Orange County SC and El Paso battle to a draw in season opener at Great Park

Cameron “Cammy” Palmer (left) an 18- year-old striker on loan from the Rangers FC, showed a solid effort Friday night. (Photo courtesy Orange County SC)

The El Paso Locomotive and Orange County SC battled to a 0-0 draw at the Orange County Great Park Championship Stadium Friday night to start the 2020 season. It was a game full of chances for both sides and a game full of saves for both goalkeepers.

Aaron Cervantes earned the start and quickly showed why as he denied Marios Lomis’s curling effort in the 22^nd minute.

A little over 10 minutes later, Logan Ketterer made his first saves, denying left back Kevin Alston’s low shot and Thomas Enevoldsen’s rebound. The attempts started what would prove to be a long period of dominance for the hosts after a tense start to the game.

Just before the half, Ketterer again denied Enevoldsen, and the teams went into the dressing rooms even at the half.

Cervantes again showed his prowess in goal just after the restart, making a pair of saves to keep the game scoreless. Alston aided in the defense moments later, recovering well to stave off an El Paso counterattack.

The final 15 minutes were largely quiet except for one massive opportunity for OC. Aodhan Quinn played in his midfield partner Seth Casiple, who was denied by Ketterer, who made his fifth save of the night.

El Paso had a late chance in the Orange County box, but the visitors were unable to put a shot on target. Head referee Daniel Radchuk blew for full time just moments later after Orange County’s final attack was stifled.

“I felt that we did well tonight, especially fitness wise. The guys worked hard during the preseason,” said Coach Braeden Cloutier. “When we get Darwin Jones back, we can put him and Ugo [Okoli] up top and use their pace with Thomas right behind them to open teams up.”

Despite OC not finding the back of the net, Seth Casiple was proud of how the team played, saying “we pulled guys out of position and I was able to play in Danny [Crisostomo] and Thomas [Enevoldsen]. We still have a little bit to do and we just have to execute.”

-Courtesy OC Soccer Club