season Ticket Holders will be receiving a free match ticket and complimentary food and beverage to the match, as a part of their benefits program. A limited number of single game tickets are still available and you can get yours, here.

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

Professional soccer is returning to Championship Soccer Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine for the 2023 USL Championship season! The best way to ensure your seat for all the action, is to become a season ticket holder! Enjoy all the same great benefits of being OCSC ticket holder, with an official OCSC badge and lanyard, and a car magnet. These packages will be prorated for the rest of the season! Place your deposit today at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/season-tickets/.

FLEX PACKS

Get your 10-game Orange County SC Flex Packs for the upcoming 2023 season. When you buy 9 tickets, you get a 10th for free! You can spread out the ten tickets across multiple games or bring out the whole crew for a game at the Champ. Flex packs can be purchased at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/flex-packs/.

ALEX VILLANUEVA SCORES HIS FIRST ORANGE COUNTY GOAL IN 2-2 DRAW WITH LAS VEGAS

Orange County SC played to a 2-2 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, March 25 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA on the club’s Support Local Soccer Night. Defender Alex Villanueva scored his first goal for the club and forward Milan Iloski later added the equalizer, his first of the season.

The match got off to a rather contentious start, with 11 fouls called in the opening 30 minutes of the match. Multiple fouls led to delays in the action, allowing neither side to find any sort of rhythm in the match.

The visitors found themselves on the front foot going into halftime, as former OCSC forward Erick “Cubo” Torres opened the scoring with a header from in close.

After halftime, the Black and Orange began to impose their will on the game in search of the equalizer. In the 58th minute, substitute Marc “Sparky” McNulty forced a save from Vegas goalkeeper Leo Diaz.

Sparky followed his rebound and played the ball back to Iloski just outside the six yard box, where he used a bicycle kick to find Villanueva at the far post to tie the game at 1 in the 60th minute.

The game was not level for long, however. Vegas retook the lead just two minutes later in the 62nd minute as Las Vegas midfielder Andrew Carleton found forward Pato Faz at the far post for a tap-in goal, and the Lights had a 2-1 advantage.

However, the Lights were then victims of a quick counterpunch themselves in the 64th minute. Lights defender Marcelo Lage turned the ball over straight into the path of an on running Iloski. Iloski dribbled past two defenders and fired home the game’s third goal in six minutes, and Orange County was level again at 2-2.

Substitute Bryce Jamison had Orange County’s best chance at the match winner in the 83rd minute, after defender Andrew Fox nodded on Brent Richards’ long throw, but Jamison’s headed effort was just high over the bar.

Orange County SC’s next chance to grab their first three points of the season will come in their first match away from the Champ this season, when they travel to Connecticut to square off with Hartford Athletic. They will return home on Wednesday, April 5 as they begin their march towards the CONCACAF Champions League in their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round match with Capo FC. Ticket information for that match will be released at a later date.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Tonight was the first goal for defender Alex Villanueva in an Orange County shirt.

The 2022 Golden Boot winner, Milan Iloski opened his account for 2023 with a goal and also added an assist.

Forwards Thomas Amang and Marc “Sparky” McNulty made their club debuts tonight.

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

SCORING SUMMARY:

44’ Erick “Cubo” Torres (LVL)

60’ Alex Villanueva (OCSC)

62’ Patricio Botello Faz (LVL)

64’ Milan Iloski (OCSC)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

45+4’ Kevin Partida

56’ Kyle Scott

90’ +1 Markus Nakkim

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC

50’ Cubo Torres

64’ Eric Oteng

90’ +5 Jacob Bushue

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Cody Cropper (GK); Brent Richards, Andrew Fox, Markus Nakkim, Alex Villanueva; Dillon Powers (C) (Thomas Amang 75’), Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott (Daniel Pedersen 56’), Ashish Chattha (Marc McNulty 46’), Milan Iloski, Emil Nielsen (70’ Bryce Jamison)

Unused subs: Colin Shutler (GK), Seth Casiple, Ryan Doghman

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC LINEUP:

Leo Díaz (GK); Luke Stauffer, Marcelo Lage, Alejandro Mitrano (Eric Oteng 52’), Jordan Ayimbila (Issa Rayyan 92’), Tyler Bagley, Jacob Bushue, Andres Jimenez, Andrew Carleton (Alexander Romero 90’ +2), Patricio Botello Faz (C), Erick “Cubo” Torres (Azriel Gonzalez 79’)

