Irvine, Calif. (August 12, 2017) The first half of games have not been so friendly to Orange County SC in recent weeks. Over the last three matches they have given up five goals in the first half alone. The slow starts can be attributed to the recent volume of games or the formation and roster changes. However, multiple lapses in concentration have left Orange County SC undone in the opening 45 minutes. Although Orange County SC have shown some resilience and a will to fight back, it becomes increasingly more difficult to get results constantly playing from behind.
Once again the opponent’s first goal came in the opening minutes of the match against Swope Park Rangers. Some spectators were still flocking to their seats at Children’s Mercy Victory Field when Kharlton Belmar scored the game’s first goal in the fourth minute. The chipped through pass beat the center back pairing of Oscar Sorto and Wuilito Fernandes. Fernandes made the transition from goal scorer to goal defender following OCSC’s 4-0 loss at home to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Barring the early shakiness, Fernandes did well to settle into his new position.
OCSC did not idle in their first half predicament nearly levelling the scoring minutes later. Monday Etim broke into space on the right flank being closed from behind by the Swope Park Ranger’s defender. He tried to square his cross to Richard Chaplow who was streaking unmarked down the middle of the field towards the penalty area, but the pass was cut out. Swope Park are a difficult team to break down as they had 6 clean sheets in the last seven matches. OCSC needed to capitalize on their offensive opportunities to get any points. The home side also pressed to find the next goal. Liam Doyle hit a thunderous free kick that rattled the inside of the post. OCSC were fortunate to remain trailing by only one goal at the half time break.
Orange County SC changed tact in the second half sitting slightly deeper defensively becoming more difficult to break down. While Swope Rangers had a large share of the possession it was the visitors who capitalized in the second half. Zach Kobayashi nicked the ball from the last Swope defender and calmly slotted his finish into the side netting. For the remainder of the half Swope dictated play but could not really muster a clear opportunity on Charlie Lyon’s net. Most of their possession came on the fringes of midfield and out wide from service into the box. OCSC stuck to the task defensively and earned a point on the road.
Orange County SC’s return home to play Tulsa Roughnecks FC August 15th at 7:30pm the first match at the new Championship Soccer Stadium at the OC Great Park.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB:
The Orange County Soccer Club is Orange County’s Professional Soccer Team. The club was one of 12 founding members of the new United Soccer League (USL) in its inaugural 2011 season. The predecessor club Orange County Blues were the 2015 Western Conference Regular Season Champions and have reached the Western Conference Semi-finals of the USL Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The club’s brand-new owner, James Keston, is the Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, and will actively oversee all operations of the USL club in Orange County. Keston is dedicated to transforming the club into a world-class professional soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players, and youth clubs of Orange County.
For more information about Orange County Soccer Club or to purchase tickets, visit: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/orangecountysoccer.
Contact: Kelly Salmieri: VP, Marketing & Community Relations, kelly@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/orangecountysoccer, 805.844.0856