Orange County SC suffered the biggest loss in club history, losing 6-0 to the Charleston Battery on Saturday night.
Much was made of OC’s attacking impotence in the build-up to matchday, but it was theoretically possible to earn a big away result from defensive prowess.
But whatever plans the team had were almost immediately abandoned as Ryan Doghman earned a red card in the fifth minute for denial of a goal scoring opportunity. Nick Markanich converted the ensuing penalty to make it 1-0.
Charleston dominated possession and control of the match, but could not find a second goal until Arturo Rodriguez was gifted a free shot from the top of the box in the 39th minute.
Down two goals and down a man, OC looked despondent.
But the worst was to come, as Markanich and Charleston needed just three minutes after the restart to make it 3-0.
Four substitutes came on for OC just before the hour mark: Ethan Zubak, Seth Casiple, Ashton Miles and Jordan Chavez. Largely defensive-minded changes while 3-0 down, it appeared that OC was looking to rest some key players and provide an opportunity to keep others match-fit.
Mark Segbers was oddly sent off in the 62nd minute after pulling Markus Nakkim down during a set piece.
However, Orange County looked flat. If anything, Charleston were more determined to keep the game out of reach. The hosts made a trio of changes in the 66th minute before putting the match to bed.
MD Myers, one of the substitutes, scored in the 72nd to make it 4-0.
Markanich finished his hattrick in the 75th, earning an ovation as he was subbed off just after making it 5-0.
Myers managed a brace, punishing OC one last time before the end of normal time, finishing it at 6-0.
The 6-0 final score is the largest loss in club history. Orange County have not scored a goal in five matches, the longest drought in club history.
Orange County next play on August 31st, at home, against Las Vegas.