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Three Takeaways from #LVvSAC

Behind two first half scores, Republic FC took three points for the first time since May 12 in their second meeting of the season with Las Vegas.

The win was just what the club needed coming off a tough Saturday result against Orange County. The victory would see the Boys in Old Glory Red be more aggressive up top while putting together yet another excellent performance on the defensive side of the ball.

Behind two first half scores, Republic FC took three points for the first time since May 12 in their second meeting of the season with Las Vegas.

Tucker Bone’s First Brace

Sacramento's leading scorer this season netted two goals on Wednesday night, scoring first in the fifth minute off an assist from Cameron Iwasa to put Republic FC up 1-0. The forward scored again in the 35 minute after corralling a well-played punt from goalkeeper Tomas Gomez and dribbline through two Las Vegas defenders. The brace brought his goal total for the season to five, and marked the second multi-goal game of his career and first by a Republic player in 2021.

Sacramento’s leading scorer this season netted two goals on Wednesday night, scoring first in the fifth minute off an assist from Cameron Iwasa to put Republic FC up 1-0. The forward scored again in the 35 minute after corralling a well-played punt from goalkeeper Tomas Gomez and dribbline through two Las Vegas defenders. The brace brought his goal total for the season to five, and marked the second multi-goal game of his career and first by a Republic player in 2021.

Big Defensive Stops

While Tucker Bone’s two goals will likely grab most of the headlines, excellent defensive play from Republic FC’s back line was equally important to the 2-1 result. Luis Felipe led all Republic FC players with 10 tackles, while Dan Casey set pace with eight clearances.

The Boys in Old Glory Red were fantastic in one-on-one situations throughout the night- most notably in the first half when Las Vegas’ Cal Jennings was denied twice by fantastic tackles inside the 18 yard box. Lights FC finished the match with five shots blocked by Sacramento defenders.

Aggression Up Top

Sacramento benefitted from increased aggression in the attacking third, posting nine open-play crosses and 11 close-range opportunities for the match. The attacking unit for Republic FC kept Las Vegas defenders busy for all 90 minutes, tallying 12 shots from six different players including four each from Tucker Bone and Cameron Iwasa. The effort also marked the club’s fifth straight performance reaching double digits in shots.

Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 2 – 1 Las Vegas Lights FC

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (July 14, 2021) – The Boys in Old Glory Red added another strong road showing with a 2-1 victory, as Sacramento bested Las Vegas Lights FC in their second meeting of the season.

The Indomitable Club opened scoring just five minutes in, when an excellent throw from defender Jordan McCrary found the feet of Cameron Iwasa inside the 18 yard box. Iwasa would dish the ball to Tucker Bone, who put Republic FC up 1-0 with his fourth score of the season.

The hosts nearly pulled even in the 17th minute, but a shot attempt by Lights FC forward Cal Jennings was blocked by an excellent tackle from defender Duke Lacroix. Jennings would be denied again in the 35th minute by another fantastic defensive effort, this time from Jordan McCrary.

Tucker Bone doubled his club’s advantage in the 35th minute after carrying a well played punt from goalkeeper Tomas Gomez past two Las Vegas defenders. Bone would finish tied with forward Cameron Iwasa with a game-high four shots and his first brace with his hometown club.

Lights FC would cut their deficit in half in the 74th after Julian Gaines found space to punch one in off an assist from Cal Jennings.

While Las Vegas would threaten before the final whistle would sound, the Sacramento defensive unit stood pat, keeping up their string of good performances since the start of July.

Republic FC gets 10 days off before they return to action on July 24, when they travel to Southern California for their final meeting of the regular-season with Orange County SC. The match will kick off at 7:00 p.m. from Championship Soccer Stadium and be broadcast live on ESPN+, KQCA My58, and Estrella TV.

While Las Vegas would threaten before the final whistle would sound, the Sacramento defensive unit stood pat, keeping up their string of good performances since the start of July.

Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 Las Vegas Lights FC

USL Championship

Cashman Field, Las Vegas, Nevada

July 14, 2021

Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 Las Vegas Lights FC

USL Championship

Cashman Field, Las Vegas, Nevada

July 14, 2021

Scoring Summary: LV – Julian Gaines (Cal Jennings) 74’. SAC – Tucker Bone (Cameron Iwasa) 5’, Tucker Bone (Tomas Gomez) 35’

Misconduct Summary: LV– None. SAC – Luis Felipe (caution) 13’, Dariusz Formella (caution) 36’, Jordan McCrary (caution) 55’, Dan Casey (caution) 66’.

Sacramento Republic FC: Tómás Gomez, Hayden Sargis, Jordan McCrary, Dan Casey, Duke Lacroix, Luis Felipe, Mario Penagos (Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu 81’), Pete Pennanen, Cameron Iwasa (Kharlton Belmar 85’), Tucker Bone, Dariusz Formella.

Unused substitutes: Julian Chavez, Nabi Kibunguchy, Shannon Gomez, Chuy Sanchez, Fatai Alashe.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1

Las Vegas Lights FC: Alex Rando, Mamadou Fall, Antonio Leone, Julian Gaines, Mohamed Traore, Daniel Crisostomo, Frank Daroma (Erik Duenas 45’), Cal Jennings (Julian Vazquez 83’), Christian Torres (Roberto Molina 45’), Alvaro Quezeda, Bryce Duke (Eric Iloski 70’).

Unused substitutes: Chinenye Uche, Donovan Palomares, Nathan Sepulveda

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 3, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 1

Scoring Summary: LV – Julian Gaines (Cal Jennings) 74’. SAC – Tucker Bone (Cameron Iwasa) 5’, Tucker Bone (Tomas Gomez) 35’

Misconduct Summary: LV– None. SAC – Luis Felipe (caution) 13’, Dariusz Formella (caution) 36’, Jordan McCrary (caution) 55’, Dan Casey (caution) 66’.

Unused substitutes: Julian Chavez, Nabi Kibunguchy, Shannon Gomez, Chuy Sanchez, Fatai Alashe.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1

Unused substitutes: Chinenye Uche, Donovan Palomares, Nathan Sepulveda

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 3, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 1

Around the Leagues: Euros, Copa America Provide Plenty of Fireworks in Closing Stages

The European Championships and Copa America were not short on high-drama finishes at the highest levels of the international game, while U.S. Soccer’s domestic topflight rolls on in both the men’s and women’s level.

United Soccer League

Last weekend was busy across the USL landscape with seven matches taking place on Saturday and two on Sunday.

In an exciting twist of the table, Charlotte Independence held on after conceding in the 21st minute to earn a draw with Phoenix Rising FC after Irvin Parra’s goal for Charlotte in the second minute.

From an interdivision standpoint, LA Galaxy II and Tacoma Defiance shared the points with a 1-1 draw at Dignity Health Sports Park while Oakland Roots also shared points with the Indomitable Club’s next opponent, Las Vegas Lights FC. There was plenty of exciting action outside the confines of the Pacific Division, including Hartford Athletic storming back with two goals in the final five minutes to stun New York Red Bulls II with a 2-2 draw.

It’ll be USL soccer every day of the week this week up until Sunday. New Mexico United and Charleston Battery kicked things off on Monday night from Albuquerque with a 2-1 win for the home side, while Hartford Athletic downed Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0 in an Atlantic Division fixture on Tuesday.

Last weekend was busy across the USL landscape with seven matches taking place on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Major League Soccer

It was a light slate for Major League Soccer over the weekend with the commencement of the Gold Cup, as six sides took to the pitch on Thursday and Friday.

Thursday’s schedule produced two draws, highlighted by the 10-man Philadelphia Union roaring back to steal a point at New York Red Bulls with an 85th-minute equalizer by Sergio Santos.

FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew rekindled their derby with a 2-2 draw the next day at TQL Stadium in the Queen City. Columbus followed in the Union’s footsteps on derby day, going down a man before earning a road point courtesy of a Miguel Berry goal in the 77th minute.

A heavy docket of MLS play awaits this coming weekend, as the Colorado Rapids look to pad their playoff push against San Jose while Western Conference playoff contenders LAFC and Real Salt Lake battle it out at Banc of California Stadium.

