FIRST HALF:
Most of the regular starting lineup returned this week, save for Kyle Scott, who did not travel with the team. Additionally, the standout player from the last match, Nicolla Ciotta, made his first league start of the season at right back. Danny Stone may be hoping the young player is the answer to the right-back hole that Grayson Doody left.
Loudoun United FC kicked off the match by throwing constant pressure on the Orange County SC defense, earning two corner kicks in the first five minutes. Thankfully, the backline was able to repel the chances, but with Loudoun relentless in their attack, it was hard to believe that OCSC could hold them off for long.
The best early moment for Orange County came off a lucky bounce that went around the Loudoun defender and was free in the box. Lyam Mackinnon tried to shoot but sent it into the sky.
Ciotta showed fantastic composure in the 15th minute, after failing to clear the ball from the box and Shutler stuck to his line; however, he recovered superbly, keeping possession and moving the ball up the field out of danger.
In the 30th minute, Zach Ryan came back onto the field after an injury precaution. He then immediately elbowed Chris Hegardt in the face to earn a red card, giving Orange County SC a significant advantage.
With this advantage, the County Boys became more aggressive in their movement upfield. Their passing got crisper, allowing them to get the ball into the box a few times, but Loudoun was able to clear it away every time. The first half ended with no shots on target from either side.
SECOND HALF:
Orange County SC had a lackluster first half, being completely outpaced by their opponents and unable to advance the ball forward frequently. The boys in orange and black would have to adjust their strategy to find a goal.
Loudoun was able to continue the aggression as the second half began, leading to two dangerous attacks, one of which forced Colin Shutler to make a big save to keep things level.
Orange County SC responded in kind, however, and were able to get the ball into the final third. Nico Benalcazar passed it to Ryan Doghman on the left side, who was open in the box. He quickly passed it to Mackinnon, who took the shot, but it hit the crossbar.
Cameron Dunbar attempted a shot from outside the box a few minutes later that looked to be on target for the far post, but the Loudoun keeper was able to push it away barely, and it went out for a corner. It was a little chaotic, and Orange County had multiple chances to score but couldn't find the back of the net.
Ousmane Sylla and Stephen Kelly came on as substitutes and had an immediate effect on the offensive flow. Sylla was able to take two shots at the top of the box, but the defense blocked both.
In the 68th minute, Robert Dambort made a perfect pass to switch the field and into the box. Florian Valot took the volley, and it was on target, but Doghman was in the right place to make a block.
The two sides were trading chances left and right, although the best chance of the night was in the 87th minute after Benalcazar made a wonderful through ball to Ciotta on the right. He passed the ball to Jamison in the center, and instead of taking a first-touch shot, he fumbled with the ball, allowing Loudoun to take back possession with ease.
Pedro Guimaraes came into the game late and nearly started another huge moment again this week. He and Dunbar on the left connected a one-two pass that got Guimaraes in the box. He quickly cut it right back to Dunbar, who took the shot, but it was right at the keeper. Mohamadou War was there for the rebound but also failed to shoot on the first touch and gave it away.
Courtesy of USL Analytics @uslstat.bsky.social
OVERVIEW:
Before this match kicked off, a draw away in Loudoun, the third-place team in the Eastern Conference, would be thrilled. However, Orange County SC gained a massive advantage in the 32nd minute when Loudoun United FC was reduced to 10 men. So, this draw feels like a wasted opportunity, mirroring the multiple missed chances on goal in the second half.
Despite the disappointments, there were some bright spots in the match. Tom Brewitt and Ryan Doghman had strong defensive performances, while each also made game-saving blocks in the box. Earning a third consecutive clean sheet is a significant improvement in defense overall, and Nicolla Ciotta played another full 90 minutes, showcasing excellent potential throughout.
The County Boys are on a good run of form, result-wise, and the momentum is building at just the right time in the season. Next week, they are back on the road against California rival Monterey Bay FC, and securing another result would be a huge success for the club. The match will take place on Friday, July 11th, at 6:00 PM PST on ESPN.
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