NEWS

Kickoff: Saturday, October 15 (5:30 PM PDT)

Where: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

How to Watch: ESPN+

Orange County SC will play their final USL Championship match of the 2022 season as they head to central Texas for a matchup with San Antonio FC. Richard Chaplow’s men will take the field for the final time at Toyota Field in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, October 15 at 5:30 PM PDT.

STERLING SILVER DEFENSE

San Antonio FC is locked into the number one overall seed in the Western Conference for the 2022 USL Championship season. They boast the league’s best defense and are attempting to set a new league record for wins, points, and shutouts in a single season. 

2022 Regular Season Record: 24-5-4

Goals Scored: 52 | Goals Conceded: 27 | Clean Sheets: 17

Players to Watch

GK Jordan Farr

F Samuel Adeniran

SPOILER ALERT?

Orange County SC will be looking to play the part of spoiler in this last regular season game of the 2022 USL Championship season. With both sides’ postseason fate sealed, OCSC will be looking to keep SAFC’s name out of the history books. They’ll turn to their youth, like forwards Bryce Jamison and Korede Osundina, to get the job done.

All-time record

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

Previous Matchup: 2022 USL Championship

Orange County SC 0 – 1 San Antonio FC

Summary: Elliott Collier 60’ (SAFC)

JAMISON OFF THE MARK!

Forward Bryce Jamison tallied his first professional goal in Orange County SC’s 2-1 loss to El Paso last Saturday, October 7. Jamison signed with Orange County SC from the Barcelona Residency Academy on September 23 and made his first appearance for OCSC in the 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. He scored in the 83rd minute from the top of the box off an assist from midfielder Brian Iloski.

DOWN TO THE WIRE…

Current Golden Boot race leader, OCSC forward Milan Iloski has been ruled out of Saturday’s match with a lower-body injury, so he will have to hope that his 22 goals will be enough to take home the 2022 USL Championship Golden Boot. His challengers? Memphis forward Phillip Goodrum, who has 20 goals entering Saturday’s match, and Oakland forward Ottar Magnus Karlsson with 19.

MORE SOCCER AT THE CHAMP!

Orange County SC has announced an international friendly match with historic German side Hamburger SV, currently playing in 2. Bundesliga! The match will take place on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 PM PST at Championship Soccer Stadium and will feature a German-style beer fest! Tickets can be purchased here.

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

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

OCSC X RANGERS THANKSGIVING CAMP!

Join us at the Great Park in Irvine for our annual OCSC x Rangers Thanksgiving Camp! Campers will enjoy instruction from youth development coaches at our partner club, Rangers FC in Scotland. If you register your child up in the next week, you will also receive two free tickets to the OCSC-Hamburg friendly on November 15. You can sign up here.

Kickoff: Saturday, October 8 (6:30 PM PDT)

Where: Southwest University Park (El Paso, TX)

How to Watch: ESPN+

---

Orange County SC finishes the 2022 USL Championship regular season on the road with two consecutive matches in Texas. Their first match will see the Black and Orange square off with El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park in El Paso, TX on Saturday, October 8 at 6:30 PM PDT.

WILD END FOR THE LOCOMOTIVE

El Paso Locomotive FC currently sit in eighth place in the USL Championship Western Conference. They remain in a tie for the final two playoff spots with Oakland and RGV headed into the last two matches of the year.  They are 2-2-0 in their last four matches, and were most recently defeated 4-1 by the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

2022 Regular Season Record: 12-13-7

Goals Scored: 53 | Goals Conceded: 48 | Clean Sheets: 8

Players to Watch

Luis Solignac

Eric Calvillo

TEXAS TWO STEP

Orange County SC so far has enjoyed lining up against teams from the Lone Star State this season. OCSC has posted a 2-1-1 combined record against El Paso, RGV, and San Antonio, including 1-0 on the road after defeating RGV Toros 2-1 behind a brace from forward Erick “Cubo” Torres.

All-time record

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

Previous Matchup: 2022 USL Championship

Orange County SC 2 – 2 El Paso Locomotive FC

Summary: Milan Iloski 30’, Cubo Torres 78’ (OCSC). Luis Solignac 52’, Diego Luna 70’ (EPL).

JUST GUYS BEIN DUDES BEIN BROS

In OCSC’s 2-2 draw with San Diego Loyal SC last week, Brian and Milan Iloski became just the fifth pair of brothers since 2000 to score in the same game for the same team. The brothers they join on that list? Gonzalo and Federico Higuain (Inter Miami, 2021), Jordan and Andre Ayew (Olympique Marseille, 2013), Kolo and Yaya Toure (Manchester City, 2011), and Diego and Gabriel Milito (Real Saragossa, 2005).

