October 4th, Match #32 - Orange County SC vs Oakland Roots SC
If there were ever a must-win game that did not result in elimination, this would be the game.
This game has the dubious honor of not just being a much needed win for playoff positioning but OC, in simple terms, needs to win a game. This season has had the highest of highs and lowest of lows all before a playoff game has even started. What a coincidence it is then that the game in question can propel Orange County SC back into the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. Last week OC were able to tough out a point in the desert with a 1-1 effort against Phoenix Rising FC. That matchup actually gave Phoenix a postseason spot but not OC even though they are even on points.
There are only three games remaining in the 2023 regular season and they will all take place in the Golden State. Orange County officially sit 5th in the Western Conference but are even on points with 4th-place Phoenix with 48 and two points behind 3rd-place San Diego. The top four teams in each conference will play the first round of playoffs at home. OC are hungry for a win but the team they are facing might be a bit more desperate.
POST-MATCH REVIEW: WIN OR LOSE, WE WILL ALWAYS FOLLOW YOU
Orange County SC made the trip up north this weekend to face off against the Oakland Roots, who completely dominated the match and sent OC home with a 3-0 loss.
As the boys in Orange and Black took the pitch, there were some notable changes to the lineup for this week; most concerning was to see two of the team's midfielders, Dillon Powers and Daniel Pedersen, filling in as center backs. This choice put much fear in fans from the start that the defense would struggle without Markus Nakkim and Andrew Fox available to play.
May 13th, Match #10 - Orange County SC @ Oakland Roots SC
One positive thing about Orange County, they have had a consistent offense that through nine league games have only been shut out just once. The negative that comes with that staff is the fact that they have only won once.
While the offense is serviceable, the defense has been less than optimal. OCSC have allowed 15 goals which is the worst in the Western Conference and third worst in the USL. It also does not help that this is officially Orange County’s worst start through nine league games as they are only at 6 points.