By james art The tie against New Mexico proved that Orange County SC can compete against anyone when they face them in Southern California. That’s because Orange County’s defense has played nearly perfectly for the better part of nearly two months. After that 0-6 embarrassment at the hands of Charleston and giving up three unanswered goals to Las Vegas, OK’s defensive line has allowed just one goal in seven games.
It’s a trend where Orange County ends its regular season in good shape regardless of how the season goes. Especially in the modern USL era where every season ends with Orange County picking up points in the last game of the season. The last time OC was beaten was in 2018, a 1-3 loss at Reno 1868.
The only significance this game has for Orange County is playoff seeding. If Orange County loses and Phoenix beats Louisville, then Orange County will face New Mexico in the first round. This is the only scenario that is easy to understand and also the least likely. There are a possible five different clubs OC could face on the road in the first round of the playoffs, including New Mexico. The more likely matchups are Las Vegas, Sacramento, Colorado Springs and Memphis. Las Vegas is the most likely opponent for Orange County as they just need a win in their final game to clinch the number two seed. No matter what happens, Orange County will play a playoff game next weekend away from Southern California.
The other team that has a partial say in this is rival Hartford Athletic. Hartford has only qualified for the postseason once in their shortened existence in 2020. But beyond that, Hartford has rarely found consistency, which makes tonight’s game that much more important for the visitors. How important this match is for them will be known during the match.
OPPONENT – HARTFORD ATHLETIC
The Hartford Athletics will make the 2,889-mile trek to Irvine for the first time, and they will do so right now in the offseason. For Hartford, they will be watching both Pittsburgh and North Carolina to see if they even have a chance. If Pittsburgh and North Carolina win their respective games, then Hartford will be eliminated. North Carolina also has a big say in the fate of both Hartford and Orange County. North Carolina hosts Las Vegas. This is a massive game with implications for everyone. Pittsburgh will face El Paso at home, so Pittsburgh should get in.
Hartford was one of the more consistent sides to close out the regular season and would be a very interesting team in the playoffs. Their poor first half of the season was their only defeat, but if they were to qualify it would be a great achievement.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mamadou Dieng is Hartford’s primary forward and is having a pretty solid year with double-digit goals. This is his first year with Hartford and it was part of their massive overhaul, so there are a few players that were brought in. The offense has been boom or bust in recent games for Hartford. They will either score three or more goals or not score at all.
For the hosts, Charlie Asensio returned from injury and featured in last week’s game, his second all season. It was a lost season to injury for the left back, but his return could provide depth, which is always something a playoff team needs.
THE MATCHUP
This is only the second time Orange County and Hartford will face each other and the first time Hartford will play in Irvine. The last time these two teams faced off was last year and in Connecticut. The OCs are on a seven-game unbeaten streak, thanks in part to Colin Shuttler and his many absences. With last week’s shutout being his 12th of the year, Shutler set the OC record for clean sheets in a season. Orange County won’t find out their playoff matchup until the end of today’s game.
WHAT TO KNOW
Match – against Hartford Athletic (USL Championship)
When – October 26, 7pm PST
Where – Championship Football Stadium (Irvine, CA)
OCSC Form – DWWDW
HRT form – DWWLW
All Time Match – 0-1-0 (1 match)
TV – FanDuel Sports SoCal (rebranded from Bally Sports SoCal), ESPN+