The USL Championship Western Conference Final returns to Orange County as Orange County SC host San Antonio FC in the penultimate round of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires Sportsbook on Saturday, November 20 at 7 pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. This is the first time since the 2019 USL Championship season that Orange County will face the team from the Alamo City.

San Antonio entered the 2021 playoffs as the No. 2-seed from the Mountain Division after going 14-8-10 under head coach Alen Marcina. Their first trip to the conference final in their six-year history saw them defeat San Diego Loyal SC and Rio Grande Valley FC with a combined score of 5-1. Colombian international Santiago Patino has accounted for three of those goals while Brazilian international and leading goalscorer Nathan added a pair. 

OCSC has gone 3-2-3 all-time against their Texan foes, but their two recent meetings were both scoreless draws during the 2019 USL Championship season. The last time goals were scored in this fixture was back in the 2018 USL regular season when OCSC defeated San Antonio 3-0 on two occasions. Current OCSC forward Thomas Enevoldsen scored in each of those matches during a season where the Danish international finished second in the Golden Boot race with 20 goals. Meanwhile, current OCSC head coach Richard Chaplow captained the side in 2018 during their second meeting with San Antonio that season.

Tickets for this Saturday's Western Conference Final match against San Antonio can be found at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/playoffs.

The USL Championship Western Conference Final returns to Orange County as Orange County SC host San Antonio FC in the penultimate round of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires Sportsbook on Saturday, November 20 at 7 pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. This is the first time since the 2019 USL Championship season that Orange County will face the team from the Alamo City.

San Antonio entered the 2021 playoffs as the No. 2-seed from the Mountain Division after going 14-8-10 under head coach Alen Marcina. Their first trip to the conference final in their six-year history saw them defeat San Diego Loyal SC and Rio Grande Valley FC with a combined score of 5-1. Colombian international Santiago Patino has accounted for three of those goals while Brazilian international and leading goalscorer Nathan added a pair. 

OCSC has gone 3-2-3 all-time against their Texan foes, but their two recent meetings were both scoreless draws during the 2019 USL Championship season. The last time goals were scored in this fixture was back in the 2018 USL regular season when OCSC defeated San Antonio 3-0 on two occasions. Current OCSC forward Thomas Enevoldsen scored in each of those matches during a season where the Danish international finished second in the Golden Boot race with 20 goals. Meanwhile, current OCSC head coach Richard Chaplow captained the side in 2018 during their second meeting with San Antonio that season.

Tickets for this Saturday’s Western Conference Final match against San Antonio can be found at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/playoffs.

After 120’ of scoreless soccer, Orange County SC outlasted Oakland Roots, 6-5, in sudden-death penalty kicks in the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday, November 13 at Championship Soccer Stadium. OCSC defeated Oakland for the fifth time this season, sending the club to its second Western Conference Finals since 2017.

OCSC forward Ronaldo Damus scored the deciding goal in front of a record-setting sold-out crowd, but it was preceded by two crucial kicks from the spot. With OC and Oakland making their first five kicks each, Oakland defender Akeem Ward had his kick blocked by OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky giving the advantage to OC.

Damus was OCSC's sixth penalty kicker and saw his attempt blocked by Oakland goalkeeper Paul Blanchette, but the shot stopper's celebration was short-lived. It was ruled that Blanchette had come off his line prior to Damus making contact with the ball and a retake was awarded. In his second kick, Damus rifled the shot to the top right and into the back of the net. 

“After the first shot, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Damus said. “And on the second one, I knew the goalie was going to be ready, so I just had to concentrate more.” 

Orange County came into this highly contested match without two of their main centerbacks. Kobi Henry, international duty, and Robbie Kiernan, suspension, were both unavailable which left head coach Richard Chaplow’s backline thin. 

“We had a little bit of adversity, and in the week we had an injury scare with [Michael] Orozco,” Chaplow said. “So, for him to go 120 minutes shows what sort of character and warrior he is. He is our captain and is our leader to have him on the ropes.”

The backline held Oakland scoreless in open play for 120-plus minutes making a total of 22 tackles, 18 clearances, and keeping their opponents to just one shot-on-goal. On the attacking side, OCSC tested the Oakland backline by taking eight shots and three on goal. 

Damus thought he netted the potential game-winner in stoppage time of the first extra time period, though his diving header was negated by the offside flag. Despite the chances, a winner was not to be found in the second extra time period and the game went to penalties.

This marks Orange County’s seventh win in a row dating back to the regular season. In that stretch, they have allowed only one goal from open play. They are the last remaining team from the Pacific Division.

OCSC will host the Western Conference Final at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine against San Antonio FC on November 20 at 7 pm. San Antonio knocked off in-state rivals Rio Grande Valley FC, 3-1, to move on to their first conference final in club history. Tickets for the match are found at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/playoffs. 

After 120’ of scoreless soccer, Orange County SC outlasted Oakland Roots, 6-5, in sudden-death penalty kicks in the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday, November 13 at Championship Soccer Stadium. OCSC defeated Oakland for the fifth time this season, sending the club to its second Western Conference Finals since 2017.

OCSC forward Ronaldo Damus scored the deciding goal in front of a record-setting sold-out crowd, but it was preceded by two crucial kicks from the spot. With OC and Oakland making their first five kicks each, Oakland defender Akeem Ward had his kick blocked by OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky giving the advantage to OC.

Damus was OCSC’s sixth penalty kicker and saw his attempt blocked by Oakland goalkeeper Paul Blanchette, but the shot stopper’s celebration was short-lived. It was ruled that Blanchette had come off his line prior to Damus making contact with the ball and a retake was awarded. In his second kick, Damus rifled the shot to the top right and into the back of the net. 

“After the first shot, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Damus said. “And on the second one, I knew the goalie was going to be ready, so I just had to concentrate more.” 

Orange County came into this highly contested match without two of their main centerbacks. Kobi Henry, international duty, and Robbie Kiernan, suspension, were both unavailable which left head coach Richard Chaplow’s backline thin. 

“We had a little bit of adversity, and in the week we had an injury scare with [Michael] Orozco,” Chaplow said. “So, for him to go 120 minutes shows what sort of character and warrior he is. He is our captain and is our leader to have him on the ropes.”

The backline held Oakland scoreless in open play for 120-plus minutes making a total of 22 tackles, 18 clearances, and keeping their opponents to just one shot-on-goal. On the attacking side, OCSC tested the Oakland backline by taking eight shots and three on goal. 

Damus thought he netted the potential game-winner in stoppage time of the first extra time period, though his diving header was negated by the offside flag. Despite the chances, a winner was not to be found in the second extra time period and the game went to penalties.

This marks Orange County’s seventh win in a row dating back to the regular season. In that stretch, they have allowed only one goal from open play. They are the last remaining team from the Pacific Division.

