NEWS

IRVINE, Calif. — Orange County SC has acquired forward Sydney Wathuta on loan from the Colorado Rapids for the remainder of the 2026 USL Championship season.

Wathuta, 22, is a 6-foot-3 Vancouver, British Columbia, native who was selected 16th overall by Colorado in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Vermont. He helped Vermont win the 2024 NCAA Division I national championship and recorded 3 goals and 15 assists in 39 appearances over two college seasons.

In 2025 with Colorado Rapids 2, Wathuta made 18 regular-season MLS NEXT Pro appearances with 6 goals and 4 assists, then added 2 assists in 4 playoff matches as Rapids 2 reached the MLS NEXT Pro Cup final. He also earned first-team minutes with the Rapids, making his MLS debut as a substitute against Atlanta United and starting in the Leagues Cup, where he recorded an assist in 90 minutes against Cruz Azul.

The deal was finalized before the roster freeze.

Transaction Details:

Orange County SC Acquires Sydney Wathuta on Loan for Colorado Rapids

Name: Sydney Wathuta

Pronunciation: SID-nee WAH-too-tah

Position: Forward

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 170 lbs

Number: #7

Born: June 11, 2004 (22)

Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

Previous Club: Colorado Rapids

Social Media: on Instagram

Kickoff: Saturday, September 5, 2026 (6:00 PM PDT)

Where: Championship Soccer Stadium

How to Watch: KCAL 9 / ESPN+

Available in the U.K.: USL on YouTube

Orange County SC returns to Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday for one of the club’s signature nights of the year. Sacramento Republic FC comes to Irvine for Labor Day

Beer Fest in a matchup that remains OCSC’s longest-running rivalry and one of the most reliable sparks on the calendar. Both sides sit in the thick of the Western Conference race.

Orange County is third at 9-8-5 with 35 points after 22 matches. Sacramento is sixth at 8-8-5 with 32 points after 21. Three points separate a packed group from third through fifth,

so this is not a midseason reunion. It is a playoff game in September clothing.

Last week’s 1-1 draw in Oakland should be the turning point. OCSC created the better of the late chances, poured shots at the Ro ots goal, and earned a deserved equalizer through

Yaniv Bazini after Florian Valot had put the hosts in front. The night still ended with a sour aftertaste. A Lyam MacKinnon finish that would have put Orange County ahead was wiped

out by an officiating error, leaving the visitors with one point instead of three. The response now is simple. Take the chance volume from the Coliseum, keep the courage in the box,

and finish the job at home in front of a holiday crowd.

Orange County SC and Sacramento Republic FC have not drawn any of their last six meetings. That history points to a night whe n one side is likely to leave Irvine with all three

Points.

This rivalry has always carried extra weight. Sacramento took the first meeting of 2026, 3-2 at Heart Health Park on May 2, when Stephen Kelly and Bazini answered but late goals

from Cristian Rodríguez, Kyle Edwards, and Luis Benítez decided it. Orange County answered the other way in 2025, winning 2-1 at home in April, 1-0 in the USL Cup in June, and then

eliminating Sacramento on penalties in the playoffs after a 0-0 in the Round of 16. Across the most recent stretch of this series, the pattern has been decisive rather than shared.

The series has swung both directions for more than a decade, which is why Saturday still feels like a measuring stick. Republic FC just added proven finisher Cal Jennings, who

already scored his first Sacramento goal in last week’s 1-1 draw at Monterey Bay. Jennings has more career goals against Orange County than any other player, with seven total,

including six in league play and one in the U.S. Open Cup. He is the new variable in an old fight.

What to expect is a packed Great Park, a festive Labor Day Beer Fest atmosphere, and a match that will be decided by who is more ruthless in the final third. Orange County has the

home crowd, the recent shot volume, and a chance to turn last week’s unfinished business into a result. Sacramento has a compact structure, a dangerous late-game record, and a

striker who has made a habit of hurting this club. Control the midfield, take the shot when it is there, and stay clinical. That is how OCSC turns a holiday night into three points.

take another step toward the playoffs on their terms.

Orange County will stay in Irvine to face Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, September 12 for California Classic Night. For tickets and more information, click HERE.

OCSC Keys to the Match:

For Orange County SC, this is a chance to turn last week’s chance creation into a result. Orange County generated the better o f the late opportunities in Oakland and forced the issue.

Saturday is about finishing those looks with courage in the box and putting the game on OCSC’s terms from the opening whistle. Control of the middle will decide the night. When

Hegardt receives facing forward, Bazini, Sylla, and MacKinnon become finishers instead of scavengers. That is how Orange County has beaten good teams all season and how this

rivalry has been won at home.

The Labor Day crowd is an advantage, not background noise. Championship Soccer Stadium on a holiday weekend should make Sacramento defend deeper and rush clearances. Set

pieces and second balls become weapons in that environment, especially with Benalcázar’s presence in the box. Sacramento will get their moments; the answer is to make them

work for every touch and then attack the space behind Sacramento’s back line when the ball turns over. Orange County does not need to sit on this fixture. It needs to play with the

same relentlessness that produced the equalizer in Oakland and finish the chances that decide these games.

