FIRST HALF
Unfortunately for Orange County SC and Danny Stone, the injury woes started early this season and have hit the team hard. Five players were listed on the injury report, including some key features from last week's victory: Kevin Partida, Tristan Trager, and Cameron Dunbar.
In response, Nico Benalcazar moved into the midfield while Ashton Miles got his first start of the season at center back. Roberto Molina also got his first start on the right wing.
Lexington started the match out strong and immediately pushed into OC's final third, winning an early corner kick. Former OC player Sofiane Djeffal delivered it, but Colin Shutler was there for an easy grab.
They continued to exert pressure, earning a second corner and finding their way into the box a few more times. Thankfully, the OCSC defense was able to repel the attempts, with Miles performing a brilliant slide tackle in the fifth minute to prevent a dangerous cross.
Despite a lack of control at the start, the boys in blue and orange didn’t take too long to find their groove. Once they began to make smart, short passes around the field, the momentum began to build.
Chris Hegardt (in blue) was integral to OC’s success going forward on Saturday night. Photo courtesy of Liza Rosales/Orange County SC.
In the ninth minute, OC made it count. Chris Hegardt started a run and passed it to Grayson Doody on the right side, who quickly switched it back to Hegardt on the left. Ryan Doghman eventually got the ball by the end line and crossed the ball back to Doody, who headed the ball into the opposite side of the net for the night's opening goal.
The buildup in the run of play that led to the goal was an absolute masterclass. It showed Orange County’s strength on each side of the pitch, and their ability to switch the field quickly, spreading defenses and creating dangerous chances on goal.
OCSC almost did it again about ten minutes later when Molina sent a brilliant cross toward the corner of the box, where Pedro Guimaraes ran inside to head the ball down in front of the goal. Hegardt's initial shot got blocked, and Ethan Zubak took the second chance on the deflection, but goalkeeper Logan Ketterer saved it again.
The rest of the first half was an even battle between the two sides, with each finding some moments to test the other’s defense. Orange County was holding out strong with some amazing moments from Tom Brewitt and Miles, but tragedy struck in added time.
Guimaraes made an interception in the box, but rather than clearing the ball long, he attempted a short pass, which was intercepted and immediately sent to Braudilio Rodrigues in the six yard box for an easy finish to make it 1-1 before the half.
SECOND HALF
Orange County SC picked up the pace as the second half started, trying to be more aggressive in the attack. Hegardt took a volley at the top of the box that barely went wide of the net.
Lexington earned a free kick on OC’s half a couple of minutes later. They started it quickly and passed it down the line to Kieran Sargeant. He crossed the ball to Marcus Epps, who was left completely open in the box. Guimaraes tried to get back in front of his man to block the shot, but it deflected off his foot, hit the near post, and bounced into the net to give Lexington SC a 2-1 lead.
Ousmane Sylla was subbed on to replace Guimaraes as Orange County looked to level things out once again.
The boys in blue continued to do well in the buildup, not panicking despite being a goal down. Yet, Lexington’s midfield did a phenomenal job of shutting the OCSC offense from getting too many shots on target.
Benjamin Barjolo and Mouhamadou War came on to further strengthen the offense as time began to run out for an equalizer.
As the 90 minutes came to an end, there were eight minutes of added time left for Orange County to steal a point and remain undefeated. Sylla nearly got them there after a great dribble toward the top of the box. He fired a shot that was only stopped by the crossbar.
When the match entered its last 60 seconds, the county boys continued to attack the box while Lexington repelled them repeatedly. However, Hegardt finally found an opening and crossed. Ethan Zubak jumped up to head the ball towards the bottom corner. The ball hit the post, and Ketterer dove to push the ball off his line. Players from both teams surrounded the ball, and in the chaos, War was able to tap in a goal for the equalizer. He rushed to the supporters for an inspiring celebration as the savior of the night, and the match ended with a 2-2 scoreline.
OVERVIEW
It was a well-fought battle between two strong Western Conference clubs, showing that Orange County SC won't be able to dominate every match as they did in week one.
Lexington SC was able to equal OCSC's midfield strength, and although Kyle Scott and Chris Hegardt once again gave great performances, the absence of Kevin Partida was heavily felt throughout the match.
Although the County Boys couldn’t control the pace of play as well this week, they did showcase a hunger never to give up. Mouhamadou War’s goal in the last seconds of the match created one of the best celebrations between the players and supporters’ section, giving everyone a boost of energy to go into next weekend still undefeated in 2025.
The team will have much to go over in training this week to iron out some of the rough patches from this performance, such as those defensive mistakes on the left side and finishing the chances that the brilliant midfield create.
Orange County SC's home game stretch will end next Saturday, March 22nd when they face off against Monterey Bay FC at the Championship Soccer Stadium at 7:00 PM PST.