IRVINE, Calif. – Ugo Okoli scored twice to lead Orange County SC back from an early deficit in a 2-1 victory against the LA Galaxy II on Wednesday night at Championship Soccer Stadium. The win moved Orange County three points ahead of Los Dos into second place in the Group B standings.

Los Dos took only 80 seconds to take the lead as Ivan Gutierrez broke down the left side and created just enough space to deliver a cross that found Jonathan Perez at the top of the six-yard area for a flicked header that found the right corner of the net.

Orange County almost hit back in the 12th minute as Aodhan Quinn fired a long-range blast that was saved by Los Dos goalkeeper Abraham Romero, but 13 minutes later the hosts pulled level as Kevin Alston released Seth Casiple into the left side of the penalty area. Casiple centered a cross that found the feet of Okoli, and the former Championship Golden Boot-winner navigate the space to find an opening to fire home on the turn.

Seven minutes before halftime Okoli struck again as a corner from the right by Brian Iloski found Michael Orozco at the back post. The former U.S. Men’s National Team player bounced a header back across goal and Okoli was perfectly placed to nod in his fifth goal of the season.

The teams exchanged chances early in the second half, but Perez almost leveled for the Galaxy II in the 54th minute as he won possession deep on the right side and wove into the penalty area. As OCSC goalkeeper Frederick Due came to challenge him, Perez dinked a shot over him, but it hit the left post and was cleared away to safety by the hosts. Augustine Williams then went close on the hour-mark, but his first-time finish off a low cross from the right by Omar Ontiveros went just wide of the right post with Due frozen.

Los Dos had another close chance with five minutes to go as after a free kick was half-cleared, Alejandro Alvarado Jr. fired a low shot through a crowd that went just wide of the right post. Another chance arrived for the visitors in the final minute, but Perez was unable to produce a finish to match his surging run forward from midfield. One final chance went astray after a penalty appeal moments after, but Orange County held on to earn victory in the first of the two meetings between the clubs.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Ugo Okoli, Orange County SC – Okoli scored twice on three shots, had one key pass and completed 14 of 18 passes overall while completing 2 of 3 dribbles to lead his side to an important home victory.