In their first season since dropping the ‘Blues’ name, Orange County currently sit in 9th spot in the Western Conference table. They are two points ahead of Rising and have played one game more.
The hosts come into this match off the back of a poor run of form, having failed to win in their previous five (3D, 2L). Their last match, on Wednesday night, was a goalless draw at home to Tulsa Roughnecks.
This is the second match for OC in their newly-constructed 5,000-seater stadium. It has one stand on each touchline, but looks somewhat sparse behind the goals.
The last time these two sides met, Didier Drogba’s stoppage-time free kick cancelled out Roy Meeus’ strike to rescue a point for Rising in Irvine.
Orange County appear to lack a prolific goalscorer. Jerry van Ewjik and Roy Meeus have the best returns with four goals each.
Goalkeeper Charlie Lyon kept his side in contention on Wednesday night, but he hasn’t proven himself as an adept shot stopper this season. He is conceding roughly one goal for every three shots on target (32.9%), so if Rising can pressure him, they’re likely to find the back of the net.
Richard Chaplow is arguably the biggest name in the side, with 12 seasons playing in the English Championship and 14 appearances in the Premier League. However, a potentially more impactful player in midfield is the youngster Amirgy Pineda, whose accurate passing has seen him become a playmaking threat.
Orange County are less dangerous in the air, scoring only one headed goal all season.