Unused subs: Andre Zuluaga (GK), Preston Tabortetaka, Danny Rios

Head Coach: Isidro Sanchez

Orange County SC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC

2023 USL Championship | Matchday 3

Date: March 25, 2023

Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Weather: Support lOCal Soccer!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORANGE COUNTY SC HOSTS VEGAS

Kickoff: Saturday, March 25 (7:00 PM PST)

Where: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

How to Watch: At The Champ, ESPN+

Orange County SC wraps up their three game homestand to begin the season when Las Vegas Lights FC come to Championship Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine, CA on Saturday, March 25 at 7:00 PST. OCSC will look to capitalize off two encouraging performances against the Eastern Conference’s two best clubs and turn it into their first win of the season.

INDEPENDENT ENERGY

Las Vegas Lights FC enters the 2023 season after a tumultuous off-season. They return this year now as a fully independent squad after LAFC moved their reserve team to the third-tier MLS Next Pro league. This led to a massive overhaul in their lineup, with more than half their roster composed of players that did not feature for the team last season. In their 1-1 draw with RGV, all 15 players that featured in the match made their first appearance for Las Vegas, including former OCSC forward Erick “Cubo” Torres. They are also in the midst of a brutal eight game road trip to begin the season.

2023 Regular Season Record: 0-0-1 (12-13-9 in 2022, 9th in USL-C Western Conference)

Goals Scored: 1 | Goals Allowed: 1 | Clean Sheets: 0

Players to Watch

GK Leo Diaz

F Erick “Cubo” Torres

HIGH PRAISE FOR THE HOME TEAM

Orange County SC wraps up its three game homestand with Vegas, after squaring off against perennial Eastern Conference powerhouses LouCity and Tampa Bay. Last week, the Black and Orange received praise from various outlets for their performance in their 1-1 draw with the Rowdies. Now moving ahead to their first in-conference matchup this week against the Lights, OCSC will look to build on the momentum they have gathered to this point in the season and turn one point into three. Forward Korede Osundina is on international duty, which will open the door for the potential debuts of Thomas Amang and Marc “Sparky” McNulty.

All-time record

Orange County SC is 9-4-2 all-time against Las Vegas, including a 6-0-1 mark at the Champ.

Previous Matchup: 2022 USL Championship

Orange County SC 1 – 1 Las Vegas Lights FC

Summary: Milan Iloski 9’ (OCSC), Cal Jennings 52’ (LVL)

ROOTED IN IRVINE

This year is Orange County SC’s 10th year calling the City of Irvine home! From the campuses of UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton averaging a little over 500 fans in attendance, to our home of Championship Soccer Stadium at the Great Park and averaging over 4,000 fans last year. We are proud to call Irvine our home and proud to represent our community. Over the course of this season, there will be various celebrations including a 10th anniversary merchandise line, a special “Ten Icons of OCSC” piece, and much more. Be sure to follow the club across all of our social media platforms to stay up to date with the latest in our 10 year anniversary celebrations.

ANGELS IN THE MIDFIELD

Orange County SC’s will return to the Champ on Saturday, April 15th for our first ever Angels Night against Indy Eleven at 7:00 PM PST. This is our first collaboration with our neighbors in Anaheim, so don’t miss out on all the fun! A limited number of tickets are still available and you can get yours, here.

OCSC X FEYENOORD

This season, Orange County SC announced a long-term partnership with Dutch Eredivisie giants Feyenoord Rotterdam. This partnership lays the groundwork for player development, loans and talent identification and is the first of its kind between a USL club and a continental European side. This partnership will work alongside OCSC’s partnership with Glasgow Rangers to help bolster OCSC’s first team!

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

FLEX PACKS

ORANGE COUNTY SC BUILDS MOMENTUM DESPITE FRUSTRATING 1-1 DRAW WITH TAMPA

Orange County SC controlled the majority of the match, but were unable to find the finishing kick in their 1-1 draw with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 18 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA.

The Black and Orange had the better quality chances, but unfortunately were only able to come away with one goal on the night. Midfielder Ashish Chattha, in his first professional start, had Orange County’s first chance of the night in the sixth minute, but the former Anteater’s effort went just wide of goal.

