WASHINGTON TERRACE -- The red-hot Outlaws continue to roll.
Riding a pair of first-half goals, Ogden knocked off Orange County 2-0 in Premier Development League action on Saturday evening at Bonneville High School.
"We've been doing a better job of communicating in the back," Ogden goalkeeper K.C. John said. "Communication has been the biggest improvement we've made during the season. The first couple of matches we were still learning to play with each other, but now we're coming together."
John had a stellar second half, making five critical saves in the final half hour of the match, as the Outlaws struggled to possess the ball and the Blue Star came forward in waves.
"K.C. was just huge in the goal tonight; he played fantastic," Ogden owner/head coach Mike Hickman Sr. said. "(Orange County) outshot us, and probably had better shots than we did, and he just dug in and fought for us."
The shutout is John's second straight, and fourth of the season overall, helping Ogden to capture its third consecutive win. It's the first three-match winning streak in franchise history, moving the Outlaws to 5-3-2 overall and sole possession of third place in the Southwest Division standings.
"We just need to stay humble and keep working hard and listening to what our coaches tell us to do," John said. "There are always things we can work on or get better at."
The win also guaranteed Ogden, which is now 5-1-2 in its last eight matches, a winning record on its home pitch for the first time in team history. The Outlaws are 4-1-1 at Bonneville, with two matches remaining in their home slate.
"I honestly came remember a weekend where we just came out and played this well and got two wins and shutouts," Hickman said. "I felt like we were very organized in the back this weekend, and I give a lot of credit to Derek Boggs for that. He was very vocal and helped keep us organized."
Ogden stormed in to the lead in the 22nd minute when Jesse Kupfer valiantly battled for a second and third effort deep in the box before knocking home the go-ahead goal. Striker Daniel Burnham had the assist on the play, and then doubled up the scoreline just five minutes later when he rifled a shot that redirected a Renan Fernandes pass.
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