MILAN’S MARCH TOWARDS HISTORY

After a goal against San Diego, current USL Championship Golden Boot race leader Milan Iloski is sitting on 22 goals entering Saturday’s matchup with El Paso. In OCSC’s final two matches, Iloski needs two goals to tie the club all-time record for goals in an OCSC kit (Thomas Enevoldsen, 24). To tie the USL Championship single season record, he needs three goals in the final two games (25, Hadji Berry and Cameron Lancaster)

THE ONE WHERE IT ENDS…

Orange County SC will take the field for the final time in 2022, when they head to Toyota Field to face San Antonio FC on Saturday, October 15. Tune into ESPN+ to cheer on our boys one last time this season!

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

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

The Iloski brothers made history on Saturday, October 1 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA. Brian and Milan became just the fifth pair of brothers since 2000 to score for the same team in the same game as Orange County SC played to a 2-2 draw with San Diego Loyal SC.

The visitors controlled the majority of play in the first fifteen minutes, but goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky stood tall to prevent the match from getting out of hand early. After having a cross arrive at the feet of forward Thomas Amang, Rakovsky denied him on the doorstep in the 12th minute. 

Amang would exact his revenge and open the scoring for the Loyal just two minutes later. After a through ball from midfielder Jack Blake split the OCSC center backs, Amang beat Rakovsky from just inside the box for a 1-0 lead.

After the initial spell from San Diego, Orange County began to gain more build up in possession and shift momentum back in their favor. Once again, it was Rakovsky preserving that momentum and keeping the Black and Orange in the match.

In the 32nd minute, Loyal midfielder Evan Conway played a cross into the box and Amang was first to it, headed an effort on frame, and Rakovksy deflected it off the crossbar at full stretch.

That save from Rakovsky paved the way for forward Milan Iloski to add to his Golden Boot race lead and level the game for Orange County just before halftime. In the 45th minute, midfielder Tony Rocha found Iloski at the top of the box and his right-footed strike froze Koke Vegas to even things at 1.

Coming out of halftime, San Diego again were on the front foot to begin the half. They capitalized on a free kick from Jack Blake in the 53rd minute to restore a 2-1 lead for the visitors.

Substitute Erick “Cubo” Torres had a chance for the Orange and Black in the 86th minute. Defender Brent Richards sent in a long throw-in from the right side and Cubo’s header sailed over the bar.

However it was Brian Iloski who brought OCSC level in the 89th minute and etched his and Milan’s names into the record books, after he beat Koke Vegas near post from the left side of the box off a perfectly weighted ball from forward Korede Osundina. 

After Brian’s goal made it 2-2, Cubo nearly saw to it that OCSC snatched all three points from San Diego. After the initial service made its way to midfielder Seth Casiple, Casiple played one last ball into the box. Cubo headed it towards goal, but Koke Vegas made the diving save to his right and the two sides would be left to share the points in a 2-2 draw.

Orange County SC will finish out the 2022 USL Championship season on the road in Texas, as they face El Paso Locomotive FC next Saturday, October 8. You can ensure your seat at Championship Soccer Stadium with a 2023 Season Ticket! Season tickets can be purchased here.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Forward Milan Iloski scored his 22nd goal of the season, bringing him within two of the all-time OCSC record (Thomas Enevoldsen, 24) and three within the single season USL Championship record (25, Hadji Berry 2021, Cameron Lancaster 2018).

Midfielder Brian Iloski scored his third goal of the season.

Brian and Milan became just the fifth set of brothers to record a goal in the same game for the same team since 2000. They are just the second pair in that span to do it in a U.S. league. (Gonzalo and Frederico Higuain, Inter Miami, 2021)

Forward Korede Osundina recorded his second assist of the season.

