May 17, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release
Kickoff: Saturday, May 18 (7:00 PM PDT)
Where: CSUEB Pioneer Stadium (Hayward, CA)
How to Watch: ESPN+, At the Harp Inn Costa Mesa with the County Line Coalition
Orange County SC heads to Pioneer Stadium on the campus of Cal State East Bay in Hayward, CA for a battle with Northern California rival Oakland Roots SC this Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 PM PDT. The County Boys will be looking for three points in the Bay to get back on the right track after a pair of tough results last week.
NOT A LOT OF CELEBRATING IN THE YAY AREA
Oakland Roots SC enter Saturday’s contest in 11th place in the USL-C Western Conference. Safe to say, things haven’t gotten off to the best start for the Northern California side, as they have just two wins from ten matches. In response to their start to the season, it was announced they parted ways with head coach Noah Delgado on April 28, following a 2-0 loss to the previously winless Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Assistant coach Gavin Glinton was named interim head coach in Delgado’s place and has led the club to a 0-2-1 record. However, it is always hard to count out a club that has goalkeeper Paul Blanchette. The Palo Alto native is once again Top 3 in the league in saves made, the only problem is, he’s faced the second most shots on target in the league this year. Oakland added former USMNT forward Dom Dwyer, but the forward has yet to appear since being signed. He could make his debut Saturday.
2024 Regular Season Record: 2-6-2 (11th in USL-C Western Conference)
Goals Scored: 10 I Goals Allowed: 18 I Clean Sheets: 0
Players to Watch:
GK Paul Blanchette
F Johnny Rodriguez
A BRIDGE BACK TO THE RIGHT TRACK?
Orange County SC fell to LouCity FC 3-0 their last time out on Saturday, May 11. It was the first time the Black and Orange suffered defeat on the road this season. It was a disappointing week, they’ll be the first to tell you that. Coach Karlsen is looking for an inspired and energetic effort from his men at Pioneer Stadium, one that he has come to expect from his side after a loss. In league play, the Black and Orange have not lost back to back matches in their last 14 games. Their defense still ranks second in the West in Goals Allowed (9) and goalkeeper Colin Shutler ranks second in the league in clean sheets (4). Forward Ethan Zubak nearly had a second goal in as many league matches last Saturday, but had it ruled out due to a…
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