It was a light slate for Major League Soccer over the weekend with the commencement of the Gold Cup, as six sides took to the pitch on Thursday and Friday.

Thursday’s schedule produced two draws, highlighted by the 10-man Philadelphia Union roaring back to steal a point at New York Red Bulls with an 85th-minute equalizer by Sergio Santos.

National Women's Soccer League

National Women’s Soccer League

Likewise, this past weekend was light on the soccer for the NWSL. Orlando Pride broke a two-game skid and kept roaring near the top of the table with a stoppage time equalizer by Sydney Leroux against Racing Louisville, while the Washington Spirit used two first-half goals to knock off top-of-the-table North Carolina Courage.

Portland and Gotham FC played to a scoreless draw on Sunday, while Chicago Red Stars and OL Reign each picked up three points to stay in the playoff hunt.

Looking ahead, North Carolina and Houston face off on Saturday as USWNT forward Lynn Williams and company look to get back to winning ways at the top of the table. Sunday’s NWSL slate features three matchups, highlighted by a top-three fixture in third-place Portland Thorns FC squaring off with second-place Orlando Pride.

Portland and Gotham FC played to a scoreless draw on Sunday, while Chicago Red Stars and OL Reign each picked up three points to stay in the playoff hunt.

Gold Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team kicked off its Gold Cup run on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Haiti in Kansas City.

Sam Vines headed home the lone USMNT goal in the eighth minute after Gyasi Zardes found him in the box, wide open on the far post. It was Vines’ first U.S. goal at the senior international level.

Both teams looked dangerous offensively for the rest of the match, as both sides created plenty of chance for insurance or an equalizer.

Now on a four-match win streak, Gregg Berhalter’s men will continue with Group B play in the Gold Cup on July 16. The Stars and Stripes will face off against Martinique, also in Kansas City.

The U.S. Men’s National Team kicked off its Gold Cup run on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Haiti in Kansas City.

Sam Vines headed home the lone USMNT goal in the eighth minute after Gyasi Zardes found him in the box, wide open on the far post. It was Vines’ first U.S. goal at the senior international level.

Both teams looked dangerous offensively for the rest of the match, as both sides created plenty of chance for insurance or an equalizer.

Now on a four-match win streak, Gregg Berhalter’s men will continue with Group B play in the Gold Cup on July 16. The Stars and Stripes will face off against Martinique, also in Kansas City.

Euro 2020

Italy and England gave us a Euro final for the ages on Sunday afternoon, as Luke Shaw ramped up the Wembley Stadium crowd with the fastest goal at a European Championship final to put The Three Lions ahead after a minute and 57 seconds.

Italy leveled the match in the 67th minute, and the next 20 minutes couldn’t see a game winner. After the sides played through the full 30 minutes of extra time without a goal, The Azzurri pulled out the 3-2 penalty shootout win to give Italy its first Euro championship since 1968. Italian goalkeeper and penalty shootout hero Gianluigi Donnarumma was named Player of the Tournament after starting all seven of Italy’s match while playing 718 minutes and conceding just four times.

This was the second European Championship to be decided by penalties, after Czechoslovakia won it from the spot in 1976.

Copa America

The Brazil-Argentina rivalry renewed itself on Saturday on the highest of stages with Copa America supremacy on the line.

Two potent international offenses lacked on goals, but Angel Di Maria’s left-footed chip gave Argentina the lead in the 22nd minute after Rodrigo de Paul flew a ball in from the opposite half of the pitch.

Brazil put on a flurry of shots in the second half, including five in the final ten minutes of the match.

Not only did Argentina win its first Copa America since 1993 after being runners up in four of the last six tournaments, but Lionel Messi finally got his coveted first international trophy with Argentina.

The Brazil-Argentina rivalry renewed itself on Saturday on the highest of stages with Copa America supremacy on the line.

Brazil put on a flurry of shots in the second half, including five in the final ten minutes of the match.