TEAM	FIRST HALF	SECOND HALF	FULL TIME
SDL	1	1	2
OCSC	1	1	2

SCORING SUMMARY:

14’ Thomas Amang (SDL)

45’ Milan Iloski (OCSC)

53’ Jack Blake (SDL)

89’ Brian Iloski (OCSC)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

42’ Dillon Powers

53’ Patrick Rakovsky

57’ Milan Iloski

SAN DIEGO LOYAL SC

29’ Thomas Amang

41’ Evan Conway

45’ Jack Blake

90+1’ Ebenezer Ackon

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK); Seth Casiple, Michael Orozco (C), Brent Richards, Alex Villanueva (Mikko Kuningas 82’); Dillon Powers, Tony Rocha (Korede Osundina 65’), Kevin Partida, Brian Iloski; Ugo Okoli (Cubo Torres 65’), Milan Iloski (Bryce Jamison 75’)

Unused subs: Colin Shutler (GK), Ian Hoffmann, Ashton Miles

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow 

Possession: 51% | Shots: 15 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 0 |

SAN DIEGO LOYAL SC LINEUP:

Koke Vegas (GK); Grant Stoneman, Kyle Adams, Ebenezer Ackon; Elijah Martin, Charlie Adams (C), Collin Martin (Andrew Carleton 79’), Evan Conway, Jack Blake (Jackson Kasanzu 90+3’); Kyle Vassell (Morgan Hackworth 70’), Thomas Amang (Jack Metcalf 70’)

Unused subs: Duran Ferree (GK); Tumi Moshobane, Xavi Gnalauti

Head Coach: Landon Donovan

Possession: 49% | Shots: 10 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 23 | Offsides: 2 |

Orange County SC vs. San Diego Loyal SC

2022 USL Championship | Matchday 32

Date: October 1, 2022

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Weather: Hug me brotha!!

Kickoff: Saturday, October 1 (7:00 PM PDT)

Where: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

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

Orange County SC returns to Championship Soccer Stadium for their final home match of the 2022 USL Championship season as they play host to local rivals San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday, October 1 at 7:00 PM PDT. Come out and Pack the Champ for Fan Appreciation Night, where there will be a pregame tailgate, a poster giveaway, and a player autograph session!

TOP GUN OFFENSE

San Diego Loyal SC currently sit in second place in the USL Championship Western Conference. They boast the USL’s best offense at 63 goals scored on the season, led by Kyle Vassell with 14 goals. However, the Loyal have failed to score more than a goal in three of their last five matches (2-3-0). 

2022 Regular Season Record: 18-9-4

Goals Scored: 63 | Goals Conceded: 46 | Clean Sheets: 7

Players to Watch

Tumi Mushobane

Kyle Vassell

ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE?!

Orange County SC returns to Championship Soccer Stadium after two matches on the road to host their San Diegan rivals for the second time this season. If their third go around this season is anything like the first two, expect there to be no love lost. There have been a combined 11 yellow cards and two red cards shown to the two sides across the previous two matches.

All-time record

Orange County SC is 3-4-2 all-time against San Diego, including a 1-1-2 record at home.

Previous Matchup: 2022 USL Championship

Orange County SC 2 – 3 San Diego Loyal

Summary: Milan Iloski 10’, 66’ (OCSC). Grant Stoneman 39’, Thomas Among 69’, Evan Conway 85’ (SDL).

DELIGHT AT THE DEATH

OCSC’s struggles to see out the end of matches have been well documented over the course of this season. They found themselves on the other side of that coin last Saturday against Pittsburgh, when Milan Iloski scored his Golden Boot race leading 21st goal of the season in the 90th minute to share the spoils at Highmark Stadium. Iloski’s 21st goal sets a new single season club record for Orange County and keeps him in the hunt for the single season USL Championship mark of 25 (Hadji Berry, COS, 2021. Cameron Lancaster, LouCity, 2018.)

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Three new signings have made their professional and Orange County SC debuts over the last two matches. 16-year-old forward Nico Ruiz saw action against both Sacramento Republic FC and last week against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC as a substitute. 17-year-old defender Ashton Miles made his first professional start and appearance against Pittsburgh and 16-year-old Bryce Jamison came on in the 86th minute for his debut.

GOING LOCO

The last two matches of the 2022 season for Orange County SC will be on the road in the state of Texas. First, the Orange and Black will head to the Southwest border for a match with El Paso Locomotive FC. So far this season, OCSC is 2-1-1 against the Texas Trio of El Paso, San Antonio and RGV.

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

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

Orange County SC got a 90th minute equalizer from Golden Boot race leader Milan Iloski, in a 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, September 24.

Things got off to a rocky start for the Orange and Black. In the fourth minute, goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky came off his line to play a ball outside of the box, but was beaten to the ball by Pittsburgh forward Albert Dikwe. Dikwe rounded Rakovksy for an easy finish, and the Riverhounds led 1-0.

