:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69565082/05_22_21_OCvsSAC_42.0.jpg)
Orange County SC are hoping to keep their unbeaten run intact after their meeting on Saturday against Sacramento Republic in Sacramento, the teams’ third of the 2021 season.
OCSC are playing on somewhat short rest, after having played Tacoma Defiance to a 0-0 draw on Tuesday. That result extended the unbeaten streak to seven games, helping them maintain their 2nd place standing in the Pacific Division.
While Sacramento’s form is nearly the opposite, winless in their last eight games, they did rack up two straight draws, including a 0-0 draw on Wednesday against Oakland Roots. Orange County have already beaten Sacramento twice already, but there has to be a sense that SRFC are a wounded animal and could come roaring back at some point this season.
Of course, Orange County’s attack took a major hit in the past week, with Ronaldo Damus heading out on international duty with Haiti. He helped them reach the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, which kicks off on Saturday as well, so the red-hot forward will miss more time with his club, and the remaining available players will have to pick up the slack in attack.
I don’t think very much separates these teams, to be honest, aside from their respective mindsets at the moment, but while it’s on the road, OCSC have to like their chances coming into the game. Still, we know no game in Sacramento can be taken lightly, and this is probably going to be another battle, but Braeden Cloutier’s team seems to be feeding on the challenges. Should be a good one.
Tale of the Tape:
Orange County SC: 18 points (5-2-3), 2nd place in Pacific Division; Goal Difference: +6; Last five games: D-W-D-W-W
Sacramento Republic: 9 points (2-5-3), 7th place in Pacific Division; Goal Difference: -4; Last five games: D-D-L-L-L
How to Watch Sacramento Republic vs. Orange County SC: The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 pm PT at Heart Health Park in Sacramento on Saturday. You can watch this game on ESPN+ throughout the United States.
What do you think? Leave a comment below!