FIRST HALF
As the boys in orange and black stepped onto the pitch, Duran Ferree, a 17-year-old loanee from San Diego FC, walked out with the starters. Colin Shutler was named as the starter, leading to confusion and some worry for fans. It was a tough match for a club debut, as San Antonio have scored two goals in every home game this season.
Christian Sorto also made his debut in the starting XI, slotting into the midfield as Sofiane Djeffal was absent.
Orange County SC started with excellent midfield control due to the performances of players like Kyle Scott, Cameron Dunbar, and Kevin Partida. Their prolific passing all over the field showcased the team's brilliant buildup play and technical strength, which has kept the squad undefeated so far in the 2024 season.
Unfortunately, the distribution in the midfield could not break through San Antonio’s defense to find an early goal. SAFC tried their best to move forward on the counterattack to find their chances. This match was a real defensive battle between the two clubs, and they had their own trouble finding a clear way through on goal. Andrew Fox and Ashton Miles had a handful of spectacular tackles and clearances to stop any dangerous attacks from surfacing.
In the 37th minute, San Antonio had the first shot on target and finally tested Ferree. After a deflection in the box, Lucas Silva followed up with a hard-driven strike on goal, but Ferree reacted quickly, diving to his left to make the save before Fox cleared the ball away.
Like it does in many defensive stalemates, frustration turned to aggression for both sides. There were 15 fouls in the first half, two resulting in bookings. Sorto earned his for a late kick to an ankle, and Mitchell Taintor earned his when he pulled Brian Iloski to the ground to stop a breakaway.
SECOND HALF
OC’s quality distribution continued in the second half. Just five minutes in, the forward line of Thomas Amang, Iloski, and Sorto connected, setting the latter up for a great opportunity to take a shot on goal, but Sorto launched his attempt over the bar. This disappointing moment would highlight one of Orange County SC's biggest weaknesses in the match: beautifully created chances with weak finishing.
Moments later, San Antonio won a free kick around 20 yards outside the box. A great ball was sent over the defense's heads, which could have been a moment for a header to sneak a goal in, but Ferree was quick off his line and punched the ball away.
Only a few minutes later, another set-piece opportunity was given to SAFC. The ball was sent to the far post, and this time, Taintor got a head on it, directing the ball on-target, but Ferree again collected the ball, this time under significant pressure.
Duran Furree at the heart of it. Making his debut for OCSC, the 17-year-old hardly put a foot, or hand, wrong all night. Photo courtesy of Orange County SC
After being patient in the final third, moving from side to side on the pitch, Dunbar received the ball near the line and cut in quickly to the top of the box. He took a low shot at the corner of the near post, but it was pushed out for a corner by Pablo Sisniega.
Orange County would get another great chance on goal in the 73rd minute, soon after Ethan Zubak came on as a substitute. Zubak won a tackle on SAFC's side of the pitch and passed to Iloski. He then took the ball toward the box and passed a through ball back to Zubak, whose right-footed effort lacked the power to beat the keeper.
San Antonio attacked a couple of times a few moments later, one coming from a long ball up the left side that forced Miles into a tackle in the box to clear the ball away. The second was from a ball sent in by Taintor, and the ensuing header across goal forced Ferree to make another huge diving save to keep things level.
The rest of the match continued the defensive deadlock, especially from Orange County, as they parked the bus in the last ten minutes to prevent SAFC from gaining any additional chances on goal. It was a brutally fought back-and-forth between the two sides, but the boys in orange and black seemed satisfied with a 0-0 draw to end the match.
OVERVIEW
Six games into the season and six games unbeaten, Orange County SC has earned their place at the top of the table in the Western Conference. The adaptability of this squad has been absolutely astonishing, as they have had to deal with a handful of injuries and last-minute roster changes. This week was no different.
Ashton Miles and Duran Ferree were standouts in this match. Miles has been impressing everyone all season long with strong composure and crucial clearances, but this last Saturday, he proved that he can stand up to the aggression of players much older than himself and come out on top. Ferree, the clear man of the match, came into the starting lineup late and showed confidence as a goalkeeper who can make huge saves when it matters most. As always, the youth talent for this club shines bright.
It cannot be ignored, however, that Orange County's finishing needs some improvement if they want to continue their undefeated streak. When they come, the goals have been efficient, but they need more attempts on target if they plan to win big games as the season continues.
An offensive boost will be needed in order to win next week as Orange County SC will host Sacramento Republic FC next Saturday, April 20th, at 7:00 pm PST for their second match up of the season.