OCSC will host the Western Conference Final at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine against San Antonio FC on November 20 at 7 pm. San Antonio knocked off in-state rivals Rio Grande Valley FC, 3-1, to move on to their first conference final in club history. Tickets for the match are found at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/playoffs. 

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Orange County SC vs Oakland Roots SC

2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires | Western Conference Semifinal

Date: November 13, 2021

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

 

SCORING SUMMARY:

NONE

 

PENALTY SHOOTOUT

Orange County SC – Mikko Kuningas, scored; Dillon Powers, scored; Seth Casiple, scored; Thomas Enevoldsen, scored; Sean Okoli, scored; Ronaldo Damus, scored

Oakland Roots SC – Tarek Morad, scored; Jeremy Bokila, scored; Ariel Mbumba, scored; Joseph Nane, scored; Yohanes Harish, scored; Akeem Ward, saved

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

NONE

OAKLAND ROOTS SC

97’ Akeem Ward

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Michael Orozco (C), Brian Iloski (77’ Ugo Okoli), Ronaldo Damus, Thomas McCabe (76’ Mikko Kuningas), Eric Calvillo (90+2’ Seth Casiple), Brent Richards, Ben Mines (60’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Nate Smith (116’ Darwin Jones)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Aidan Apodaca 

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow

Possession: 50.8% | Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 18 | Offsides: 4 |

 

OAKLAND ROOTS SC LINEUP:

Blanchette (GK), Fissore (98’ Ornstil), Enriquez (57’ Bokila), Nane, Ward, Hernandez (105’ Mbumba), Klimenta (C), Diaz (98’ Sousa) (120+1’ Harish), Amarikwa, Greene, Rodriguez (80’ Morad)

Unused subs: Bailey (GK)

Head Coach: Jordan Ferrell

Possession: 49.2% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 29 | Offsides: 3 |

Orange County SC vs Oakland Roots SC

2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires | Western Conference Semifinal

Date: November 13, 2021

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

 

SCORING SUMMARY:

NONE

 

PENALTY SHOOTOUT

Orange County SC – Mikko Kuningas, scored; Dillon Powers, scored; Seth Casiple, scored; Thomas Enevoldsen, scored; Sean Okoli, scored; Ronaldo Damus, scored

Oakland Roots SC – Tarek Morad, scored; Jeremy Bokila, scored; Ariel Mbumba, scored; Joseph Nane, scored; Yohanes Harish, scored; Akeem Ward, saved

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

NONE

OAKLAND ROOTS SC

97’ Akeem Ward

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Michael Orozco (C), Brian Iloski (77’ Ugo Okoli), Ronaldo Damus, Thomas McCabe (76’ Mikko Kuningas), Eric Calvillo (90+2’ Seth Casiple), Brent Richards, Ben Mines (60’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Nate Smith (116’ Darwin Jones)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Aidan Apodaca 

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow

Possession: 50.8% | Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 18 | Offsides: 4 |

 

OAKLAND ROOTS SC LINEUP:

Blanchette (GK), Fissore (98’ Ornstil), Enriquez (57’ Bokila), Nane, Ward, Hernandez (105’ Mbumba), Klimenta (C), Diaz (98’ Sousa) (120+1’ Harish), Amarikwa, Greene, Rodriguez (80’ Morad)

Unused subs: Bailey (GK)

Head Coach: Jordan Ferrell

Possession: 49.2% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 29 | Offsides: 3 |

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WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, November 13th at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA

WHERE TO WATCH:

ESPN+

COX Yurview: Live stream only available in Orange County, Palos Verdes & Santa Barbara

Youtube: Live stream only available Internationally

WHERE TO LISTEN:

Tu Liga Radio 1220 AM

SiriusXM FC Channel #157

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 15-10-7 (52 points, 2nd Pacific), Oakland: 11-13-8 (41 points, 4th Pacific) 

FORM GUIDE (MOST RECENT FIRST):

Orange County: WWWWW, Oakland: WWWDL

MATCH THEME:

PLAYOFFS / Dollar Beers & Cheap Eats

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, November 13th at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA

WHERE TO WATCH:

ESPN+

COX Yurview: Live stream only available in Orange County, Palos Verdes & Santa Barbara

Youtube: Live stream only available Internationally

WHERE TO LISTEN:

Tu Liga Radio 1220 AM

SiriusXM FC Channel #157

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 15-10-7 (52 points, 2nd Pacific), Oakland: 11-13-8 (41 points, 4th Pacific) 

FORM GUIDE (MOST RECENT FIRST):

Orange County: WWWWW, Oakland: WWWDL

MATCH THEME:

PLAYOFFS / Dollar Beers & Cheap Eats

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Pacific Division No. 2-seed Orange County SC hosts Pacific Division No. 4-seed and in-state rivals Oakland Roots SC in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires: Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday, November 13 at 7pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. OCSC looks to defeat Oakland for the fifth time this year.

BATTLE FOR THE PAC

Orange County SC and newly minted permanent head coach Richard Chaplow head into the postseason Pacific Division matchup having won their last five matches against divisional opponents. 

• 2021 Pacific Division Record: 14-8-5 (8-3-0 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 40 | Goals Conceded: 33

  • Clean Sheets: 10

• 2021 Pacific Division Home: 7-3-3 (5-1-0 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 19 | Goals Conceded: 16 

  • Clean Sheets: 6

• 2021 Pacific Division Away: 7-5-2 (3-2-0 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 21 | Goals Conceded: 17

  • Clean Sheets: 4

SoCAL v. NorCAL

OCSC and Oakland will match up for the fifth time this year and the first time ever in the playoffs. 

• All-time record

  • OCSC leads OAK with 4-0-0 record (2-0-0 at Home)

• Last Meeting – 2021 USL Championship Regular Season Week 26

  • OCSC beat OAK, 1-0, at Laney College Stadium in Oakland on Saturday, October 16

  • Midfielder Ben Mines scored his third consecutive goal of the season

  • Goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky earned his second consecutive clean sheet for OC

• Fun Fact

  • OCSC gave up their only goal to Oakland in their 2-1 victory the last time they played at Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday, September 25. Defender Michael Orozco and midfielder Mikko Kuningas scored both OCSC goals.

THE OTHERS

Oakland Roots SC snuck into the playoffs on the final day and upset Mountain Division No. 1-seed El Paso Locomotive FC in Texas to advance to the next round. 

• Regular Season Overview

  • Record: 11-13-8 (Away: 4-8-4)

  • Goals Scored: 36 | Goals Conceded: 43

  • Clean Sheets: 8

• Player to Watch

  • Jeremy Bokila #9

  • Scored game-winner off the bench against El Paso

ABOUT LAST SATURDAY

OCSC were a man down for 60-plus minutes and still got their first playoff win since 2018 in their 1-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, November 6 at Championship Soccer Stadium. 

