Orange County SC returned home for n exciting weekday matchup against the #1 team in the Eastern Conference, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. It was a tight battle between the defense, but by the time the final whistle blew, Orange County showed they could stand with the best, earning their fifth win in a row.
FIRST HALF:
One of the key differences to the lineup this Wednesday was a spot in the starting XI for newcomer Kevin Lankford. Although he was only used as a sub for brief minutes in the past two matches, he has still impressed the fans with his aggression and control of the ball.
After a week's break from matches, OCSC came onto the pitch with a ton of energy and aggression, looking to go out of the gate strong. As wonderful as that is to see, however, the Riverhounds' strategy was a bit more patient and controlled, which kept the pace of play mostly on Orange County's half of the pitch early in the match.
Pittsburgh's defense and midfield play was vital in their early possession. The few times Orange County found some opportunities to attack, they were immediately shut down in the middle and countered to get things back to OC's final third. The saving grace for Orange County was the strength of their center backs; both Markus Nakkim and Dillon Powers refused to let any of Pittsburgh's attacks go through.
The first attempt at goal of the match came from a corner kick in the 12th minute. The Riverhounds sent in a great ball, but Colin Shutler made the perfect choice by coming off his line and punching the ball away from danger.
The Riverhounds' player that every team in the league should watch out for is Albert Dikwa, a striker who has netted twelve goals so far this season. In the 22nd minute, he finally made his push for the goal. After a pass to the top of the box from teammate Marc Ybarra, Dikwa tries to outmaneuver Powers to open up a shot on goal, but Powers keeps the striker at an awkward angle, and the shot is sent right into the arms of Shutler.
The opening thirty minutes of the game could only be compared to a chess match between two defensive juggernauts. This was most apparent in the middle of the field, where neither side could find a weakness to exploit. For Orange County: Kyle Scott, Kevin Partida, and Ashish Chattha were the key dynamics to this back and forth. Although they couldn’t find a way to break through offensively, they each played an essential role in gaining possession back and keeping Pittsburgh from earning any dangerous openings either.
However, all it takes is one moment of magic to change everything. As the half neared its end, Owen Lambe sent a long pass toward Milan Iloski. The pass may have had a little too much power on it, but a lucky bounce off a Pittsburgh defender allowed Milan to take control at the top of the box. He sent a perfectly grounded shot into the back of the net and gave Orange County SC a 1-0 lead.
SECOND HALF:
Both teams made some changes to the lineup for the second half; Pittsburgh took off Joseph Farrell to bring on midfielder Robbie Mertz, hoping to give their offense a little more push to pierce the stellar Orange County backline. Morten Karlsen continued to show he is strategic with the OCSC subs by bringing fresh legs to both ends of the pitch; Bryce Jamison came on for Lankford while Andrew Fox replaced Doghman on defense; this would mark Fox's 100th USL Championship appearance.
Jamison made his presence known early after taking the ball up the right side and sent a low cross to the opposite side of the box, looking for Amang. The whole moment was very reminiscent of the assist Jamison made weeks ago. Unfortunately, the Riverhounds' defense cleared it before Amang could find the touch.
The Riverhounds came into the second half with some fire to improve their attacking pressure, often keeping the ball in Orange County's final third and sending pass after pass into the box, hoping to equalize this match. Yet, OCSC’s defensive line continuously showed they were crucial in keeping the lead. Every time the ball came toward Shutler, it got cleared away without any need to come off his goal line. Nakkim and Powers locked down the center in one of their best performances all season.
After being out with an injury for a while, Fox was absolutely stellar in this match. Whether it was defensively by helping to clear away the dangers in the box or building up momentum in the midfield when Fox got the ball, a fantastic play was in store.
In the 68th minute, Dikwa tried to get the USL goal of the week after his team sent a volley pass into the center of the box. Dikwa attempted a bicycle kick, and Shutler looked caught off guard, but luckily for Orange County, the shot went wide.
Karlsen made two additional substitutions before the end of the match, with Brent Richards replacing Chattha and a brand new addition to the roster, Cameron Dunbar, replacing Amang up top. Dunbar was acquired on loan from MLS team Minnesota United.
Dunbar proved incredibly impressive for his debut outing in an orange jersey. His footwork was brilliant as he outmaneuvered multiple Riverhounds in one moment, and then in added time, he was given a chance on goal. A counterattack opportunity led to him receiving the ball at the top of the box, he sent in a rocket with his left foot, but it was saved, and the match concluded with an Orange County 1-0 victory.
OVERVIEW
Although it wasn’t the most impressive performance Orange County has shown lately, it was enough to show that this squad can hold their own with any team in the league. The difference between this match and others was a need for more critical plays up front, and the offense, which has been crucial in winning the past few matches, did just enough to earn three points. Despite Pittsburgh Riverhounds constantly putting pressure on the attack, Orange County’s defense saved the day.
The win on Wednesday brought OCSC to fourth place again in the west with their fifth straight win, and if they can keep the streak going, they could end up in third. That chance will come quickly as Orange County SC welcomes another formidable opponent, Charleston Battery, this Saturday, 8/19, at Championship Stadium.
Let’s go County!!