After conceding the initial goal, OCSC sustained periods of pressure in their offensive third. Midfielder Tony Rocha had the best chance in the 19th minute, but he saw his rebound effort blocked near the goal line by defender Shane Wiedt.

To close out the first half, OCSC had shouts for a penalty after Milan Iloski was taken down in the box, but play was waived on by the referee. Minutes later in first half stoppage time, Rakovsky kept Riverhounds midfielder Russell Cicerone off the board with a diving save to his right.

Once the team returned from the halftime team talk, Richard Chaplow’s men looked to build on that momentum from the first half. In the 50th minute, it appeared that OCSC earned an opportunity to do so when Iloski was again taken down in the box. However, play was once again waived on.

In the 70th minute, momentum began to shift back in favor of the home side. However, Rakovsky stood tall again, denying a shot from Pittsburgh midfielder Robbie Mertz.

When all hope seemed lost, Orange County’s magic man delivered once again. In the 90th minute, midfielder Tony Rocha played a ball over the top of the Riverhounds defense that was collected by forward Erick “Cubo” Torres in the corner of the 18-yard-box. Torres turned back towards the middle, saw the darting run of Iloski and played a cross into Iloski that was on a silver platter for him to tap home from in close. This rescued a point for OCSC and tied the game, 1-1.

Following two games on the road, Orange County SC will return home to the friendly confines of Championship Soccer Stadium for their final home game of the season on October 1, when they host San Diego Loyal SC. Tickets can be purchased here.

MILESTONES AND FACTS:

Today marks the first professional start and USL Championship appearance for 17-year-old center back, Ashton Miles.

New signing, forward Bryce Jamison made his professional debut with an appearance as a substitute in the 84th minute.

Forward Milan Iloski extended his Golden Boot race lead with a goal in the 90th minute. His 21st goal is a new single-season club record.

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

SCORING SUMMARY:

4’ Albert Dikwa (PIT)

90’ Milan Iloski (OCSC)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

64’ Ashton Miles

PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC

57’ Daniel Griffin

73’ Mekeil Williams

85’ Robbie Mertz

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK); Seth Casiple, Ashton Miles (Cubo Torres 70’), Brent Richards, Alex Villanueva; Dillon Powers (C), Tony Rocha, Kevin Partida, Brian Iloski (Bryce Jamison 86’); Ugo Okoli (Nico Ruiz 81’), Milan Iloski

Unused subs: Colin Shutler (GK), Solomon Hwang, Mikko Kuningas

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow 

Possession: 46% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 1 |

PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC LINEUP:

Jahmali Waite (GK); Shane Wiedt, Arturo Ordonez, Mekeil Williams, Alex Dixon (Mark Ybarra 80’); Kenardo Forbes (C), Robbie Mertz (Dane Kelly 90’), Daniel Griffin, Dani Rovira (Toby Simms 80’) (Luis Argudo 90’), Russell Cicerone (Angelo Kelly-Rosales 80’); Albert Dikwa

Unused subs: Kevin Silva (GK); Edward Kizza 

Head Coach: Bob Lilley

Possession: 54% | Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 13 | Offsides: 1 |

Orange County SC @ Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

2022 USL Championship | Matchday 31

Date: September 24, 2022

Venue: Highmark Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA)

Weather: Clear skies and a happy flight home

Kickoff: Saturday, September 24 (4:00 PM PDT)

Where: Highmark Stadium (PIttsburgh, PA)

How to Watch: ESPN+

---

Orange County SC heads to the City of Bridges for an inter conference showdown with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. This will be their first meeting with the Riverhounds since 2014 and their sixth trip to Highmark Stadium in club history. The match will kickoff at 4:00 pm PDT on ESPN+.

HOUNDTAHN SHOWDOWN

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC currently sit in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. They are 2-1-2 in their last five and will play their final four matches of the season at Highmark Stadium, where they look to hang on to their spot above the playoff line.

2022 Regular Season Record: 15-8-7

Goals Scored: 45 | Goals Conceded: 34 | Clean Sheets: 11

Players to Watch

Russell Cicerone

Albert Dikwa

FLYING HIGH AT HIGHMARK

Orange County SC’s struggles on the road have been documented, but Highmark Stadium might be the place to amend their struggles this season. The Orange and Black are 4-1-0 all time when they travel to the Steel City, and a win on Saturday could go a long way to boost morale.

All-time record

Orange County SC is 4-1-1 all time against Pittsburgh.

