The second match of a three game homestand kicks off Wednesday afternoon. OC Camp Day offers the chance for hundreds of local youth to see professional soccer in their backyard. For the players, it offers the chance to show their strength against one of the best teams in the USL.
Following the draw over the weekend, OCSC now sit on 23 points, but did not move up in the standings. They are level with three other teams. Comparatively, Reno has quietly cemented themselves as one of the top USL sides, in second place on 38 points. The two teams first faced in the opening match of 2019, which ended in a 2-2 draw after Michael Seaton and Aodhan Quinn scored in the final 15 minutes to rescue a point.
Saturday’s match against San Antonio FC did not feature any goals, but did mark the first time that goalkeeper Aaron Cervantes recorded a clean sheet in his career. It is a defensive effort that will look to be continued against Reno.
Jerry van Wolfgang will face his former side. The Dutch winger spent the 2018 with Reno and will look to use the experience to be a lethal attacking option. Photo courtesy of Liza Rosales/ Orange County SC.
Reno is currently one of the best sides in the USL, even after the departure of forward Brian Brown to Albanian club Partizani Tirana earlier this month. They have lost just twice in 2019 and boast a second-best +15 goal differential as they head to OC.
Liam Trotter and Vinicius are still unavailable as they await knee operations. Harry Forrester will miss the match because of yellow card accumulation and Leonardo will miss out after receiving a straight red card in stoppage time.
The match kicks off at 1pm at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Orange County Great Park. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN 3 in the United States.
Highlights:
Orange County SC have earned 15 of their 23 points at home.
Reno 1868 FC last lost against Phoenix Rising on June 18.