POST-MATCH REVIEW: WE CAN'T BE STOPPED
Orange County SC is looking better than ever as they completely dominated Charleston Battery this Saturday night. Not only did they defeat the top two teams in the Eastern Conference in one week, but they also earned their sixth win in a row. This squad cannot be stopped.
FIRST HALF
After a tough battle just a few days ago, there was a worry that the boys in orange wouldn’t have enough rest to give their all against Charleston Battery. Those worries were put to rest almost immediately after the starting whistle blew as Orange County SC overwhelmed their opponents in the midfield.
Only five minutes into the match, OCSC made their first attempt of many on goal. Owen Lambe took the ball toward the box and smartly found Brian Iloski on the right side. Brian sent a cross to the far post where Kyle Scott was waiting and connected a header towards the net. Unfortunately, it was a little too weak to challenge Charleston keeper Trey Muse, but such an early attack provided a lot of hope for how this game would play out.
The key difference maker in this match was the fluid team plays that Orange County produced throughout the entire first half. The defense and midfield were in perfect synch, delivering quick and strategic passes all over the pitch to keep most possession on Charleston's side of the field. Yet, it wasn’t just brilliant passing and strong chemistry that kept the team in control; their ability to make up for mistakes with an aggressive defense constantly gave them back possession anytime they lost the ball.
Kevin Partida continued to be an absolute highlight, and it seems a disservice, not to mention how crucial he has been lately as a proper number six on the field. That defensive midfield role was severely lacking at the beginning of the season, and this current run of form the team has had shows exactly what kind of difference a destroyer like Partida can make, both in supporting the back line and in the creation of offensive counterattacks.
Orange County continuously put pressure in the box, but unfortunately, their goal attempts weren't as dangerous as they could have been. That was until the 28th minute when Dillon Powers sent a lovely ball over the heads of Charleston's defensive line right to the feet of Brian. He made a quick chip over Muse, which had everyone in the stadium prematurely cheering as the shot caught Muse off guard. Unfortunately, the crossbar did better goalkeeping, and the attempt narrowly missed the back of the net.
Everything finally came together in the 43rd minute when Milan Iloski was fouled a few yards outside the box. His brother Brian stepped up to take the free kick and took a spectacular shot; the ball bent over the wall and found the top right corner of the net, giving Orange County a 1-0 lead just as the first half ended.
SECOND HALF
With how dominant Orange County looked, it was a question if they would need to make any changes during the break. Still, Morten Karlsen clearly wanted to enforce the defense by bringing on Andrew Fox in place of Ryan Doghman to give some fresh energy to the backline.
Despite not mentioning Charleston Battery's plays in the first half, they did have quite a few shots and opportunities. This continued as they made the first attacking pushes in the last 45 minutes, but the two key pieces that have kept Orange County winning the past couple of months have been Markus Nakkim and Dillon Powers. No matter what kind of pressure their opponents give, they do everything possible to stop attempts before they can even reach Colin Shutler.
Charleston did adjust well coming back onto the pitch for the second half and seemed to take back control of the game; however, everything changed in the 62nd minute. After Lambe took a corner kick that didn't have enough power to make an effect, the ball was cleared away, but not for long. Partida collected possession back at the half line and then crossed the ball back to the outside, where Lambe wanted a second chance. After one touch with his head, he sent in a marvelous strike from a very tight angle that flew across the box and into the far corner of the net, widening Orange County’s lead to 2-0.
It was only a short time before Charleston tried to respond. Augustine Williams won the ball in OC’s box and rocketed a left-foot shot toward the goal. Shutler made a brilliant diving save, but Nick Markanich volleyed in the rebound, and Shutler had no chance to save it. Luckily for the home team, Williams was offside when he started the play, and the score line remained the same.
Like his brother, Milan also had a heartbreaking encounter with the post in the 74th minute. After Kevin Lankford came on as a sub, he pushed past the Charleston defense with power and speed to send in a low pass in the middle of the box. Milan took the shot, but it hit the post and bounced away.
Alas, the extremely close attempt for a third goal of the night that Milan almost netted wasn’t even needed, and the match ended with a 2-0 victory over Charleston Battery.
OVERVIEW
Two wins and two shutouts this week against the top two teams in the Eastern Conference proved to everyone that there is no team in the league that Orange County can't beat. This fantastic form they have been on cannot be attributed to only a single player, as the entire squad is showing their worth in every performance. If there had to be one person to give credit to, it would undoubtedly be the gaffer Morten Karlsen who has turned this team from a one-note style of play into a perfectly systematic machine of team passion and chemistry.
As far as this last match went, the midfield was the key to victory on the pitch. Seth Casiple, Kyle Scott, Kevin Partida, and Brian Iloski were critical in keeping the pace of play in favor of Orange County.
Although they have yet to add any goals for Orange County yet, the two midseason additions, Kevin Lankford and Cameron Dunbar, must be remembered and look stellar when they came onto the pitch as subs this Saturday. Dunbar’s frightening talent with ball control and Lankford’s aggression will no doubt prove to be crucial as the team makes the playoff run.
Next week will be another extremely tough battle as the boys in orange and black head up north to face off against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, 8/26. A few weeks ago, anyone would have been nervous at the idea of facing Sacramento at their home stadium. Still, after this past week, it’s absolutely possible that Orange County SC will keep their winning streak alive
