IRVINE, CA - Orange County SC followed up their 2-1 victory last week in Carson with another 2-1 victory in their second match of their 2023 preseason. This time around they faced a collegiate D-1 team in that of UCI.

To start the match, OCSC fielded a USL level lineup including last season’s golden boot winner Milan Iloski, Brent Richards, Seth Casiple, Korede Osundina, Daniel Pederson along with new acquisitions in Andrew Fox, Ryan Doghman, and Marc McNulty. Controlling much of the first half paid off as Orange County broke through in the 31st minute with Korede Osundina getting on the end of a free kick and heading it to the back post. OC went into the half with a 1-0 lead.

The second half began with the same players as the first, but UCI, with good passing, were able to break through the OC lines and scored in the 46th minute in their only shot on goal which Shutler had no chance of saving. This would turn out to be Shutler’s only action for the day as minutes later OC made their first major subs of the game and an entire new lineup entered the game.

Notable players in this second group included Kevin Partida, Dillon Powers, Bryce Jamison, and former UCI Anteater Ashish Chattha entering the game. This new lineup quickly retook control of the game as the field remained tilted in OC’s favor. Bryce Jamison in particular did exceptionally well on the left wing and wreaked havoc with his speed and shooting. However for much of the second half, the offense was not able to capitalize on the numerous chances that were created and it looked as if the game would end up in a 1-1 draw. That was until the 89th minute when Bryce Jamison streaked down the left wing into the UCI box and had his cross bounce in off of the CB for an own goal which would ultimately be the game-winner. The match ended shortly after with OC coming out on top 2-1.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - The play of Korede and Bryce in particular was a welcome sight as they proved to be very dangerous on the wings. Likewise the midfield play of Powers and Pedersen controlled the game from start to finish.

As far as new players, both Andrew Fox and Ryan Doghman both looked very composed on the ball and were able to anchor down the left side of the backline. OCSC now is in a situation where it finds itself with lots of defensive depth.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Bryce Jamison came on in the second half and immediately looked to be the most dangerous option going forward. His first effort on target smashed off of the crossbar and while he was not rewarded with a goal, his pressure led to the mistake which ended up as an own goal.

LOOKING FORWARD - Orange County SC continues their 2023 preseason schedule next Saturday, February 25, as they travel down the coast to play San Diego Loyal SC at MiraCosta College in Oceanside at 11 a.m.

This article was written by Nathan Wander for the Orange and Black SoccerCast.