Tampa Bay’s best opportunity in the first half came later on in the 23rd minute, when their high press forced a turnover. The ball fell to Tampa midfielder Sebastian Dalgaard, but his shot on target was saved by OCSC’s new shot stopper, Cody Cropper.

For the second straight week, OCSC found the scoresheet in the 40th minute of play courtesy of a first time goal scorer as Emil Nielsen opened his Orange County account.

Midfielder Kyle Scott began the play catching his balance after nearly slipping at midfield, then played through defender Brent Richards, who then found Nielsen just outside the six yard box and the Danish Bull made no mistake.

OCSC fully deserved their halftime lead, and continued the second half on the front foot. Right on the restart, forward Milan Iloski intercepted the ball in the attacking third and played Scott through on goal. His shot from just outside the box was saved by Rowdies keeper, Phill Breno.

After a good stretch of build up play, Nielsen found Iloski on the far post in the 61st minute. The Golden Boot winner’s effort seemed destined for the top corner after beating Breno, but was miraculously cleared off the line by Rowdies defender Aaron Guillen’s face.

Iloski again had a chance in the 77th minute when he was on the receiving end of a cross from substitute Korede Osundina. His left footed volley was parried away again by Breno.

Tampa Bay equalized in the 82nd minute off a corner from midfielder Charlie Dennis that was flicked on to the right foot of Haitian midfielder Zachary Herivaux and in.

While the Black and Orange may have been unlucky to secure all three points at the Champ tonight, there was a marked improvement from the squad following their loss in the home opener last week. OCSC will look to continue to build on that momentum when they host Las Vegas Lights FC next Saturday, March 25 at 7:00 PST. A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Tonight marked the professional start for midfielder Ashish Chattha.

Tonight was Emil Nielsen’s first goal for OCSC

This match was the first match for Cody Cropper with OCSC.

The announced attendance was 4,278.

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

SCORING SUMMARY:

40’ Emil Nielsen (OCSC)

82’ Zachary Herivaux (TBR)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

34’ Ashish Chattha

90’ Dillon Powers

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES

75’ Forrest Lasso

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Cody Cropper (GK); Brent Richards, Andrew Fox, Markus Nakkim, Alex Villanueva; Dillon Powers (C), Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott (80’ Ryan Doghman), Ashish Chattha, Milan Iloski, Emil Nielsen (67’ Korede Osundina)

Unused subs: Colin Shutler (GK) Nico Ruiz, Owen Lambe, Bryce Jamison

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES LINEUP:

Phill Breno (GK); Forrest Lasso, Frederik Kleemann (67’ Conner Antley), Aaron Guillen, Jake Areman (46’ Dayonn Harris), Zachary Herivaux, Jordan Doherty, Sebastian Asmussen, Charlie Dennis, Jerome “JJ” Williams (Ariel Martínez 46’), Caleb “Cal” Jennings

Unused subs: Raiko Arozarena (GK); Lucky Mkosana, Yann Ekra

Head Coach: Neil Collins

Orange County SC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

2023 USL Championship | Matchday 2

Date: March 18, 2023

Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Weather: A bit Hoppy. Beer or the bunny, take your pick

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ORANGE COUNTY SC HOSTS TAMPA BAY

Kickoff: Saturday, March 18 (7:00 PM PDT)

Where: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

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

Orange County SC kicks off our annual Beer Fest series when the Tampa Bay Rowdies make their first trip to Championship Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine, CA at 7:00 PDT. Gates will open for Beer Fest as early as 4:00 PM, so be sure to get out early and pack The Champ!

NEXT ON TAP

Even though OCSC have played Tampa Bay twice before, this will mark the first time in club history that the Rowdies will come to Orange County. The Black and Orange have previously played against the Rowdies twice, and of course, every Orange County fan remembers the USL Championship Final in 2021. Tampa Bay is coming off a draw with Indy Eleven last Saturday, in which they conceded the tying goal in the 96th minute, a penalty scored by former OCSC midfielder Aodhan Quinn.

