FIRST HALF

Before the match even began, things looked bad for OC. Thomas Amang and Markus Nakkim joined six other ineligible players who missed out.

The match started poorly, as Phoenix Rising needed just six minutes to open the scoring. From a switched ball that found Gabriel Torres on the left side, he ran the ball to the end line and passed it across the middle for Dariusz Formella to tap in the opening goal. 

The opening 10 minutes were a complete mess for the boys in orange and black. Sloppy giveaways in their own half nearly led to a second goal from the opposition just a minute later, and then again in the 20th minute, when Formella sent a rocket shot on target, forcing Ferree to make a save.

In the 29th minute, Formella received a long pass from the half-line to the top of the box. He controlled the pass and fired a shot with only Ferree in his way. Ferree again made a brilliant save to keep the match from getting out of control.

But there were signs that Orange County could fight back and find an equalizer. Most of the hope came through Kyle Scott, Brian Iloski, and Bryce Jamison, who all showed fantastic teamwork on the attack to get the ball into the box. However, no one could find the perfect moment to take a shot to really challenge the goalkeeper and the half ended with OC trailing 1-0.

SECOND HALF

The County boys returned from the break with some fire to find an equalizer early. In the 50th minute, Scott won the ball from a Phoenix giveaway. He took the ball up the center and passed a through ball to Ethan Zubak on the left. Zubak took the ball toward the end line and sent a beautiful cross to Iloski. Unfortunately, he couldn't get a shot off, and the play ended with a huge missed opportunity.

After only ten minutes of the second half, Sofiane Djeffal was replaced by Cameron Dunbar in the hopes of giving the squad an offensive boost.

A few moments later, Orange County earned a corner kick, and Iloski stepped up to take it. He sent the ball into the box, and Ashton Miles flicked it closer to the goal. Among the chaos in the center, Zubak turned and shot towards goal, leveling the match at 1-1.

Orange County kept the momentum going, and Scott began another push forward. He sent a pass through the middle to Iloski, who was able to get through the Phoenix defense and find Jamison on the right side. Jamison crossed into the box where Dunbar made his first contribution by trying to take a shot on the volley, but his attempt went wide.

Dunbar was eager to find his goal, and in the 63rd minute, Scott sent a brilliant pass to him at the top of the box. Dunbar collected and shot, beating Rocco Rios Novo, but the effort went wide of the far post.

He would have another chance a few minutes after utilizing his fantastic footwork to weave through three defenders. However, once he got into the box with a defender on his tail, Dunbar fell too easily. It seemed he was looking for a penalty rather than going for the shot, and again Dunbar missed his chance.

The boys in orange and black looked incredibly strong in the second half, taking complete control of possession and attacking chances.
Yet, everything changed in the 84th minute after Edgardo Rito received a red card for dissent.

Most teams would find an advantage from being up a man at the end of the match. But while pushing forward for a winning goal, a huge defensive mistake would cost them the match.

A long ball was sent over Orange County's defense to the right side of the box. Ferree initially stepped toward the ball to snuff out the attack, but then retreated. His hesitation allowed Juan Azocar to run onto the ball, settle it and pass to Formella in the middle of the box again. Formella again had an easy effort on target and netted his second of the night, sealing the win for Phoenix.

OVERVIEW

The end of this match was undoubtedly heartbreaking for Orange County SC as they fought back well to gain control in the second half. Kyle Scott, Brian Iloski, and Bryce Jamison were fantastic in building up the offensive plays and winning many duels across the 90 minutes. However, a young squad and lack of depth on the bench cost OCSC another 3 points.

An injury problem and some poor decisions in critical moments have cost the County Boys many matches in the past month, yet it isn't time to completely lose hope in the season. The performance this weekend was a huge improvement from some of the losses in May, and as long as a few key players become healthy soon, the club can rise back up the table as quickly as they can fall.

The next few weeks will be crucial as the halfway point of the 2024 season inches closer. If Orange County SC can win against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, June 15th, at 6:00 PM PST, then fans will have some confidence again in the playoff chances.