• Takeaways

  • Defender Rob Kiernan was shown a straight red card in the 31’

  • Forward Ronaldo Damus scored his 15th goal of the season in first-half stoppage time

  • The victory marked six straight for OC

• OCSC Player Stats

  • Goal (Assist): Ronaldo Damus (Tommy McCabe)

  • Clearances: Rob Kiernan (2), Kevin Alston (3), Kobi Henry (3), Brent Richards (5), Michael Orozco (8)

  • Saves: Patrick Rakovsky (5)

• OCSC Advanced Stats of the Match

  • Ronaldo Damus #11

  • Distance Covered: 6.33 mi (10,198 m) | Top Speed: 19 mph (32 kmh)

SCENARIOS

An hour prior to OCSC and Oakland kick-off, their next-round opponent will be already in action as Mountain Division No. 2-seed San Antonio FC square off against Mountain Division No. 4-seed Rio Grande Valley FC in the South Texas Derby. The Western Conference Final will be a California v. Texas matchup.

• IF OCSC win AND San Antonio beat RGV, then OCSC will host San Antonio FC for the Western Conference Final. OCSC has gone 3-2-3 against San Antonio all time.

• IF OCSC win AND RGV beat San Antonio, then OCSC will host RGV for the Western Conference Final. OCSC fell to RGV, 2-0, in a midseason clash during the 2021 USL Championship regular season at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine.

Pacific Division No. 2-seed Orange County SC hosts Pacific Division No. 4-seed and in-state rivals Oakland Roots SC in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires: Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday, November 13 at 7pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. OCSC looks to defeat Oakland for the fifth time this year.

BATTLE FOR THE PAC

Orange County SC and newly minted permanent head coach Richard Chaplow head into the postseason Pacific Division matchup having won their last five matches against divisional opponents. 

• 2021 Pacific Division Record: 14-8-5 (8-3-0 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 40 | Goals Conceded: 33

  • Clean Sheets: 10

• 2021 Pacific Division Home: 7-3-3 (5-1-0 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 19 | Goals Conceded: 16 

  • Clean Sheets: 6

• 2021 Pacific Division Away: 7-5-2 (3-2-0 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 21 | Goals Conceded: 17

  • Clean Sheets: 4

SoCAL v. NorCAL

OCSC and Oakland will match up for the fifth time this year and the first time ever in the playoffs. 

• All-time record

  • OCSC leads OAK with 4-0-0 record (2-0-0 at Home)

• Last Meeting – 2021 USL Championship Regular Season Week 26

  • OCSC beat OAK, 1-0, at Laney College Stadium in Oakland on Saturday, October 16

  • Midfielder Ben Mines scored his third consecutive goal of the season

  • Goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky earned his second consecutive clean sheet for OC

• Fun Fact

  • OCSC gave up their only goal to Oakland in their 2-1 victory the last time they played at Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday, September 25. Defender Michael Orozco and midfielder Mikko Kuningas scored both OCSC goals.

THE OTHERS

Oakland Roots SC snuck into the playoffs on the final day and upset Mountain Division No. 1-seed El Paso Locomotive FC in Texas to advance to the next round. 

• Regular Season Overview

  • Record: 11-13-8 (Away: 4-8-4)

  • Goals Scored: 36 | Goals Conceded: 43

  • Clean Sheets: 8

• Player to Watch

  • Jeremy Bokila #9

  • Scored game-winner off the bench against El Paso

ABOUT LAST SATURDAY

OCSC were a man down for 60-plus minutes and still got their first playoff win since 2018 in their 1-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, November 6 at Championship Soccer Stadium. 

• Takeaways

  • Defender Rob Kiernan was shown a straight red card in the 31’

  • Forward Ronaldo Damus scored his 15th goal of the season in first-half stoppage time

  • The victory marked six straight for OC

• OCSC Player Stats

  • Goal (Assist): Ronaldo Damus (Tommy McCabe)

  • Clearances: Rob Kiernan (2), Kevin Alston (3), Kobi Henry (3), Brent Richards (5), Michael Orozco (8)

  • Saves: Patrick Rakovsky (5)

• OCSC Advanced Stats of the Match

  • Ronaldo Damus #11

  • Distance Covered: 6.33 mi (10,198 m) | Top Speed: 19 mph (32 kmh)

SCENARIOS

An hour prior to OCSC and Oakland kick-off, their next-round opponent will be already in action as Mountain Division No. 2-seed San Antonio FC square off against Mountain Division No. 4-seed Rio Grande Valley FC in the South Texas Derby. The Western Conference Final will be a California v. Texas matchup.

• IF OCSC win AND San Antonio beat RGV, then OCSC will host San Antonio FC for the Western Conference Final. OCSC has gone 3-2-3 against San Antonio all time.

• IF OCSC win AND RGV beat San Antonio, then OCSC will host RGV for the Western Conference Final. OCSC fell to RGV, 2-0, in a midseason clash during the 2021 USL Championship regular season at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine.

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Orange County SC announced that Richard Chaplow will be the club’s permanent head coach moving forward after being in the interim role since mid-August. Chaplow was first elevated to the interim position after former head coach Braeden Cloutier was relieved of his duties. Effective immediately, Chaplow will be the seventh head coach in club history. 

“We have been very impressed with Richard’s leadership and professionalism since taking over as interim coach,” President of Soccer Operations, Oliver Wyss said. “Richard has been a true winner throughout his entire playing career, and I am convinced he will continue his successful ways as our head coach. Richard is fully aligned with the goals and expectations of our club and we are looking forward to seeing him lead our team for years to come.”

Under Chaplow, OCSC went 8-3-2 boosting their overall record to 15-10-7 in the 2021 USL Championship regular season which resulted in a second place finish in the Pacific Division that allowed OCSC to host a home playoff game in the 2021 USL Championship Playoff.

“I am honored to be named head coach of Orange County SC and would like to thank the management for the faith they have shown in me,” Richard Chaplow said. “Having grown with the club over the years I understand the expectations and I am excited to lead us forward. My staff and I will do everything we can to put a team on the field that Orange County can be proud of.”

Chaplow and his staff guided OCSC to the midseason turnaround beginning with a come-from-behind road win in San Diego and ending the regular season on a five-match winning streak while going undefeated at home in six of seven matches. OCSC continued their current run of form into the playoffs by defeating Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine in the Western Conference Quarterfinal on Saturday, November 6.

Before being promoted to interim head coach, Chaplow was OCSC’s first assistant coach since the 2019 USL Championship regular season following his retirement as a player. This was Chaplow’s third season as a coach and sixth overall with OCSC.

The former central midfielder from Accrington, England, arrived in Orange County during the 2016 USL season, a year before OC Blues FC rebranded to OCSC. In three seasons, Chaplow made 57 appearances across all competitions and scored four goals along with four assists. He captained OCSC to the Western Conference regular season title during the 2018 USL season before hanging up the cleats after a 16-year professional playing career.

