Fireworks came a day early this year for Republic FC fans as Mitchell Taintor provided the excitement in the closing moments of Saturday’s match to ensure Sacramento was headed home with a point.
The fixture against Loyal SC in San Diego saw the hosts take a late lead before the boys in Old Glory Red stormed back to secure a 1-1 result.
The showdown in Southern California provided plenty of positive moments to reflect on before Mark Briggs’ men turn their attention to Wednesday’s opponent – Oakland Roots SC.
Fireworks came a day early this year for Republic FC fans as Mitchell Taintor provided the excitement in the closing moments of Saturday’s match to ensure Sacramento was headed home with a point.
The fixture against Loyal SC in San Diego saw the hosts take a late lead before the boys in Old Glory Red stormed back to secure a 1-1 result.
The showdown in Southern California provided plenty of positive moments to reflect on before Mark Briggs’ men turn their attention to Wednesday’s opponent – Oakland Roots SC.
Second Half Subs Shine
Second Half Subs Shine
A trio of second half substitutes entered the match late for Republic FC and provided an unforgettable moment to steal a point on the road.
Julian Chavez, Kharlton Belmar and Mitchell Taintor all came into the contest with only a few minutes remaining and all three players left their mark in remarkable fashion.
A trio of second half substitutes entered the match late for Republic FC and provided an unforgettable moment to steal a point on the road.
Julian Chavez, Kharlton Belmar and Mitchell Taintor all came into the contest with only a few minutes remaining and all three players left their mark in remarkable fashion.
After Chavez delivered a cross-field ball to Belmar, the Grenada forward sent a well-placed ball into the box that Taintor headed home into the back of the net. The assist was Belmar’s first in 2021 after leading the team in assists a season ago and the strike was Taintor’s first returning to the Indomitable Club this offseason.
After Chavez delivered a cross-field ball to Belmar, the Grenada forward sent a well-placed ball into the box that Taintor headed home into the back of the net. The assist was Belmar’s first in 2021 after leading the team in assists a season ago and the strike was Taintor’s first returning to the Indomitable Club this offseason.
Academy Product Gets Starting Nod
Academy Product Gets Starting Nod
Midfielder Mario Penagos made his first start of the 2021 USL Championship season this Saturday night in Southern California.
Midfielder Mario Penagos made his first start of the 2021 USL Championship season this Saturday night in Southern California.
Penagos – who previously played for SRFC’s youth development academy – logged 80 minutes against Loyal SC and created one scoring chance against the Pacific Division club.
The attacking midfielder also helped to contribute on the defensive end of the pitch as well, registering one interception and gaining possession for his side five times.
Penagos – who previously played for SRFC’s youth development academy – logged 80 minutes against Loyal SC and created one scoring chance against the Pacific Division club.
The attacking midfielder also helped to contribute on the defensive end of the pitch as well, registering one interception and gaining possession for his side five times.
The former SRFC Academy players’ start was just a day after both the Republic FC U17 and U19 marched into the Semifinals of the inaugural MLS Next Cup Playoffs. This season alone, six players for the youth academy have been included in the first team 18-man gameday roster – including Jesus Sanchez being available against San Diego.
The former SRFC Academy players’ start was just a day after both the Republic FC U17 and U19 marched into the Semifinals of the inaugural MLS Next Cup Playoffs. This season alone, six players for the youth academy have been included in the first team 18-man gameday roster – including Jesus Sanchez being available against San Diego.
Defense Stands Tall
Defense Stands Tall
Whether it was the sturdy center backs or the fullbacks flying up and down the flanks, it was a solid defensive outing for the boys in Old Glory Red.
Taintor may steal the headlines with the dramatic goal at the end, but his partners on the backline also played a key role. Dan Casey was credited with a blocked shot and Nabi Kibunguchy lead the team with three clearances.
Whether it was the sturdy center backs or the fullbacks flying up and down the flanks, it was a solid defensive outing for the boys in Old Glory Red.
Taintor may steal the headlines with the dramatic goal at the end, but his partners on the backline also played a key role. Dan Casey was credited with a blocked shot and Nabi Kibunguchy lead the team with three clearances.
On the wings, Jordan McCrary’s five interceptions was the high on the team on Saturday, while Duke Lacroix’s seven possessions gained was tied for the most on the squad alongside Luis Felipe.
Shannon Gomez entered the match in the second half and helped his side gain possession four times against SD.
On the wings, Jordan McCrary’s five interceptions was the high on the team on Saturday, while Duke Lacroix’s seven possessions gained was tied for the most on the squad alongside Luis Felipe.
Shannon Gomez entered the match in the second half and helped his side gain possession four times against SD.
In net on Saturday, goalkeeper Tomas Gomez made two saves to keep his side firmly in the match.
In net on Saturday, goalkeeper Tomas Gomez made two saves to keep his side firmly in the match.
