April 5, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC began their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign with a 5-0 drubbing of local NISA Nation side Capistrano FC on Wednesday, April 5 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA. OCSC was powered by their Next Wave players, including a Man of the Match performance from forward Bryce Jamison.
The Black and Orange were on the front foot from the opening whistle. Their best chance in the opening minutes came in the 11th minute, when Jamison found forward Korede Osundina in close, but saw his shot rattle the crossbar.
Later in the 14th minute, defender Alex Villanueva was played into the 18 yard box by midfielder Kevin Partida, but his shot was saved by Capo FC goalkeeper Nathan King.
OCSC finally broke through in the 33rd minute when Villanueva found forward Emil Nielsen on the left side of the box, and the Danish Bull made no mistake and OCSC went ahead 1-0.
Just before halftime, Jamison scored his first U.S. Open Cup goal when he headed home a free kick from captain Daniel A. Pedersen in stoppage time. The Black and Orange entered the locker room up 2-0 after the first 45.
The beat continued on for Orange County in the second half, as substitute forward Milan Iloski added the club’s third goal of the night in the 69th minute. It was Villanueva’s second assist of the night.
Iloski then found substitute forward Thomas Amang scored his first goal in an Orange County shirt in the 87th minute, using the outside of his right boot for an emphatic finish and a 4-0 lead.
18-year-old defender Ashton Miles and forward Nico Ruiz, celebrating his 17th birthday, were subbed on in the 77th minute for their Open Cup debuts. Both players provided quality and energetic minutes.
Iloski put the finishing touches on the night, when he put OCSC up 5-0 with his second goal of the match, off a penalty in stoppage time.
Orange County SC will learn their opponent for the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup during the Third Round draw tomorrow at 3:30 PM PST. The Black and Orange will next take the pitch in Texas on Saturday, April 8 against El Paso Locomotive FC, you can stream it live on ESPN+.
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Forward Bryce Jamison scored his first U.S. Open Cup goal.
Defender Alex Villanueva provided two assists on the night.
Milan Iloski had 3 goal contributions (2 goals, 1 assist) in 30 minutes tonight.
It was the first Open Cup appearance and clean sheet for Cody…