A solid 9/10 performance for Orange County SC saw them able to take all three points in the season opener last week. The focus of the off-season was the offense, and the unit made a very solid impression, with OC scoring four goals through four different goal scorers. They were able to score off set pieces as well as from the run of play and kept Oakland on their heels for the majority of the game.
The 4-goal outburst also tied last season’s highest single game goal scoring mark. A near picture perfect start for a club who has historically not done all that well in first games. Orange County will look to continue the scoring for a second consecutive home game and will host the USL’s newest franchise Lexington SC.
There are some notable streaks that Orange County finds themselves in with the most noteworthy one being that they have a modest 6-game unbeaten run at home dating back to last season. Orange County may also see the first appearance of a couple of new players who will look to continue the scoring output.
THE OPPONENT - LEXINGTON SC
The newest club to join the ranks of the USL Championship, Lexington SC have taken an interesting path to get to this season. The club played its first professional season only in 2023 and did so originally as a member of USL League One. They were not the strongest of sides, finishing ninth in League One in both 2023 and 2024. They of course missed the postseason in both those seasons. Thus it was a bit of a surprise when they announced that in 2025 they would be a USL Championship side.
Lexington SC became the 24th club and immediate replacement for the now defunct Memphis 901 FC in the Western Conference.
The state of Kentucky is of course home to Louisville City FC (who Orange County will not see until October), but due to the aforementioned death of Memphis meant that Lexington would be placed into the Western Conference. This is noteworthy only for the fact that Lexington is East of Louisville (as well as a handful of other Eastern Conference cities).
In their first USL Championship game, Lexington defeated Hartford Athletic quite easily with a 2-0 victory at home with the highlight of the match being a 25-yard strike from Joe Hafferty. Lexington will get its first true test on Saturday with their first away game in USL Championship history. The side is managed by first year head coach Terry Boss.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Perhaps the biggest name on the Lexington roster is that of USL stalwart Speedy Williams. Williams is a four-time USL champion and reigning one at that having been with Colorado Springs last season. The 32-year old central midfielder from Jamaica has spent his entire professional career with the American soccer pyramid and has 278 career appearances to his name. His poise in the midfield makes him a very important cog for Lexington if they are to be competitive in the Championship.
On the orange side of things, Kyle Scott opened up his 2025 campaign with an absolute gem of a game. 96 passes completed, 6 duels won, 5 recoveries and 3 tackles won to go along with a goal in stoppage time to cap it all off. Scott is entering his fourth season with Orange County with the expectations being that he will be the main offensive distributor moving forward. This season he should have more than enough options to pass to moving forward, however as shown last week, he does have a knack for finishing when given the chance.
PREDICTED STARTING XI
One week down and the biggest question this week will be does the XI stay the same for Orange County or does coach Stone look to counter with something different. We see what members of the Orange and Black SoccerCast have to say.
D.K. Jenks:
Traeger Zubak Dunbar
Scott Partida Hegardt
Doghman Brewitt Benalcazar Doody
Shutler
D.K. is only making one change from his lineup last week, and that is the insertion of Tristan Trager in at left wing. He also believes that Ryan Doghman will get the start at left back in front of Pedro Guimaraes. Lexington will likely have Marcus Epps patrolling the right wing so Doghman will get the assignment of shutting him down. We also might be seeing the first of Lyam MacKinnon coming off of the bench.
Larry Butterfas:
Zubak
Doghman Hegardt Dunbar
Scott Partida
Guimaraes Benalcazar Brewitt Doody
Shutler
Larry joins the discussion believing that Danny Stone will go with the same lineup as last week, with Zubak remaining as striker and Guimaraes earning his second consecutive start at left back. It will be interesting to see if OC will continue to go with the five-man midfield and look to control the pace of play or look to play a more defensive style. Like D.K., this lineup will also likely see the first appearance of MacKinnon coming off the bench.
Nathan Wander:
Zubak
Guimaraes Hegardt Dunbar
Scott Partida
Doghman Benalcazar Brewitt Doody
Shutler
I do believe that Pedro Guimaraes has done enough to earn a starting spot, however I believe that it will be in the midfield this time. Pedro did spend some time in the preseason playing in the left mid position and will get the opportunity to showcase his versatility. As far as substitutions go I also have a feeling we will see Tristan Traeger come into the game but it will be for Zubak to close out the match.
THE MATCH UP
This will be the first ever matchup between Orange County and Lexington, as Lexington spent their existence prior to 2025 in USL League One.
Orange County SC will be looking to win their first two consecutive games of the season for the first time since 2011.
WHAT TO KNOW
Game - vs Lexington SC (USL Championship)
When - March 15th, 7:30 PM PST
Where - Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, CA)
OCSC Form - WLWWD
LEX Form - WWDLL
All-Time Matchup - 0-0-0 (1st Match)
TV - FanDuel Sports SoCal, CBS Sports Golazo, KCAL+