OCSC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 10-11-9 (7th)

Goals Scored: 44 | Goals Allowed: 45 | Clean Sheets: 8

Orange County SC is 12-12-8 all-time against Sacramento Republic FC (Last 5 against SAC – 3-2-0)

Players to Watch:

F Mataeo Bunbury

M Ousmane Sylla

Previous Matchup: 2025 USL Championship

Orange County SC 2-3 Sacramento Republic FC– USL Championship Match (May 2, 2026, Sacramento, CA))

Scoring Summary: 21’ Stephen Kelly (OC), 57’ Arturo Rodríguez – Assist Jack Gurr (SAC), 73’ Yaniv Bazini – Assist Brandon Cambridge (OC), 88’ Kyle Edwards (SAC), 90+3 Michelle Benítez (SAC)

Sacramento Republic FC Keys to the Match:

For Sacramento, Cal Jennings has to be involved early. He already scored in his second Sacramento appearance and owns seven career goals against Orange County.

Cristian Rodríguez is the connector. He scored in the 3-2 win over OCSC on May 2 and can find Jennings between the lines.

Daniel Vitiello will need a sharp night. Orange County created a high shot volume in Oakland, and Benalcázar, Kelly, and MacKinnon all attack set pieces. Sacramento’s away record is

the softer side of its season. Protect the box and get the ball to Jennings and Rodríguez.

Sacramento Republic FC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 13-8-9 (2nd)

Goals Scored: 44 | Goals Allowed: 27 | Clean Sheets: 13

Players to Watch:

F Cal Jennings

GK Danny Vitiello

IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC has signed defender Jaylin Lindsey for the remainder of the 2026 USL Championship season.

Lindsey, 26, brings extensive MLS and USL Championship experience to OCSC. Most recently, he spent the 2025 season with New Mexico United, making 29 USL Championship appearances and 21 starts while logging 1,960 minutes. Lindsey recorded one goal and two assists in league play while contributing 23 interceptions and 20 tackles won. 

A product of the Sporting Kansas City Academy, Lindsey joined the organization in 2015 before signing an academy contract with USL Championship affiliate Swope Park Rangers in 2016. After representing the United States at the U-17 level, Lindsey signed a Homegrown Player contract with Sporting Kansas City in September 2017. He went on to make 34 MLS appearances for Sporting KC, scoring twice, before joining Charlotte FC ahead of the 2022 season.

Lindsey made 54 appearances for Charlotte before signing with New Mexico United for the 2025 campaign. Internationally, he has extensive U.S. Youth National Team experience, including seven appearances with the U.S. U-20 Men’s Youth National Team and 43 appearances across the U.S. youth national team system.

Capable of playing across the back line, Lindsey adds an experienced and versatile defensive option to Orange County for the stretch run of the 2026 season. He joins OCSC as a free agent after not appearing professionally during the first part of the 2026 campaign.

Lindsey’s signing is pending league and federation approval; per club policy, the club will not release details of the agreement.

Transaction Details:

Orange County SC signs defender Jaylin Lindsey, August 2026

Name: Jaylin Lindsey

Position: Defender

Height: 5’ 10”

Weight: 170 lbs

Number: #16

Born: March 27, 2000 (26)

Birthplace: Charlotte, NC

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Previous Club: New Mexico United

Social Media: @jaylinlindsey on Instagram

###

About Orange County Soccer Club:

Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) is Orange County’s only professional soccer team and a founding member of the United Soccer League (USL). It was purchased by Club owner and Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, James Keston, in 2017. OCSC, which plays its home games at the 5,500-seat Orange County Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA, won its first USL Championship title in 2021. OCSC is dedicated to being the leader in professional player development in the United States, providing a pathway to professional soccer and the top leagues around the world.

Saturday’s match marked Orange County SC’s first USL Championship home match at Championship Soccer Stadium in 105 days. The Black & Orange was dedicated to delivering an impeccable performance for their return home. OCSC’s equally dedicated crowd of over 5000 fans celebrated their 2-0 victory over El Paso Locomotive and the first clean sheet in 13 games. 

The opening 20 minutes saw both sides feeling each other out, with play largely concentrated in the midfield and few meaningful scoring opportunities for either team. Orange County SC gradually settled into the match, forcing more turnovers and creating dangerous counterattacking opportunities as the momentum began to shift in the hosts’ favor.

The Black & Orange found the first goal of the game in the 26’ minute after Ousmane Sylla struck the ball down the center of the net, speeding past El Paso’s Abraham Romero. Chris Hegardt earned the assist after bringing up the ball from the El Paso midfield, and OCSC ended the first half up 1-0. The goal elevated OCSC’s momentum and opened the doors for a masterclass game.

Orange County didn’t slow their momentum in the second half. While El Paso searched for an equalizer, the County Boys continued to deliver an unbreakable defensive performance, waiting for the chance to quickly counter the forceful Locomotives. OC’s play continued to sharpen as their passes grew to 83% accuracy, with 89% being delivered in their own half. They kept their composure against the Locomotive pressure and dismantled El Paso’s 18 shots taken.

OCSC found their second goal in the 62’ minute from a set piece play, as Yaniv Bazini received a header from the free kick at the top of the box, moving it towards Garrison Tubbs, who met it with a header of his own just in front of the goal near the back post, beating Romero and giving OC the boost at 2-0. 

