SAN DIEGO, California (March 19, 2022) –Republic FC fell 2-0 to San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday evening, their first road match of the 2022 season. Strong defensive play from both squads kept chances to a minimum, but two lucky breaks for San Diego in the final ten minutes of the first half eventually issued Republic FC their first defeat.
Sacramento was unable to take advantage of seven set-piece opportunities in the first half; however, a handful of chances put pressure on the hosts. Keko nearly got Sacramento on the board just 8 minutes after the opening whistle, getting a head on a cross from Douglas Martinez. Sacramento’s best chance came when Jack Gurr put another long-range rocket on frame, squaring up a perfectly placed corner kick that SD Goalkeeper Koke Vegas had no time to wrangle.
The hosts reacted to the pressure well, finding the net to take a 1-0 advantage in the 35th minute when Kyle Adams found the net from a set piece. Ten minutes later, an unmarked Charlie Adams doubled San Diego’s lead, punching through loose ball from the top of the penalty area.
Sacramento nearly cut their deficit to one just after the break. After receiving a short ball on another set-piece opportunity, Luis Felipe put an attempt just wide of the right post only to be called offside.
Offensive-minded changes for Republic FC would pay off with more frequent chances at goal throughout the second half. Luther Archimede and Zeiko Lewis aided Mark Briggs’ men in putting more pressure on Koke Vegas in goal. But the duo was unable to get any of their attempts past San Diego’s keeper; Archimede would end his Republic FC debut with three shots, tied for the team lead for the contest with Keko and Douglas Martinez.
Despite manufacturing opportunities with regularity, especially as time winded down in the second half, Mark Briggs men were unable to find the net. Republic FC outshot and out-possessed their foes, posting ten attempts at goal in the final ten minutes. Sacramento tallied 13 shots in the second half, putting four on target.
Republic FC’s 2022 season continues next Sunday, March 27, when the Indomitable Club welcomes FC Tulsa to Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m., and the contest will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets/.
Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 2 San Diego Loyal SC
USL Championship
Torero Stadium, San Diego, California
March 19, 2022
Scoring Summary: SAC– None SD – Kyle Adams 35’, Charlie Adams 45’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Luis Felipe (caution) 34’, Lee Desmond (caution) 39’, Ferrety Sousa (caution) 66’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 74’ SD – Camden Riley (caution) 41’ Collin Martin (caution) 69’
Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Jack Gurr, Dan Casey, Lee Desmond, Ferrety Sousa (Duke Lacroix 74’), Luis Felipe (Matt LaGrassa 74’), Emil Cuello (Luther Archimède 64’), Nick Ross (Zeiko Lewis 64’), Rodrigo Lopez (C), Keko Gontán (Conor Donovan 80’), Douglas Martínez Jr.
Unused substitutes: Danny Vitiello, Mario Penagos
Stats – Shots: 18, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 3, Fouls: 18, Corner Kicks: 11, Offsides: 1
San Diego Loyal SC: Koke Vegas, Jack Metcalf, Elijah Martin, Grant Stoneman (Camden Riley 8’), Kyle Adams, Collin Martin (Thomas Amang 70’), Tumi Moshobane (Morgan Hackworth 84’), Alejandro Guido, Charlie Adams (C), Nick Moon (Evan Conway 84′), Kyle Vassell
Unused substitutes: Austin Gurrerro, Gerold Ngepi, Calvin Fodrey
Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 6, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 1
