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USL Orange County SC

OC Win Big Three Points over Los Dos

September 3, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


IRVINE, Calif. - After yet another short turnaround, Orange County SC returned to winning ways.

Darwin Jones and Seth Casiple made their returns from injury and found themselves straight back into the starting lineup, with Cammy Palmer earning a bit of rest.

Los Dos had an early attack, with Iván Gutiérrez stretching the OC defense. The wingers cross was flicked on by Jonathan Perez and after just two minutes of play, the visitors found themselves with an early lead.

Despite conceding an early goal, Orange County had plenty of time to build into the match and work their way forward. In typical fashion, it was deliberate, purposeful possession. Over the following 20 minutes, OC looked capable and dangerous moving forward. It would prove to only be a matter of time, as Seth Casiple fed Ugo Okoli from the endline. The striker settled on the ball, turned, and fired his shot low past a screened Abraham Romero to level the scoreline.

After OC erased the early deficit, all was still to play for in the Group B matchup.

Nearing the end of the first half, Okoli struck again. Off of a corner, Michael Orozco knocked down the ball at the far post and Okoli rose above the defense at the near post to make it 2-1 OC.

The striker's brace would see out the rest of the half.

Following the restart, OC earned an early set piece, but Daniel Finlayson's header was deflected over the bar. A moment later, Rob Kiernan's header was sent just wide of the far post.

LA's biggest chance came in the 54th minute, but the effort weakly bounced off of the far post and OC could clear.

OC remained the more dominant team, doing well to limit the visitor's attacking movement. Both teams had players booked as the match neared the hour mark, but the match mostly remained calm.

Brian Iloski showed his willingness to be involved with his former team and continued his relentless pressing at the tip of the OC formation.

The second half continued quickly as neither side could find the back of the net again.

In extra time, there was yet another appeal for a handball, but the referee waived off the complaints having found that Michael Orozco's arm was in front of his chest.

With the win, OC returned to second place in Group B, with a three point lead over Los Dos. The two sides play again Saturday night, as OC will look to stretch the gap even further while maintaining the pace with group leaders Phoenix.

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