Previous Matchup: 2014 USL Championship

Orange County SC 0 – 1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Summary: Mike Green 54’

CAREER DAY FOR RAKOVSKY

In the club’s loss last time out against Sacramento, goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky tied his previous career high in the USL Championship for saves in a match. His seven saves against the Republic ties the mark he had previously set on July 10, 2021 which was also on the road against SacRepublic.

PACK THE CHAMP FOR FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT

Orange County SC returns home to Championship Soccer Stadium for their final home game on Saturday, October 1 against the San Diego Loyal. As a part of the Fan Appreciation Night festivities, join us for a pregame tailgate, poster giveaways and an autograph session with players after the match. Limited tickets are still available for the latest chapter in this Southern California Derby! You can purchase them here. 

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

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

Orange County Soccer Club has announced the signing of 16-year-old Barcelona Residency Academy forward Bryce Jamison, one of the top-ranked U-17 players in the United States, to a multi-year contract. 

An Atlanta, Georgia native, Jamison joins the Orange and Black from the famed Barça Residency Academy in Casa Grande, AZ, where he played alongside current OCSC forward Korede Osundina and appeared for their highly successful U-17 and U-19 sides.

“Bryce is a statement signing for the club and a testament to the advancements we have made as an organization on and off the field,” OCSC President of Soccer Operations, Oliver Wyss said. “Signing a player of Bryce’s caliber validates our significant investment in our professional pathway and shows that we continue to strive to be at the forefront of player development in the US.”

Jamison was highly impressed with the current Pathway to Pro program that OCSC has successfully laid out for its players. By inking this contract, he aims to follow in the footsteps of former OCSC players now in Europe like defender Kobi Henry, forward Ronaldo Damus and goalkeeper Aaron Cervantes.

“We are delighted to sign Bryce, he is an elite level youth prospect, and one of the most exciting players within his age group in the nation,” OCSC Sporting Director, Peter Nugent said. “He is a player that we have tracked for a long time and believe he is the perfect fit for our pathway. With the right guidance, he has all the potential to play at a very high level.” 

At the Barça Residency Academy, Jamison scored five goals in his first eight starts for the U-17 squad and was quickly called up to the U-19s. There, he helped the team win the MLS Next Southwest Division in 2022 and scored seven goals in 13 games, including the equalizer against FC Dallas in the MLS Next Cup Playoffs.

Jamison has earned recognition for his play, including being named to the inaugural MLS Next All-Star Game in Minnesota this year. Among the 45 players named to the game, he was one of only five non-MLS academy players selected and started the match for the West squad.

“We are extremely excited to see Bryce sign his first professional contract with Orange County SC,” Barcelona Residency Academy Director Ged Quinn said. “Bryce is an exceptional talent with a ton of potential and we are sure that he will thrive in the environment at OCSC. This will be just the beginning of an exciting professional career for Bryce and we look forward to monitoring his future success within the game. He will always have the full support from everyone here at Barça Residency Academy and he fully deserves this opportunity to go and prove himself in the USL. We could not be prouder of him!”

Following his performances at the club level, Jamison earned a call-up from United States U-17 Men’s Youth National Team head coach Gonzalo Segares for the training camp taking place at the Elite Athlete Training Center in nearby Chula Vista, CA.

Jamison will be available for selection ahead of this Saturday’s match on the road against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

Per club policy, terms and conditions of the deal will not be disclosed.

Historic German side Hamburg are jetting out to Southern California to take on USL Champions Orange County in an exhibition game.

The German second tier side will take on OCSC on November 15, 2022 at Championship Soccer Stadium during their World Cup break.

Hamburger SV plays in the 57,000 seat Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany and the former European champions have featured players such as Franz Beckenbauer, Uwe Seeler and Americans Bobby Wood and Benny Feilhaber.

“Our club’s motto is Community Heart, Global Vision. We have always had international ambitions both through our player pathway and our partners, and hosting Hamburg is the next part of that journey,” OCSC President of Business Operations Dan Rutstein said.

The HSV is one of the oldest clubs in Germany and are known for traditionally playing in their red shorts, leading to the nickname die Rothosen (the Red Pants). Their dinosaur mascot, “Dino Hermann” will travel with the team to Orange County to interact with the younger fans.

“Playing against international opposition just days before the World Cup starts is the right thing to do at the right time. And, of course, having a German-style beer fest is what our fans would want and expect,” Rutstein said. “Hamburg is a fantastic club with a rich history.”

Last season, die Rothosen came close to earning promotion back into the Bundesliga. However, after finishing 3rd in 2. Bundesliga they lost their promotion play-off 2-1 on aggregate to Hertha BSC Berlin. 

