Orange County SC v. Oakland Roots (June 12, 2021) - Match Preview

By Bloom -

The Roots visit Orange County Soccer Club on June 12 at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.  The game will be played at ambitiously named Championship Soccer Stadium in the Orange County Great Park of Irvine.  Which is more likely to happen: OCSC winning a championship, or Orange County being great?  

Here are some things you should know about Orange County Soccer Club:


The Club


Orange County Soccer Club are a partner of Rangers FC of the Scottish Premier League


3 of the 4 people in this photo have no idea why they are there. Gerrard’s enthusiasm calls out to you.


The club was founded in 2010 as the Los Angeles Blues, and from 2016-18 was the USL affiliate of Will Ferrell-passion project LAFC.


OCSC are majority owned by James Keston, a Los Angeles real estate and private equity investor, who “serv[ed] in positions with the National Security Division of the Office of Management and Budget.” (https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/695245-blues-purchased-by-southern-california-businessman-keston)  Lots of people are talking about the National Security Division of the Office of Management and Budget.  



Based on some half-hearted internet research, FPR has discovered that OCSC set its attendance record for the 2019 season with 3,192.  The Roots have yet to host a home game with fewer than 4,500 in attendance.  In the unlikely event that you meet an OCSC supporter, mention this to them.



The Players


Two outfield players have played every minute so far of OCSC’s season: Rob Kiernan and Michael Orozco.


Kiernan is a 30-year old Irish international Centerback who played a number of years for European Clubs you’ll have heard of, including two years at Wigan Athletic and a year at Birmingham City in the Championship, and two seasons at Rangers helping get them promoted back to the Scottish Premier League.  


Captain Michael Orozco is a 35-year-old US holding midfielder, who some readers may recall from scoring the USMNT’s lone goal in its first ever win over Mexico in Mexico on August 15, 2012.  At the time it was Mexico’s ninth ever loss in 120 games at Estadio Azteca.  Orozco spent most of his career in Liga MX, including winning the league with Tijuana in 2016-17.  


Orange County SC supporters are excited about Rhys Breen, a 21-year-old Scottish defender on loan from parent club Rangers.  Breen has had a few loans before OCSC in the lower-divisions of the Scottish pyramid with mixed success.  


Goals on OCSC are spread around, with two each for Orange County-native Chris Wehan, Ronaldo Damus, and Finnish giant Eero Markkannen.  Also on the score sheet are regularly sized Finn Mikko Kuningas (who lists himself as 6’ on Tinder), and Biran Iloski.  


With the exception of a head-scratching 4-3 loss to LA Galaxy II, OCSC have held three opponents to one goal, and have shut out Sacramento in their fixture at OC Great Park.


Prediction


FPR:


Orange County have been mostly strong defensively, and have played two more games than the Roots.  The Roots are conceding 2.67 goals per game, and have yet to actually play a home game.  Although their schedule has not been congested, that has to be wearing on them.  I hate to say it, but:


OCSC 2 - Roots 1.


Roots Blog:


I agree: A fourth straight road match against a defensively solid team is not a recipe for success. But I’m still optimistic. 10 more days to gel as a team will pay dividends against a team coming off a 2-game week. A late Bokila stunner secures three points for Oakland, 3-2.






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