March 10, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC played to a thrilling 2-2 draw with Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, March 9 at Heart Health Park in Sacramento, CA. OCSC saw opening match goals from midfielder Seth Casiple and the hero of the match, goalkeeper Colin Shutler, in the final minute of stoppage time.
The home team had the fist chance of the night in the ninth minute as Sacramento Republic FC captain Rodrigo López dribbled his way along the right side of the box, crossing the ball in towards goal. The ball connected with the head of midfielder Rafael Jauregui, whose shot attempt was deflected away by Orange County SC defender Ashton Miles.
Sacramento found themselves with another opportunity in the 20th minute as defender Jack Gurr played the ball into the box from the right side of the pitch. The ball deflected off OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler and found its way to Sacramento midfielder Cristian Parano, who fired a shot that was saved by Shutler. However, the ball deflected into the path of forward Trevor Amann, who’s shot was deflected away by Miles, but only as far as defender Damia Viader. Viader put one over the bar, clearing away the danger for Orange County.
Sacramento broke through in the 28th minute after Parano sent in a cross to a streaking Amann who connected on a header into the top left corner of the net just past Shutler for the goal, putting Sacramento ahead 1-0.
The Black and Orange evened the score in the 42nd minute as debutant midfielder Sofiane Djeffal sent in a corner from the left side of the pitch. The cross found the right foot of Miles, whose epic backheeled karate kick around a defender was saved off the crossbar by Sacramento goalkeeper Jared Mazzola. The ball deflected right to OCSC midfielder Seth Casiple, who was in the right place at the right time to tap in the header for the goal, leveling the score at 1-1 heading into the halftime break.
Sacramento had the first chance of the second half in the 55th minute as midfielder Nick Ross slid a pass into the center of the box for Lopez. Lopez slid in a right-footed-strike that was saved by Shutler.
In the 77th minute, Ross again found a streaking Amann on the left side of the box. Amann took a couple touches before striking one from the left side of the box into the top left corner of the net over the head of Shutler, giving Sacramento a 2-1 lead.
OCSC attempted to counter late in the 87th minute as Casiple…
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