May 18, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC fell 2-1 in a closely contested match to Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, May 18 at CSUEB Pioneer Stadium in Hayward, CA. OCSC forward Thomas Amang scored his third goal of the season and forward Marcus Lee made his OCSC debut in the defeat.
The Black and Orange had the first chance of the night in the 17th minute as midfielder Christian Sorto found midfielder Brian Iloski at the top of the box. Iloski fired a left-footed-shot towards the top left corner of the net that was saved by Oakland goalkeeper Paul Blanchette.
The County Boys broke through in the 20th minute as defender Ryan Doghman got the ball on the left side of the pitch. He sent in a beautiful cross to forward Thomas Amang who connected with a header into the back of the net from close range, putting OCSC up 1-0.
However, Oakland struck back in the 31st minute as forward Trayvone Reid drew a foul in the penalty box. Reid stepped up to take the penalty, delivering a right-footed-strike to the bottom right corner of the net, just off the hand of OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler to even the score.
Both sides went into the break tied 1-1, looking for the deciding goal in the second half.
Oakland had an opportunity in the 57th minute as captain defender Neveal Hackshaw sent in a cross towards midfielder Camden Riley. Riley got a head to it from very close range, yet he was unable to control the ball as it sailed out of play.
Oakland again had a chance in the 68th minute as Shutler slipped, leaving an open net, but fortunately for OCSC captain Markus Nakkim deflected the shot from Hackshaw out of danger, keeping Oakland at bay.
Oakland broke through the OCSC defense in the final minute of stoppage time as substitute midfielder Jeciel Cedeño sent a cross into the center of the box towards defender Gagi Margvelashvili. Margvelashvili controlled the ball, sliding in a shot past Shutler for the game winning goal just before the final whistle, giving Oakland the 2-1 victory.
The Black and Orange return home to Championship Stadium at The Great Park in Irvine, when they take on Loudoun United FC on Saturday, May 25 for our Fiesta de Beer Fest! A limited number of tickets for this fan favorite event are still available! Grab yours here!
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Thomas Amang scored his third goal of the season tonight.
17 year old forward Marcus Lee made his OCSC debut tonight.
TEAM FIRST HALF SECOND HALF FULL…