2023 Regular Season Record: 0-0-1 (20-7-7 in 2022, 3rd in USL-C Eastern Conference)

Goals Scored: 1 | Goals Allowed: 1 | Clean Sheets: 0

Players to Watch:

F Cal Jennings

F JJ Williams

HOPPING INTO SATURDAY

Orange County SC plays its second of three matches to open the 2023 USL Championship season. The Black and Orange will be looking to bounce back from a tough 3-1 loss to a very good Louisville City FC side last Saturday. Midfielder Kevin Partida scored the lone goal in the match, with a rocket into the top corner. OCSC could be led by new reinforcements at the back with new shot stopper, Cody Cropper available for selection.

All-time record:

Orange County SC is 1-1-0 all-time against Tampa Bay.

Previous Matchup: 2022 USL Championship Season

Orange County SC 1 – 3 Tampa Bay Rowdies

Summary: Brian Iloski 57’ (OCSC). Leo Fernandes 15’, Ian Hoffman (43’ OG), Dayonn Harris 89’ (TBR)

ROOTED IN IRVINE

BEER FEST

Orange County SC’s fan favorite Beer Fest series is back for 2023! This Saturday’s matchup with Tampa Bay marks the first of four Beer Fests that OCSC will be hosting this year. Don’t miss out on this incredible event with over 50 different beers from local breweries! A limited number of VIP and Standard Beer Fest tickets are still available and you can get yours, here.

OCSC X FEYENOORD

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

FLEX PACKS

ORANGE COUNTY SC SIGN GOALKEEPER CODY CROPPER FOR 2023

Orange County SC has announced the signing of former Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Cody Cropper.

Cropper, a 30-year-old native of Minneapolis, MN, appeared in 15 MLS matches and kept four clean sheets. He also led the Whitecaps to a Canadian Championship victory after allowing just three goals in four matches.

“One of the main reasons that I wanted to join OCSC was to continue playing the game that I love,” Cropper said. “In addition to this, I firmly believe that the organization is capable of great things, like competing for and winning the USL Championship for a second time in three years.”

Cropper has also appeared for FC Cincinnati and the New England Revolution in MLS, producing 10 clean sheets in 36 appearances for the Revs. He also has spent time in the USL, previously making a total of 23 appearances with Memphis 901 FC and Hartford Athletic.

“Cody brings a wealth of experience with him from his time within Major League Soccer,” OCSC Sporting Director Peter Nugent said. “He is a great shot stopper and will bring a commanding presence to our backline. We are looking forward to integrating him into the team.”

Prior to coming back to the United States, Cropper spent time with MK Dons in the English Championship and Southampton’s U-21 side. At the international level, Cropper has represented the United States at the U-20 and U-23 levels, including as the first choice goalkeeper for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2015 Toulon Tournament.

Cropper will now be available for selection in OCSC’s next match on March 18 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:00 PM. This match is our Spring Beer Fest and a limited number of tickets are still available! You can get yours, here.

Transaction Details:

Orange County SC sign goalkeeper Cody Cropper, March 2023

Name: Cody Cropper

Pronunciation: KOH-dee KROP-er

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 6’ 3”

Weight: 190 lbs

Jersey #: 1

Born: February 16, 1993

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Nationality: United States

Previous Club: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

Social Media: @codycropper_01 on IG and Twitter

ORANGE COUNTY SC FALLS TO LOUCITY 3-1 IN HOME OPENER

Orange County SC dropped its home opener to Louisville City 3-1 as the team kicked off another season at Championship Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine, CA on March 11.

OCSC played the reigning USL Championship Eastern Conference Champions tough for 90 minutes in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggested.

Midfielder Niall McCabe opened the scoring for Louisville City with a header in the fourth minute assisted by forward Brian Ownby.

Orange County responded with a goal of their own during the 40th minute, as right back Brent Richards connected with midfielder Kevin Partida to tie the match at 1.

The Black and Orange would head into the locker room all square in a chippy first half that produced four yellow cards.

LouCity began the second half on the front foot and retook the lead in the 57th minute off a goal from Cameron Lancaster.

While down on the scoreboard, OCSC did not back down. They continued to press forward for an equalizer that nearly came to fruition in the 86th minute. Substitute Ryan Doghman nearly opened his OCSC account on his debut, but the Norwegian’s effort rattled the crossbar and back out.

