It wasn't the prettiest of performances, but only two shots and two goals prove that quality over quantity will always prevail as Orange County SC takes 3 points away in Pittsburgh.
FIRST HALF
Like any start to the season, there are bound to be a lot of changes to the starting lineup. However, the only notable change this week came as Andrew Fox replaced Markus Nakkim at center back. Seth Casiple took the captain’s armband for the match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, looking to lead this squad to their first 2024 victory.
The boys in orange started very aggressively in their forward push, learning from the frustrations of constantly being on defense in Sacramento. Sofiane Djeffal earned a foul just outside the box in the first couple of minutes, providing Orange County with the first dangerous chance of the match. Brian Iloski took the free kick and sent in a cross to the center of the box. It was fumbled around between the two teams but eventually found the hands of Pittsburgh goalkeeper Eric Dick.
The Riverhounds countered quickly and attempted their attack, but their shot was easily saved by Colin Shutler.
Shutler sent the ball long, and Ethan Zubak did phenomenally well in earning possession as he won the header, pushing it toward Bryce Jamison. A couple of short passes led to Ryan Doghman gaining control near the touchline; he dribbled inside towards Pittsburgh's back line and sent in a low pass across the 6-yard box, catching the keeper off balance. Iloski met the cross at the far post, slid in and flicked the ball into the back of the net to give OC the lead in the third minute.
With the lead, Orange County changed from initially being offensively aggressive to defensive and cautious. Watching plays unfold on the field could easily make any fan nervous about the possession Pittsburgh was gaining in OC's half. Still, as everyone should be aware from last season, OCSC's defense was one of the best in the league, and they continued that dominance, preventing the hosts from any major chances in the first half-hour.
But a team can only sit back and defend for so long without succumbing to the constant pressure in their own half. In the 38th minute, when a superb ball from Pittsburgh found Robbie Mertz in the box. Still, Shutler was prepared and made a run out of his goal to head the ball away from danger and deny the Riverhounds a clear chance.
Shutler wasn't done coming to the rescue: only a few minutes later, a deep cross found the leaping Babacar Diene. The towering forward headed down, across the face of goal, and was only denied by Shutler’s diving save to his left.
Robbie Mertz volleyed off of the crossbar just moments later, but OC retained the 1-0 heading into the break.
SECOND HALF
Although the defensive strategy worked throughout the first half, the big question was whether Orange County SC could keep the home team from finding an equalizer for another 45 minutes. But their efforts were doubled by wayward passing and frequent turnovers that allowed Pittsburgh to dominate the run of play.
Still, the back four— Doghman, Fox, Ashton Miles, and Owen Lambe— all deserve credit for keeping their team ahead despite the onslaught of pressure. Kevin Partida was also crucial to the defense, and stepped into the box to clear away the danger whenever needed.
At the hour mark, OC replaced its front line, as Cameron Dunbar, Christian Sorto, and Thomas Amang replaced Jamison, Iloski and Zubak.
Just 16 minutes later, the substitutes made their mark, combining to score OC’s second. From another Shutler long ball, Amang headed to Sorto on the right side. Sorto needed just one touch to steady the ball before delivering a cross to a wide open Dunbar. With so much time available, Dunbar brilliantly took a step away from the defense, back across goal, and cut a low shot into the corner of the net.
Ashish Chattha came on after the goal, replacing Partida and providing much-needed energy in the midfield as the clock ticked on. Despite the deficit, the Riverhounds continued to dominate the run of play for the remainder of regular time, searching for a goal.
Shutler provided some added time heroics for the second week in a row, this time denying Langston Blackstock’s close-range volley at the near post at the beginning of stoppage time.
OVERVIEW
Anytime Orange County can gain three points on the East Coast, it is reason to celebrate. Two beautiful goals to earn the first victory of the 2024 season were amazing to see. However, the how still leaves a lot of questions on how this Orange County squad will do moving forward. With only 32% of possession and a number of unforced turnovers, it was a rough win.
One aspect of their strategy that gives some unfortunate flashbacks to the 2022 season was a lot of unsuccessful long ball passes to the offense, not allowing strikers like Zubak or Amang to showcase their strengths near the opposition goal. Hopefully, as the season progresses and the squad builds its chemistry, we will see more chances for them. Until then: it’s good to see OC make the most of their limited chances.
Excitement is already building for next week’s match: the home opener for Orange County. OCSC will look for another three points against The Miami FC at Championship Stadium at 7 p.m. on March 23rd.
Brian Iloski celebrates with Ryan Doghman as the two combined to give OC an early lead in Pittsburgh. Photo courtesy of Orange County SC.