Summer Camps & Clinics Fun Continues with Second All Girls Camp – July 19:

Another fun week of skills and drills is set to kick off for the region’s next female superstar soccer players. Beginning on July 19, Republic FC’s youth coaches will host an All Girls camp with curriculum tailored for the next generation of future stars. The camp is open to girls of all skill levels, from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Led by top female coaches in the region—including players from River City High School women’s soccer team and a local women’s semi-pro team —the camp will focus on technical development and applying those techniques in a game-like setting.

Not only will this camp develop participants’ soccer skills, but it will also equipthem with the leadership tools to succeed off the pitch. A 2020 study showed that 94% of women at the C-suite level played youth sports, exemplifying that participating in sports can prepare girls and young women for successful careers.

As a special treat to campers, two women who are responsible for keeping Republic FC players healthy – Head Athletic Trainer Betty Olmedo and Physical Therapist Katy Norton, will join the fun and share their perspective of working in pro sports.

Spots are still available for next week’s All Girls Camp at River City High School in West Sacramento. Indomitable Club members can get an extra discount on the camp by contacting their SRFC representative for additional information.

Registration is now open. Reserve a spot today!

Republic FC Acquire Forward Jerome Kiesewetter on Loan from FC Tulsa

Experienced attacking threat with Bundesliga, MLS, US Men’s National Team experience
Striker will join Republic FC after signing with FC Tulsa in January
Logged minutes with Inter Miami FC debut MLS season
Earned Best XI Selection and Golden Boot at 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Experienced attacking threat with Bundesliga, MLS, US Men’s National Team experience
Striker will join Republic FC after signing with FC Tulsa in January
Logged minutes with Inter Miami FC debut MLS season
Earned Best XI Selection and Golden Boot at 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC announced the club has acquired forward Jerome Kiesewetter(Key-seh-vet-ter) on loan from FC Tulsa for the remainder of the 2021 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.

“Jerome is a big addition for us. He is clinical inside the box, makes vertical runs behind the defense, and is a consistent threat,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He brings a lot of experience to the club in the heart of the season, which will be a huge lift for our team.”

Kiesewetter joins Republic FC after signing with FC Tulsa in January before the start of the 2021 USL Championship season. The dual German-American national has experience competing in top-flight leagues, as well as on the international stage.

FC Tulsa has selected Kieswetter nine times this season (two starts) in eleven matches.Before joining FC Tulsa, Jerome featured for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami FC in their debut season. While at the debutant club, he was loaned to Inter Miami FC’s affiliate and USL League One side Fort Lauderdale FC. Before his 2020 service with the Floridian clubs, Kiesewetter was a staple in the offense for El Paso Locomotive FC in 2019. In 29 USL matches, Jerome started 26 times, scoring 12 goals – and recording 4 braces – on a run that led El Paso to the Western Conference Semi-finals.

Born in Berlin, Germany, his football foundation began in Hertha BSC’s youth system. In 2012, he signed with VfB Stuttgart, where he made his Bundesliga debut in 2015. Fortuna Düsseldorf added Kiesewetter to their roster in 2016 where he appeared 23 times for the 2. Bundesliga.

On the international stage, Jerome has represented the United States at several levels including two caps at the senior level under then-head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Kiesewetter has logged minutes for the USYNT U18, U20 and U23 levels. At the 2015 U23 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, he scored four goals and added two assists in five matches. His performance won the Golden Ball as the tournament's top scorer and earned him the only Best XI selection for the United States.

Republic FC take to the pitch tomorrow, when the Boys in Old Glory Red visit Las Vegas Lights FC at Cashman Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be available on ESPN+.

On the international stage, Jerome has represented the United States at several levels including two caps at the senior level under then-head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Kiesewetter has logged minutes for the USYNT U18, U20 and U23 levels. At the 2015 U23 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, he scored four goals and added two assists in five matches. His performance won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s top scorer and earned him the only Best XI selection for the United States.

Republic FC take to the pitch tomorrow, when the Boys in Old Glory Red visit Las Vegas Lights FC at Cashman Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be available on ESPN+.

