Tough night: Phoenix Rising FC 3, Orange County SC 0

Orange County SC’s seven-game league unbeaten streak was snapped in inglorious fashion on Saturday, as they lost 3-0 to Phoenix Rising FC at Casino Arizona Field in Tempe.

Missing Joe Amico and Michael Seaton due to suspension, OCSC fell behind quickly and never caught up, as Phoenix evened up the season series with Orange County at one win apiece.

The misfortune started early, as Orange County captain Kevin Alston turned a goal into his own net just six minutes in. 11 minutes later, Phoenix doubled their lead, as Joey Calistri played a give-and-go before slotting the shot past Patrick McLain.

The third goal came in the second half, as Solomon Asante unleashed a rocket from way downtown in the 50th minute.

Following that, Orange County started to play their way into the game as Phoenix took their foot off the pedal. In spite of several good forays forward, fouls drawn and close calls, they were unable to find a goal to see if they could really get a furious rally going.

It was a dispiriting performance, and while suspensions and injuries have left the lineup disjointed of late, and replicating the outstanding 2018 regular-season exploits was always going to be a tall task, losing handily to a rival never feels good. It will be interesting to see if the team will look to regroup or if they’ll be adding some reinforcements in the summer when the transfer window opens.

As it stands, Orange County will have a week to lick their wounds, before hosting Portland Timbers 2 next Saturday for the teams’ first meeting this year. Portland have not been doormats this season, but OCSC have been substantially better at home than on the road this year. Hopefully they can get back on track then.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!