El Paso would keep pushing for at least one goal all the way till the final whistle, but the Orange County defense refused to be beaten, with an invincible Alex Rando saving eight shots. Rando earned his sixth clean sheet, and the team earned a win and the 3 points needed to keep OCSC at the top of the Western Conference Table. 

Orange County SC has three home matches remaining in August, beginning with Christmas in August on Saturday, Aug. 8, when the club hosts Eastern Conference-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies. For tickets and more information, click HERE.

Milestones:

• 1st Clean sheet in 13 matches
• Orange County SC extended its unbeaten streak to a club-record nine consecutive USL Championship matches. The previous club record was an eight-match unbeaten run during the 2024 USL Championship regular season.

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

SCORING SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

26’ Ousmane Sylla – (Assist: Chris Hegardt)

62’ Garrison Tubbs – (Assist: Yaniv Bazini)

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

24’ Roberto Coronado – Yellow Card

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: (4-4-2)

Alex Rando (GK); Tom Brewitt (C), Garrison Tubbs, Nico Benalcazar, Ryan Doghman (64’ Mouhamadou War), Efren Solis, Ousmane Sylla, Stephen Kelly, Chris Hegardt (84’ Brandon Cambridge), Lyam MacKinnon (74’ Apollo Marinch), Yaniv Bazini (74’ Ethan Zubak)

Unused subs: Tetsuya Kadono, Jack Gentile (GK); Jamir Johnson, Finn O’Brien, Joaquin Castro

Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 43% | Shots: 7 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 11 | Offsides: 0 | Saves: 0

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC LINEUP: (4-3-3)

Abraham Romero (GK); Gabriel Torres, Tony Alfaro, Arturo Ortíz, Nicolás Cardona (67’ Roberto Avila), Ricardo Ruiz (46’ Alex Mendez), Robert Coronado (79’ Diego Abitia), Eric Calvillo, Álvaro Quezada (46’ Kofi Twumasi), Rubio Rubín, Amando Moreno (79’ Jimmy Farkarlun)

Unused Subs: Pedro Cruz (GK): Memo Diaz

Head Coach: Junior Gonzalez

Possession: 57% | Shots: 27 | Shots On Goal: 10 | Corners: 13 | Fouls: 16 | Offsides: 4 | Saves: 0

Orange County SC v. El Paso Locomotive FC

2026 USL Championship Match 18

Date: August 1, 2026

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA

Kickoff: Saturday, August 1, 2026 (700 PM PDT)

Where: How to Watch: KCAL Plus 9.6, CBS Golazo Network / Paramount+

Available in the U.K.: USL on YouTube

After nearly three months spent navigating venue changes, cross-country travel, and one of the toughest stretches of the USL Championship schedule, Orange County SC finally begins a critical month at home.

The Black and Orange return to Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday night to host El Paso Locomotive FC in a pivotal Western Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT as Orange County opens a four-match homestand that could play a major role in the race for the Players’ Shield and Western Conference title.

Orange County enters the weekend atop the USL Championship standings and riding an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak in league play. The victory over Monterey Bay FC last weekend extended OCSC’s remarkable road form and reinforced the club’s ability to grind out results away from home. Now, after spending much of the last three months on the road, OCSC has an opportunity to turn Championship Soccer Stadium into one of the league’s toughest venues during August.

While injuries tested Orange County’s depth throughout June and July, reinforcements are beginning to return. The gradual return of several experienced players provides an important boost as the club enters the most demanding stretch of the season, giving OC increased flexibility with its lineup and more competition for minutes across the pitch.

Standing in Orange County’s way is an El Paso Locomotive FC side that has proven capable of competing with anyone in the Western Conference. Although currently sitting eighth in league play, El Paso has been among the league’s most dangerous attacking teams throughout 2026 and has already demonstrated its quality by winning its USL Cup group with three victories. Junior Gonzalez’s squad remains dangerous on the road and possesses enough attacking firepower to challenge any defense.

Saturday night’s match marks more than just another regular-season fixture. It represents the beginning of a four-game stretch that could define Orange County SC’s championship aspirations. With players returning to health, momentum building, and home supporters finally back behind them, the Black and Orange have an opportunity to strengthen their grip on first place and establish Championship Soccer Stadium as a fortress during the season’s decisive months.

Orange County SC is home again on August 8, for Christmas in August. OCSC will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a marquee match between two of the league’s top clubs. For tickets and more information, click HERE.

OCSC Keys to the Match:

For Orange County SC, establishing control early and forcing El Paso to defend for extended stretches will be key. OCSC have been at their best when Stephen Kelly is allowed to dictate possession, and the outside backs join the attack. Nicola Ciotta’s ability to isolate defenders and create chances from wide areas will be critical, while Tom Brewitt and the Orange County back line must remain organized against El Paso’s dangerous transition attack. Maintaining defensive discipline while capitalizing on set pieces could ultimately prove to be the difference.

