Orange County SC picked up all three points in a chaotic final 15 minutes in Sacramento to keep them within a shout of fourth place. Now the side returns home to host another Californian side, Fresno FC.
The two sides met in April and only managed a draw, with both sides scoring two unanswered goals. Now, the two sides are just six points apart, with Fresno in third place on 57 points, and OCSC in fifth, on 51.
Fresno surprised many this year and maintained a solid top three spot throughout the season. However, they have struggled as of late, losing three of their last five amid uncertainty about the club’s future. Depending on the result of Reno’s final match, the Foxes can still finish second with a draw or a win.
The Monarchs and Sacramento will play at midday on Saturday, meaning that Orange County will know exactly what is left to play for by kickoff. A win is crucial to avoid a play-in match regardless, and it will further give the team confidence as the playoffs begin next week.
Vinicius is back at risk of suspension due to caution accumulation, as is Hugo Arellano. However, neither player will be suspended for the first round of the playoffs if they receive a fifth yellow Saturday.
The match kicks off at 7pm at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Orange County Great Park. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the United States.
Highlights:
Orange County SC have conceded just 52 goals, fifth best in the Western Conference and one more than Saturday’s visitors.
Fresno FC have the third best goal difference in the Western Conference, at +16