Match Recap: Wednesday. Wet. Win.

Composed by OCFC Writing Staff

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Oakland County Football Club emerged victorious over Kalamazoo FC in a 3-2 thriller on Wednesday night. County conquered the previously undefeated visitors with an outstanding team performance and goals from Tony Rizzo, Kevin Buca, and Mike Melaragni. The ‘Purple Gang’overcame two deficits, the absence of their leading scorer, and difficult weather conditions en route to the win. Following Wednesday night’s result, OCFC now has a record of 2-1-2. County will return to Clawson City Park Stadium, on Saturday, June 5, at 7pm to take on Grand Rapids FC.

UNBEATEN NO MORE!!!!

We look to make it streak Saturday, June 5th, 7:00 PM vs. @grandrapidsfc. #BleedPurple pic.twitter.com/B5vohlc9uz

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) June 3, 2021

Oakland County entered Wednesday night’s match ranked fifth in their conference, needing to keep pace with the table-topping visitors. From the opening kick to minute ‘20, both teams adjusted to the weather, trading the ball back and forth as Oakland accumulated just one shot and four corner kicks. This early stalemate was then turned on its head by three goals in five minutes, and another moments before halftime.

The first strike of the game came in the 27th minute, when Cyrus Harmon, Kalamazoo’s leading scorer, found the back of the net. Three minutes later, Tony Rizzo responded for OCFC with a goal of his own, tying the game at 1-1. The goal storm continued moments later, when KZFC’s Daire O’Riordan, scored in the 32nd minute, to regain the lead. Parity was restored once again before halftime, when OCFC’s Kevin Buca thundered a shot past the visiting keeper, in the 41st minute.

The second half began with the teams tied at two apiece, until Mike Melaragni scored in the 52nd minute, to take the lead. The goal was a spectacular moment for fans and players alike, as the striker was able to tuck home a brilliant low cross sent in by “Man of the Match”, Tony Rizzo. Melaragni celebrated his first OCFC goal of the season with an enthusiastic belly slide into the corner of the soaked field. 

Tonight’s @DMCreditUnion Man of the Match, @tonyrizzoo!

Beautiful goal and assist to lead our pace to three bins on our home turf.#BleedPurple pic.twitter.com/rc2ufjFSFZ

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) June 3, 2021

As the second half progressed, the stalemate returned. Both teams traded the ball back and forth and exchanged chances for much of the period. Around the 85th minute, Kalamazoo FC began to pile on immense pressure on County’s back line and penalty area. In the final moments of the match, County keeper Max Louria, in his first start for the club, made the save of the game, when he tipped over a headed chance from close range. After the game, Loria said it felt good to “win a close one,” crediting the team for an outstanding defensive effort in the games final 30 minutes.

County will return to Clawson City Park Stadium, on Saturday, June 5, at 7 PM to take on Grand Rapids FC. Tickets to the match can be purchased here.

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