Prior to playing for OCSC, Chaplow played 13 years in the top flights of English football notably with Burnley, West Bromwich Albion and Southampton. Chaplow helped the 2011-2012 Southampton squad gain promotion to the Premier League after a seven-year absence. Throughout his extensive playing career across two countries, Chaplow made 400-plus appearances scoring 36 goals and adding 23 assists. He represented the England U-19, U-20 and U-21 men’s national teams in international competitions.

Orange County SC announced that Richard Chaplow will be the club’s permanent head coach moving forward after being in the interim role since mid-August. Chaplow was first elevated to the interim position after former head coach Braeden Cloutier was relieved of his duties. Effective immediately, Chaplow will be the seventh head coach in club history. 

“We have been very impressed with Richard’s leadership and professionalism since taking over as interim coach,” President of Soccer Operations, Oliver Wyss said. “Richard has been a true winner throughout his entire playing career, and I am convinced he will continue his successful ways as our head coach. Richard is fully aligned with the goals and expectations of our club and we are looking forward to seeing him lead our team for years to come.”

Under Chaplow, OCSC went 8-3-2 boosting their overall record to 15-10-7 in the 2021 USL Championship regular season which resulted in a second place finish in the Pacific Division that allowed OCSC to host a home playoff game in the 2021 USL Championship Playoff.

“I am honored to be named head coach of Orange County SC and would like to thank the management for the faith they have shown in me,” Richard Chaplow said. “Having grown with the club over the years I understand the expectations and I am excited to lead us forward. My staff and I will do everything we can to put a team on the field that Orange County can be proud of.”

Chaplow and his staff guided OCSC to the midseason turnaround beginning with a come-from-behind road win in San Diego and ending the regular season on a five-match winning streak while going undefeated at home in six of seven matches. OCSC continued their current run of form into the playoffs by defeating Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine in the Western Conference Quarterfinal on Saturday, November 6.

Before being promoted to interim head coach, Chaplow was OCSC’s first assistant coach since the 2019 USL Championship regular season following his retirement as a player. This was Chaplow’s third season as a coach and sixth overall with OCSC.

The former central midfielder from Accrington, England, arrived in Orange County during the 2016 USL season, a year before OC Blues FC rebranded to OCSC. In three seasons, Chaplow made 57 appearances across all competitions and scored four goals along with four assists. He captained OCSC to the Western Conference regular season title during the 2018 USL season before hanging up the cleats after a 16-year professional playing career.

Prior to playing for OCSC, Chaplow played 13 years in the top flights of English football notably with Burnley, West Bromwich Albion and Southampton. Chaplow helped the 2011-2012 Southampton squad gain promotion to the Premier League after a seven-year absence. Throughout his extensive playing career across two countries, Chaplow made 400-plus appearances scoring 36 goals and adding 23 assists. He represented the England U-19, U-20 and U-21 men’s national teams in international competitions.

At 17-years-old, defender Kobi Henry made himself a defensive presence on an experienced Orange County SC with the likes of veterans Michael Orozco, Robbie Kiernan, and Kevin Alston during the 2021 USL Championship regular season. The young stalwart was a key starter in OCSC’s five-match winning streak that saw the defense give up just one goal in that stretch to close the season. 

Henry, in his second professional season, made 18 appearances with almost all from being in the starting lineup for OCSC. He notched 53 clearances, 26 interceptions and 15 blocks for the OCSC backline while scoring his first career goal with a glancing header. Henry’s youthful presence and impact for Orange County this season led him to be called up to the United States U-20 Men’s National Team for the Revelations Cup in Celaya, Mexico to be held from November 9 to November 17. 

“It’s an honor to be called up to the U-20 national team,” Henry said. “I look forward to going out and playing well. I’ve been working hard for this opportunity and I’m just grateful to finally achieve it.”

Having already represented the U.S. U-17 MNT in the UEFA Development Tournament in February 2020, Henry moves up in the national team ranks while being one of the youngest players on the roster after his success and continued growth with OCSC.

“We are very proud of Kobi’s well-deserved U-20 MNT call up,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. “Kobi’s ongoing development in our professional structure and his contributions for our Championship team this season have been remarkable.” 

The Florida native signed with OCSC during the 2020 USL Championship season from the Inter Miami CF Academy in June 2020. Henry, then 16-years-old, made his professional and OCSC debut a couple of months later against LA Galaxy II. He totaled four appearances during the rest of the season giving him a launch pad heading into his first full professional season.

“I give all my thanks to the coaching staff and to all the guys at OCSC who helped me and pushed me throughout this season,” Henry said. “Especially Michael Orozco, Robbie Kiernan and guys like that.”

At OCSC, Henry finds himself training and playing alongside veterans that boast experience from both the domestic and international levels. It allows him to learn and develop traits in a professional atmosphere that will carry on even when not on a soccer pitch.

“He’s [Kobi] been working extremely hard,” Orozco said. “And, being next to him, mentoring him every day on the pitch, outside the pitch, to make him a strong mental player. All the sacrifice he has put into the sport, that hard work pays off. Kobi is a product of that.”

Henry does not turn 18-years-old until April 2022, though it has not stopped him from passing down the knowledge he has been taught to the next generations of youth soccer players from Orange County. He has lent his skills and participated in coaching of attendees at the OCSCxRangers Camp in July 2021. The campers not only learned skills to use on the pitch, but also how to carry a professional and humble attitude similar to what Henry displays with OCSC. 

Along with his defensive merits and character, Henry heads down with the U-20 team to face Mexico, Colombia and Brazil ready to continue his journey on the pathway to professional and follow in the footsteps of his teammate that scored a big goal in a big stadium in Mexico while donning the stars and stripes. 

“Even like Michael Orozco, being a USA veteran really helps me push to be excellent and to achieve what he has achieved in the past,” Henry said.

At 17-years-old, defender Kobi Henry made himself a defensive presence on an experienced Orange County SC with the likes of veterans Michael Orozco, Robbie Kiernan, and Kevin Alston during the 2021 USL Championship regular season. The young stalwart was a key starter in OCSC’s five-match winning streak that saw the defense give up just one goal in that stretch to close the season. 

Henry, in his second professional season, made 18 appearances with almost all from being in the starting lineup for OCSC. He notched 53 clearances, 26 interceptions and 15 blocks for the OCSC backline while scoring his first career goal with a glancing header. Henry’s youthful presence and impact for Orange County this season led him to be called up to the United States U-20 Men’s National Team for the Revelations Cup in Celaya, Mexico to be held from November 9 to November 17. 

“It’s an honor to be called up to the U-20 national team,” Henry said. “I look forward to going out and playing well. I’ve been working hard for this opportunity and I’m just grateful to finally achieve it.”

