Chris Wehan Scores to Lead OCSC Over Sacramento Republic FC
An exciting soccer victory: Orange County SC secured a victory on Saturday night over Sacramento Republic FC in the club’s first home match of the season. OCSC was led by midfielder Chris Wehan who provided the heroics for fans excited to support their club in person at Championship Soccer Stadium. With a win and loss in 2021, OCSC prepares to host LA Galaxy II in its second home game next Saturday in Irvine, CA.
USL NEWS: Orange County Soccer Club recorded a 1-0 victory over Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night in front of 5,740 supporters at Championship Soccer Stadium. OCSC’s home opener of the 2021 United Soccer League (USL) campaign was highlighted by midfielder Chris Wehan who scored the lone goal and was named Man of the Match.
Sacramento Republic FC was handed its first loss of the 2021 USL season, while OCSC has a win and loss on record.
In an intense match highlighted by transition efforts, OCSC’s defensive organization secured the victory over its Pacific Division rival.
“Defensively, we were solid,” said midfielder Mikko Kuningas. “It was an amazing job from the guys to be really strict technically. Offensively, we need to have more possession and be calm with the ball. But we need to keep up our defense in the box during our next games.”
Despite the visitors maintaining 60% ball possession, they were unable to find the back of the net. OCSC tallied 11 shots with four on target, while Sacramento recorded 12 shots with two on goal.
Sacramento goalkeeper Tomas Gomez was busy in the opening half-hour as OCSC created opportunities that were cleared. Both clubs had chances to take control of the game; however, it was Wehan who put the hosts on the scoreboard in the 33rd minute of play. Wehan received a pass at the top of the penalty area from Thomas Enevoldsen and calmly finished a one-time shot to the bottom, left corner.
In the final 20 minutes of play, Enevoldsen nearly added his name to the scoresheet and extended OCSC’s advantage. Following a Sacramento error at the center circle, the Danish forward was sent on a breakaway versus Gomez, but the shot was slotted just right of the goal frame.
Sacramento continued to push for an equalizer, but the OCSC defense remained organized and recorded the victory in front of its home supporters that were excited to return back to Championship Soccer Stadium. Kuningas enjoyed the smiling faces on Saturday night as well as the final push of energy they provided from the stands.
“It was so great to play in front of our spirited fans tonight,” said Kuningas. “Everyone kept it loud, which helped us at the end of the game. This is a great start at home, and we have to keep it going.”
OCSC now prepares to host Los Angeles Galaxy II on Saturday, May 29th. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT. During the 2020 season, the clubs split results with each winning two of the four matches played. LA Galaxy II has recorded two wins, two losses and two draws this season.
“They are a really good group with young players,” said Kuningas. “They will likely be similar to last time. We know what’s coming and what to do against them. If we continue to push together and go in strong on tackles, we can win.”
