August 31, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC dropped an agonizing 3-2 defeat to Las Vegas Lights FC at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA on Saturday, August 31. The County Boys saw two first half goals from forward Ethan Zubak, but it was not enough for the three points.
Las Vegas had the first chance of the night in the fifth minute as midfielder Joseph-Claude Gyau sent a cross in the center of the box to midfielder Christian Pinzon. Pinzon connected with a header that just went over the top crossbar.
The Black and Orange took the lead in the 11th minute when forward Bryce Jamison led an attack through midfielder Chris Hegardt. Hegardt fired a shot from the center of the box that was blocked, but the ball found its way to midfielder Seth Casiple. Casiple beautifully lofted the ball over the top of the defense to forward Ethan Zubak. Zubak slid the ball in the back of the net putting OCSC up 1-0.
The County Boys continued on the front foot in the 19th minute as forward Cameron Dunbar crossed the ball into the center of the box, again finding Hegardt. Hegardt played the ball across the six yard box finding Zubak who tapped home from close range for his second of the night, putting the Black and Orange up 2-0.
Las Vegas countered in the 39th minute as the ball was played into the box to forward Khori Bennett. Bennett drew a foul, being taken down from behind by OCSC defender Dillon Powers in the box, resulting in a penalty kick for Las Vegas. Bennett stepped up to take the ensuing penalty kick, driving the ball into the bottom right corner of the net cutting the OCSC lead to 2-1.
OCSC had one more chance before the half in the 41st minute as Hegardt again led the attack. He found Dunbar in the left side of the box with plenty of space. Dunbar struck a rocket towards goal that was saved by Las Vegas goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena, keeping the 2-1 OCSC lead heading into the break.
The County Boys had the first chances of the second half in the 48th minute. Zubak led the charge again, finding space in the center of the box. He struck one towards goal that was saved away at the last minute by Arozarena. His shot was followed up by a nice move from Dunbar on the left side of the box, however, his shot went just wide left of the post.
Las Vegas broke through the OCSC back line again in the 63rd minute when midfielder Jean-Claude Ngando played the ball in behind the defense to Bennett. Bennett fired from the…