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USL Orange County SC

OCSC Tie Tamp Bay Rowdies 1-1

March 18, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


Orange County SC controlled the majority of the match, but were unable to find the finishing kick in their 1-1 draw with the Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 18 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA.

The Black and Orange had the better-quality chances, but unfortunately were only able to come away with one goal on the night. Midfielder Ashish Chattha, in his first professional start, had Orange County's first chance of the night in the sixth minute, but the former Anteater's effort went just wide of goal.

Tampa Bay's best opportunity in the first half came later on in the 23rd minute, when their high press forced a turnover. The ball fell to Tampa midfielder Sebastian Dalgaard, but his shot on target was saved by OCSC's new shot stopper, Cody Cropper.

For the second straight week, OCSC found the scoresheet in the 40th minute of play courtesy of a first time goal scorer as Emil Nielsen opened his Orange County account.

Midfielder Kyle Scott began the play catching his balance after nearly slipping at midfield, then played through defender Brent Richards, who then found Nielsen just outside the six-yard box and the Danish Bull made no mistake.

OCSC fully deserved their halftime lead, and continued the second half on the front foot. Right on the restart, forward Milan Iloski intercepted the ball in the attacking third and played Scott through on goal. His shot from just outside the box was saved by Rowdies keeper, Phill Breno.

After a good stretch of buildup play, Nielsen found Iloski on the far post in the 61st minute. The Golden Boot winner's effort seemed destined for the top corner after beating Breno, but was miraculously cleared off the line by Rowdies defender Aaron Guillen's face.

Iloski again had a chance in the 77th minute when he was on the receiving end of a cross from substitute Korede Osundina. His left footed volley was parried away again by Breno.

Tampa Bay equalized in the 82nd minute off a corner from midfielder Charlie Dennis that was flicked on to the right foot of Haitian midfielder Zachary Herivaux and in.

While the Black and Orange may have been unlucky to secure all three points at the Champ tonight, there was a marked improvement from the squad following their loss in the home opener last week. OCSC will look to continue to build on that momentum when they host Las Vegas Lights FC next Saturday, March 25 at 7:00 PST. A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

MILESTONES AND FACTS: Tonight marked the professional start for midfielder Ashish Chattha. Tonight was Emil Nielsen's first goal for OCSC This match was the first match for Cody Cropper with OCSC. The announced attendance was 4,278.

SCORING SUMMARY: 40' Emil Nielsen (OCSC) 82' Zachary Herivaux (TBR)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY: ORANGE COUNTY SC 34' Ashish Chatta 90' Dillon Powers

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES 75' Forrest Lasso

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: Cody Cropper (GK); Brent Richards, Andrew Fox, Markus Nakkim, Alex Villanueva; Dillon Powers (C), Kevin Partida, Kyle Scott (80' Ryan Doghman), Ashish Chattha, Milan Iloski, Emil Nielsen (67' Korede Osundina) Unused subs: Colin Shutler (GK) Nico Ruiz, Owen Lambe, Bryce Jamison Head Coach: Richard Chaplow Possession: 48% | Shots: 15 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corners: 10 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 1 |

TAMPA BAY ROWDIES LINEUP: Phill Breno (GK); Forrest Lasso, Frederik Kleemann (67' Conner Antley), Aaron Guillen, Jake Areman (46' Dayonn Harris), Zachary Herivaux, Jordan Doherty, Sebastian Asmussen, Charlie Dennis, Jerome "JJ" Williams (Ariel Martínez 46'), Caleb "Cal" Jennings Unused subs: Raiko Arozarena (GK); Lucky Mkosana, Yann Ekra Head Coach: Neil Collins Possession: 52% | Shots: 7 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 12 | Offsides: 2 |

Orange County SC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies 2022 USL Championship | Matchday 2 Date: March 18, 2023 Venue: Championship Stadium (Irvine, CA) Weather: Overcast

POST GAME QUOTE SHEET

Orange County SC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

March 18th, 2023, Championship Stadium, Irvine CA

Orange County SC

Richard ChaplowOn tonight's game:

"I thought it was an impressive performance by us. I'm really happy with the way we came out, we really didn't let off for 45 minutes, and again we deserved the goal and probably could have scored a second. Maybe one more going into halftime. We tell the team at halftime to keep the foot on the gas and push even harder because in the first half I just didn't feel like we quite created enough good chances from the moments we had. Then second half obviously they come out they change everything. So in shape and structure and personnel, which shows how good we were first half. We lost a little bit of momentum for 5-10 minutes but had by far the better chances again second half."

What he took from tonight's game going into next week:

"We have a lot of guys coming back next week, obviously, we've got Marc McNulty, and Owen Lambe coming back. Thomas Amang is now available. We've got Danny Pedersen coming back in, he was unfortunately banged up in training, but Dylan camein and did a great job. It gives me tough decisions and this is what I need, it's what I didn't have for large periods last year. And it's what we've done well this year with recruitment, so we are still strong and will get stronger. And the performance today I think was a level up from last week, we just didn't get the points we deserved."

Orange County SC

Emil Nielsen

On his goal:

"The goal in the moment it was a good feeling, and of course personally it was okay to get the first goal, because I'm here to score goals, so that's my job for the team. But I like to think more about the whole team performance, and I'm very proud of the team, and the way we played. I think we dominated the game throughout and that's difficult when you play a good opponent. But yeah, I'm not happy for not getting the 3 points, but I think we had so many chances and we played very well. I'm very proud of the team and I think we have can develop a very good chemistry."

Check out the Orange County SC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 18, 2023


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