By Tristan Bonetto – LA Soccer Press
Patrick Rakovsky – B-: Rakovsky played well and came up with a stop late in the match to help OCSC win. Rakovsky had bad luck on the goal Rising FC scored to tie the match at 1-1 as a deflection off Skendi left J.J. Williams alone in the box to convert it.
Michael Orozco – B+: The captain brought energy to the backline on a night where he became OCSC’s team leader in appearances, starts, and minutes played for the club. Orozco finished the match with a passing accuracy of 86.2 percent, a clearance, and an interception.
Albi Skendi – B: Skendi finished the match with a passing accuracy of 87 percent, two clearances, and two interceptions. If it weren’t for the deflection off his foot that led to J.J. Williams equalizing the game for Rising FC, his grade would be higher. Skendi also received a yellow card for a foul on J.J Williams in the ninth minute.
Brent Richards – B+: Richards had a strong performance playing in his natural right back position. Richards finished with a passing accuracy of 76.7 percent, a chance created, a tackle, a clearance, two blocked shots, and four interceptions.
Alex Villanueva – A-: Villanueva played very well in his natural left-back position. His link-up play on the left wing between Seth Casiple and Milan Iloski was outstanding. He finished the match with a passing accuracy of 91.1 percent, three tackles, two chances created, two clearances, and an interception.
Ian Hoffman – B-: Hoffman played well on the right wing but couldn’t find the back of the net. He had a chance to score early in the first half but wasn’t clinical enough with his shot. Hoffman finished with a passing accuracy of 79.4 percent, one chance created, and an interception. Hoffman was substituted off the pitch for Brian Iloski in the 87th minute.
Seth Casiple – A: Casiple had a stellar performance in midfield for OCSC. His link-up play was unmatched, and he provided the assist on Iloski’s first goal. Casiple finished with a passing accuracy of 82 percent, four chances created, and one clearance. Casiple was substituted off the pitch for Ahmed Longmire in the 87th minute.
Kevin Partida – A-: Partida was a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the pitch, winning duels to regain possession from Rising FC players. Partida finished with a passing accuracy of 86.5 percent, five tackles, one clearance, one blocked shot, and an interception. Partida was substituted off the pitch for Kyle Scott in the 71st minute.
Dillon Powers – A: Powers turned heads with his incredible performance in midfield, providing the fantastic assist that led to the winning goal for OCSC. He had great vision to find Iloski with the chip pass over the Rising FC defense. Powers finished with a passing accuracy of 88.4 percent, two chances created, one tackle, and an interception. Powers was substituted off the pitch for Tommy McCabe in the 81st minute.
Milan Iloski – A+: Iloski scored the brace that helped OCSC outlast Rising FC at home. His first goal was a beautiful showing of individual brilliance as he left two Rising FC defenders defenseless and speechless. His second goal showed precise control as he brought down the ball with his chest, turned around, and converted the half volley to make it 2-1. He finished the match with a passing accuracy of 75 percent.
Erick “Cubo” Torres – B: Torres had a good chance early in the first half to open the scoring, but his header rattled the post and went out. Torres finished with a passing accuracy of 82.6 percent and was substituted off the pitch for Sean “Ugo” Okoli in the 81st minute.
Substitutes:
Kyle Scott – C+: The 24-year-old midfielder made his debut for OCSC on Friday night and finished the match with a passing accuracy of 83.3 percent, a tackle, a clearance, and an interception. Scott was substituted on the pitch for Kevin Partida in the 71st minute. Scott received a yellow card in the 88th minute for a foul on Rising FC midfielder Arturo Rodriguez.
Sean “Ugo” Okoli – N/A: Okoli was substituted on the pitch for Erick “Cubo” Torres in the 81st minute, and he only had a couple of touches. Okoli received a yellow card in the 90th minute for time wasting. He did not play enough minutes to receive a grade.
Tommy McCabe – N/A: McCabe was substituted on the pitch for Dillon Powers in the 81st minute to help provide defensive support. He did not play enough minutes to receive a grade.
Ahmed Longmire – N/A: Longmire was substituted on the pitch for Seth Casiple in the 87th minute to help OCSC defend the lead. He did not play enough minutes to receive a grade.
Brian Iloski – N/A: Iloski was substituted on the pitch for Ian Hoffman in the 87th minute and didn’t have any significant touches. He did not play enough minutes to receive a grade.
Bonetto is a student at CSU Long Beach. He covers Orange County Soccer Club for LA Soccer Press. Follow him at @tristanbonetto on Twitter.
