USL Orange County SC

Blues Draw in Matchup against UCLA

Published on March 2, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


IRVINE, Calif. (March 2, 2015) - Orange County Blues FC held a competitive preseason friendly against the 2014 College Cup Runner-Up UCLA Bruins. The Blues kept the majority of the possession throughout the scrimmage and had more scoring chances while holding the Bruins to a 1-1 draw.

The match opened up on Sunday evening with harsh wind and rain threats in the forecast. Even with the cold weather, several hundred Blues and Bruin fans came out to watch the open friendly at the Orange County Great Park.

The first half was controlled almost entirely by the Blues and played in UCLA's half. Orange County relentlessly attacked the Bruin's goal from the opening kickoff. During the 3rd minute of play, Josh Suggs charged down the left flank to send in a cross to a running Chris Cortez, but the Bruin goalkeeper intercepted the ball before the forward could finish.

O.C. continued to keep the ball from UCLA as they consistently edged closer to taking the lead. After several good chances at goal to no avail, the Blues finally got on the scoreboard in the 43rd minute, just before the halftime whistle. After a run of good passing between several Blues players, Chris Cortez lofted a ball into the bottom of the netting off a touch from Seung Ju Kim.

UCLA wasted no time trying to answer. On the next play after the Blues goal, the Bruins earned a penalty kick after a Blues defender committed a foul in the box. Trialist goalkeeper Billy Thompson made an impressive dive to push UCLA's penalty to the right of the post and keep the Blues ahead at the break.

Late in the 2nd half, the young Bruin squad evened the match when Nico Gonzalez got past a Blues defender and slotted the ball beyond Pepe Miranda's reach and into the net. Not backing down, Orange County continued to press the UCLA goal. Trialist Cristofer Ramirez played a ball up the left side and past the defenders to a waiting OC forward, whose shot deflected off the Bruin goalkeeper. UCLA defenders cleared it out before the Blues were able to the rebound chance.

Season tickets for the 2015 OC Blues FC campaign in USL are on sale now. To purchase tickets call 949-333-0418 or for more information email [email protected] .

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 2, 2015


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