IRVINE, CA (May 6, 2017) – Orange County SC opened up their brand new stadium at Orange County Great Park. They defeated local rival LA Galaxy II 4-0 off a first half brace from winger Jerry van Ewijik.
Orange County SC Blow Out LA Galaxy II In Stadium Opening 4-0
Orange County were the better side from the get go. It was virtual one way traffic in the first half with the home side getting eight shots in the first half.
It was a lucky bounce in the box that led to the fist goal. Ryo Fujii was called for a hand ball in the 28th minute when he played a cross off his foot and it deflected off his hand. Left Midfielder Jerry van Ewijik stepped up and converted from the spot in the 28th minute.
.@Jerry_no7 knocks home the PK to give @orangecountysc the 1-0 lead in the #I405Derby#OCvLA pic.twitter.com/okqM2tMmMY
— USL (@USL) May 7, 2017
Just three minutes later, Eric López was caught coming off his line to head a ball out of danger. The ball fell straight to Van Ewijik who chipped it over everyone 40 yards from goal to get a brace.
.@OrangeCountySC takes a 2-0 lead with this ?! #OCvLA #I405Derby pic.twitter.com/KJ9mw9bPQU
— USL (@USL) May 7, 2017
Orange County added a third goal on an own goal from defender Alex Juarez in the 34th minute. The half ended 3-0.
GOAL!!! ??? pic.twitter.com/a8ZpxpexlY
— Orange County SC (@orangecountysc) May 7, 2017
The two teams played a fairly even start to the second half. Los Dos pushed numbers forward, but had trouble mustering anything dangerous.
The home side pored it on in the 59th minute when substitute Wuilito Fernandes scored on a counter attack, rounding Goalkeeper López in the process. That made it 4-0.
.@OrangeCountySC running on all cylinders!
Fernandes extends the lead to 4 over @LAGalaxyII#I405Derby #OCvLA pic.twitter.com/w6Ytiy1AH7
— USL (@USL) May 7, 2017
Neither team could find a goal after that and the match ended 4-0. This is a huge result for OCSC, who opened up their new home with a win. Los Dos continue to struggle on the road. The club still only has 15 full time players on the roster. They’ll have to go back to the drawing board again to fix their defensive issues.
