OC Need Win to Keep Close to Playoff Line

Last week’s win against Tulsa was the most convincing win of the season and one that really should have been much more than 3. Everything that could have gone well did for OC. Milan scored his sixth goal of the season, Amang finally broke through with his first, Shutler generated another clean sheet, and Nakkim came up with a goal of the week nominee. 

This win however was much more important for club mentality as it was not only the first away win in around a year but also the first win in a baseball field turned soccer field. 

However OC cannot take their foot off the gas to end this long road trip as they make their final stop to one of the most intimidating venues in all of the USL. That being Keyworth Stadium, home of Detroit City FC.

THE OPPONENT - DETROIT CITY FC

Le Rouge is one of the more successful stories when it comes to lower-level soccer in the United States. Founded in 2012, DCFC put a lot of emphasis into philanthropy. Much of their efforts go into efforts to improve the city around them and are a model organization from it. However on the soccer side of the club this might be the first real adversity they have experienced this season. Detroit City FC began play in the NPSL in 2012 where they spent eight seasons there. Through eight seasons they finished first in their conference twice but never able to claim a national title. For the 2019-20 season the club moved up divisions from 4 to 3 and joined the NISA where they were able to win two championships. Then DCFC made another move up as they joined the USL Championship making their debut last season. 

After last season in which they qualified for the conference quarterfinals, this season has not gotten off to the best start. Coming into the matchup Detroit sits 9th in the Eastern Conference which is enough to be in the mix but not up to the standards that has been set. There is one glaring flaw this season for Detroit and that is the offense. Through 15 games played, Le Rouge have only netted 10 goals. By comparison that is three goals less than Las Vegas who have only won once. However the defense has made up for it by only allowing 14. 

This is head coach Trevor James’s seventh season in charge as he has coached in every division that DCFC have competed in. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Devon Amoo-Mensah has played a big part in Detroit's stout defense this season. The center-back is one piece of Detroit’s three-man back line mostly playing on either side. Detroit are currently on a nice five-game unbeaten run and during that stretch, Amoo-Mensah has registered 27 clearances while also registering 13 interceptions. Likewise behind the back line in net for Le Rouge is Nathan Steinwascher. Steinwascher is currently tied for third in the USL with 5 clean sheets and 45 saves. During their five-game run, Steinwascher has held out opponents four times. 

On the Orange side of things, Seth Casiple has solidified his spot in the midfield once more. The Southern California native is one of longest tenured current members of OC having joined Orange County before the 2020 season. Since then he has made 67 appearances with the club and is still waiting to score his first. However he has assisted in six goals in his time in Orange County.

THE MATCHUP

This is the first ever matchup between the two clubs who are both in similar situations at this point in the season. This will be Orange County’s first time ever playing in the Motor City, who rarely have made the trek to any of the Great Lakes states. It should be a low-scoring affair where a team may just need only one goal to claim all three points. For OC specifically a win on Saturday would mean consecutive victories for the first time since the 2021 season. 

WHAT TO KNOW

Game - @ Detroit City FC (USL Championship)

When - June 24, 4:30 PM PST 

Where - Keyworth Stadium (Hamtramck, MI)

OCSC Form - WLWDL

DCFC Form - DWDWW

All-Time Matchup - 0-0-0

TV - ESPN+