ORANGE COUNTY SC SUFFERS FIRST DEFEAT OF 2024 IN 2-0 LOSS TO SAC REPUBLIC

Orange County SC fell to Sacramento Republic FC 2-0 on Saturday, April 20 at Championship Stadium in Irvine, CA. Goals from forward Trevor Amann and midfielder Aldair Sanchez sealed the deal for the visitors at The Champ.

The visitors opened the scoring in the first minute, capitalizing off an interception by captain Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez dribbled down the right side of the pitch, crossing in a ball to a streaking Amann. Amann connected with the header off the crossbar into the back of the net, putting Sacramento ahead 1-0.

The Black and Orange attempted to counter in the 23rd minute as midfielder Sofianne Djeffal lofted the ball over the top to defender Owen Lambe on the right side of the box. Lambe sent in a shot with his right foot that was saved by Sacramento goalkeeper Daniel Vitello.

Sacramento doubled their lead in the 25th minute, when defender Jack Gurr found some space on the right side of the pitch. He crossed one over the head of the Orange County defense in the path of Sanchez, who bounced a shot over OCSC goalkeeper Duran Ferree into the back of the net, giving Sacramento a 2-0 advantage.

Sacramento went on the attack again in the 41st minute as forward Russell Cicerone found Gurr on the right side of the box. Gurr fired a shot with his right foot, barely missing to the left, ending the first half in a 2-0 advantage for Sacramento.

Sacramento kept the momentum on the attacking half in the 63rd minute as Sanchez found Amann in a dangerous position once again. Amann connected on a header from close range, however, he missed just over the top left corner of the goal.

The County Boys drew their first big chance of the second half in the 68th minute as substitute forward Ethan Zubak found forward Thomas Amang in the center of the box. Amang struck a left-footed-shot, but his effort rose high over the crossbar.

Orange County SC had another chance in the 74th minute following a free kick won by midfielder Kyle Scott. Midfielder Brian Iloski sent the ensuing free kick into the box, finding the head of defender Ashton Miles. Miles headed one towards goal, but missed the target just wide to the left.

In the end, it was too little too late for the Black and Orange, as Sacramento claimed a 2-0 victory.

The Black and Orange will return home to Championship Stadium next Saturday, April 27, when they host Monterey Bay FC at 7:00 PM as a part of our Foundation Night! Join OCSC and Give Back! A limited number of tickets are still available, grab yours here!