OC Close Out 2-Game Home Stand Against Phoenix
On Wednesday night, Orange County SC handed Sacramento Republic their first loss of the USL season. It was a near perfect game that was reminiscent of successful games of past years but more importantly it was a much needed win.
Wednesday night’s victory could not have come at a better time as OC will shift their focus from one Western Conference stalwart to another in that of Phoenix Rising FC. The former powerhouse in the West, Phoenix have had mediocre seasons the past couple years and this year might not be much different. Through 9 league games Phoenix only sit in 9th in the West with just three wins to show for it. However their record does not tell the whole story as they have had a number of impressive performances the last couple weeks.
For Orange County, their second win of the season improved them to 9 points on the season. It was the second shutout of the season for the OC defense who will again need another stellar performance this Saturday night.
THE OPPONENT - PHOENIX RISING FC
Phoenix Rising FC for the most part are one of the more interesting sides in USL history. Established in 2014 as Arizona United SC it has been a whirlwind of emotions since then. While OC were at their highest of highs, Phoenix was right there with them. They are perhaps most famous for their unbeaten run during the 2019 season in which they set league and continental records by going on a 20-game unbeaten run of form. This was also a part of their two USL Championship Finals appearances and multiple Western Conference championships as well. However, for all the success, Phoenix have yet to win a USL title. This includes the 2020 USL Final which was canceled due to COVID-19 with no winner being declared. Phoenix have not been close since.
This season has not started the way that they have wanted but it looks as if the Rising have righted the ship. As stated before, through nine games Phoenix are only 3-4-2. They have a handful of impressive games including wins over Birmingham, Loudoun, while also earning draws with San Diego, Charleston, and San Antonio. Those results would constitute a playoff team, however drawing Monterey Bay and losing to Tampa Bay have not helped.
Head coach Juan Guerra is in his first full season with Phoenix. This is of note after Guerra left Oakland midway last season for the Phoenix job a bit unceremoniously. Last season Phoenix failed to qualify for the playoffs but look to change this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The old guard for Phoenix have since gone on their way out of Phoenix. This means this is somewhat of a new team for Rising FC. One new player with experience in the West is midfielder Danny Trejo. He spent last season with the Las Vegas Lights where he recorded 14 goals and also logged 45 minutes with LAFC over three games. Trejo is an offensive threat that is poised to make another strong season. As it currently stands he has netted four goals. Alongside him in goals is Manuel Arteaga. The Venezuelan has also netted four goals but has been a threat his entire career netting 15 in his last two seasons with Indy Eleven.
Likewise for Orange County all eyes will be on Brent Richards. Richards as it currently stands only needs 23 minutes of play to reach 15,000 career minutes in the USL. His USL career extends all the way back to the 2015 season when he made his debut with the Portland Timbers 2 team. Richards spent two seasons with them before making the move to Reno where he spent 4 seasons before finally landing with Orange County SC and was a member of the 2021 championship team.
THE MATCHUP
In their nine seasons of all-time play, Phoenix have the slight advantage. Entering Saturday night, OC are behind in the series at 9-12-8. Last season Phoenix was one of the few matchups that Orange County actually took the advantage in as they won at home and drew away. Like Wednesday’s game, this matchup against Phoenix will be an anniversary game as it is the 30th overall game between the two clubs dating back to 2014. That makes it one shy of tying the most all-time number of matchups against one team (the current record is 31 all-time games against LA Galaxy II).
WHAT TO KNOW
Game - vs Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)
When - May 20, 7:00 PM PST
Where - Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)
OCSC Form - WLLLL
PHX Form - WLWLD
All-Time Matchup - 9-12-8
TV - ESPN+, Bally Sports SoCal