CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy II and Orange County SC played to a 1-1 draw in the first I-405 Derby of the season on Saturday night at the StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium. The Galaxy II opened the game brightly, but it was Orange County that created the first good chance in the contest as Jerry van Ewijk had a chance saved by LA’s Bennett Sneddon. Duke Lacroix also had a chance cleared off the line by Los Dos’ Ian Lonergan from a tight-angle shot in the 23rd minute, but the Galaxy II almost grabbed the lead in the 33rd minute when Ethan Zubak’s shot was brilliantly denied by Orange County’s Charlie Lyon. Lacroix had a chance late in the first half, only to shoot wide of the left post, but the visitors took the lead four minutes into the second half as a cross from the left was turned into his own net by Galaxy II defender Jean Engola. Orange County almost added to its lead three minutes later when Gustavo Villalobos hit the post, and Los Dos equalized in the 66th minute when Adrian Vera scored from close range after the visitors failed to clear a free kick. LA almost grabbed a winner in the final 15 minutes, but was unable to find the breakthrough as Lyon denied Zubak with two minutes to go to earn a point for the visitors.

Scoring: 
49’ – OC – Jean Engola (Own Goal)
66’ – LA – Adrian Vera

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The first I-405 Derby of the season seemed to swing back and forth like the pendulum on a grandfather clock, with both teams having spells in the ascendency but unable to take a decisive advantage to leave the contest deadlocked. The Galaxy II held the edge in total shots, and Orange County in shots on target, as there was little to choose between the two Southern California rivals, in a well-contested matchup.

• 2. Former players for Los Dos, and both part of the side that claimed the 2015 USL Western Conference championship with the side, Oscar Sorto and Joe Franco had solid if not spectacular returns to their former stomping grounds as they helped Orange County earn a point on the road. Both had multiple clearances and interceptions, and Franco in particular was sharp as he looked to help Orange County push up the right flank throughout the contest with a 74.1 passing percentage in the Galaxy II’s half. While they didn’t come away with victory, both Sorto and Franco should be happy to have earned a result ahead of the rematch in two weeks.

• 3. Saturday’s game was the first of a home-and-home series between the rivals that will conclude in two weeks at Orange County’s home opener at Orange County Great Park. Both teams will have learned a lot about the other in this contest, and it will be interesting to see what adjustments Los Dos’ Mike Munoz and Orange County’s Logan Pause employ when they meet again two weekends from now.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Charlie Lyon, Orange County SC – Lyon made a pair of big saves to preserve a point on the road for Orange County, with his denial of Ethan Zubak in the first half the best of the night.

Upcoming Games:
LA Galaxy II at Orange County SC – May 6, 8 p.m. ET, Orange County Great Park
Orange County SC vs. LA Galaxy II – May 6, 8 p.m. ET, Orange County Great Park