RENO, NV (October 13, 2018) - Orange County SC ends their record-breaking regular season with a 3-1 loss to Reno 1868 FC at Greater Nevada Field. But, despite the result, OC become the USL’s 2018 Western Conference regular season champions. They secure home-field advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs with Phoenix Rising FC loss to T2 in Arizona on Saturday night.

The hosts opened the scoring at the quarter-hour mark when defender Brenton Griffiths headed the ball past OC goalkeeper Andre Rawls off of a corner kick. The two sides would each have chances, but the score remained 1-0 as the match approached halftime. RIght before the break, forward Antoine Hoppenot doubled Reno’s lead.

Desperate for a score, Orange County SC got a response from their go-to goal scorer. Forward Thomas Enevoldsen scored his 20th goal of the season, set up by midfielder Aodhan Quinn. The Danish striker beat Matt Bersano with a far-post shot from just outside the area.

Unfortunately, Hoppenot would strike again and seal the game for 1868 FC in the 63rd minute. Possession ended virtually 50-50 and each club had 18 shots, Reno with an edge of shots on goal, 6-4.

Orange County SC will have to wait until Sunday to find out who their first round opponent will be after the Swope Park Rangers and LA Galaxy II match. Depending on that result, OC could host Saint Louis FC, but more likely to be either San Antonio FC or Swope Park at Championship Soccer Stadium in the first round of the USL Cup playoffs.

Stat Highlights:

Enevoldsen finishes second in the USL’s Golden Boot with 20 goals, five behind Louisville City FC’s Cameron Lancaster.

Quinn’s 14th assist of the season puts him second in the league. He currently moves to first in the USL with 103 chances created.

In his final USL regular season match, midfielder Richard Chaplow connected on 86% of his 58 passes.

Orange County SC end the 2018 regular season with new club records in wins and points.