OC Open Season Against Eastern Conference Champions
Orange County SC is back.
After a lackluster 2022 season, the Boys in Orange begin their 2023 campaign which is both their tenth season in the city of Irvine and thirteenth overall. The theme of this season is that of change with a revamped roster. Richard Chaplow returns for his third season in charge and will be looking for a more positive results than last season.
Looking back in memory, the opening day of the USL season has not treated OC well. In fact Orange County has not won an opening game since the 2017 season when they defeated Reno 1868 FC away 2-0. Overall Orange County has only won two of their twelve opening day matches.
Likewise this is only Orange County’s second opening day matchup against a team from the East with their last one coming in 2012 when they hosted the Rochester Rhinos. Standing in between OC and a first victory is a very formidable opponent.
THE OPPONENT - LOUISVILLE CITY FC
Los Morados are the cream of the crop in the Eastern Conference. The Boys in Purple have won the USL Cup twice and have qualified for the final four times. Not much has changed from last season as they have a whopping 22 players returning. Head Coach Danny Cruz returns for his second full season in charge.
Louisville City are expected to not only qualify for the playoffs but win a third title. Many pundits have them finishing first in the Eastern Conference as they make their first visit to Orange County in franchise history.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For the visitors, players to watch include the 2022 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year, Joshua Wynder. Wynder is the face of the franchise and a pretty good one at that. The 17-year old academy product will look to continue his strong campaign from last season and may even be on the cards for a transfer if things go right. Likewise one of the few new players for Louisville is midfielder Dylan Mares. Mares comes over from El Paso and will seem to fit right into the midfield. In his four professional seasons, he has scored 21 goals along with having 19 assists.
On the home side, all eyes will be on Milan Iloski. The 2022 golden boot winner tallied 22 goals last season to set a single-season club record. There is no doubt that Milan is the center of attention for opposing defenses. Leading the OC side for the first time will be midfielder Daniel Pedersen. Pedersen was given the armband this offseason after Michael Orozco’s retirement and will look to lead OC back into the playoffs.
THE MATCHUP
This is Orange County’s second all-time matchup with Louisville City as the clubs faced each other last season in Louisville. That match ended up as a 3-1 win for the home side and so OC are looking to return the favor on home ground.
WHAT TO KNOW
Game - vs. Louisville City FC (USL Championship)
When - March 11, 7:00 PST
Where - Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)
All-Time Matchup - 0-1-0
TV - ESPN+, Bally Sports SoCal