LouCity added the insurance marker just two minutes later when Enoch Mushagalusa sent the visitors home with all three points and a final score of 3-1.

OCSC will return to the pitch at Championship Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine next Saturday, March 18 when they face the Tampa Bay Rowdies. This match is our Spring Beer Fest, the first of four Beer Fests this season! A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Tonight marked midfielder Kevin Partida’s first goal in an Orange County shirt.

Tonight also marked the professional debut of midfielder Ashish Chattha.

This match was Ryan Doghman, Andrew Fox, Markus Nakkim, and Emil Nielsen’s first match for OCSC.

The announced attendance of 4,267 is the highest in club history for a Home Opener.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
LOU	1	2	3
OCSC	1	0	1

SCORING SUMMARY:

4’ Niall McCabe (LOU)

40’ Kevin Partida (OCSC)

57’ Cameron Lancaster (LOU)

88’ Enoch Mushagalusa (LOU)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

37’ Brent Richards

41’ Milan Iloski

45+3’ Kevin Partida

LOUISVILLE CITY FC

19’ Cameron Lancaster

71’ Sean Totsch

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Colin Shutler (GK); Brent Richards, Andrew Fox, Markus Nakkim, Alex Villanueva; Daniel Pedersen (C), Kevin Partida (Dylan Powers 65’), Kyle Scott (Ashish Chattha 65’); Milan Iloski, Emil Nielsen (Bryce Jamison 81’), Korede Osundina (Ryan Doghman 53’)

Unused subs: Mark Hyan (GK), Seth Casiple, Nico Ruiz

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow

LOUISVILLE CITY FC LINEUP:

Kyle Morton (GK); Amadou Dia, Sean Totsch, Jordan Scarlett, Manny Perez (Oscar Jimenez 87’); Rasmus Thellufsen, Tyler Gibson (Carlos Moguel 71’), Niall McCabe (Paolo DelPiccolo 70’); Brian Ownby (Dylan Mares 83’), Cameron Lancaster (Elijah Wynder 83’), Enoch Mushagalusa

Unused subs: Oliver Semmle (GK); Ramzi Qawasmy

Head Coach: Danny Cruz

Orange County SC vs. Louisville City FC

2023 USL Championship | Matchday 1

Date: March 11, 2023

Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Weather: The Scandinavian guys brought it with ’em

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR ORANGE COUNTY SC’S HOME OPENER AGAINST LOUCITY

Kickoff: Saturday, March 11 (7:00 PM PDT)

Where: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

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

Orange County SC kicks off the 2023 USL Championship season with their Home Opener against Louisville City FC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA at 7:00 PM PDT. This season, OCSC are celebrating their 10th year in Irvine! Come experience the new Premium Seating Areas and the brand new Medianoche kit for the first time in 2023.

PURPLE REIGN OVER THE EASTERN CONFERENCE

Louisville City FC are the defending USL Championship Eastern Conference Champions and are making their first trip to the Champ in their club’s history. LouCity are one of the Eastern Conference’s perennial powerhouses, having won the USL Championship twice and the USL-C Eastern Conference four times. Their stingy defense was best in the East last year and second only to San Antonio (26 GA) in league play.

2022 Regular Season Record: 22-6-6

Goals Scored: 65 | Goals Allowed: 28 | Clean Sheets: 15

Players to Watch:

GK Kyle Morton

D Joshua Wynder

BACK IN BLACK

Orange County SC will begin the 2023 USL Championship season at home for the first time since 2020. The Black and Orange are returning key starters in 2022 USL Championship Golden Boot winner Milan Iloski, newly appointed captain Daniel A. Pedersen, and midfield maestro Dillon Powers. OCSC is also looking to be propelled forward this year by their #NextWave, a group of young stars including Korede Osundina, Bryce Jamison and Alex Villanueva. They will open the year in the new Medianoche kits. The black kit earns its name from new kit sleeve partner, Northgate Marketplace!

All-time record

Orange County SC is 0-1-0 all-time against LouCity.

Previous Matchup: 2022 USL Championship Season

Orange County SC 1 – 3 LouCity

Summary: Erick “Cubo” Torres 44’ (OCSC). Enoch Mushagalusa 40’, Sean Totsch (PK) 75’, Wilson Harris (PK) 85’ (LOU).