Having already represented the U.S. U-17 MNT in the UEFA Development Tournament in February 2020, Henry moves up in the national team ranks while being one of the youngest players on the roster after his success and continued growth with OCSC.

“We are very proud of Kobi’s well-deserved U-20 MNT call up,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. “Kobi’s ongoing development in our professional structure and his contributions for our Championship team this season have been remarkable.” 

The Florida native signed with OCSC during the 2020 USL Championship season from the Inter Miami CF Academy in June 2020. Henry, then 16-years-old, made his professional and OCSC debut a couple of months later against LA Galaxy II. He totaled four appearances during the rest of the season giving him a launch pad heading into his first full professional season.

“I give all my thanks to the coaching staff and to all the guys at OCSC who helped me and pushed me throughout this season,” Henry said. “Especially Michael Orozco, Robbie Kiernan and guys like that.”

At OCSC, Henry finds himself training and playing alongside veterans that boast experience from both the domestic and international levels. It allows him to learn and develop traits in a professional atmosphere that will carry on even when not on a soccer pitch.

“He’s [Kobi] been working extremely hard,” Orozco said. “And, being next to him, mentoring him every day on the pitch, outside the pitch, to make him a strong mental player. All the sacrifice he has put into the sport, that hard work pays off. Kobi is a product of that.”

Henry does not turn 18-years-old until April 2022, though it has not stopped him from passing down the knowledge he has been taught to the next generations of youth soccer players from Orange County. He has lent his skills and participated in coaching of attendees at the OCSCxRangers Camp in July 2021. The campers not only learned skills to use on the pitch, but also how to carry a professional and humble attitude similar to what Henry displays with OCSC. 

Along with his defensive merits and character, Henry heads down with the U-20 team to face Mexico, Colombia and Brazil ready to continue his journey on the pathway to professional and follow in the footsteps of his teammate that scored a big goal in a big stadium in Mexico while donning the stars and stripes. 

“Even like Michael Orozco, being a USA veteran really helps me push to be excellent and to achieve what he has achieved in the past,” Henry said.

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REVELATIONS CUP SCHEDULE

 

All matches will be broadcasted on TUDN.

Wednesday, Nov. 10 – USA vs. Brazil – 6 p.m. ET

Saturday, Nov. 13 – USA vs. Colombia – 4:30 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Nov. 16 – USA vs. Mexico – 6 p.m. ET

REVELATIONS CUP SCHEDULE

 

All matches will be broadcasted on TUDN.

Wednesday, Nov. 10 – USA vs. Brazil – 6 p.m. ET

Saturday, Nov. 13 – USA vs. Colombia – 4:30 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Nov. 16 – USA vs. Mexico – 6 p.m. ET

Down a man for 60-plus minutes, Orange County SC got a first-half stoppage time Ronaldo Damus goal along with another clean sheet to defeat Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 1-0, in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires: Western Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday, November 6 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. OCSC will host Oakland Roots SC in the Western Conference Semifinal next week.

In their first home playoff game since the 2018 season, OCSC prepared to fend off the newly minted 2021 USL Championship Golden Boot winner Hadji Barry and the rest of Colorado’s offense. However, OCSC had to adjust their defensive and matchup strategies 30 minutes into the first half after a straight red card for defender Robbie Kiernan. OCSC was never shown a red card during the regular season.

Interim head coach Richard Chaplow called on 17-year-old defender Kobi Henry, who was just named to the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team, to keep four defenders in the back for OCSC. Midfielder Mikko Kuningas, who received a yellow card, was subbed off and OCSC played with 10 men the rest of the way.

Despite being a man down, OCSC did not let up on offense and pressured the Colorado defense. Off of a long throw-in from Brent Richards, the ball ricocheted inside the box before sneaking out of the penalty area. The ball landed to midfielder Thomas McCabe who sent a bouncing ball back into the box where Damus took it on his right foot, created space and shot the ball high into the back of the net with his left foot. Championship Soccer Stadium erupted into cheers and OCSC went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, OCSC remained strong in the defensive third of the pitch and still looked to add to their lead. The defense, led by Michael Orozco and Kevin Alston, kept Barry at bay and allowed goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky to cover any loose balls in the penalty box. As a team, OCSC had 27 clearances to Colorado’s 13 clearances. 

With their fifth clean sheet in their last six matches, OCSC earned a spot in the Western Conference Semifinal against Pacific Division rivals Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, November 13 at 7pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. Tickets can be purchased https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/playoffs.

Down a man for 60-plus minutes, Orange County SC got a first-half stoppage time Ronaldo Damus goal along with another clean sheet to defeat Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 1-0, in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires: Western Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday, November 6 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. OCSC will host Oakland Roots SC in the Western Conference Semifinal next week.

In their first home playoff game since the 2018 season, OCSC prepared to fend off the newly minted 2021 USL Championship Golden Boot winner Hadji Barry and the rest of Colorado’s offense. However, OCSC had to adjust their defensive and matchup strategies 30 minutes into the first half after a straight red card for defender Robbie Kiernan. OCSC was never shown a red card during the regular season.

Interim head coach Richard Chaplow called on 17-year-old defender Kobi Henry, who was just named to the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team, to keep four defenders in the back for OCSC. Midfielder Mikko Kuningas, who received a yellow card, was subbed off and OCSC played with 10 men the rest of the way.

Despite being a man down, OCSC did not let up on offense and pressured the Colorado defense. Off of a long throw-in from Brent Richards, the ball ricocheted inside the box before sneaking out of the penalty area. The ball landed to midfielder Thomas McCabe who sent a bouncing ball back into the box where Damus took it on his right foot, created space and shot the ball high into the back of the net with his left foot. Championship Soccer Stadium erupted into cheers and OCSC went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, OCSC remained strong in the defensive third of the pitch and still looked to add to their lead. The defense, led by Michael Orozco and Kevin Alston, kept Barry at bay and allowed goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky to cover any loose balls in the penalty box. As a team, OCSC had 27 clearances to Colorado’s 13 clearances. 

With their fifth clean sheet in their last six matches, OCSC earned a spot in the Western Conference Semifinal against Pacific Division rivals Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, November 13 at 7pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. Tickets can be purchased https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/playoffs.

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Orange County SC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires | Western Conference Quarterfinal

Date: November 06, 2021

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Weather: Foggy with a shade of orange.