OCSC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 10-11-9 (7^th)

Goals Scored: 44 | Goals Allowed: 45 | Clean Sheets: 8

Orange County SC is 4-5-5 all-time against El Paso Locomotive FC (Last 5 against ELP – 2-2-1)

Players to Watch:

M Lyam MacKinnon

GK Alex Rando

 
Previous Matchup: 2025 USL Championship

Orange County SC 1-2 El Paso Locomotive FC – USL Cup Match (April 25, 2025, Irvine, CA)

Scoring Summary: 51’ Grayson Doody (OC), 64’ Tony Alfaro (ELP), 78’ Roberto Coronado (ELP)

El Paso Locomotive FC Keys to the Match:

For El Paso, success begins with limiting Orange County’s midfield rhythm. The Locomotive will likely look to press selectively, create turnovers in transition, and allow Rubín, Moreno, and Méndez to exploit space before Orange County’s defense can recover. El Paso has shown the ability to create quality chances through quick attacking movements and will need to convert those opportunities against one of the conference’s strongest defensive sides. If Locomotive can frustrate Orange County early and turn the match into an open contest, they have the attacking talent to leave Irvine with points.

El Paso Locomotive FC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 10-9-11 (4^th)

Goals Scored: 47 | Goals Allowed: 46 | Clean Sheets: 6

Players to Watch:

F Rubio Rubín

GK Sebastian Mora-Mora

Orange County SC traveled to Cardinale Stadium on Saturday night for a Western Conference matchup against Monterey Bay FC. While Orange County entered the match atop the USL Championship standings and Monterey Bay sat at the bottom of the table, the opening 45 minutes reflected a tightly contested battle between two sides with very different motivations.

Monterey Bay looked to set the tone early, controlling long stretches of possession and attempting to dictate the pace of play. Despite seeing more of the ball, the hosts struggled to translate that possession into dangerous scoring opportunities as Orange County remained compact and organized defensively. OCSC consistently won key defensive battles, limiting Monterey’s quality chances while leading the first-half defensive categories, including clearances, interceptions, and tackles won.

The physical nature of the match was evident throughout the opening half. In the 27th minute, Monterey forward Ilijah Paul became entangled with Orange County captain Tom Brewitt while pulling on Brewitt’s jersey. As Brewitt went to ground, Paul was taken down in the process, and the sequence ultimately resulted in Brewitt being shown a yellow card despite the apparent jersey tug that initiated the challenge.

Although Monterey Bay managed to generate a handful of attacking moments, the home side lacked the clinical finishing needed to capitalize. Orange County’s back line remained disciplined, closing down shooting lanes and forcing difficult attempts that never seriously tested the defense.

Orange County created the more dangerous opportunities before halftime. In the 32nd minute, Lyam MacKinnon nearly opened the scoring after finding space inside the penalty area. Still, Monterey goalkeeper Nico Campuzano Jackson came up with an excellent save to keep the match scoreless. Just minutes later, MacKinnon was again denied by Jackson, who produced another strong stop before the OCSC forward was unable to control the rebound for a second attempt.

Despite Monterey Bay’s advantage in possession, Orange County generated the better scoring chances while delivering another disciplined defensive performance. With both goalkeepers standing tall and neither side able to find a breakthrough, the teams headed into halftime locked in a scoreless draw.

Orange County SC wasted little time taking control after the halftime break, striking twice in the opening minutes of the second half to seize the momentum.

In the 47th minute, Yaniv Bazini was brought down in the attacking half, giving OCSC a dangerous set-piece opportunity. Stephen Kelly delivered an inviting free kick into the penalty area, where the ball pinballed through traffic before falling to captain Tom Brewitt. The veteran defender showed composure to settle the loose ball and fired a left-footed finish into the upper-left corner, giving Orange County a 1-0 lead and marking his first USL Championship goal of the season.

Just moments later, Orange County doubled its advantage through relentless attacking pressure. Nicola Ciotta refused to give up on a ball near the end line, driving into the box before sending a dangerous pass across the face of goal. Under pressure, Monterey Bay defender Nico Gordon inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net for an own goal, extending OCSC’s lead to 2-0 and capping a dream start to the second half.

Orange County SC continued to dictate the match, pressing for a third goal to put the result beyond doubt. The visitors controlled the tempo and limited Monterey Bay’s opportunities with another disciplined defensive performance, frustrating the hosts for much of the second half.

Monterey Bay found a late breakthrough in the 88th minute when Ilijah Paul capitalized on one of the home side’s few quality chances, cutting Orange County’s lead to 2-1. Despite the late goal, OCSC remained composed through the closing minutes, seeing out the match to secure another important three points on the road.

Orange County SC is back at the Champ on August 1st to face El Paso Locomotive FC for Margaritaville Night. For tickets and more information, click HERE.