ROOTED IN IRVINE

NEW LOOK OCSC

While Orange County SC does return some key pieces, they also brought in lots of quality new additions for 2023. The back line underwent a major overhaul and will feature Morten Bjørshol, Ryan Doghman and Markus Nakkim of Norway, as well as England’s Andrew Fox and Joseph Buckley of the Barcelona Residency Academy. Some local products are also joining the Black and Orange with the additions of UC Irvine’s Ashish Chattha and Cal State Fullerton’s Owen Lambe. Former San Diego Loyal forward Thomas Amang, Marc “Sparky” McNulty and Emil Nielsen round out the additions in attack.

OCSC X FEYENOORD

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

FLEX PACKS

ROOTED IN ORANGE COUNTY: CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF OCSC IN IRVINE

Orange County SC is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its first season in Irvine in 2023. The 2021 USL Champions, who play at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Great Park, moved to Irvine in 2013 and have firmly established themselves in the area as the top level professional soccer club for OC’s 3.2 million people.

The 10th anniversary campaign will feature a special anniversary merchandise line, to be unveiled later in the season, that will coincide with our 10th anniversary celebration home match on July 1 against Monterey Bay. Additional special events and celebrations will follow throughout the season. The club will also be announcing a “Ten Icons of OCSC” piece – featuring players, coaches and fans who have played a key role in the club’s history.

“I am proud that we have established ourselves as a unique and powerful professional club within the US Soccer landscape in an extremely short period of time,” OCSC Owner and CEO James Keston said. “Winning a USL Championship, achieving multiple transfers to Europe and the USL, selling out our stadium consistently and representing the county with pride.”

For a decade, Orange County has been treated to both World Class players and young players developing to their full potential. Players like former captains Richard Chaplow, Michael Orozco and Thomas Enevoldsen have performed at a top level alongside rising young stars like Aaron Cervantes, Kobi Henry and Ronaldo Damus. The aforementioned young players have become the embodiment of the OCSC “Pathway to Pro” development program, as each player has been transferred from OCSC to top European clubs like Rangers F.C. (Scottish Premiership) and Stade de Reims (Ligue 1).

“As a club, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of player development in the USL,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss said. “We have definitely set the standard for it, especially when it comes to player transfers into Europe. We have two great partnerships with world renowned clubs that have recognized our professional pathway. The key over the last 10 years has been to find the ideal balance between winning games and developing players, and if other USL clubs emulate our model that is a great compliment to our work and vision!”

In the last ten years, OCSC has scored 438 goals and seen over 300,000 people come through the gates at Championship Soccer Stadium. In that time span, the Black and Orange has been shown yellow cards 595 times and red cards 40 times. OCSC’s best statistical season at the Champ was in 2018, when the Black and Orange went 12-4-4 at home and scored 43 goals.

Former midfielder Aodhan Quinn leads all OCSC players in attacking statistics over a career, with 23 goals and 23 assists. Behind him in all departments is former forward Michael Seaton, with 24 goals and 11 assists. Former midfielder Thomas Enevoldsen is third with 22 goals and 11 assists. Forward Milan Iloski has the highest single season total with 22 goals and 4 assists in 2022, good for fourth all-time in club history.

Some highlights from the last ten years include…

2022: The USL Championship record-breaking transfer of Kobi Henry to Stade de Reims.
2021: Lifting the USL Championship trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-1 in the Final.
2020: Partnership with Glasglow Rangers announced, opening the door to player development and marketing partnerships in the U.K.
2019: The signing of Francis Jacobs, the youngest pro player in U.S. soccer history (14 years, 4 months, 29 days).
2018: The highest regular season point total in club history (66) and a first Conference Final Appearance.
2017: The first match in club history at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine, a 4-0 victory over LA Galaxy II that included an audacious long range chip from Jerry van Ewijk.
2016: James Keston purchases the club and rebrands to Orange County SC.
2015: The first year under head coach Oliver Wyss. He led the OC Blues to top of the table in the Western Conference.
2014: The first official match played in Irvine, on the campus of UC Irvine.
2013: The move to Irvine is made official, with plans underway solidifying the future of the club in Irvine.

Be sure to stay tuned to our website and across all of our social media platforms for all the Ten Year celebration information and content throughout the 2023 season!

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