Orange County Looking To Keep Momentum in the Rockies

For the first time in a while, Orange County SC look to be in their best form. Coming off a convincing 2-0 victory last week against RGV, OC now set their sights to Colorado Springs looking to win their first road game of the year. 

Tonight is a good test to see just how much progress Karlsen has made with an inherited squad. A win would not only be the first away game since last season but will also be the first time OC will win two consecutive games since the nine-game streak in 2021 that culminated in a title. While one team is looking to have made the turn the other is in the midst of a five-game losing streak. 

Despite the rough stretch for the Switchbacks they are still currently a playoff team. However a win on Saturday for Orange County would put them level on points with said playoff team at 16 points.

HE OPPONENT - COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC played their first season in 2015 making them a bit older when it comes to USL teams. Unlike previous teams that OC have played in recent weeks, the Switchbacks have generally been a playoff team in recent years that have gone far into the playoffs. This includes making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last season in what has been their best season to date. 

This season however has not gone the way that they have wished with a number of important pieces having moved on. Parts of those playoff teams who have departed include 2021 MVP Hadji Berry, All-League Cam Lindley, 2022 Young Player of the Year Michee Ngalina, and to cap it all off they also lost Head Coach Brendan Burke. Before the five-game skid, the Switchbacks were in a decent position but have since lost five straight. The offense understandably has been hurt most from the retooling as they have only scored 13 goals; fourth worst in the West. 

Leading the helm this year for Colorado Springs is former assistant Stephen Hogan who will look to lead the Switchbacks with a new core of players that will be looked at in the following section. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

A number of good players have been brought in for the Switchbacks this season including a handful of former All-League selections. Included in this list is forward Romario Williams. The Jamaican international has scored 4 goals this season who leads the team in that category. Williams has played for a lot of teams including stints in the MLS and internationally but right now is the main man up front for the Switchbacks. 

Likewise on the Orange side of things it is one of the youth prospects for OC that has stepped up in recent weeks in Korede Osundina. Oluwakorede David Osundina is poised to have a breakout season. The 19-year old has already netted two goals for OC as well as being a part of the US U-20 Men’s National Team camp for the U-20 World Cup. With most of the defense’s attention going to Iloski, Osundina can quietly sneak in for a few as shown in his goal last week. 

THE MATCHUP

In the 8 year history between OC and Colorado Springs, Orange County has had the advantage with a 8-5-2 record overall. That does include one playoff matchup which was a 2021 Conference quarterfinal matchup. The last time these two teams played came last season in Irvine and resulted in a 3-3 draw which saw the Switchbacks score two goals in the final 10 minutes played. As stated before a win for Orange County would be their first away win in over a year. 

WHAT TO KNOW

Game - @ Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL Championship)

When - June 10, 6:00 PM PST

Where - Weidner Field (Colorado Springs, CO)

OCSC Form - WDLWL

COS Form - LLLLL

All-Time Matchup - 8-5-2

TV - ESPN+