Colorado Springs, Colo. (July 1, 2022) – Republic FC fell 0 – 3 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Friday night, ending the club’s five-match win streak. The loss is the first for Sacramento since May 18 and just their fourth on the season.
A pair of first-half scores gave the hosts an advantage they wouldn’t give back, as Colorado Springs’ dangerous attacking trio of Elvis Amoh, Hadji Barry and Michee Ngalina put Sacramento’s backline on their heels early. Sacramento generated a flurry of chances late after Mark Briggs brought on a trio of offensive-minded substitutes, but the club couldn’t get one over the line for just the third time this season.
The hosts opened the scoring just 14 minutes in, putting pressure on Sacramento with quick pace out of the back. After streaking down the right flank, Elvis Amoh converted on an easy opportunity to find the net, assisted by Michee Ngalina.
Sacramento had a great chance to equalize just after the half-hour mark. Gifted a set piece opportunity just outside the box, Rodrigo Lopez served a great ball in that went through just out of reach of Douglas Martinez and Matt LaGrassa on the far post. Republic FC nearly found the net again just before half, but Sacramento couldn’t square up a cross played in by Zeiko lewis, and the hosts kept their advantage going into the break.
After netting the hosts’ second score in the 35th minute, 2021 Golden Boot Winner Hadji Barry found the net again just after the half. Taking advantage of space in the middle of the pitch, Barry put a shot on the floor just inside the left post from the top of the box to secure the midfielder a brace.
Following their trip to the Rocky Mountains, Republic FC returns home on July 9 to host Oakland Roots SC for the first time this season. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is set for 8:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on FOX40, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+.
Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 3 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
USL Championship
Weidner Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado
July 1, 2022
Scoring Summary: SAC– None COS – Elvis Amoh (Michee Ngalina) 14’, Hadji Barry (Elvis Amoh) 35’, Hadji Barry (48’)
Misconduct Summary: SAC– Jack Gurr (caution) 54’ COS – Tristan Hodge (caution) 41’, Jimmy Ockford (caution) 43’,
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Damia Viader (Rafa Jauregui 74’), Dan Casey, Duke Lacroix, Luis Felipe, Matt LaGrassa (Maalique Foster 56’), Jack Gurr (Ferrety Sousa 56’), Rodrigo Lopez (C), Zeiko Lewis (Luther Archimede 55’), Douglas Martinez
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldana, Emil Cuello
Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 2, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 2
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Jefferson Caldwell, Dennis Erdmann, James Ockford, Matt Mahoney, Tristan Hodge, Steven Echeverria, Beverley Makangila, Malik Johnson (Issa Rayyan 80’), Hadji Barry (C), Michee Ngalina (Aaron Wheeler 83’), Elvis Amoh (Kharlton Belmar 77’)
Unused substitutes: Christian Herrera, Cameron Lindley
Stats – Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 3, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 2
