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USL Orange County SC

Orange County Suffers 2-1 Loss to Arizona

March 29, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


Orange County Blues FC vs. Arizona United SC
Orange County Blues FC vs. Arizona United SC
(Orange County SC, Credit: Liza Rosales)

IRVINE, Calif. - The Orange County Blues opened up their 2015 USL season Saturday night at UC Irvine's Anteater Stadium. The game drew 1,873, one of the largest crowds for the Blues at UCI, but the home side suffered a 2-1 loss to Arizona United.

The Blues had a rough start with Arizona interfering several of their passes. During the first 20 minutes the team had many chances on goal. Midfielder Jiovanni Santana received a back pass and took a shot towards the Arizona goal that went just wide.

The scoring opened when Arizona's Dennis Chin took a rebound and took advantage of a Blues defender who slipped, and fired it past Billy Thompson in the 20th minute. Just two minutes later, Arizona's Robbie Derschang headed in a second goal off a free kick into the left side of the net to pull Arizona United up 2-0.

Not giving up, Chris Cortez opened up the scoreboard for the Blues when he went one on one with Arizona keeper Carl Woszczynski and chipped the ball over and into the goal in the 35th minute of play.

Just before halftime, the Blues had a chance for a second goal but Woszczynski caught Cortez's shot before it was able to make it in.

The second half of the match was played quicker and the Blues picked up the pressure but Arizona did not ease up. Christopher "Chino" Santana went in strong on the receiving end of a pass from Denzel Slager, but skied the ball over the crossed.

Midfielder Didier Crettenand played a pivotal role in the center for the Blues. The Swiss midfielder made a strong corner kick to winger Slager who caught the ball with his chest but Arizona took it out before Slager was able to get it in. Slager gave a precise pass to Cortez in the 76th minute, Cortez headed the ball straight towards the goal but Woszcsynski was ready to make the save. Forward Amani Walker headed in two shots on frame, but the United goalkeeper held his line and kept the Blues off the scoresheet.

Next, Orange County hosts Vancouver Whitecaps 2 on Sunday, April 12th at 4PM. Arizona United continues its road trip up to LA Galaxy II on Thursday, April 2nd at 7:30.

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Images from this story

Orange County Blues FC vs. Arizona United SC
Orange County Blues FC vs. Arizona United SC
(Liza Rosales)		   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 29, 2015


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