Israeli Coach Dekel Keinan Secures First Win in USL Championship

Israeli coach Dekel Keinan achieved his first victory with Orange County in the USL Championship, the second-tier league in the United States. The team defeated Pittsburgh 1-0 thanks to a dramatic 90th-minute goal by fellow Israeli, 27-year-old forward Yaniv Bazi.

Bazi, who previously played for Hapoel Rishon LeZion and has spent recent years in the U.S., capitalized on a defensive error in the 90th minute. He controlled a long ball cleared poorly by the Pittsburgh defense and struck a volley from the right side of the penalty area over the opposing goalkeeper into the net.

This win marked Orange County's first victory since early August, ending a 27-game winless streak. The team currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference of the USL with an 11-11-5 record, which currently secures them a playoff spot.

In related news, former Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Josh Cohen made a rare start for Chicago Fire in MLS. He was called upon due to the absence of the first-choice goalkeeper, Chris Brady, who was on international duty with the U.S. national team. Cohen made two saves in Chicago's 1-0 shutout victory over Charlotte. Israeli players Liel Abada and Idan Toklomati were not involved in the match.