Match Preview: Monterey Bay FC Travels to Face Orange County SC
IRVINE, California (Friday, October 2, 2026) – Monterey Bay FC travels south this Saturday, October 3, for a USL Championship Western Conference matchup against Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT as the Crisp-and-Kelp look to earn a valuable result on the road during the final weeks of the regular season.
Monterey Bay enters the contest following a 3-2 defeat to Lexington SC at Cardinale Stadium. The Crisp-and-Kelp will look to put that result behind them and respond with a strong performance away from home as they continue through the final stretch of the campaign.
Orange County SC returns to Championship Soccer Stadium after earning a 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in its most recent contest. Yaniv Bazini scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute, while Orange County recorded a clean sheet to secure three important points. The result moved OCSC into fifth place in the Western Conference and provided momentum heading into Saturday’s matchup.
Saturday’s contest presents another important challenge for Monterey Bay against a Western Conference opponent competing for playoff positioning. The Crisp-and-Kelp will look to remain organized defensively, create opportunities in attack and take advantage of their chances against an Orange County side that will be looking to build on its recent home victory.
With the regular season entering its final weeks, every point carries added importance. Monterey Bay will look to produce a disciplined performance on the road and earn a positive result at Championship Soccer Stadium.
Head-to-Head
Saturday’s contest marks the second meeting between Monterey Bay FC and Orange County SC during the 2026 USL Championship season. The two sides first met on July 25 at Cardinale Stadium, with Orange County earning a 2-1 victory.
Monterey Bay will now travel to Irvine looking to respond in the rematch and even the season series against Orange County SC.