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

SCORING SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

48’ Tom Brewitt

MONTEREY BAY UNION FC

51’ Own Goal – Nico Gordon

88’ Ilijah Paul 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

27’ Tom Brewitt (OC) – Yellow Card

40’ Ilijah Paul (MB) – Yellow Card

58’ Garrison Tubbs (OC) – Yellow Card

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: (4-4-2)

Alex Rando (GK); Tom Brewitt (C), Garrison Tubbs, Nico Benalcazar, Nicola Ciotta, Efren Solis (79’ Josh Martinez), Ousmane Sylla (86’ Ryan Doghman), Stephen Kelly, Chris Hegardt, Lyam MacKinnon (79’ Ethan Zubak), Yaniv Bazini

Unused subs: Tetsuya Kadono (GK); Finn O’Brien, Joaquin Castro, Jamir Johnson, Apollo Marinch

Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 41% | Shots: 7 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 1 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 1 | Saves: 5

MONTEREY BAY UNION FC LINEUP: (4-4-2)

Jacob Jackson (GK); Zackery Farnsworth, Nico Gordon, Quinton Elliot (74’ Joel Garcia), Fidel Barajas (74’ Stuart Ritchie), Ilijah Paul, Sebastian Lletget, Omari Glasgow, Ryuga Nakamura (57’ Belmar Joseph), Anisse Saidi (57’ Wesley Leggett), Nick Ross (90+3’ Kelsey Egwu)

Unused Subs: Ciaran Dalton (GK): Ballack Villasana

Head Coach: Alex Covelo

Possession: 59% | Shots: 17 | Shots On Goal: 6 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 17 | Offsides: 3 | Saves: 3

Orange County SC v. Monterey Bay Union FC

2026 USL Cup Championship Match 17

Date: July 25, 2026

Venue: Cardinale Stadium, Seaside, CA

Kickoff: Saturday, July 25, 2026 (7:00 PM PDT)
Where: How to Watch: ESPN+
Available in the U.K.: USL on YouTube

After a brief return home to Championship Soccer Stadium for its final Prinx Tires USL Cup group-stage match, Orange County SC heads back on the road Saturday night to resume USL Championship play against Monterey Bay FC at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, California.

While the result of the cup match will quickly be forgotten, the performance represented an important milestone for the club’s future. With injuries and a demanding schedule continuing to test the squad’s depth, Orange County SC fielded the youngest starting lineup in club history, averaging just 20.0 years old, while a club record five players made their professional debuts. The experience gained by Orange County’s next generation could prove invaluable as the Western Conference leaders enter the second half of the regular season.

League play tells a much different story for Orange County SC. OCSC enters the weekend sitting atop the Western Conference standings and riding a six-match unbeaten streak in USL Championship competition. The Black and Orange have also become one of the league’s strongest road teams, leading the Championship with 18 goals scored away from home, a testament to the club’s resilience during an extended stretch that included 77 days away from Championship Soccer Stadium while serving as the U.S. Men’s National Team’s FIFA World Cup training base.

Saturday presents another difficult road test against a Monterey Bay side that has shown improved form in recent weeks despite sitting 12th in the Western Conference. Monterey has become a much tougher team to beat at Cardinale Stadium, where nearly all of its points have been earned this season, making this one of Orange County’s more challenging road assignments of the year.

The series between the clubs has been one of the most competitive in the Championship since Monterey joined the league. Orange County holds a narrow 6-5-2 advantage through 13 all-time meetings, with many of those contests decided by a single goal or ending level after 90 minutes.

Orange County hopes to welcome back several experienced players following a stretch that forced numerous academy players into meaningful first-team minutes. The return of veteran contributors would provide an important boost to a squad that has relied heavily on its young talent throughout July.

With first place in the Western Conference on the line for Orange County SC and Monterey Bay looking to continue climbing the standings, Saturday night’s matchup promises another tightly contested chapter in one of the USL Championship’s most evenly matched regional rivalries. Orange County enters with momentum, confidence, and the league’s most productive road attack, while Monterey Bay will look to use Cardinale Stadium as the catalyst for another statement result.

Orange County SC returns to Championship Soccer Stadium on Friday, August 1, for the club’s inaugural Margaritaville Night. OCSC will host El Paso Locomotive FC in a pivotal USL Championship matchup. For tickets and more information, click HERE

OCSC Keys to the Match:

Orange County SC must continue doing what has fueled their road success throughout the season: defend collectively, remain organized, and attack with purpose in transition. Stephen Kelly and Chris Hegardt need to control possession through midfield and create opportunities for Ethan Zubak and Ousmane Sylla in the final third. If Nico Benalcazar and Tom Brewitt can limit Monterey Bay’s opportunities on set pieces while Orange County converts its chances in transition, the visitors will put themselves in an excellent position to extend their unbeaten league run.

OCSC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 10-11-9 (7^th)

Goals Scored: 44 | Goals Allowed: 45 | Clean Sheets: 8

Orange County SC is 6-5-2 all-time against Monterey Bay Union FC(Last 5 against MB – 2-2-1)

Players to Watch:

M Ousmane Sylla

D Tom Brewitt

 
Previous Matchup: 2025 USL Championship

Orange County SC 1-2 Monterey Bay Union FC (July 11, 2025, Monterey, CA)

Scoring Summary: 39’ Ivanovic (MB), 52’ Benalcazar (OC), 55’ Horup (MB)

Monterey Bay Union FC Keys to the Match:

Monterey Bay must use its home-field advantage to apply early pressure and force Orange County’s young squad into uncomfortable moments. Ilijah Paul will need quality service around the penalty area, while Adrian Rebollar must control the tempo and prevent Orange County from finding space behind the defense. Defensively, Monterey will need to stay compact against one of the Championship’s most dangerous road attacks and avoid allowing Kelly, Sylla, and MacKinnon room to operate in transition. Winning second balls and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities could be the difference for the hosts.

