Orange County SC’s Harry Forrester celebrates with teammates after Kevin Alston’s goal against Tulsa Roughnecks FC | Photo courtesy of Orange County SC
Irvine, California - After a disappointing loss to Tulsa Roughnecks FC, Orange County SC will look for an inspired performance against expansion side New Mexico United, a team that has so far surprised the league with its results.
Orange County’s current record mirrors their historic 2018 season, during which the club finished first in the Western Conference. Although currently without a win, the opening games have featured exciting attacking play and late goals in favor of Orange County. Giovani Ramos-Godoy’s late strike last weekend brought the club’s tally to five goals, tied for fourth best in the USL.
Fatigue may be an issue for the visitors. The match against OC will be New Mexico’s third in just seven days, having faced Tulsa at home on Wednesday night. New Mexico has a small squad, meaning many players will arrive with tired legs. Discipline may be another issue, with multiple players acquiring yellow cards in previous matches.
New Mexico United’s Kevaughn Frater battles with Tulsa Roughneck FC’s Cyprian Hedrick | Photo courtesy of New Mexico United
New Mexico boasts an impressive roster, featuring in-form attacker Santiago Moar and former OC defender Josh Suggs in their ranks. Moar was named to the Team of the Week after a stellar two-goal performance in Phoenix on March 16, and picked up another goal against Tulsa on Wednesday night.
Orange County has lots of firepower of their own, with midfielder Aodhan Quinn successfully converting both of his penalties and providing six key passes. Darwin Jones is another player to watch: the winger has already registered five shots and two key passes in the opening two weeks. Walker Hume has been a defensive stalwart, amassing eight clearances and six interceptions.
Orange County and New Mexico’s first head to head match kicks off at 7pm Pacific Time at Championship Stadium in the Orange County Great Park.
Highlights:
Orange County’s shots to goals ratio is the third best the Western Conference, scoring five (5) goals in just 26 shots.
New Mexico United’s 10 yellow cards is the highest total in the USL.