Match Recap: Tough loss, but a step in the right direction

Composed by OCFC Writing Staff

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Oakland County Football Club fell to the Flint City Bucks in a season-changing 4-1 bout at Clawson Field Sunday evening. While the result wasn’t ideal for County, the season’s largest crowd created a great setting for Oakland County’s final home match. County hopes to rebound from the loss, this Wednesday, in a must win match at Grand Rapids FC, at 7 PM.

Despite the result, yesterday’s match will be one to remember. Thanks to the 550+ that came out to spend your 4th of July with us! ??

? | @renalaverty #BleedPurple | #ForTheCounty pic.twitter.com/zQENeIN5eG

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) July 5, 2021

OCFC attacked early Sunday through quick breaks behind the visitors back line. In the fourth minute, County struck first with a breakaway goal by August Hunter. The early goal was a fantastic moment of celebration for both the striker and the supporters. 

County kept up the early pressure and created two more golden chances. The first chance was put just inches wide by Tony Rizzo, and the second from outstanding Alex Dalou, was spectacularly saved by the visiting goalkeeper. 

A look at the Starting XI! #BleedPurple | #TP7 https://t.co/vzyRFJOVoR pic.twitter.com/ZTmIH3rCW1

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) July 4, 2021

After the opening 15 minutes, the visitors began to produce their own opportunities. OCFC’s Max Loria produced heroic moments in net, but only held the lead until the 24th minute when Flint’s Erlandson found the back of the net. 

The game then took a turn for the worse, when goal scorer August Hunter was subbed out due to injury, following a number of heavy challenges from the visiting defenders. Flint kept up their press and scored again on a free kick from visiting Harvey Slade. Oakland County continued to push through the obstacles in their way, but an unfortunate turnover in front of the net, late in the half, led to another goal and a two goal deficit heading into the half.

The second half was filled with personnel adjustments, resulting in a stand-still as both teams felt each other out. As momentum came to a halt, both teams made more substitutions in an attempt to get a spark off the bench. In the 57th minute, Flint would score the closing goal to bring a three-score deficit. 

Despite the odds stacked against the boys in purple, they continued to put forth a fight. Most notably, Alex Dalou, who continued to hustle for every loose ball in an effort to make plays. 

Man of the match Louis Sala added to the OCFC energy when he created his own breakaway opportunity late in the game. Although County endured a tough loss, Oakland County FC will look to finish the season strong, by rallying off a few upsets on the road against in-state rivals, Grand Rapids FC and the Flint City Bucks.

Tonight’s @DMCreditUnion Man of the Match, @louis2sala! ?

An all around solid performance from the winger in a tough match for both sides. #BleedPurple pic.twitter.com/GKCxDSe77k

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) July 5, 2021

Following Sunday’s match, the boys in purple now hold a record of five wins, three draws, and four losses totaling 18 points on the season. Oakland County’s loss now puts them two games behind the Flint City Bucks, and creates a must-win scenario for the next two games to stay in playoff contention. In addition to Oakland County winning out, they need Toledo to beat or tie the Flint City Bucks or Fort Wayne and Dayton to beat Cincinnati.

With the 2021 home schedule finished, we’d like to thank all of our supporters and sponsors for a successful season, despite all the odds. We had our moments of highs and lows, but one thing is for certain, the community was rocking this season and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store for the future.