“For HSV, this tour is a very attractive opportunity to represent the DFL, German football and our club internationally and to gain experience,” board member Jonas Boldt said. “The shared experiences and unique days in the USA will also further weld the team together and shorten the long winter break a little.” 

They are poised for another bright season, currently sitting top of the table after Matchday 9. HSV boasts the league’s stingiest defense, having conceded just five goals in those nine matches.

“International games, especially versus a historic German Bundesliga team, are always special and it gives our players the opportunity to showcase themselves,” President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss said. “Hamburg, who have won the German Champion six times, has a very strong roster this season and we are looking forward to playing and hosting them in Orange County!”

The match, which kicks off at 7pm, will feature a German Beerfest and a World Cup theme.

Presale tickets will go on sale September 23 at 8am PDT for Orange County SC season ticket holders. General public tickets will go on sale at 10am PDT on September 26 at www.ticketmaster.com.

Kickoff: Sunday, September 18 (2:00 PM PDT)

Where: Heart Health Park (Sacramento, CA)

How to Watch: ESPN+

Orange County SC will play their first of two straight road matchups when they head to the State Capitol for their second meeting with the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Finalists, Sacramento Republic FC on Sunday, September 18 at 2:00pm. OCSC looks to build on their 1-0 victory in the 405 Derby over the Los Angeles Galaxy reserves.

BARRICADING THE BATTALION

Sacramento Republic FC currently sit in fourth place in the USL Championship Western Conference and were the first USL Championship representatives in the U.S. Open Cup Final since the Charleston Battery in 2008. They boast the second best defense in the Western Conference, allowing just 29 goals with nine clean sheets.

2022 Regular Season Record: 13-8-7

Goals Scored: 39 | Goals Conceded: 29 | Clean Sheets: 9

Players to Watch

Rodrigo Lopez

Jack Gurr

LOOKING TO REVERSE ROAD RESULTS

Orange County SC have had their fair share of struggles away from Championship Soccer Stadium, posting a 2-8-3 mark on the road. They will need a result from this match if they hope to keep their playoff hopes mathematically alive to defend their 2021 USL Championship title. A win against a current playoff team on the road, could be the kickstart they need to get back in the conversation.

All-time record

Orange County SC is 8-9-5 all time against Sac Republic.

Previous Matchup: 2022 USL Championship

Orange County SC 1 – 1 Sacramento Republic FC

Summary: Damia Viader 2’ (SAC), Erick “Cubo” Torres 26’ (PEN) (OCSC)

YES. THERE WAS MORE, MILAN MAGIC

With a goal in the final USL Championship edition of the 405 Derby against the Los Angeles Galaxy reserves, forward Milan Iloski scored three goals to go along with two assists in two matches against Los Dos this year. He also added to his lead in the Golden Boot race with 20 goals scored on the season, tying the single season club record set by Danish forward Thomas Enevoldsen in 2018.

GOIN DOWN IN HOUNDTAHN

Orange County makes their fifth and final trip to an Eastern Conference opponent this season, taking on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds next Saturday, September 24. This is their sixth time in the Steel City against the Riverhounds, boasting a 4-1-0 record in their five previous trips.

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON SEASON TICKETS NOW!

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

Last night Orange County Soccer Club secured one of the most important victories in club history – the right to stay at Championship Soccer Stadium for the 2023 season.

The news was delivered at 10:30pm after a unanimous vote that gives OCSC the certainty it needs to plan for next season.

We want to thank the Councilmembers and City staff for their work to get to this point – all we ever wanted was certainty for 2023 and now we have it.

And we want to thank our fans, particularly those who sat through six hours of deliberations last night and have endured a difficult and uncertain period for the club.

We also want to thank the fans of all other clubs around the world who have supported us through this journey – the soccer community in the US is stronger than many people realize and we are grateful for the support we received.

We sold every seat in the house last Saturday for the game against LA Galaxy II and we expect do the same against San Diego on October 1.

Hundreds of season tickets have already been sold for 2023 and, after all we’ve been through together this past few weeks, we can promise an electric game day atmosphere every weekend at Championship Soccer Stadium next season.

This is a victory for common sense, for community and for soccer fans everywhere – a message that local sports are important, that everyone’s voice matters and that the soccer club you are part of is here to stay in Irvine, in Orange County.

See you at Championship Soccer Stadium next season for goals, family entertainment and for making memories with your community.

For County!