IRVINE, Calif. – Ugo Okoli scored the only goal of the game as Orange County SC took a 1-0 victory against Phoenix Rising FC at Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday night, picking up an important victory in the Group B standings.

In the second meeting between the sides in just over a week, Orange County almost struck first in the 13th minute when a through-ball by Daniel Crisostomo released Darwin Jones through the middle, but the forward's finish slid just wide of the right post. Seven minutes later, however, Aodhan Quinn produced a perfect pass from his own half to send Okoli in behind the Phoenix defense, and his finish found the bottom-left corner of the net.

Jones almost added a second for Orange County just before the half-hour mark as his long-range shot was tipped wide of the right post by Rising FC goalkeeper Zac Lubin. Rangers loanee Daniel Finlayson then had a go from 25 yards after a short corner kick but sent his shot just over the top-left corner of the net.

Rising FC almost got back on level terms in the 43rd minute as Junior Flemmings broke forward and lifted a pass over advancing Orange County goalkeeper Frederick Due that Santi Moar ran onto, but the Spaniard’s volleyed finish hit the crossbar and came back out to keep Orange County ahead. Moar’s night then got rapidly worse as in the final minute before halftime he got into an altercation with Crisostomo and received his second yellow card of the night, reducing Phoenix to 10 men.

Orange County got a big chance to add to its lead on the hour-mark when a piece of interplay at the top of the box saw Phoenix defender Darnell King handle in the penalty area. Quinn stepped up to take the penalty kick, but his plant foot slipped as he moved to strike the ball, resulting in the shot going over the top-right corner of the net and offering a reprieve for the visitors.

A way back while down a man proved difficult for Phoenix, and the hosts continued to pursue a second goal of their own. With 17 minutes to go Okoli fired over the crossbar after being set up by a pass from the right from Kevin Coleman. Chandler Hoffman then also had a chance to put the game away, but his shot from the top of the penalty area was partially blocked by Phoenix’s Corey Whelan and bounced wide of the right post.

There would be no need for a second goal, however, as Orange County earned its first victory of the season and moved toward the leaders in Group B.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Rob Kiernan, Orange County SC – Kiernan put in a strong shift on the back line for the hosts, recording 11 clearances, winning 7 of 9 duels and 4 of 4 aerial duels to help post a clean sheet.