 

SCORING SUMMARY:

OCSC: Ronaldo Damus 45+1’

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

20’ Mikko Kuningas

31’ Robbie Kiernan (RED)

51’ Michael Orozco

53’ Ronaldo Damus

90+6’ Abraham Romero

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC

27’ Jimmy Ockford

66’ Deshane Beckford

85’ Tristan Hodge

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (

C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus, Thomas McCabe (75’ Seth Casiple), Eric Calvillo, Brent Richards, Mikko Kuningas (33’ Kobi Henry)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Thomas Enevoldsen, Darwin Jones, Ugo Okoli, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 37.8% | Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 10 | Offsides: 1 |

 

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC LINEUP:

Sean Melvin (GK), Matthew Mahoney, Jose Torres (11’ Andre Lewis), Zachary Zandi, Thomas Amang, Hadji Barry, Jimmy Ockford ( C ), Beverly Makangila (74’ Dantouma Toure), Dillon Serna, Sebastian Anderson (62’ Deshane Beckford), Tristan Hodge

Unused subs: Abraham Rodriguez (GK), Rony Arqueta, Steven Echeverria, Michael Edwards

Head Coach: Brendan Burke

Possession: 62.2% | Shots: 20 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 8 | Fouls: 20 | Offsides: 3 |

Orange County SC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires | Western Conference Quarterfinal

Date: November 06, 2021

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Weather: Foggy with a shade of orange.

 

SCORING SUMMARY:

OCSC: Ronaldo Damus 45+1’

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

20’ Mikko Kuningas

31’ Robbie Kiernan (RED)

51’ Michael Orozco

53’ Ronaldo Damus

90+6’ Abraham Romero

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC

27’ Jimmy Ockford

66’ Deshane Beckford

85’ Tristan Hodge

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (

C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus, Thomas McCabe (75’ Seth Casiple), Eric Calvillo, Brent Richards, Mikko Kuningas (33’ Kobi Henry)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Thomas Enevoldsen, Darwin Jones, Ugo Okoli, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 37.8% | Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 10 | Offsides: 1 |

 

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC LINEUP:

Sean Melvin (GK), Matthew Mahoney, Jose Torres (11’ Andre Lewis), Zachary Zandi, Thomas Amang, Hadji Barry, Jimmy Ockford ( C ), Beverly Makangila (74’ Dantouma Toure), Dillon Serna, Sebastian Anderson (62’ Deshane Beckford), Tristan Hodge

Unused subs: Abraham Rodriguez (GK), Rony Arqueta, Steven Echeverria, Michael Edwards

Head Coach: Brendan Burke

Possession: 62.2% | Shots: 20 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 8 | Fouls: 20 | Offsides: 3 |

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Orange County SC defender Kobi Henry has been called up to the U-20 USMNT for the Revelations Cup in Mexico from November 7th through November 17th, 2021.  

Henry’s stellar form this season has led him to be called up to the U-20 USMNT. The 17-year-old central defender has started in 16 matches (18 appearances) for Orange County SC this season and has been an integral part of Orange County’s success this year. Henry’s five most recent starts have helped lead the club to a season-high five-game winning streak, including four shutouts, which propelled OCSC to finish second in the Pacific Division, USL Championship. 

Henry has already represented his country at the U-17 level, when he was called up to the UEFA Development Tournament at St. George’s Park, England in February 2020. Henry went on to start against England and Denmark during the tournament.  

“We are very proud of Kobi’s well-deserved U-20 MNT call-up,” said OCSC President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss. “Kobi’s ongoing development in our professional structure and his contributions for our Championship team this season have been remarkable. This call-up is a fitting testament to the high standards our coaching staff is demanding from our players in our training environment that Kobi is excelling in on and off the field!” 

Henry is one of the youngest players on the U-20 USMNT roster traveling to Mexico for the Revelations Cup. During his time in Mexico, Henry will have the opportunity to play in games against Brazil, Columbia, and Mexico. 

 

For more information visit – ussoccer.com/teams/u-20-mens-national-team or https://www.revelationscup.com/  

Orange County SC defender Kobi Henry has been called up to the U-20 USMNT for the Revelations Cup in Mexico from November 7th through November 17th, 2021.  

Henry’s stellar form this season has led him to be called up to the U-20 USMNT. The 17-year-old central defender has started in 16 matches (18 appearances) for Orange County SC this season and has been an integral part of Orange County’s success this year. Henry’s five most recent starts have helped lead the club to a season-high five-game winning streak, including four shutouts, which propelled OCSC to finish second in the Pacific Division, USL Championship. 

Henry has already represented his country at the U-17 level, when he was called up to the UEFA Development Tournament at St. George’s Park, England in February 2020. Henry went on to start against England and Denmark during the tournament.  

“We are very proud of Kobi’s well-deserved U-20 MNT call-up,” said OCSC President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss. “Kobi’s ongoing development in our professional structure and his contributions for our Championship team this season have been remarkable. This call-up is a fitting testament to the high standards our coaching staff is demanding from our players in our training environment that Kobi is excelling in on and off the field!” 

Henry is one of the youngest players on the U-20 USMNT roster traveling to Mexico for the Revelations Cup. During his time in Mexico, Henry will have the opportunity to play in games against Brazil, Columbia, and Mexico. 

 

For more information visit – ussoccer.com/teams/u-20-mens-national-team or https://www.revelationscup.com/  

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, November 6th at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA

WHERE TO WATCH:

ESPN+

COX Yurview: Live stream only available in Orange County, Palos Verdes & Santa Barbara

Youtube: Live stream only available Internationally

WHERE TO LISTEN:

Tu Liga Radio 1220 AM

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 15-10-7 (52 points, 2nd Pacific), Colorado Springs: 13-9-10 (49 points, 3rd Mountain) 

FORM GUIDE (MOST RECENT FIRST):

Orange County: WWWWW, Colorado Springs: LDWLD

MATCH THEME:

PLAYOFFS

WHEN AND WHERE:

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, November 6th at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA

WHERE TO WATCH:

ESPN+

COX Yurview: Live stream only available in Orange County, Palos Verdes & Santa Barbara

Youtube: Live stream only available Internationally

WHERE TO LISTEN:

Tu Liga Radio 1220 AM

2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS:

Orange County: 15-10-7 (52 points, 2nd Pacific), Colorado Springs: 13-9-10 (49 points, 3rd Mountain) 

FORM GUIDE (MOST RECENT FIRST):

Orange County: WWWWW, Colorado Springs: LDWLD

MATCH THEME:

PLAYOFFS

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It is playoff time for the Pacific Division No. 2-seed Orange County SC as they open their quest for the club’s first USL Championship against the Mountain Division No. 3-seed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires: Western Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday, November 6 at 7 pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. This is OCSC’s first home playoff game since the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final.

 

REGULAR SEASON BY THE NUMBERS

Orange County SC and interim head coach Richard Chaplow clinched second place in the Pacific Division and the right to host a home playoff game in their 1-0 win against LA Galaxy II on the final day of the regular season. 

