The Calm Before the Storm
Orange County SC are returning back to the playoffs after a one year hiatus for a chance at a league-tying second title. It was a jolt by Morten Karlsen that led the club on an absolute tear since the month of June that has shot the club up into the top 4 of the West. Since Summer began, Orange County has gone 14-4-2 in 20 games. It has been an Orange Summer that has rewarded the club handsomely with the transfer of Korede to Europe, multiple coach of the month honors for Karlsen, and the announcement that OC will get to play in OC for at least five more years.
With all this going on, the playoffs are just around the corner and OC are one of the contenders. But before all that they must play one more game and it will be another California derby against the newest club in the state, Monterey Bay FC. All the pressure will be on MBFC who are in desperation mode if they are to clinch a postseason spot. They are not in control of their own destiny and will ultimately have to hope both New Mexico AND Oakland lose their games. Oh and Monterey Bay must beat Orange County.
This will be the last tune-up for Orange County before their first round quarterfinal matchup against a still to be determined opponent.
THE OPPONENT - MONTEREY BAY FC
Monterey Bay were eliminated from the playoffs with the New Mexico win on Friday night. Even if they were to defeat Orange County, the 44 points that would come from it would not be enough to surpass either El Paso or Oakland, who happen to play each other the last game. What did Monterey Bay in the end was their defense. In their last five games they had conceded 13 goals which is not ideal as the offense did their part scoring 8 in that span. Monterey Bay will be playing only for pride in their final game of the season. They are still a very young side who are just in their second year of existence.
The last time these two teams played, Orange County were able to pull away with the victory. That came in a 3-1 effort back on July 1. It has been a disappointing season overall for MBFC. They are on a four-game winless streak with their last victory coming against Memphis 901 FC, who have made a habit of losing to Western Conference teams.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The biggest storyline for Monterey Bay will be that of their right back Morey Doner who has the chance to in every single minute of the 2023 season for his club. He is one of four players league-wide that still have that opportunity. The Canadian Doner is having a quality year with two goals to go along with his two assists. However the most impressive might be the fact that in 33 full games at right back, he has only been cautioned a mere four times. If we really wanted to pad the stats we can also mention that Doner played in every minute of the club's US Open Cup run as well. Morey Doner has been a bright spot in a disappointing season. On the opposite side of the backline is Sam Gleadle who ranks in the top 19 in the USL for assists on the season. Gleadle has recorded 6 assists which is just four back on the top spot of 10. The Union does have pieces to build on.
On the Orange side of things, it should be no surprise that Milan Iloski will be the main man to focus on. In what is his last regular season game for Orange County’s all-time goal scorer, Milan will look to score in a fourth consecutive game. The Escondido native will need 7 goals to tie his 2022 mark however his play has helped bring OC back to the postseason and he will look to make his postseason debut in his last season with the club.
THE MATCHUP
This is a bit of a lowkey game for both sides with all things considered. Orange County still would like a win to ensure a high seed and do have a chance to move into second in the West if San Antonio were to fall to Indy. We will not know who OC will face in the first round of the playoffs until after the final whistle. Likewise Orange County will be without the services of Marc McNulty. Sparky was suspended for two games after his send off against San Antonio. This means that unfortunately he is going to miss the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup.
This is only the fourth all-time matchup between the two clubs with OC having won the last installment. It is a young derby in only its second year of action. The games that OC fans should also keep an eye on are both San Antonio against Indy XI, as well as San Diego at Las Vegas. Both games can have an effect on the final position of OC.
WHAT TO KNOW
Game - @ Monterey Bay FC (USL Championship)
When - October 14, 7:00 PM PST
Where - Cardinale Stadium (Seaside, CA)
OCSC Form - WWDLL
MBFC Form - LLDLW
All-Time Matchup - 1-2-0
TV - ESPN