IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC will continue its drive to claim a second league title in three seasons as it plays host to an upset-minded Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday night Western Conference Semifinals of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs. Kickoff at Championship Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

Orange County SC (17-11-6, 57pts) – Orange County SC took its fourth consecutive victory with an impressive defensive performance that allowed Milan Iloski’s goal late in the first half to be the difference in a 1-0 win against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Iloski’s goal was his 17th of the season, giving the forward 39 league goals overall over two seasons with OCSC. The side held El Paso to only four shots, none of which were on target, and will now look to continue its impressive run of form with both midfielder Kevin Partida and forward Marc McNulty available for selection again following suspensions.

Phoenix Rising FC (12-10-12, 48pts) – Phoenix Rising FC claimed the most entertaining game of the weekend in dramatic style as Dariusz Formella’s 119th-minute goal lifted the side to a 4-3 victory against San Diego Loyal SC at Torero Stadium on Sunday night. Formella’s goal was his second of the game, while Panos Armenakas and Danny Trejo also found the net, with Trejo’s goal his 18th of the season. Rising FC will now return to the venue where they claimed their first postseason silverware, defeating Orange County 2-1 in the 2018 Western Conference Final in a game that saw Didier Drogba score the final goal of his professional career.

All-Time Series

Phoenix Rising FC holds a 13-9-9 record in the all-time league series between the clubs and went 1-0-1 in the regular season this season when the sides met. That included a 1-0 win at Championship Soccer Stadium that saw Manuel Arteaga score the only goal of the game.

Opta Says

56 – Orange County SC has scored 13 goals in the final 15 minutes of both the first and second halves, accounting for 56 percent of the club’s goals in the league this season.

47 – Danny Trejo and Manuel Arteaga have combined to record 47 goals and assists this season, with their 33 goals accounting for 56.9 percent of the club’s goals in the league campaign.

Players to Watch

Orange County SC – Kyle Scott: The central midfielder had a standout display against El Paso, winning 14 of 24 ground duels and completing 58 of 68 passes and will be aiming for another big all-around performance this time out.

Phoenix Rising FC – Danny Trejo: Rising FC’s leading goalscorer this season bagged one goal and drew a penalty kick against San Diego and will need to test OCSC’s strong back line early and often.

Discipline Report

Orange County SC – No suspensions

Phoenix Rising FC – No suspensions