Loudoun vs OK Blues: Can OK Blues clinch a playoff spot?
Loudoun United FC
Orange County SC
In the early hours of Friday, July 4, the USL regular season will feature a showdown between Loudoun and OK Blues. The match kicks off at 1:00 a.m. Central European Time, and I've got a betting tip lined up for this battle.
Loudoun vs OK Blues: Key facts and head-to-head
- Loudoun have lost two of their last three matches.
- OK Blues are riding a two-game winning streak, keeping clean sheets in both.
- OK Blues have scored in five consecutive matches.
- Loudoun have failed to keep a clean sheet in nine straight fixtures.
- Loudoun boast the third-best attack in the Eastern Conference and the third-best in the entire USL with 24 goals scored.
- OK Blues have won to nil in only 8% of their games this season, while Loudoun have done so in 12%.
- 38% of OK Blues' games this season ended in defeat without scoring, compared to 18% for Loudoun.
- The teams have met four times: both Loudoun and OK Blues have won twice each.
Loudoun vs OK Blues: Match preview
Loudoun represent the USL’s Eastern Conference and are currently among the league leaders. After 14 rounds, they’ve collected 25 points to sit in third place. However, Loudoun have lost twice in their last three outings. The team bounced back in their most recent match, claiming a USL Cup victory on penalties. In league play, Loudoun possess the third most potent attack not just in their conference but across the USL—24 goals scored.
OK Blues compete in the Western Conference and are fighting for a playoff berth. After 12 matches, they have 16 points and sit ninth in the standings. They trail eighth place by just one point and seventh by two. OK Blues’ form has been inconsistent: three wins and three losses in their last six games. However, they have one or two games in hand over their direct rivals, so their playoff hopes are very much alive.
Probable lineups
- Loudoun: Zamudio, Lillard, Hope-Gund, Green, Guediri, Sargis, Gamble, Ku-DiPietro, Downs, Smith, Liadi
Prediction
Loudoun and OK Blues have both shown inconsistency of late, but in my view, the hosts have the edge—they’ve lost just once in their last ten home matches. My pick: Loudoun to win at odds of 1.7.
