September 26, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC picked up another massive three points in their Push to the Playoffs in a 2-0 victory over Phoenix Rising FC at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA. A third straight clean sheet and a brace from forward Ethan Zubak kept Phoenix at bay.
The night began early for the Black and Orange after #NextWave forward Bryce Jamison drew a foul in a dangerous area in the 7th minute. Midfielder Seth Casiple stood over the ensuing free kick and played a gorgeous ball into the box for Zubak, who rose above the rest of the crowd to nod home and put the County Boys ahead 1-0 in the 8th minute.
Orange County SC pressed on in the 20th minute when defender Ryan Doghman dribbled into the left wing and played a ball into the path of Jamison at the penalty spot. Jamison struck it first time on the volley, but Phoenix goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo made a save at full stretch to keep the Atlanta native off the board.
In the 39th minute, Casiple took a free kick quickly and found Jamison alone on the right side of the pitch. Jamison dribbled just outside the 18-yard-box and played a low cross to the top of the 6-yard-box that Zubak was again able to tap past Rios Novo and OCSC took a deserving 2-0 lead.
The Black and Orange defense did not allow a single shot on target in the first half and took the 2-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.
While Phoenix held majority of the possession in the second half, the County Boys ensured that they did not gain much of an advantage with it, Phoenix ended the night with just one shot on target.
It came in the 62nd minute when substitute Charlie Dennis took aim from a free kick nearly 30 yards out. He attempted to catch Shutler cheating towards his left with his shot, but the Virginian goalkeeper made the save at the near post diving to his left.
Led by the center back pairing of Dillon Powers and the captain Markus Nakkim, the Orange County defense held their line and posted their third straight clean sheet and in dominant fashion, over their new interim bench boss’ former club.
The County Boys return to The Champ on Wednesday, October 9 for California Classic Night against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at 7:00 PM, presented by The Orange County Power Authority! A limited number of tickets are still available, grab yours today.
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Goalkeeper Colin Shutler is ranked second in the league in saves per match (4.0), tied for second…
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