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Orange County SC host Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday in the teams’ final meeting of 2017, a vital game for both sides. Orange County are hanging by a thread in the USL Cup Playoffs race, and need to win their final three games and get some help to reach the postseason once more. Sacramento, meanwhile, can clinch their playoff spot with a win.
In truth, OC are almost certainly out of the running at this point, but that’s no reason to just give up. Considering the variety of ages and experience levels on Logan Pause’s squad, I don’t think we’ll see any drastic changes in the lineups used in the final three games, and the players will have motivation beyond the final games here: Some will be playing for a chance on this roster next year, some will be playing to prove they can remain professionals, and some will be playing to prove they deserve a spot on another roster, including better leagues than USL.
And Sacramento has been a tricky opponent for Orange County over the years, including in the first meeting this season, when Republic blew OC away 4-0. That game may have been an omen for the topsy-turvy season to come, with Orange County starting the season very well before being routed by Sacramento, and many of their losses this season were big losses.
But here’s an opportunity to save face and look to finish the season on a high note, regardless of the playoffs. Can OC keep their faint hopes alive? Will they play spoilers for Sacramento? We’ll find out this evening.
Tale of the Tape:
Orange County SC: 37 points (9-10-10), 10th place in Western Conference; Goal Difference: -4; Last five games: L-D-W-L-W
Sacramento Republic FC: 45 points (10-6-5), 6th place in Western Conference; Goal Difference: +5; Last five games: W-L-L-W-W
How to Watch Orange County SC vs. Sacramento Republic: The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm PT at Orange County Great Park. You can watch the stream below or in USL’s matchcenter.
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