IRVINE, Calif.- Orange County Soccer Club looked to start their US Open Cup campaign with a bang with their 3-0 win in front of 1521 fans at Championship Stadium against UPSL side Laguna United FC after coming from a tie back in Phoenix against the Rising. The Orange and black were eager to get back on the pitch after an exciting last minute goal by Nico Benalcazar off a header that secured the draw. Apparently it was inspiring enough to drive them to make an aggressive attack right after the whistle until the play stopped due to a handball.
As Orange County kept attacking at the 11th minute, Marcelo Palomino made an amazing attempt in the box off a header but was saved by Laguna’s Jacob Estall.
At the 26th minute, OCSC forward Ethan Zubak sent a clean pass to midfielder Stephen Kelly from the right side, then Kelly drove a left footed shot into the bottom right side of the net while swiftly curving away from Estall’s fingertips, opening the score sheet at 1-0 OCSC.
Kelly’s goal was shortly followed by OCSC’s Ryan Doghman right footed shot very close to the top right corner of the net while still on the ground from an earlier attempt making it 2-0 OC in the 29th minute.
At the end of the first half, OCSC finished their satisfying half with 70% possession and with a heavy total of 14 shots(5 on goal), giving Estall a tough time with 3 saves made by the Laguna keeper.
Orange County continued to consistently attack in the start of the second half which led to a dangerous free kick in the 59th minute just outside the box which was attempted by Stephen Kelly and ended with Chris Hegardt shooting it high and wide, making it OC’s 20th shot.
A long awaited exciting highlight for Laguna United came in the 70th minute with a beautiful right footed shot by Laguna’s Carlos Castillo outside the box just missing the top right corner making it the first attempt for Laguna.
That silver lining was short lived as Orange County clapped back with a steal from defender Mouhamadou War on the left side then blasting towards Chris Hegardt’s direction allowing him to control the ball, make the extra touch and drive it past Estall making it a comfortable 3-0 score late in the half and ultimately making it the final score.
The Orange and Black have much to prepare for while having very little time as they have a Saturday night game against the switchbacks with head coach Danny Stone expecting an entirely different game. “We’re expecting a completely different game as every game is. We’ll attempt to create as many goal scoring chances as possible,” Stone stated.
Of all the events happening in this match, a home debut is always one to look out for. Garrison Tubbs played his first home game at Championship Stadium racking up a full 90 minute game and nine accurate long balls making it a solid performance for the former DC United defender. “Whenever you have a good crowd behind you, it gives you the extra energy you need,” the defender expressed.
Orange County is set to play The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC this Saturday at 7pm.
Article by Henry Caceres
Photos by Danielle Rivera
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