Three big points, and the first road win of the year. OC snapped a streak of losses, and it came off the backs of one of the best team performances of 2019. Stats for some attackers look very poor, as much of the match was a grudge match on a poor pitch, meaning that the typical high-intensity play was ditched in favor of a more direct approach at the Colorado goal.

Some match stats:

OC: Two goals for|11 shots (five on target)|388 passes (81.2% successful)|53% possession|17 tackles (60% successful)|11 fouls conceded (one yellow card, one red card)

COS: One goal for|14 shots (four on target)|338 passes (77.8% successful)|47% possession|12 tackles (75% successful)|five fouls conceded (one yellow card)

Onto the ratings!

5/5: The Nineties.

Prince didn’t sing about partying in 1989, now did he? Grunge, rap, quality SNL, and the birth of yours truly, it definitely was the best decade. So good Jonah Hill made a movie about it (the decade, that is).

Patrick McLain Only one goal conceded, and it was a strike that never gets saved. Put the team on his back in the last 10 minutes as the Switchbacks looked for an equalizer. Swept up almost everything that came his way, including a kick save and a goal line clearance. One of his best performances this year.

Michael Seaton Bully season is alive and well everyone. The Jamaican strongman completed 21 passes, won two duels, created a chance, and scored the first goal for OC. Seaton proved a problem repeatedly for the Colorado defense, and he wasn’t afraid of using his size and strength to create space. His first attempt was unlucky not to end up in a goal, forcing Andre Rawls to make a massive reflex save to keep the game level.

4/5: The Seventies

Disco, David Bowie, polyester, big hair, and… Watergate and two oil crises. It wasn’t perfect, but things were definitely a step up from the sixties: after all, Ray was born then!

Owusu-Ansah Kontor Looked hungry for the ball, looked determined to make up for his mistake against Los Dos. The best player on the back line with four clearances and three interceptions. Moving up the pitch, he created three chances and notched an assist off of his trademark long throw to Michael Seaton.

Aodhan Quinn One of the more subtle performances he’s given the side this season. 52 passes, three duels won, two tackles, and an interception. Played pretty deep in the midfield, even by this season’s metrics. Nothing too special, but far from poor, knocking the ball out wide to Coleman for the latter to assist the winning goal. Definitely excited with the win, and he looks even happier now that Christian Duke is back in the 18 man. Provided the best candid quote after the match, asking for some beers to celebrate with.

Kevin Coleman Didn’t take long for the youngster to start making plays for the side. Third appearance, first assist- and it proved to set up the game winner. His pass beat his man and Rawls for Gio to tap home easily. That’s how to be an impact sub. Spent the rest of the game harrying defenders and causing chaos for the Switchbacks midfield. Looking at him, you’d never know the game was at altitude.

Giovani Ramos-Godoy The former Anteater still has his super-sub status, scoring the winning goal immediately after replacing van Wolfgang. His fresh legs proved a problem for a Colorado side that was desperately trying to control the final fifteen minutes of the match. Really showed the extent of his versatility, having now operated as a right back, striker, winger, and attacking midfielder in just 10 appearances this season.

3/5: The Sixties

On one hand, you had the Summer of Love, VW Bus, British Invasion, and the Beat Generation. On the other, you had assassinations, Vietnam, and the Beat Generation. It wasn’t perfectly balanced, but nothing is!

Michael Orozco Third appearance for the captain, but first as a right back. Played decently, he looked comfortable going forward and made three interceptions in the process. He was occasionally out of position, forcing Walker Hume to cover for him. His performance was average.  

Leonardo Looked sluggish, though altitude and a terrible pitch didn’t help him any. No major errors, four clearances and an interception. It was an off performance for him- he never seemed to really get into the game. Had an attempt at goal but it was off target.

Walker Hume Filling in defensively for Orozco as the latter attacked the space in front of him, Hume was busy. He made five clearances, two interceptions, and completed 52 passes. Was shown a straight red card in the 86th minute after challenging for a header. It doesn’t meet the requirements for a red card, so I’m not taking anything from him.

Liam Trotter He’s never quick, so altitude wasn’t helping him any. Still, he played well. Just 38 passes this week (down 5% from last week), but he contributed well defensively, using his size advantage to bully the Switchbacks off the ball. Final defensive stat line: two tackles, four clearances. He looked gassed after the match- the final 10 minutes showed that, but he worked hard.

Darwin Jones Mostly featured as the main target for long balls forward on the right flank, Jones managed just 16 passes, two shots, one completed cross, and one chance created. The stats were lacklustre, but don’t be fooled: the winger did a great job stretching the defense, absorbing pressure and allowing other players to get involved in attacking plays. A pitch as poor as Colorado’s doesn’t fit well into his style, but he sacrificed a lot for the team in 87 minutes.

Jerry van Wolfgang Played more as an attacking midfielder than a winger, the Dutchman completed 22 passes, won three duels, and created three chances. He did well defensively as well, contributing a clearance, block, and interception to the team’s efforts. Much like Darwin Jones, the pitch and the altitude did not suit his playstyle. Made way after 76 minutes for Ramos-Godoy.

Edson Alvarado Just his second appearance for the side, Alvarado already looks as if he’s been around since last season. His hunger and pace were noticeable, linking up well with Aodhan Quinn and Kontor Owusu-Ansah in possession and harrying the Colorado midfield out of possession. Picked up a questionable yellow following a challenge, but crucially tracked back to deny the Switchbacks a chance to cross. Immediately requested a sub, he looked gassed and looked to have picked up a knock in his knee. Final stat line: 24 passes, two duels won, one chance created. One tackle, one interception.

2/5: The Twenties

They might have looked nice on the outside, but it was a wild time that had some pretty big consequences afterwards. Usually involves some slipping up at the very end. Thankfully, there was none of that against Colorado.

1/5: The Thirties

The only positive from the Dust Bowl is that there would be something to look at in the Midwest. Economic hardship, dust, and the glimmering hope of war at the tail end of the decade… probably wasn’t a great time for anyone.

No one on Orange County were as bad as the 1930s

No rating:

Much like a child born in 1999 didn’t experience enough to warrant being a “90’s kid,” Danny didn’t feature enough to really warrant a rating.

Danny Crisostomo Brought on to shore up the side defensive before an onslaught of crosses and long balls from the Switchbacks. Crisostomo was unfazed in the pressure cooker midfield, making a clearance and providing another obstacle for the opposition to try and pass. Should’ve only played seven minutes but ended up playing 10 with the final whistle finally blowing after seven added minutes.