IRVINE, Calif. – Milan Iloski scored the only goal as No. 2 seed Orange County SC took a 1-0 victory against No. 7 seed El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday night before a sellout crowd at Championship Soccer Stadium to advance in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs.

Orange County almost took an early lead when Ryan Doghman latched onto a ball over the top but saw his effort cleared off the line by El Paso defender Erik McCue after goalkeeper Benny Diaz was stranded outside his penalty area, but the hosts took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Iloski fired a free kick from 20 yards low into the bottom-right corner.

The hosts continued to threaten in the second half and Diaz pulled off a miraculous save to keep it a one-goal game on a good header by United States U-17 international Bryce Jamison. El Paso was unable to find an answer in the attacking third, however, as the visitors ended the game without a shot on target to see their season come to an end while OCSC moved on.

Three Things That Mattered

1. Apparently, it makes no difference to Milan Iloski whether it’s the regular season or playoffs for Orange County SC – he’s going to find a way to find the back of the net. The 2022 Golden Boot winner’s first postseason game saw him catch out El Paso Locomotive FC goalkeeper Benny Diaz in first-half stoppage time with a smartly taken free kick for his 17th goal of the campaign, and that proved enough to send the side on. If you want an omen as an OCSC fan, Ronaldo Damus’ first goal of the 2021 postseason also came in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. Make of that what you will.  

2. While Iloski provided the goal, Orange County’s win was built around an impressive midfield display that saw the hosts hold more possession and limit El Paso’s opportunities to try and build a passing rhythm of their own. Only 22.6 percent of the game was played in OCSC’s defensive third of the field according to Opta as Kyle Scott dominated proceedings with 14 duels won while being backed by Thomas Amang, who held up play well as the central striker and won 10 of 16 duels in his performance. Orange County will be very happy with its overall management of the game as it looks forward to another home date next weekend.

3. Locomotive FC has a fair gripe over the circumstances of Orange County SC’s goal – it certainly looked like Chapa Herrera got fouled moments before the free kick that led to Iloski’s finish was awarded – but realistically Locomotive FC didn’t offer nearly enough in the attacking third to say they were hard done by overall. Finishing with only four shots, none of which forced a save from OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler, saw the season end on a down note for El Paso after the many ups and downs this overall campaign delivered.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Game

Kyle Scott, Orange County SC – Scott played an impressive part in the center of the park, recording three chances created and completing 58 of 68 passes overall while winning 3 of 4 tackles and 14 of 24 ground duels.

Scoring Summary
OC – Milan Iloski 45+1’

Full Box Score

Make Your Player Ratings