OCSC Falls to Loudoun United FC 2-1 in the Open Cup

May 7, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release

Orange County SC fell 2-1 in a closely contested match against Loudoun United FC in the 109th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, May 7 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA. Forward Thomas Amang scored his third goal of the season, his first in the Open Cup.

Orange County SC had the first chance of the night in the ninth minute as defender Ryan Doghman found some space on the right side of the pitch. He dished it to defender Owen Lambe, who fired a shot from the right side of the box that missed just wide.

The visitors struck first in the 22nd minute as midfielder Kalil ElMedkhar got the ball on a fast break. He found forward Wesley Leggett on the left side of the box. Leggett curled one around OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler for the first score of the game, putting Loudoun up 1-0.

Loudoun attempted to build on their lead in the 33rd minute ElMedkhar found midfielder Tommy McCabe in the center of the box. McCabe fired a left-footed-shot in the center of the box that was saved in the top center of the goal by OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler, keeping the deficit at 1-0 heading into the half.

OCSC started the second half on the attacking front in the 53rd minute when midfielder Brian Iloski found substitute forward Cameron Dunbar inside the box. Dunbar curled a shot towards the back post that was barely saved out of play by Loudoun goalkeeper Dane Jacomen.

The Black and Orange finally broke through in the 62nd minute as midfielder Sofianne Djeffal sent a ball across the pitch to midfielder Christian Sorto on the right side of the box. Sorto caught the volley delivering a beautiful pass across the box to substitute forward Thomas Amang, who tapped one home from close range, tying up the game at 1.

However, Loudoun quickly countered in the 64th minute as midfielder Gavin Turner delivered a ball across the field in behind the OCSC defense to Leggett. Leggett sliced one over the head of Shutler into the net, restoring the Loudoun lead, 2-1.

Orange County SC attempted to answer back in the 66th minute after Dunbar drew a penalty after a bad tackle from Loudoun substitute midfielder Florian Valot. OCSC captain Markus Nakkim stepped up to take the penalty and struck it cleanly, however, the ball was saved out of bounds by Jacomen.

The Black and Orange had one final chance in the 84th minute as Amang won a free kick just outside the box. Iloski fired the ensuing free…