MATCH RECAP: OCSC Use a Finnish Last Minute Winner to Defeat Oakland

An emphatic last-minute goal from Orange County SC midfielder Mikko Kuningas gave the hometeam a decisive 2-1 victory over Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, September 25 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. The win gave third place OCSC a seven-point cushion over fourth-place Oakland in the Pacific Division.

OCSC was without the services of starting midfielder Eric Calvillo due to him going on international duty with El Salvador’s first team. Interim head coach Richard Chaplow gave midfielder Ben Mines his first start with the black and orange.

In the 19’, Oakland got on the board first with a goal that somehow got past OCSC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky in the bottom right corner. Rakovsky was screened by his own defender Brent Richards who initially challenged the goal scorer Ariel Mbumba.

Oakland could have gone up another goal if it were not for OCSC captain Michael Orozco sliding in to block Oakland forward Johnny Rodriguez's shot. Orozco’s goal-saving block provided a needed spark to OCSC and their faithful in attendance.

Orozco was rewarded for his defense when he scored his first goal of the season by using his head to connect with Iloski’s free kick in the 45+1’. The captain ran to the corner flag and broke out his signature celebratory dance while his teammates swarmed him.

“I’m extremely happy to get that goal in front of family and friends,” Orozco said. “Hopefully, they enjoyed the little dance that I have and I’ve been waiting for it to release a little bit of stress. As a defender, that’s the only option you have [to head] when you go and attack. There’s more to come.”

Throughout this 2021 USL Championship season, OCSC has always been involved in late-game drama often giving up last-minute goals. However, this time OCSC reversed their fortunes with some Finnish magic.

Subbed in the 67’, Kuningas came in to help the OC defense while adding attacking pressure that gave Oakland’s defense problems as the match neared the end.

In the 90+1’, Iloski whipped in a corner kick that went over the heads of OC attackers and Oakland defenders. OCSC midfielder Dillon Powers made a run behind the line of players and arrived at Iloski's cross in time to hit a one-time pass back into the middle of the box where Kuningas was there to score a point-blank game-winner. Kuningas and the rest of OCSC ran to the supporter’s section celebrating with them in the haze of orange smoke.

“I’ve been waiting for it and it felt great especially when you’re scoring in the last minutes,” Kuningas said. “It’s always amazing and it gives us a boost and good energy.”

Despite giving up their first Oakland goal this season, OCSC remains undefeated all-time against the USL newcomers. OCSC heads into the last month of the season with a date with Pacific Division leaders Phoenix Rising FC. It will be the first time Phoenix comes to county this season meaning that former OCSC player Aodhan Quinn will return to Championship Soccer Stadium as a Phoenix player. The game kicks off on Saturday, October 2 at 7:00pm

Oakland could have gone up another goal if it were not for OCSC captain Michael Orozco sliding in to block Oakland forward Johnny Rodriguez’s shot. Orozco’s goal-saving block provided a needed spark to OCSC and their faithful in attendance.

Subbed in the 67’, Kuningas came in to help the OC defense while adding attacking pressure that gave Oakland’s defense problems as the match neared the end.

In the 90+1’, Iloski whipped in a corner kick that went over the heads of OC attackers and Oakland defenders. OCSC midfielder Dillon Powers made a run behind the line of players and arrived at Iloski’s cross in time to hit a one-time pass back into the middle of the box where Kuningas was there to score a point-blank game-winner. Kuningas and the rest of OCSC ran to the supporter’s section celebrating with them in the haze of orange smoke.

“I’ve been waiting for it and it felt great especially when you’re scoring in the last minutes,” Kuningas said. “It’s always amazing and it gives us a boost and good energy.”

Orange County SC vs Oakland Roots SC

USL Championship | September 25, 2021

Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PDT

Weather: Cool with Orange Smoke

SCORING SUMMARY:

19’ Ariel Mbumba (OAK)

45+1’ Michael Orozco (OCSC)

90+1’ Mikko Kuningas (OCSC)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

ORANGE COUNTY SC

54’ Michael Orozco

66’ Brian Iloski

82’ Kevin Alston

84’ Mikko Kuningas

90+3’ Ronaldo Damus

OAKLAND ROOTS SC

56’ Josè Hernàndez

88’ Jeremy Bokila

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:

Patrick Rakovsky (GK), Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Robbie Kiernan, Michael Orozco (C ), Brian Iloski, Ronaldo Damus, Tommy McCabe (67’ Mikko Kuningas), Brent Richards, Sean Okoli (82’ Thomas Enevoldsen), Ben Mines (75’ Seth Casiple)

Unused subs: Abraham Romero (GK), Aidan Apodaca, Kobi Henry, Nate Smith

Head Coach: Richard Chaplow (Interim)

OAKLAND ROOTS SC LINEUP:

Paul Blanchette (GK), Ariel Mbumba (58’ Lindo Mfeka), Max Ornstil, Matais Fissore, Akeen O’Connor-Ward, Josè Hernàndez, Emrah Klimenta ( C ), Memo Diaz, Brian Brown (72’ Jeremy Bokila), Kai Greene, Johnny Rodriguez (58’ Quincy Amarikwa)

Unused subs: Taylor Bailey (GK), Wal Fall, Tarn Weir, Yohannes Harish

Head Coach: Jordan Ferrell