For the home team to find redemption, Orange County SC will need to shake off last week's devastating loss as they host New Mexico United at Championship Soccer Stadium, with New Mexico United coming off an impressive win trying to continue their momentum.
Irvine, CA- After a historic championship run in 2021, OCSC currently see themselves second to last (12th place) in the Western Conference of the USL Championship. The defending champs have struggled with only 14 points in 12 matches. Meanwhile, New Mexico United are sitting pretty in sixth place of the Western Conference with 19 points in 11 games. After OCSC’s Wednesday night last minute 2-3 loss to Oakland Roots, and New Mexico’s victory 2-1 over Indy Eleven, it is clear Orange County has a lot to prove, while New Mexico is hoping to continue their momentum.
The Numbers
In the past five games, Orange County has a record of one win, three ties, and one loss. The loss and one of the three ties both came from back-to-back last minute games against Oakland Roots on May 7th and June 1st respectively. In both games OCSC had the 2-1 advantage where last minute goals would cost OCSC two wins. Meanwhile, New Mexico United has not lost in five games with a record of three consecutive wins and two ties. One of those games came from an impressive 7-0 victory over a depleted Phoenix Rising FC who sits in fourth place in the Western Conference. In New Mexico’s last game they beat Eastern Conference 7th place Indy Eleven.
With little more than half the season still left will Orange County find a way to mimic last year's incredible season, or will they remain in the bottom of the barrel? A win in Saturday's game against New Mexico who have been on a winning streak would give the OCSC a boost of confidence that they desperately need.
Watch
The game will be played Saturday June 4th at 6:00 pm Pacific at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California. For those watching from the comfort of your home, the match is available on ESPN+ and ESPN Desportes.
Potential Line Ups:
OCSC:
GK: Patrick Rakovsky
Defense: Brent Richards, Albi Skendi, Michael Orozco, Alex Villanueva
Midfield: Seth Casiple, Daniel Pedersen, Tommy McCabe, Mikko Kuningas
Forwards: Milan Iloski, Erick Torres
New Mexico United:
GK: Alexandros Tambakis
Defense: Rashid Tetteh, Will Seymore, Kalen Ryden, Harry Swartz
Midfield: Sam Hamilton, Justin Portillo, Cristian Nava, Chris Wehan
Forwards: Tabort Etaka Preston, Sergio Rivas