IRVINE, Calif. (March 18, 2018) – It was a night of firsts for Orange County SC, as the club celebrated its first home opener in Championship Soccer Stadium and Braeden Cloutier made his debut as Head Coach.  Cloutier, who has been with the organization for four years, marked his first game in charge with a point infront of a vocal home support.

“It felt great for my first game to be at home,” said Cloutier.  “I thought we had fantastic support and only wish we could have given them the three points.”

Phoenix Rising FC got off to a fast start as Billy Forbes would send the ball across the six-yard box in the 11th minute of the match as midfielder Solomon Asante made the run to the back of the box, meeting the ball and sending it into the back of the net.  After that moment, Orange County SC would control possession of the ball for the remainder of the game in a match rife with chances.  In the 22nd minute, Aodhan Quinn attempted a left footed shot from outside the box for OCSC but the shot would go high and right.  In 30th minute, Oscar Sorto was taken down in the box after attacking the right wing, however a penalty would not be awarded.  Near the end of the first half, Michael Seaton made a close-range header from the center of the box that smashed off the crossbar.

The second half would be equally exciting for the fans as the volley continued between the clubs.  In the 54th minute, following a corner, Thomas Juel-Nielsen headed a pass to an awaiting Mats Bjurman who took a right footed shot from the center of the box but the shot was just a bit too high. This would be the third time in four matches between the clubs that the match would be decided on a last-minute equalizer.  The goal came in the 90th minute when Alex Crognale sent a shot flying into the bottom right of the net.  Orange County SC wasn’t about to settle for a draw as they continued to fight in stoppage time.  Following a corner, Aodhan Quinn would send a cross to Thomas Juel-Nielsen who narrowly missed the goal as the shot went left.

Orange County SC face off against Sacramento Replublic FC at Championship Soccer Stadium at the Orange County Great Park this Saturday, March 24 at 7:00 PM.  The last time these two team met, Orange County SC took the three points at home.  Tickets for the upcoming match are still available online at orangecountysoccer.com or via phone at (949) 647-GOAL.

Photo credit: Liza Rosales