Milan Iloski Equalizes at the Death, OCSC Steals a Point in Pittsburgh
September 25, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC got a 90th minute equalizer from Golden Boot race leader Milan Iloski, in a 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, September 24.
Things got off to a rocky start for the Orange and Black. In the fourth minute, goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky came off his line to play a ball outside of the box, but was beaten to the ball by Pittsburgh forward Albert Dikwe. Dikwe rounded Rakovksy for an easy finish, and the Riverhounds led 1-0.
After conceding the initial goal, OCSC sustained periods of pressure in their offensive third. Midfielder Tony Rocha had the best chance in the 19th minute, but he saw his rebound effort blocked near the goal line by defender Shane Wiedt.
To close out the first half, OCSC had shouts for a penalty after Milan Iloski was taken down in the box, but play was waived on by the referee. Minutes later in first half stoppage time, Rakovsky kept Riverhounds midfielder Russell Cicerone off the board with a diving save to his right.
Once the team returned from the halftime team talk, Richard Chaplow’s men looked to build on that momentum from the first half. In the 50th minute, it appeared that OCSC earned an opportunity to do so when Iloski was again taken down in the box. However, play was once again waived on.
In the 70th minute, momentum began to shift back in favor of the home side. However, Rakovsky stood tall again, denying a shot from Pittsburgh midfielder Robbie Mertz.
When all hope seemed lost, Orange County’s magic man delivered once again. In the 90th minute, midfielder Tony Rocha played a ball over the top of the Riverhounds defense that was collected by forward Erick “Cubo” Torres in the corner of the 18-yard-box. Torres turned back towards the middle, saw the darting run of Iloski and played a cross into Iloski that was on a silver platter for him to tap home from in close. This rescued a point for OCSC and tied the game, 1-1.
Following two games on the road, Orange County SC will return home to the friendly confines of Championship Soccer Stadium for their final home game of the season on October 1, when they host San Diego Loyal SC. Tickets can be purchased here.
MILESTONES AND FACTS:
Today marks the first professional start and USL Championship appearance for 17-year-old center back, Ashton Miles.
New signing, forward Bryce Jamison made his professional debut with an appearance as a substitute in the 84th minute.
Forward Milan Iloski extended his Golden Boot race lead with a goal in the 90th minute. His 21st goal is a new single-season club record.
TEAM FIRST HALF SECOND HALF FULL TIME
OCSC 0 1 1
PIT 1 0 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
4′ Albert Dikwa (PIT)
90′ Milan Iloski (OCSC)
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ORANGE COUNTY SC
64′ Ashton Miles
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC
57′ Daniel Griffin
73′ Mekeil Williams
85′ Robbie Mertz
ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP:
Patrick Rakovsky (GK); Seth Casiple, Ashton Miles (Cubo Torres 70′), Brent Richards, Alex Villanueva; Dillon Powers (C), Tony Rocha, Kevin Partida, Brian Iloski (Bryce Jamison 86′); Ugo Okoli (Nico Ruiz 81′), Milan Iloski
Unused subs: Colin Shutler (GK), Solomon Hwang, Mikko Kuningas
Head Coach: Richard Chaplow
Possession: 46% | Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corners: 3 | Fouls: 14 | Offsides: 1 |
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC LINEUP:
Jahmali Waite (GK); Shane Wiedt, Arturo Ordonez, Mekeil Williams, Alex Dixon (Mark Ybarra 80′); Kenardo Forbes (C), Robbie Mertz (Dane Kelly 90′), Daniel Griffin, Dani Rovira (Toby Simms 80′) (Luis Argudo 90′), Russell Cicerone (Angelo Kelly-Rosales 80′); Albert Dikwa
Unused subs: Kevin Silva (GK); Edward Kizza
Head Coach: Bob Lilley
Possession: 54% | Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corners: 2 | Fouls: 13 | Offsides: 1 |
Orange County SC @ Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
2022 USL Championship | Matchday 31
Date: September 24, 2022
Venue: Highmark Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA)
Weather: Clear skies and a happy flight home
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