Return home provides a great opportunity for three points.

IRVINE, Calif. (June 22, 2019) - Orange County’s long unbeaten streak came to an end away in Phoenix last weekend, but the club returns home this Saturday to face Portland Timbers 2.

In what is still a tightly contested Western Conference, OC has fallen to 12th place on 19 points after last weekend’s defeat. Timbers 2 currently sit in fourth on 24 points. It is almost a perfect reversal of the two sides’ positions at this time last year, but recent form for the two sides is nearly identical.

OCSC have earned five points in their last four matches, scoring five goals in the process. While the team was unable to find the back of the net against Phoenix, both Patrick McLain and Aodhan Quinn mentioned that the match against Portland would be a fresh start and the team would be determined to make up for the dropped points.

Portland has won one of their last four matches despite scoring seven goals in that time. Last weekend the side rescued a point at home against Fresno FC from a 92nd minute penalty conversion. But the side has not performed particularly well when not at home, last notching an away victory against bottom dwellers Tacoma Defiance on May 12.

Michael Seaton and Joe Amico were notable losses in Phoenix, but they have served their suspensions and are now available for the test against the Rose City side. Japanese midfielder Koji Hashimoto made an appearance off the bench, providing another creative outlet for Orange County. Creativity and a strong attack will be crucial to beat out Timbers 2 and climb back up the table.