• 2021 Record: 15-10-7 (8-3-2 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 44 | Goals Conceded: 37

  • Clean Sheets: 12

  • Leading Scorer: Ronaldo Damus (14)

• 2021 Home: 7-5-4 (5-1-1 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 21 | Goals Conceded: 20 

  • Clean Sheets: 6

• 2021 Away: 8-5-3 (3-2-1 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 23 | Goals Conceded: 17

  • Clean Sheets: 6

• Historical Playoff Record: 2-6-1 (2-2-0 at Home)

 

FIVE STRAIGHT AND COUNTING

With five wins in their last five games, OCSC flies into the playoffs as one of the more in-form squads. 

• Last Five: Results

  • 10/13: 1-0 win vs Phoenix Rising FC | 10/16: 1-0 win @ Oakland Roots SC | 10/20: 1-0 win vs San Diego Loyal SC | 10/23: 2-1 win vs Las Vegas Lights FC | 10/30: 1-0 win @ LA Galaxy II

• Last Five: Player Stats 

  • Goalscorers: Ben Mines (2), Eric Calvillo (1), Ronaldo Damus (1), Thomas Enevoldsen (1)

  • Assists: Ronaldo Damus (2), Darwin Jones (1), Ugo Okoli (1)

  • Saves: Patrick Rakovsky (15)

• Last Five: Team Stats

  • Goals Scored: 6 | Goals Conceded: 1

  • Clean Sheets: 4

 

THE ADVERSARY

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC comes to OC as the Mountain Division No. 3-seed along with the league’s leading goalscorer. 

• Season Overview

  • Record: 13-9-10 (Away: 4-6-5)

  • Goals Scored: 60 | Goals Conceded: 50

  • Clean Sheets: 5

• Player to Watch

  • #10 Hadji Barry

  • 2021 USL Championship Golden Boot Winner (25 Goals)

 

SOME BACKSTORY

OCSC is a USL original team and has played in the postseason seven out of their 11 years in the league. For Colorado, this is their first appearance in the playoffs since the 2016 season when they were only in their second year of existence. The two teams have never played each other in the playoffs, but have squared off in the regular season.

• All-time record

  • OCSC leads COS with 6-4-1 record (4-2-0 at Home)

• Last Meeting – 2021 USL Championship Regular Season Week 11 

  • OCSC beat COS, 2-0, at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on Thursday, July 1

  • Forward Eero Markkanen and midfielder Eric Calvillo scored the two OC goals

  • Goalkeeper Abraham Romero earned a clean sheet for OC

• Fun Fact

  • OCSC and Colorado Springs met in the preseason back in April as part of their new Weidner Field’s soft opening. OCSC came back from an early deficit to draw with COS, 2-2.

 

SCENARIOS

By the time OCSC and the Switchbacks kick-off, their next-round opponent will already have been decided as the Mountain Division No. 1-seed El Paso Locomotive FC host the Pacific Division No. 4-seed Oakland Roots SC on Friday, November 5.

• IF OCSC win AND El Paso beat Oakland, then OCSC will travel to Southwest University Park in El Paso for the Western Conference Semifinal. OCSC and ELP played to a 2-2 draw in September at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine.

• IF OCSC win AND Oakland beat El Paso, then OCSC will host Oakland for the Western Conference Semifinal. OCSC swept the season series against Oakland and only gave up one goal in four matches.

It is playoff time for the Pacific Division No. 2-seed Orange County SC as they open their quest for the club’s first USL Championship against the Mountain Division No. 3-seed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires: Western Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday, November 6 at 7 pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. This is OCSC’s first home playoff game since the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final.

 

REGULAR SEASON BY THE NUMBERS

Orange County SC and interim head coach Richard Chaplow clinched second place in the Pacific Division and the right to host a home playoff game in their 1-0 win against LA Galaxy II on the final day of the regular season. 

• 2021 Record: 15-10-7 (8-3-2 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 44 | Goals Conceded: 37

  • Clean Sheets: 12

  • Leading Scorer: Ronaldo Damus (14)

• 2021 Home: 7-5-4 (5-1-1 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 21 | Goals Conceded: 20 

  • Clean Sheets: 6

• 2021 Away: 8-5-3 (3-2-1 under Chaplow)

  • Goals Scored: 23 | Goals Conceded: 17

  • Clean Sheets: 6

• Historical Playoff Record: 2-6-1 (2-2-0 at Home)

 

FIVE STRAIGHT AND COUNTING

With five wins in their last five games, OCSC flies into the playoffs as one of the more in-form squads. 

• Last Five: Results

  • 10/13: 1-0 win vs Phoenix Rising FC | 10/16: 1-0 win @ Oakland Roots SC | 10/20: 1-0 win vs San Diego Loyal SC | 10/23: 2-1 win vs Las Vegas Lights FC | 10/30: 1-0 win @ LA Galaxy II

• Last Five: Player Stats 

  • Goalscorers: Ben Mines (2), Eric Calvillo (1), Ronaldo Damus (1), Thomas Enevoldsen (1)

  • Assists: Ronaldo Damus (2), Darwin Jones (1), Ugo Okoli (1)

  • Saves: Patrick Rakovsky (15)

• Last Five: Team Stats

  • Goals Scored: 6 | Goals Conceded: 1

  • Clean Sheets: 4

 

THE ADVERSARY

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC comes to OC as the Mountain Division No. 3-seed along with the league’s leading goalscorer. 

• Season Overview

  • Record: 13-9-10 (Away: 4-6-5)

  • Goals Scored: 60 | Goals Conceded: 50

  • Clean Sheets: 5

• Player to Watch

  • #10 Hadji Barry

  • 2021 USL Championship Golden Boot Winner (25 Goals)

 

SOME BACKSTORY

OCSC is a USL original team and has played in the postseason seven out of their 11 years in the league. For Colorado, this is their first appearance in the playoffs since the 2016 season when they were only in their second year of existence. The two teams have never played each other in the playoffs, but have squared off in the regular season.

• All-time record

  • OCSC leads COS with 6-4-1 record (4-2-0 at Home)

• Last Meeting – 2021 USL Championship Regular Season Week 11 

  • OCSC beat COS, 2-0, at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on Thursday, July 1

  • Forward Eero Markkanen and midfielder Eric Calvillo scored the two OC goals

  • Goalkeeper Abraham Romero earned a clean sheet for OC

• Fun Fact

  • OCSC and Colorado Springs met in the preseason back in April as part of their new Weidner Field’s soft opening. OCSC came back from an early deficit to draw with COS, 2-2.

 

SCENARIOS

By the time OCSC and the Switchbacks kick-off, their next-round opponent will already have been decided as the Mountain Division No. 1-seed El Paso Locomotive FC host the Pacific Division No. 4-seed Oakland Roots SC on Friday, November 5.

• IF OCSC win AND El Paso beat Oakland, then OCSC will travel to Southwest University Park in El Paso for the Western Conference Semifinal. OCSC and ELP played to a 2-2 draw in September at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine.

