Orange County SC launched their new stadium at the Orange County Great Park with a dominating 4-0 win over rivals LA Galaxy II in the I-405 derby.
OCSC introduced their new facility for the first time this season after four consecutive road matches. With the rain showers seemingly looking to affect the big opener, approximately 4,000 still showed up ready to cheer on the home side.
OCSC got off to a fast start and created two scoring chances in the opening minutes of the match. Forward Duke Lacroix found space inside the defensive half and took a chance at goal, however, his shot bounced off the post for a goal kick. The second chance came from midfielder Van Ewijk, after creating space on the left side with some superb cuts to get into the penalty box, as he uncorked a shot on goal only to see the ball sail wide left of the net.
It did not take long for OCSC to notch the stadium’s first goal, when in the 27th minute, OCSC were granted a penalty after Los Dos Midfielder Ryo Fujii was charged with a hand ball. Van Ewijk stepped up and easily scored the first-ever goal for OCSC at Great Park. With the crowd roaring, Van Ewijk gave the home crowd a reason to continue cheering when Los Dos goalkeeper Erick Lopez decided to challenge the ball outside the penalty box, only to header the ball straight to Van Ewijk, who skillfully chipped the keeper to give OCSC a 2-0 lead.
Orange County had their third goal in 34th minute when Los Dos defender Alex Suarez accidentally deflected the ball into the back of the net for an own goal. This defensive mistake happened after a dangerous cross from Gustavo Villalobos, giving the home side 3-0 advantage.
With halftime looming, OCSC looked to add a fourth goal and continue tormenting their rivals. Villalobos created space down the right side, his cross found Van Ewijk, who fired a left-footed rocket at goal, only to see his shot tipped over the crossbar by Lopez.
The second half was déjà vu of the first half, with OCSC maintaining possession and controlling the pace of the match. In the 54th minute, OCSC scored their fourth goal of the afternoon, this time from substitute foward Wuilito Fernandes. Van Ewijk brought down off a flicked header from Carlos Alvarez and flawlessly crossed the ball into the path of Fernandes, who calmly placed the ball in the Galaxy net.
OCSC dominated the match from start of the match and to the final whistle. The outcome 4-0, inaugurating the first-ever I-405 derby at the Orange County Great Park with a marvelous victory.
Orange County SC next face two trips to Oklahoma to take on the Tulsa Roughnecks and OKC Energy FC. Los Dos will travel to face the defending champions, New York Red Bulls II, at Red Bull Arena.