Monterey Bay Union FC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 7-15-8 (11^th)

Goals Scored: 27 | Goals Allowed: 45 | Clean Sheets: 5

Players to Watch:

F Paul Gindiri

F Fidel Barajas

Orange County SC returned to Championship Soccer Stadium after a 77-day absence, finally welcoming fans back to Irvine following an extended stretch away from home. Featuring the youngest starting lineup in club history, OCSC delivered an energetic and fearless performance that showcased the talent, depth, and promise of the club’s next generation. Although the evening ended in a 3-0 defeat, the final score did little to diminish a historic night that highlighted the strength of Orange County SC’s player development pathway and the bright future of the organization.

Four young players made both their professional debuts and first career starts for Orange County SC: Joaquin Castro, Finn O’Brien, Matthew Miranda, and Liam Zubak. The match also marked a special milestone for the club, as Ethan and Liam Zubak became just the second set of brothers to appear for OCSC, joining Milan and Brian Iloski in club history.

Halftime arrived with the match still scoreless at 0-0, as Orange County SC’s youthful lineup delivered an impressive opening 45 minutes against a veteran Colorado Springs side. The club’s emerging talent remained organized defensively, held the Switchbacks’ first-team attack off the scoresheet, and consistently disrupted their rhythm. Frustration began to show for Colorado Springs, which committed nine first-half fouls and received a yellow card while struggling to break down OCSC’s disciplined performance.

Even with a reported 32% possession for OCSC, the first half was a constant parry for possession, with a majority played in Switchbacks defensive half and from constant back-and-forth open play, with four debut starters playing for the County Boys showing that they had what it takes to play at this level.  

Colorado Springs broke the deadlock in the 53’ minute when Yosuke Hanya found Aidan Rocha inside the penalty area. Rocha’s shot took a slight deflection before slipping past Tetsuya Kadono and into the bottom-right corner, giving the Switchbacks a 1-0 advantage.

Orange County SC continued to push for an equalizer, introducing Nico Benalcazar and Stephen Kelly in the 69th minute to add fresh energy to the attack. Colorado Springs also turned to its bench throughout the second half, making four substitutions as both clubs looked to influence the match.

The Switchbacks found a second goal in the 80’ minute, with a shot from Sadam Masereka sneaking past Kadono. They scored once more in the 90’ minute with a low cross met by Juan Tejada. 

The match concluded after five minutes of stoppage time, with Colorado Springs earning a 3-0 victory. 

While the result did not fall in Orange County SC’s favor, it could not overshadow a historic night for the club. Facing an experienced Colorado Springs first team, OCSC’s youngest starting lineup in club history delivered a composed, fearless, and highly competitive performance, highlighted by the professional debuts and first career starts of Joaquin Castro, Finn O’Brien, Matthew Miranda, and Liam Zubak.

The performance showcased the depth and quality of Orange County SC’s player development pathway, as the club’s next generation held its own against one of the USL Championship’s top sides. For a club built on developing professional talent, the evening served as another powerful reminder that the future of Orange County SC is bright, with its young players proving they are ready to compete at the professional level.

Orange County SC will take a well-deserved week off before heading North to face Monterey Bay FC on July 25. OCSC will return to the Champ on August 1 to face El Paso Locomotive FC for Margaritaville Night. For tickets and more information, click HERE.

MILESTONES AND FACTS: 

• It has been 77 days since Orange County SC has played at home at Championship Soccer Stadium
• This is the youngest lineup in club history with the average age of 20.0 years-old
• First Professional Start and Professional Debut; Castro, Miranda, O’Brien, L. Zubak
• Professional Debut Jerome Carter Jr.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
OCSC	0	0	0
COS	0	3	3

SCORING SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC

53’ Aidan Rocha (Assist – Yosuke Hanya)

82’ Sadam Masereka 

90’ Juan Tejada (Assist – Steven Echevarria) 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

22’ Isaiah Foster (COS) – Yellow Card

69’ Apollo Marinch (OC) – Yellow Card

79’ Aidan Rocha (COS) – Yellow Card

90+3’ Frank Daroma (COS) – Yellow Card

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: (4-4-2)

Tetsuya Kadono(GK); Ethan Zubak(C), Apollo Marinch, Joaquin Castro (61’ Jerome Carter Jr.), Jamir Johnson, Efren Solis, Chris Hegardt (69’ Stephen Kelly), Matt Miranda (69’ Nico Benalcazar), Finn O’Brien, Josh Martinez, Liam Zubak 

Unused subs: Alex Rando (GK); Tom Brewitt, Lyam MacKinnon, Ousmane Sylla, Garrison Tubbs

Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 37% | Shots: 6 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 1 | Fouls: 12 | Offsides: 0 | Saves: 5

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC LINEUP: (4-1-4-1)

Colin Shutler (GK); Isaiah Foster (46’ Markhus LaCroix), Garven Metusala (46’ Matthew Mahoney), Talen Maples, Aidan Rocha, Sam Williams (85’ Devon Williams), Juan Tejada, Frank Daroma, Jonas Fjeldberg, Khori Bennett (63’ Steven Echevarria), Yosuke Hanya (63’ Sadam Masereka)

Unused Subs: Leo Styduhar (GK):  Levonte Johnson

Possession: 63% | Shots: 20 | Shots On Goal: 8 | Corners: 4 | Fouls: 17 | Offsides: 1 | Saves: 2

Orange County SC v. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup Match 4

Date: July 11, 2026

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA

Kickoff: Saturday, July 11, 2026 (7:00 PM PDT)
Where: How to Watch: KCAL Plus 9.6 / ESPN+
Available in the U.K.: USL on YouTube

After nearly two months away from Championship Soccer Stadium, Orange County SC finally returns home Saturday night for its final Prinx Tires USL Cup group-stage match, welcoming Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to Irvine in a matchup between two of the Western Conference’s top clubs.

