IRVINE, Calif. – Both Orange County SC and the Tacoma Defiance had chances but neither was able to break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw at Championship Soccer Stadium on Tuesday night that saw Orange County extend its undefeated streak to seven games.

The hosts took the initiative early and Eric Calvillo curled a shot wide of the right post in the sixth minute. The first big chance of the game arrived six minutes later as Orange County center back Kobi Henry floated a good ball over the Tacoma back line for Eero Markkanen, who controlled and moved into the right side of the penalty area but shot just wide of the left post.

Tacoma’s first good look at goal came in a similar fashion as Taylor Mueller played a ball forward for Sam Adeniran that the forward cut back onto his left foot at the top-right edge of the penalty area only to shoot over the top-left corner of the net, and the sides went to the break level.

The Defiance had the first notable chance after halftime as Issa Rayyan wove past one defender and then slipped a pass to Ray Serrano in the right side of the penalty area for a shot that went narrowly wide of the far post in the 51st minute. A few minutes later Orange County’s Mikko Kuningas sent a volley wide after being picked out by Markkanen with a cross from the left.

Both Calvillo and Brian Iloski went close as well for the hosts just before the hour-mark, with Calvillo curling a shot just wide of the right post from the top of the area before Iloski had a low drive saved by Tacoma goalkeeper Andy Thomas. Iloski then set up a good chance for Markkanen four minutes later as he shrugged a Tacoma player off the ball and flicked a cross into the left side of the penalty area for a volleyed finish, only for Mueller to cover well and block the effort to safety.

The visitors almost grabbed a late lead with seven minutes to go as Danny Robles controlled a knock down by Alec Diaz 25 yards from goal and with his second touch sent a looping finish toward the net that Orange County’s Abraham Romero had to tip over the crossbar. Diaz then went close from the ensuing corner but was unable to steer his header on target as it slid wide of the right post.

OCSC’s Brent Richard had a late chance for the hosts with a minute to go, but his low shot was comfortably saved by Thomas. The late efforts by the hosts to grab all three points went astray, though, as the game ended scoreless.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Kobi Henry, Orange County SC – Henry had a strong defensive performance, winning 6 of 8 duels and winning 3 of 4 tackles while making 11 recoveries and completing 79 of 95 passes as his side earned a point.

Scoring Summary
None

Full Box Score