Soccer: Blues share second place with historic win

IRVINE — Striker Christofer Ramirez scored the game-winning goal in the 90th minute, lifting the Orange County Blues FC to a 2-1 win against the LA Galaxy II at UC Irvine on Saturday night, marking the Blues’ first triumph against their rivals in United Soccer League history.

Ramirez’s team-best eighth goal of the season moved Orange County (13-9-3) into a three-way tie for second place in the Western Conference with the Galaxy (13-10-3) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (13-9-3). The three clubs have 42 points each, one back of the first-place OKC Energy FC (12-6-7).

Three regular-season matches remain for the Blues. They’re on the road next week, starting at the Seattle Sounders FC 2 (12-11-3, 39 points) on Friday, followed up with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (8-12-5, 29 points) on Sunday.

Orange County closes out the regular season at home against the Sacramento Republic FC (11-8-5, 38 points) on Sept. 16. Seattle sits in fifth place in the Western Conference and Sacramento is in sixth. Only the top six teams in the conference qualify for the postseason. The Energy have already clinched a playoff spot.

The Galaxy II struck first at Orange County, scoring on striker Ariel Lassiter’s penalty kick in the 13th minute. Jack McBean, a former Corona del Mar High standout, drew the penalty, as Luka Petricevic tripped him up in the box.

The Blues evened things up 20 minutes later. Brenton Griffiths found the back of net with his head. Christopher Santana had the assist, giving him five for the season to lead Orange County.

David Estrada assisted on Ramirez’s game-winner.

— From staff reports