While Saturday’s contest will not impact the USL Championship standings, it carries significant importance in the race for the Prinx Tires USL Cup knockout rounds. Colorado Springs enters the weekend atop the Group 2 standings with a perfect 3-0-0 record in Cup play, while Orange County will look to finish its Cup campaign on a high note in front of its home supporters.

For Orange County, the return home is about far more than just the competition.

Since defeating Miami FC on June 24, the Black and Orange have endured one of the most unique stretches in club history. With Championship Soccer Stadium serving as the U.S. Men’s National Team’s training base during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, OCSC has spent weeks on the road, navigating venue changes, cross-country travel and a shortened roster while relying heavily on Academy products and emerging young talent.

Rather than slowing the club down, the adversity has brought the group together.

Orange County enters the match unbeaten in six consecutive USL Championship matches and remains atop the Western Conference. The club has also established itself as one of the league’s best road teams, leading the Championship with 18 road goals during league play while continuing to collect valuable points away from home. The return to the Champ provides an opportunity to reward the home fans who have patiently waited for the club’s return while building momentum heading into the second half of the season.

The defending USL Championship champion Switchbacks have once again proven to be one of the league’s most balanced teams. While currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference league table, Colorado Springs has been nearly flawless in USL Cup competition, winning all three group matches while showcasing the depth that made it one of the conference’s elite clubs.

Orange County has enjoyed recent success in the series, earning victories in each of the clubs’ last three meetings, including a 1-0 road victory earlier this season at Weidner Field.

This weekend’s match also arrives at an ideal time for Orange County SC. A roster thinned by injuries and weeks of heavy travel makes the USL Cup fixture an important opportunity to rotate the squad, reward players who have earned additional minutes, and continue integrating the club’s young talent. Fans should expect a mix of familiar faces and potential new contributors as OCSC looks to head into next week’s bye with a healthier squad and renewed energy for the second half of the USL Championship campaign.

Saturday marks more than the end of Orange County’s USL Cup group stage; it marks the end of a remarkable road journey. After weeks of sacrifices, constant travel, and relying on one of the youngest squads in club history, the Black and Orange finally return to Championship Soccer Stadium with first place in the Western Conference, a six-match unbeaten league run, and the opportunity to build momentum in front of the Orange County faithful once again.

Orange County SC will take a well-deserved week off before heading North to face Monterey Bay FC on July 25. OCSC will return to the Champ on August 1 to face El Paso Locomotive FC for Margaritaville Night. For tickets and more information, click HERE.

OCSC Keys to the Match:

For Orange County SC, staying aggressive and controlling the tempo will be critical. Orange County has been at its best when dictating possession and forcing opponents to defend for long stretches. Chris Hegardt and Stephen Kelly will need to control the midfield and keep the ball moving, while Ousmane Sylla’s pace and directness can create dangerous opportunities in transition. Ethan Zubak will be tasked with providing a physical presence in the final third and finishing the chances created around the penalty area. Defensively, Nico Benalcazar and Alex Rando will need to remain organized against Colorado Springs’ dangerous counterattack and limit quality scoring opportunities.

OCSC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 10-11-9 (7^th)

Goals Scored: 44 | Goals Allowed: 45 | Clean Sheets: 8

Orange County SC is 12-9-3 all-time against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (Last 5 against COS 3-1-1)

Players to Watch:

GK Tetsuya Kadono

F Apolo Marinch

 
Previous Matchup: 2026 USL Championship

Orange County SC 2-2 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (May 8, 2026, Colorado Springs, CO)

Scoring Summary: 22’ Hegardt (OC), 45’+6 (Pen) Bennett (COS), 65’ Sylla (OC), 90’+6 Magee (COS)

Colorado Springs Keys to the Match:

For Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: The Switchbacks will look to lean on their experience and defensive organization while capitalizing on transition opportunities. Midfielder Sam Williams will be instrumental in linking play and creating chances, while Khori Bennett’s pace and movement make him a constant threat behind opposing back lines. Defensively, former OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler will face his former club for the first time. Although his recent form has not been as dominant as it was during his time in Orange County, his experience and shot-stopping ability could prove pivotal if the Switchbacks are forced to absorb sustained pressure. Colorado Springs will also look to veteran defender Matt Mahoney to organize the back line and limit OCSC’s attacking opportunities, particularly on set pieces and crosses into the box.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 2025 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 10 -13-7 (8th)

Goals Scored: 35 | Goals Allowed: 48 | Clean Sheets: 7

Players to Watch:

F Khori Bennett

GK Colin Shutler

Orange County SC remained on the East Coast following Saturday’s victory over Rhode Island FC, carrying its momentum into Wednesday night’s matchup against Hartford Athletic. With just one change to the starting XI, the Black and Orange once again relied on the consistency and chemistry that has fueled their recent unbeaten run, earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw to extend their streak and remain atop the Western Conference.

