Orange County SC keeper Aaron Cervantes prepares for a save on his professional debut. | Photo courtesy of Orange County SC
What a week it has been for young Orange County SC goal keeper Aaron Cervantes. He celebrated his 17th birthday. He made his first professional debut, where he made some key saves to keep Orange County in the match, which ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. So how else could the week get any better? How about a nomination for USL Championship Goal of the Week!
Cervantes’ save early in the second half was crucial in keeping Orange County’s hopes of getting a point in their match against New Mexico United. In a one-on-one situation against New Mexico’s Ryan Williams, Cervantes used his outstretched right arm to block a close to certain goal in the 48th minute which would have given New Mexico a 3-0 lead. That save not only kept OC in the match, but it seemed to motivate his teammates as Orange County put the pressure on for much of the 2nd half, and ultimately equalized with a goal in stoppage time.
Cervantes has some tough competition for goal of the week in El Paso Locomotive FC’s Logan Ketterer, OKC Energy FC’s Bryan Byers, Portland Timbers 2’s Jake Leeker, and New Mexico United’s Cody Mizell. You can vote for you choice here.
Who do you think made the save of the week? Share your thoughts in the comments below.