FIRST HALF
Without beating around the bush, it was a rough week for Orange County SC. Morten Karlsen departed for a role in Denmark. Brian Iloski tore his ACL. As expected, it was another week when changes to the starting 11 were forced by injuries as Orange County prepared to battle against Oakland Roots SC.
Seth Casiple was also unavailable, as he was injured and came off early in the last match. But in exciting news, there were some key players returning, as Thomas Amang and Ryan Doghman were fit enough for the bench.
As the matched kicked off, fans immediately noticed that Ashish Chattha was back in the midfield. With his first touch, he seemed more comfortable and confident than he had in weeks.
The strategy for the boys in Orange and Black was clear from the start: using a slow and patient build-up, passing in the midfield to try and break down their opponents. Unfortunately, Oakland’s defense was resilient and prevented any clear cut chances in their own final third.
Owen Lambe was undeterred, however. After he received the ball just outside of Oakland’s box, he cut inside. Initially looking to shoot, Lambe instead laid the ball off to Kyle Scott, but the midfielder rocketed his attempt into the sky, well over the goal.
Despite what felt like an even start to the match, Oakland made the most of their possession. The Roots earned a corner in the 15th minute, and the set piece was all that was required to punish OC as a flicked-on header found Camden Riley alone at the back post for an easy tap-in and a 1-0 lead.
One of the most significant issues for OCSC this season has been a lack of confidence in shooting from distance. Finally, Cameron Dunbar looked to change that. In the 25th minute, he controlled a pass from Scott just outside the 18, took a touch, and shot. While his effort was right at the goalkeeper, the idea was still a breath of fresh air from an otherwise stagnant offense.
10 minutes later, it was Oakland’s turn. Playing directly, Oakland served Johnny Rodriguez a perfect through ball. The forward blasted his shot towards goal, but Colin Shutler made a huge save to keep things from getting out of control.
But the final chance of the half fell to Orange County from a set-piece. From a dangerous area just outside the box, Christian Sorto and Ryan Flood stood over it. Sorto stepped up and got his effort over the wall and back down, but straight into the arms of Roots goalkeeper Paul Blanchette.
SECOND HALF
The County Boys started the second half with more energy as they searched for an equalizer. Despite winning an early corner, OC once again couldn’t capitalize on the set-piece. Oakland quickly countered, and Riley found himself open again, but this time Ashton Miles made a massive tackle to stop the danger.
Scott also showed his tackling skills, and after a quick one-two with Sorto, sprung up the middle of the pitch. He tried to play in Ethan Zubak, but Roots defender Neveal Hackshaw read the play perfectly to intercept and nullify the danger.
Zubak had another chance shortly thereafter, but the forward dragged his effort across goal from a very tight angle.
Orange County continued to pile on the pressure, as Sorto had another chance to shoot, but this time the midfielder fired over the crossbar. Unfortunately for OC, it was the last genuine chance on goal.
As the second half continued, Oakland wrestled back control of the match.
Amang and Doghman came off the bench as OC tried to remain in the game, but neither could provide a moment of brilliance to level the scoreline.
Oakland put the game to bed in the 79th minute. After a weak clearance from a corner, Oakland tested the Orange County defense repeatedly in quick succession. OC could not clear the ball away and eventually switched off, allowing for Rodriguez to take another chance on goal, and this time the forward delivered, scoring Oakland’s second of the night.
OVERVIEW
It was a week of woes for Orange County, as more injuries and the loss of a fantastic manager clouded the team before the match against Oakland. Despite Paul Hardyman’s experience, he could not lead OC to a win to end the month of June with three points.
Although the loss was heartbreaking, there were some sparks of greatness. Kyle Scott was excellent, creating multiple opportunities for the OC attack. Owen Lambe and Ashton Miles were also very strong in defense, and the return of Thomas Amang and Ryan Doghman bodes well for the future.
With all the bleak news and another poor result, it’s tough to stay hopeful for 2024. But if the injuries that have plagued the team dwindle away in the coming weeks, Orange County SC has every chance to bounce back into the playoffs before it’s too late.