OCSC came out on the front foot, settling into the match quickly despite the short turnaround. Hartford applied an aggressive high press in an attempt to force turnovers deep in Orange County’s defensive third, but the OC remained composed in possession. Rather than forcing the issue, OCSC patiently played through the pressure, breaking Hartford’s press with quick passing combinations and intelligent movement before exploiting gaps between the lines. The Black and Orange controlled the tempo during the opening stages, creating space in the attacking third while limiting Hartford’s opportunities to capitalize on its early pressure.

Orange County SC weathered Hartford Athletic’s early pressure before breaking through in the 9’ minute to take a 1-0 lead. Nicola Ciotta delivered a well-placed cross into the penalty area, where Stephen Kelly calmly met the service and drove a left-footed finish into the bottom-right corner. Hartford goalkeeper Antony Siaha had little chance to make the save as OCSC capitalized on its first clear scoring opportunity.

Orange County SC doubled its lead just eight minutes later in the 17’ minute. Nicola Ciotta found Ousmane Sylla with a pass inside the Hartford half, and the forward drove at the defense before beating two defenders at the top of the penalty area. Sylla finished with a low right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner to extend OCSC’s advantage to 2-0.

The second goal allowed Orange County SC to take control of the match for the remainder of the first half. OCSC dictated possession, moved the ball efficiently through midfield and limited Hartford’s opportunities by staying organized defensively. The Black and Orange continued to create quality attacking chances while managing the tempo of the game, taking a deserved 2-0 advantage into halftime after a composed and disciplined opening 45 minutes.

A series of second-half substitutions helped Hartford Athletic find new energy, and the hosts pulled a goal back in the 69’ minute. Alex Rando punched away a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but the clearance fell to Barry Coffey at the top of the box. With time and space to settle the ball, Coffey drove a low shot into the bottom-left corner, cutting Orange County’s lead to 2-1. The goal was Hartford’s first at home since May 9 and shifted momentum to the hosts for the closing stages of the match.

Hartford came back to tie the game in the 86’ minute as Coffey gets his second of the match after receiving the ball in the middle of the box from a headed pass from Michee Ngalina, taking the shot just outside the six-yard box, beating Rando on the left side of the net tying up the game 2-2.

Both teams searched for a late winner during an entertaining finish, but neither side was able to produce the decisive goal. Orange County SC withstood Hartford’s late pressure to secure a 2-2 draw, earning a valuable road point and extending its unbeaten streak to six matches.

OCSC returns home to Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday, July 11, for Global Soccer Night and a pregame Uncorked wine event. The match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC will be OCSC’s final Prinx Tires USL Cup match of the 2026 season. For tickets and more information, click HERE.

MILESTONES AND FACTS: 

OCSC is unbeaten in its last 6 league matches

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
OCSC	2	0	2
HFD	0	2	2

SCORING SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

9’ Stephen Kelly – Nicola Ciotta Assist

17” Ousmane Sylla – Nicola Ciotta Assist

HARTFORD ATHLETIC

69’ Barry Coffey

86’ Barry Coffey – Michee Ngalina

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

32’ Nicola Ciotta – Yellow Card

49’ Chris Hegardt – Yellow Card

90+4’ Alex Rando – Yellow Card

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: (4-4-2)

Alex Rando (GK); Tom Brewitt (C), Garrison Tubbs, Nicola Ciotta (45’+3 Ethan Zubak), Efren Solis, Nico Benalcazar, Chris Hegardt(90’+1 Josh Martinez), Stephen Kelly, Ousmane Sylla, Lyam MacKinnon, Apollo Marinch (66’ Jamir Johnson)

Unused subs: Tetsuya Kadono (GK); Joaquin Castro, Finn O’Brien, Jerome Carter Jr.

Head Coach: Danny Stone

Possession: 49% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 6 | Corners: 4 | Fouls: 9 | Offsides: 0 | Saves: 5

HARTFORD ATHLETIC LINEUP: (4-1-4-1)

Antony Siaha (GK); Britton Fischer (46’ Emmanuel Samadia), Jordan Scarlett, Baboucarr Njie, TJ Presthus, Abdullah Taofeek (60’ Adrián Diz), Andrés Hernández (60’ Barry Coffey), Sadat Anaku, Spencer Gordon, Junior Moreira, Galen Flynn (46’ Michee Ngalina), Augustine Williams

Unused Subs: Enzo Carvalho (GK); Beverly Makangila,, Samuel Careaga, Head Coach: Brendan Burke 

Possession: 51% | Shots: 19 | Shots On Goal: 6 | Corners: 17 | Fouls: 19 | Offsides: 4 | Saves: 4

Orange County SC v. Hartford Athletic

2026 USL Championship Match 16

Date: July 8, 2026

Venue: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CT