August 13, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
Led by the Konami eFootball Player of the Month forward Milan Iloski, Orange County SC picked up all three points at home, Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA, defeating Phoenix Rising FC, 2-1, on Friday, August 12. It is Orange County’s first home win in August.
OCSC looked on the front foot from the opening whistle. The dangerous duo of Erick “Cubo” Torres and Iloski gave the Phoenix backline fits early on in the match.
In the 12th minute, midfielder Seth Casiple sent a cross into the box from a freekick and Cubo saw his header hit the crossbar beyond Phoenix goalkeeper Ben Lundt and drift over the bar.
Just eight minutes later, Casiple found Iloski on the left wing and the USL Championship Golden Boot leader brought the ball down with his head, dribbled into the 18-yard box, sat down another defender and beat Lundt near post for a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.
This was the first goal surrendered by the Rising defense in nearly 500 minutes and ended their shutout streak of five matches.
Unfortunately for the OCSC, Phoenix forward JJ Williams found himself with the ball in front of goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky, and slotted in a goal to bring the visitors level in the 23rd minute.
Although they sustained pressure, OCSC could not find a second goal in the first half to retake the lead before halftime.
OCSC continued on the offensive front and searched for the winner coming out of the halftime break.
Their efforts paid dividends in the 62nd minute. Midfielder Dillon Powers chipped a perfectly placed ball over the top into Iloski’s chest, who then beat Lundt on the half volley from in close. OCSC went in front, 2-1, and stayed there.
While their attack is what made headlines, it was OCSC’s defense that helped see the game out. Entering the match, OCSC had dropped 12 points from winning positions after the 60th minute this season (2 losses, 3 draws).
The backline led by captain Michael Orozco, the new OCSC all time leader in appearances, starts and minutes played, held strong through some chippy play in stoppage time to secure all three points for Orange County.
OCSC will have a quick turnaround as they host the Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday, August 17. They will look to avenge a 3-0 loss at Cashman Field and you can enjoy “Dollar Beers and Cheap Eats!” Tickets can be purchased here.
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Tonight marked captain Michael Orozco’s 89th start and…