Birmingham, Ala. – Republic FC claim a point in a come from behind draw against Birmingham Legion FC to remain at the top of the Western Conference standings. The Indomitable Club found an equalizer in the final ten minutes to secure a point and stay unbeaten in four matches – including three straight road contests.
An 83rd minute score by substitute Luther Archimède equalized after the club went down a goal in the 64th minute. It was a physical contest between the two squads as each worked to stifle the others’ attack throughout the evening. Sacramento controlled possession for all 90 minutes, holding 57% of the ball for the match.
Set piece opportunities offered each side a chance early on. Birmingham’s Juan Agudelo got his head on a free kick in the box just four minutes in, but his attempt was swallowed up by Danny Vitiello. Sacramento found a trio of chances of their own moments later, when Jack Gurr was denied by the wall on a free kick, and two corners were sent away from goal by the hosts.
Keko nearly opened the scoring at the mid-way point of the first half on a a cross from Russell Cicerone that found his head at the penalty spot. A low cross from Gurr created another chance for the Quails before the halftime break, but wouldn’t find its way through traffic.
Birmingham opened the scoring just after the hour mark. Midfielder Collin Smith slotted in the game’s first score off an assist from Juan Agudelo.
Matt LaGrassa nearly equalized for the club moments following Birmingham’s goal. In space at the top of the penalty area, the Elk Grove native challenged the opposing goalkeeper but was denied by a diving save.
Changes from Mark Briggs would eventually pull the squad level and secure the result. After entering for Keko, Luther Archimède found the equalizing score – his third of the season and first since May 26.
Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 1 Birmingham Legion FC
USL Championship
Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama
August 12, 2023
Set piece opportunities offered each side a chance early on. Birmingham’s Juan Agudelo got his head on a free kick in the box just four minutes in, but his attempt was swallowed up by Danny Vitiello. Sacramento found a trio of chances of their own moments later, when Jack Gurr was denied by the wall on a free kick, and two corners were sent away from goal by the hosts.
Keko nearly opened the scoring at the mid-way point of the first half on a a cross from Russell Cicerone that found his head at the penalty spot. A low cross from Gurr created another chance for the Quails before the halftime break, but wouldn’t find its way through traffic.
Birmingham opened the scoring just after the hour mark. Midfielder Collin Smith slotted in the game’s first score off an assist from Juan Agudelo.
Matt LaGrassa nearly equalized for the club moments following Birmingham’s goal. In space at the top of the penalty area, the Elk Grove native challenged the opposing goalkeeper but was denied by a diving save.
Changes from Mark Briggs would eventually pull the squad level and secure the result. After entering for Keko, Luther Archimède found the equalizing score – his third of the season and first since May 26.
