IRVINE, Calif. – 2021 USL Championship title winner Orange County SC and El Paso Locomotive FC will square off in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs on Saturday night in a postseason return for both clubs after missing out a year ago. Kickoff at Championship Soccer Stadium is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

Orange County SC (17-11-6, 57pts) – Orange County overcame a slow start to the season and a coaching change to rise into second place in the Western Conference by season end as standout forward Milan Iloski and his strong supporting cast strode back into the postseason. Led by Head Coach Morten Karlsen, who took the reins in midseason, Orange County reeled off an eight-game winning streak – the longest of the season – across July and August to drive up the standings as Iloski put together his second consecutive standout campaign with 16 goals. Featuring an impressive collection of experienced campaigners – including 2021 title winner Dillon Powers at center back – OCSC is on a three-game winning streak as it enters the playoffs, but the side will be without both forward Marc McNulty and midfielder Kevin Partida due to suspension on Saturday.

El Paso Locomotive FC (13-13-8, 47pts) – Locomotive FC and new Head Coach Brian Clarhaut experienced a rollercoaster season that came good just in time to seal its return to the playoffs. The side opened with three consecutive draws, but then compiled a 13-game undefeated run that included a streak of seven consecutive victories that was only surpassed by OCSC later in the season. Another downturn in form arrived after that, however, putting El Paso’s playoff place in peril until the side won two of its last four games, including a do-or-die contest to end the season against Oakland Roots SC last Saturday night that it won 2-1.

All-Time Series

Locomotive FC leads the all-time series with a 3-1-4 record, including going 1-0-1 this season without conceding a goal.

DraftKings Odds

Orange County SC -170, El Paso Locomotive FC +360, Draw +300

Opta Says

38 – Milan Iloski has recorded 38 goals over the past two seasons, the most of any player in the USL Championship. Saturday will mark the first postseason game of Iloski’s career.

9 – El Paso scored nine goals from outside the penalty area this season, tied for the most in the league. They accounted for 24 percent of the club’s overall goal total.

Players to Watch

Orange County SC – Kyle Scott: The central midfielder recorded five assists in the regular season but with Partida’s suspension will have a crucial role to play in helping OCSC win the battle in the center of the park.

El Paso Locomotive FC – Eric Calvillo: The El Salvador international claimed the league title with Orange County two seasons ago and now will try to help upset his former club back on familiar territory.

Discipline Report

Orange County SC – Suspended: Kevin Partida, Marc McNulty

El Paso Locomotive FC – No suspensions