• IF OCSC win AND Oakland beat El Paso, then OCSC will host Oakland for the Western Conference Semifinal. OCSC swept the season series against Oakland and only gave up one goal in four matches.

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Orange County SC used their fifth consecutive victory, 1-0, over LA Galaxy II to clinch second place in the Pacific Division on Saturday, October 30 at Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium giving OCSC the right to host a first round USL Championship Playoff match. LA2 will miss the playoffs.

With playoff berths and seeding on the line, the two rivals had different approaches to the way they started the match. OCSC held onto the ball and built up a good string of passes before making their attack on goal. LA2, knowing this was a must-win match, pressured the OC defense into precarious positions in front of goal. 

OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky was called into action several times during the opening 45’ having to push out LA2’s shots. Rakovsky made three saves off each LA2’s shots on goal. OCSC as a team made eight clearances before the halftime whistle sounded.

The second half offered as much tension and drama as each side worked towards their desired result. OCSC continued to string along spells of possession and made their move on goal. Forwards Ronaldo Damus, Brian Iloski and Ugo Okoli flirted with a goal, but were unable to put the ball into the back of the net. 

The OCSC defense managed to successfully deny more LA2 chances on goal. OCSC was also helped by the crossbar and a disallowed goal. Though, it was Rakovsky who made the save of the night minutes before full-time. A shot rifled from the top of the box by LA2 looked destined for goal until Rakovsky lunged to his left and directed the ball out of play to keep the match scoreless. 

In the five minutes of stoppage time, OCSC sat back and defended their goal looking to preserve the draw which was enough to remain in second place in the Pacific Division. Instead, LA2 needed to score to keep their season alive and clinch their playoff spot. 

LA2 sent everyone forward on a free kick in their attacking half, but it was blocked and OCSC sprung on a counterattack. Damus controlled a bouncing ball fighting off a defender along the way and found his fellow forward Thomas Enevoldsen one-on-two with a defender and goalkeeper in front of the goal. Enevoldsen received the pass and slotted the ball into the net for the game’s only and winning goal. 

With the result, OCSC hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC—the Mountain Division’s third-place team—on Saturday, November 6 at 7 pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine.

Playoff tickets can be purchased at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/playoffs.

Orange County SC used their fifth consecutive victory, 1-0, over LA Galaxy II to clinch second place in the Pacific Division on Saturday, October 30 at Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium giving OCSC the right to host a first round USL Championship Playoff match. LA2 will miss the playoffs.

With playoff berths and seeding on the line, the two rivals had different approaches to the way they started the match. OCSC held onto the ball and built up a good string of passes before making their attack on goal. LA2, knowing this was a must-win match, pressured the OC defense into precarious positions in front of goal. 

OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky was called into action several times during the opening 45’ having to push out LA2’s shots. Rakovsky made three saves off each LA2’s shots on goal. OCSC as a team made eight clearances before the halftime whistle sounded.

The second half offered as much tension and drama as each side worked towards their desired result. OCSC continued to string along spells of possession and made their move on goal. Forwards Ronaldo Damus, Brian Iloski and Ugo Okoli flirted with a goal, but were unable to put the ball into the back of the net. 

The OCSC defense managed to successfully deny more LA2 chances on goal. OCSC was also helped by the crossbar and a disallowed goal. Though, it was Rakovsky who made the save of the night minutes before full-time. A shot rifled from the top of the box by LA2 looked destined for goal until Rakovsky lunged to his left and directed the ball out of play to keep the match scoreless. 

In the five minutes of stoppage time, OCSC sat back and defended their goal looking to preserve the draw which was enough to remain in second place in the Pacific Division. Instead, LA2 needed to score to keep their season alive and clinch their playoff spot. 

LA2 sent everyone forward on a free kick in their attacking half, but it was blocked and OCSC sprung on a counterattack. Damus controlled a bouncing ball fighting off a defender along the way and found his fellow forward Thomas Enevoldsen one-on-two with a defender and goalkeeper in front of the goal. Enevoldsen received the pass and slotted the ball into the net for the game’s only and winning goal. 

With the result, OCSC hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC—the Mountain Division’s third-place team—on Saturday, November 6 at 7 pm at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine.

Playoff tickets can be purchased at https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/playoffs.

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Orange County SC vs LA Galaxy II

USL Championship | October 30, 2021

Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium (Carson, CA)

Kickoff: 7:30 PM PDT

Weather: Spooky.

 

SCORING SUMMARY:

OCSC: Thomas Enevoldsen 90+4’

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

30’ Robbie Kiernan

77’ Seth Casiple

90’ Ronaldo Damus

LA GALAXY II

74’ Preston Judd

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (

C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus, Eric Calvillo, Ugo Okoli (67’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Kobi Henry (60’ Brent Richards), Mikko Kuningas (45’ Seth Casiple) (85’ Thomas McCabe)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Darwin Jones, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 44.6% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 3 |

 

LA GALAXY II LINEUP:

Justin vom Steeg (GK), Cameron Dunbar (72’ Remi Cabral), Carlos Harvey, Preston Judd, Taylor Davila, Jesus Vazquez ( C ), Jorge Hernandez, Daniel Aguirre (72’ Adrian Gonzalez), Jalen Neal, Jonathan Perez, Marcus Ferkranus (87’ Juan Calderon)

Unused subs: Eric Lopez (GK), Axel Essengue, Gerson Chavez, Victor Valdez

Head Coach: Junior Gonzalez

Possession: 55.4% | Shots: 20 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 9 | Fouls: 8 | Offsides: 0 |

Orange County SC vs LA Galaxy II

USL Championship | October 30, 2021

Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium (Carson, CA)

Kickoff: 7:30 PM PDT

Weather: Spooky.

 

SCORING SUMMARY:

OCSC: Thomas Enevoldsen 90+4’

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

30’ Robbie Kiernan

77’ Seth Casiple

90’ Ronaldo Damus

LA GALAXY II

74’ Preston Judd

 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (

C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus, Eric Calvillo, Ugo Okoli (67’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Kobi Henry (60’ Brent Richards), Mikko Kuningas (45’ Seth Casiple) (85’ Thomas McCabe)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Darwin Jones, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

Possession: 44.6% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 3 |

 

LA GALAXY II LINEUP:

Justin vom Steeg (GK), Cameron Dunbar (72’ Remi Cabral), Carlos Harvey, Preston Judd, Taylor Davila, Jesus Vazquez ( C ), Jorge Hernandez, Daniel Aguirre (72’ Adrian Gonzalez), Jalen Neal, Jonathan Perez, Marcus Ferkranus (87’ Juan Calderon)

Unused subs: Eric Lopez (GK), Axel Essengue, Gerson Chavez, Victor Valdez

Head Coach: Junior Gonzalez

Possession: 55.4% | Shots: 20 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 9 | Fouls: 8 | Offsides: 0 |

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