Weekend Recap: Playoffs State of Mind

Composed by OCFC Writing Staff

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Oakland County Football Club concluded their weekend with one win and one loss. The results pushed them up to third in their division and officially putting them “in the hunt” for playoff positions. Friday night’s match resulted in a 3-2 home win for County, made possible by a spectacular performance by Diversified Members Credit Union ‘Man of the Match’, Kevin Buca. Sunday’s match at Cincinnati Kings Hammer ended in a 3-2 loss, however. The final score did not capture the hard-fought efforts of the boys in purple. Oakland County returns to Clawson Stadium this Saturday, June 26 at 7 PM for an exhibition match, against Juniors FC.

Friday’s match was a complete performance by Oakland County, who took control of the game early and never looked back. County and Dayton didn’t waste any time Friday night, as Dayton came out firing with two shots in the first five minutes. Both shots ending in Eric Cotton highlight-reel-worthy saves. In the 7th minute, Oakland County created their own opportunity off a corner, when Jaylen Shannon connected with a thunderous header into the back of the net to open up the scoring. 

Yesterday was a good day ? #BleedPurple pic.twitter.com/p106KqtY2h

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) June 19, 2021

Following the goal, Oakland County continued to maintain ball control and apply pressure on Dayton’s defense. Through these efforts, Kevin Buca emerged as a leader on the stat sheet with four shots first half shots and relentlessly keeping the ball in Dayton’s half of the field.

The second half began with each team adapting to the opposition’s half-time adjustments creating a brief standstill. Opportunities began to arise in minute 60’, as a momentum shift ensued when County applied heavy pressure to the Dayton defense. The work to apply the pressure paid off just after the hour mark. OCFC debutant Alex Steinwascher forced a Dayton turnover and was sprung for a breakaway by a brilliant Kevin Buca through ball flick. Oakland County forward Steinwascher effectively doubled their lead after finishing the counter attack with a slick move around the visitors goalkeeper.

A look back at yesterday’s ⚽️⚽️⚽️ tallies. #BleedPurple pic.twitter.com/FBwibCURY3

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) June 19, 2021

Despite the 2-0 deficit, Dayton’s unwavering effort became evident when they found the back of the net in the 70th minute. After Dayton cut the lead, Oakland County moved up a gear and pushed the through the visitors defense. The game was effectively won thanks to a goal by Kevin Buca in the 79th minute. A much deserved reward for the midfielders performance. The guests would score in extra time to make the final moments nervy, but Friday night ended in a vital 3-2 Oakland County win.

Following Friday’s win, Oakland County found themselves on the road against Cincinnati Kings Hammer. The hosts came into the game in second in the division, with 15 points compared to Oakland County’s 14 points. County was not intimidated by the highly touted host, playing with physicality and speed. Right out of the gate the boys in purple found themselves with a goal in the tenth minute. Kevin Buca scoring his second goal in the last two games. The next 20 minutes were filled with key saves by Eric Cotton and two scoring chances before a hydration break broke the action. However, in minute 42’, Oakland County conceded their first goal of the evening, making a 1-1 halftime score.

Coming out of the locker room the boys in purple made a change in net as Max Loria took over for Eric Cotton. Similar to the first half, Oakland County started with speed and created a scoring opportunity in the first three minutes of play. Unfortunately, Kings Hammer followed this up with a goal through a cluster in front Oakland County’s net. The goal heightened the tension of the game as both teams traded scoring opportunities, only to be combated by defensive stands throughout the next twenty minutes. By minute 74’ Kings Hammer scored yet again, unfortunately, solidifying a 3-1 lead. With their backs against the wall, the boys in purple found their fifth goal this season coming beyond the 80’ minute mark, when DJ Hooks kicked a rocket into the top corner of the net creating a 3-2 final score.

FINAL | A late goal from Hooks just isn’t enough as we drop a close one here from Xavier. A tough loss, but we move on. #BleedPurple pic.twitter.com/MnCI5mAeU4

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) June 20, 2021

Oakland County returns home for an exhibition against Juniors FC Clawson Field, Saturday June 26, at 7 PM. 

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