There might be nothing in the world that strikes fear more into Sacramento Republic than Orange County goalkeepers. And last Sunday, it was once again an OC keeper that stole the show in the state's capital and ruined the party for Sacramento when Tetsuya Kadono was subbed on for a penalty shootout and saved 3 shots to send OC to the Western Conference semifinals.
Orange County will face a real semifinal challenge in New Mexico United. New Mexico easily dispatched San Antonio in their quarterfinals last weekend. They are also a team that OC faced in recent memory, a spirited 3-3 draw.
For Orange County, this is the third consecutive season making it to the conference semifinals. But OC in both of their previous outings bowed out in added extra time once at home and once away. It should also be noted that in both of OC’s conference semifinal defeats, they both came at the hands of the eventual league champions (Phoenix and Colorado Springs).
No doubt OC are definitely the underdogs in this match up, but with three of the top four teams overall in the USL being upset in the opening round, the championship is wide open for anyone to take.
THE OPPONENT - NEW MEXICO UNITED
New Mexico United finished their regular season third in the West tied on points with Sacramento. They might be the most in form team in the USL having now gone eight games undefeated. The first round of the postseason stood out this time for its lack of offense overall.
In my opinion, New Mexico is probably the best remaining team in the entire USL and it would not be that much of a surprise if they were to win the whole thing. They certainly have the offensive firepower to do so.
New Mexico, overall, has gotten the better of Orange County historically. But one thing they have lacked is postseason success, including multiple first round exits and last season’s conference semifinal loss. They do not have any players missing due to suspension.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Similar to Rodrigo Lopez’s last hurrah with Sacramento, New Mexico’s Daniel Bruce will be calling it a career after 2025. The English midfielder is one of the few USL players to have spent an entire career with just one team. With over 150 career appearances and 15 goals to his name, Bruce is nothing to scoff at. Also of note is midfielder Valentin Noel who found the back of the net against San Antonio. He is a midseason addition for New Mexico and one to give New Mexico the advantage in the midfield.
On the orange side of things, there was a certain player on the back line that missed significant time in 2025 due to injury. When Tom Brewitt is on the pitch, OC as a team are much better defensively. This was especially apparent when Brewitt returned last Sunday against Sacramento and aided in the clean sheet. It was Brewitt’s first action since August 16th against Colorado Springs. Brewitt has the opportunity to be the x-factor for Orange County when going against the offensive powerhouses remaining.
PREDICTED STARTING XI
Nathan’s line up features and unchanged front three, with Sylla taking Hegardt’s role in the 10, followed by a midfield pairing of Kelly and Benalcazar. Doghman, Latinovich, Brewitt, and Pinto make up his back four, backed up by Shutler in goal.
The lineup shuffling will be on full display for Orange County. They will be without the services of Chris Hegardt, who is serving a one match suspension. This likely means that Ousmane Sylla will take his place in the center of the midfield. This also means that we are likely seeing Malik Pinto remain in the right back position, in turn pushing Nico Benalcazar into the midfield. Tom Brewitt also returns to the back line. Kevin Partida is also returning to fitness, so do not be surprised if he slots in somewhere, likely for Kelly.
THE MATCH UP
This is the first postseason matchup between the two clubs. Orange County have only defeated New Mexico twice in their history and it will not be easy when they are missing Chris Hegardt. When OC put 3 past New Mexico a couple of weeks ago, Hegardt had the assist on all 3 goals. On top of that, OC will be looking for their first victory in New Mexico since 2019. Both teams have made qualifying for the postseason quite ritualistic, but OC have by far had more success in the tournament. One important note to make is that OC is a perfect 4-0 in postseason shootouts. These have come both home and away (and twice against Sacramento). But Orange County has to first get to that point, because they are 0-3 in games that end in added extra time.
WHAT TO KNOW
Game - @ New Mexico United (USL Championship WC Semifinal)
When - November 8th, 6:00 PM PST
Where - RGCU Field at Isotopes Park (Albuquerque, NM)
OCSC Form - WWDWD
NMU Form - WWDDW
All-Time Series - 2-4-4 (10 Games)
TV - KCAL 9, ESPN+