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USL Orange County SC

Match Preview: OC Blues FC vs Richmond Kickers

August 29, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


IRVINE, CA (August 29, 2014) - The Orange County Blues look to end a three-match losing streak as they host the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, August 30th, at UC Irvine's Anteater Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00PM.

Orange County comes off a tough defeat last Saturday to Wilmington Hammerheads FC. Both sides held each other in check for 70 minutes, until Wilmington broke the scoreless draw with a goal by Sunny Jane in the 72nd minute. The Blues responded five minutes later, as Alex Martinez played a ball into the middle for Christopher Santana, who calmly slotted it past Wilmington goalkeeper Brad Stuver for his third goal this season. The score held level until second-half stoppage time, when three players, two for Orange County and one for Wilmington, were sent off with red cards by the referee. A few minutes later, the Hammerheads' Drew Ruggles fired a free kick into the box that found Ashani Fairclough, who headed in the game winner to give Wilmington a 2-1 victory.

Richmond comes into Saturday's tilt after hosting league-leading Orlando City. The Lions ultimately took the victory in a back and forth match, winning 3-2 at rainy City Stadium in Richmond. Orlando's Kevin Molino scored his league record-breaking 16th goal of the season, while Richmond's George Davis IV tallied a goal and an assist.

The Kickers fell to 3rd place in the USL PRO standings after their loss and Sacramento Republic's win against the Charleston Battery on Wednesday. Richmond has a record of 13-2-10 for the season, giving them a total of 49 points. After the loss to Wilmington, the Blues fell to 13th place in the standings, with a 9-17-0 record and 27 points. If Orange County loses or draws against Richmond, they will be mathematically eliminated from USL PRO Playoff contention. They could also be eliminated before the match even starts, depending on the results of other matches around the league. Richmond has already clinched a home playoff match.

Allan Russell leads the Blues with eight goals and seven assists, followed by Chris Cortez, who's scored five goals. Matthew Delicâte leads Richmond with 14 goals and one assist, while Davis IV has scored 11 goals and notched five assists. Davis IV, Shay Spitz, and Matheau Hall all played for the Blues last season.

With only two matches remaining in this 2014 season for Orange County, now's the time to get out to Anteater Stadium to support your local team. Call (714) 738-8011 or email seats@bluessoccerclub.com for the best ticket pricing. If you can't make it to the match, watch the Blues take on the Kickers live on YouTube, with Marc Serber on the call at youtube.com/ocbluesfc.

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