Both Teams Looking To End Early Season Slides

Whoever wins this game will get a much needed boost while the loser will be left struggling to find answers.

After Orange County easily dispatched their first Open Cup matchup on Wednesday, Orange County will head out to West Texas to take on El Paso Locomotive FC. This will be OC’s first trip to the Lone Star state in 2023 and they will be doing so with the intention of winning their first league game.

This will mark the fifth game of the USL season for Orange County in a campaign where they drew three consecutive games after an opening weekend defeat. They will be facing an El Paso side with only one win to their name who will also be looking to right the ship.

THE OPPONENT - EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

El Paso Locomotive have remained a playoff contender for much of their early history. Founded in 2018, the club only failed to reach the postseason once. That one time just so happened to occur last year and resulted in a head coach change. In his first season at the helm is Brian Clarhaut who came over from coaching in Europe last season. 

The Locomotive have gotten off to a bit of a shaky start in their 2023 season. In five league matches they have gone 1-3-1 with their only win coming against a depleted Louisville City side. This goes along with their second round exit in the Open Cup to USL League One side Union Omaha. The defense in particular has been an issue as they have given up 10 goals in six competitive matches. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

El Paso’s main threat upfront will be Luis Solignac who has registered two goals this season both coming in their last league matchup at Tulsa. The Argentine has 28 goals for El Paso in his career and will look to become the all-time scorer this season at the pace he has set.

Orange County themselves could also have a new all-time USL season goals leader after this weekend. Currently Milan Iloski needs just one more to pass Michael Seaton for most during the regular season. Overall Iloski needs three to Seaton for most all-time. El Paso have had a below-average defense and Milan will look to capitalize on it.

THE MATCHUP

Overall, El Paso has had the upper hand in the all-time matchup between the two teams. Currently Orange Couty is 1-2-3 all time. In their last meeting, El Paso took the victory yet before that these two clubs drew the previous three matchups. Orange County has not beaten El Paso since the 2019 season which was El Paso’s first. If that did not sound bad enough, then it should also be known that Orange County has yet to earn a result at Southwest University Park. 

WHAT TO KNOW

Game - @ El Paso Locomotive FC (USL Championship)

When - April 8, 6:30 PM PST

Where - Southwest University Park (El Paso, TX)

OCSC Form - WDDDL

ELP - LDWLL

All-Time Matchup - 1-2-3

TV - ESPN+