Recap by George Diamond

Despite a closely contested and scoreless first half, the Ocean City Nor’easters (9-1-0) sprung to life in the second, scoring four goals en route to a 4-0 shutout victory against Philadelphia Lone Star FC. The win extended Ocean City's five-year road unbeaten streak to 26 games in USL League Two play.

The road unbeaten streak is the longest current streak in the league, and the club is currently in the process of confirming if it is the longest streak in the history of the league. The last road loss suffered by the Nor'easters was June 15, 2019 at Reading United AC.

The Nor'easters, who clinched a third straight Mid-Atlantic Division title last weekend, eliminated Philadelphia (3-6-1) from playoff contention with Wednesday night's result.

Head coach Matt Perrella made two personnel adjustments to the starting eleven. Rocco Haeufgloeckner (Temple / Kirchzell,Germany) made his second start of the season at right back and winger Colin Veltri (Elon/ May’s Landing, NJ) returned to the starting unit on the right.

Defensive stalwarts Josh Jones (Louisville / Hatfield, PA), Agustin Resch (Seton Hall / Arata, Argentina) and Kaelan Debbage (Spring Arbor Univ. / Queensland, Australia) all retained their spots on the backline, albeit with Debbage sliding over to left back.

Ahead of the unchanged midfield of Maruki Kawahara (Nebraska-Omaha / Tochigi, Japan), Theo Da Silva (Univ. of Rio Grande / São Paulo, Brazil) and Arthur Widiez (Florida Atlantic / Ézé, France) - forward Jalen Anderson (South Florida / Hampden, CT) remained at left wing with Andrew Kitch (North Carolina / Medford,NJ) drawing his third start in a row up top.

The opening 45 minutes were scoreless but both teams had a few good chances.

Despite some well worked attacks, the Storm were unable to generate more than a few shots on goal. Veltri came closest with his effort hitting the post following a cross by Andrew Kitch.

Philadelphia looked threatening on the break, they were content to sit back and absorb the Nor’easters' attacks before launching quick counters.

Lone Star was forced into a substitution in the 39th minute. After being called on to claim crosses and even coming off his line to put in a tackle, starting goalkeeper Goodwill Agbaadem picked up an injury and was unable to continue with substitute Flannan Riley coming on in relief.

Near the end of the half, a Lone Star counter almost saw the home side open the scoring but Marc Bonnaire (West Virginia / Warrenton, VA) was equal to the task, saving the shot.

After the halftime break, the Nor’easters came out hot. Resch opened the scoring with a header off a Debbage corner in the 63rd minute. Then the pair combined again two minutes later, this time Resch converting on a Debbage long-throw.

The brace moved Resch up to five goals on the season, breaking the club's single season record for goals by a defender, previously held by Ken Tribbett (2013), John Fletcher (2010) and equaled this year by Real Salt Lake draft pick Josh Jones (2024) with four.

Debbage’s double assist performance was his second of the year, his first came back in the June 15 matchup with Philadelphia. The haul improves his total to a team leading six assists.

In the 79th minute, Da Silva scored his third goal of the season.

Jalen Anderson received the ball in the opponent’s territory. His ball to Da Silva played the Brazilian through on goal and he finished past the onrushing goalkeeper.

In the 88th minute, OC found the dagger. Eddie Gordon (Union Omaha / Omaha, NE), who made his Ocean City debut coming off the bench at halftime, played Sam Scott (UCLA / Frisco,TX) in on net and Scott slotted it past the keeper. It was Gordon’s first assist and Scott’s first goal for the club.

Soon after, the referee sounded the final whistle, sealing the result for the Nor’easters.

Nor'easters goalkeeper Marc Bonnaire improved his season record to 5-0-0 and earned his third shutout of the year. His goals against average now dips to 0.40.

The result mathematically eliminated fifth place Philadelphia from playoff contention. Whoever finishes the season in second place in the Mid-Atlantic Division will qualify to the play-in round of the USL-2 postseason. Only West Chester and Reading remain in contention. 

West Chester United holds 2nd on 20 points with just one game left to play (on the road against Ocean City on July 13). Third place Reading United (14 points) has three games left to play, but needs to win at least two of those. 

Ocean City will return to action this weekend at the Beach House against Reading United. The 59th all-time meeting in the oldest active rivalry in the United Soccer Leagues kicks off at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.

Single-game tickets for Nor'easters home games can be purchased for $10 each. The easiest way to purchase tickets is to buy them online through the Nor'easters website (OceanCityFC.com). Tickets can also be purchased at the Carey Stadium gate either with cash or with a smartphone.