September 8, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
In a match where they desperately needed a result, Orange County SC dropped a 1-0 decision to Monterey Bay F.C. at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, CA on Wednesday, September 7. The defeat takes their playoff destiny out of their own hands.
The first half reflected the high stakes and playoff implications of the match and led to a cagey opening 45 minutes. However, a few chances for both sides were sprinkled in amongst the humidity.
Golden boot race leader, forward Milan Iloski, had the first chance of the game in the sixth minute. He saw his right-footed effort saved by Monterey Bay F.C. goalkeeper Antony Siaha.
OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovksy made his first of five saves on the night in the 11th minute, when he lept at full stretch and kept out a shot from in close by forward Christian Volesky.
Iloski again found himself in position to score in the 14th minute. After a darting run down the left-hand side of the pitch, Milan cut back into the middle on his favored right foot. He then let go a shot from just outside the 18-yard box that froze Siaha, but drifted just beyond the near post.
The Orange and Black threatened again from a set piece in the 39th minute. Midfielder Seth Casiple whipped a dangerous cross into the box that was headed on target by defender Albi Skendi, but the shot fell straight into the arms of Siaha.
With the match very much still up for grabs after the first half, the hosts drew first blood in the opening five minutes of the second half. Midfielder Sam Gleadle put Monterey Bay ahead in the 50th minute, after a defensive miscue from Skendi.
Forward Sean “Ugo” Okoli had a chance to bring OCSC level in the 62nd minute on a counterattack, but he pulled his chance just wide of the far corner.
After coming on as a substitute in the 65th minute, Orange County appealed for a penalty after Oluwakorede “Korede” Osundina was taken down in the box. However, Korede was shown a yellow card for simulation in the 67th minute.
OCSC received strong defensive play from Rakovksy with a point blank save on Simon Dawkins in the 72nd minute, as well as a goal line clearance from defender Ian Hoffmann in the 74th minute, but were unable to find an equalizer late.
Orange County SC will take the field again September 10th in the latest edition of the 405 Derby against LA Galaxy II at our home, Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. A limited number of tickets for our…