In Their Own Words: When We’ve Taken the Field With the Right Mentality We’ve Seen Good Results

This week, Republic FC travels to southern Nevada for their second matchup of the season with Las Vegas Lights FC. In their final contest of a stretch of four games in 12 days, the Boys in Old Glory Red will look to snag three points from a club they took down 3-1 in their home opener back on May 12. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Ahead of their Wednesday night contest, Coach Mark Briggs and defender Duke Lacroix shared their thoughts on the team’s week of preparation for the sixth all-time meeting between the two clubs.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On training this week…

“Our players have been regenerating their bodies, and trying to get them as fresh as they can. Obviously, it's the fourth game this little stretch, so we are just trying to get them fresh and as fit as and as ready as we possibly can.”

On being consistent on both ends of the field…

“We have talked at training a lot this week about hitting the target. We had 12 shots on Saturday, and hit the target seven times, which was good. But we can’t give away goals like we have. I said to the boys this morning that the errors have to stop so we can play like we want to play.”

On the importance of playing with the right mentality…

“Whether we play here, in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or San Diego, you have to have the right mentality. If you don't go on the field with the right mentality, you're never going to be successful. When we’ve taken the field with the right mentality, been hungry and showed a desire, we've seen good results.”

On training this week…

“Our players have been regenerating their bodies, and trying to get them as fresh as they can. Obviously, it’s the fourth game this little stretch, so we are just trying to get them fresh and as fit as and as ready as we possibly can.”

On being consistent on both ends of the field…

On the importance of playing with the right mentality…

“Whether we play here, in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or San Diego, you have to have the right mentality. If you don’t go on the field with the right mentality, you’re never going to be successful. When we’ve taken the field with the right mentality, been hungry and showed a desire, we’ve seen good results.”

Defender Duke Lacroix

On the team’s mindset after a tough result Saturday…

“We have to be optimistic and understand that there's always another game. We're planning to come in, and execute on the things that we know make us successful so we can compete each and every time we step on the field. We know that we all win and lose as a team.”

On the attacking unit’s ability to create scoring chances…

“I think lately we’ve been efficient offensively and created a lot of chances. We just need to hit the target and put the ball in the back of the net. Against Oakland, we created a lot of chances and were able to get a result from that game. Over the weekend in against OC we created a good number of opportunities as well.”

On the team’s mindset after a tough result Saturday…

“We have to be optimistic and understand that there’s always another game. We’re planning to come in, and execute on the things that we know make us successful so we can compete each and every time we step on the field. We know that we all win and lose as a team.”

On the attacking unit’s ability to create scoring chances…

Kibunguchy Red Card Rescinded Following Club Appeal

Earlier today, USL Championship released the Week 13 Discipline Report. As part of the report, the league announced that Republic FC defender Nabi Kibunguchy will not serve a suspension following the rescindment of his red card on July 10 after a successful appeal to the Independent Review Panel. Kibunguchy will be available for selection when Sacramento faces Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday night at Cashman Field.

Kibunguchy was shown a red card in stoppage time during the first half for denying a goal scoring opportunity to Orange County SC’s Brian Iloski.

The League’s discipline report also announced that Republic FC defender Mitchell Taintor has been suspended one game for his two cautions against Orange County on July 10. Taintor will be unavailable for Republic FC’s Wednesday night contest against Las Vegas Lights FC.

Read the League’s full discipline report

Match Preview: Las Vegas Lights FC V Sacramento Republic FC

On Wednesday, Republic FC head to Las Vegas for an opportunity to claim some points on the road against Lights FC. The mid-week showdown is the second regular-season match in four against the Nevadan club.

At a Glance: LVvSAC

Wednesday, July 14
7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Cashman Field, Las Vegas, Nevada
How to watch: ESPN+

At a Glance: LVvSAC

Wednesday, July 14
7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Cashman Field, Las Vegas, Nevada
How to watch: ESPN+

The Latest on the Team

Despite outshooting their opponents 15-8 on Saturday, Republic FC (2-6-3, 9 points), fell to Orange County SC, 0-2. The club would finish with just nine men on the pitch after defenders Nabi Kibunguchy and Mitch Taintor were each shown a red card. Even down two players, Republic FC did not concede in the second half.

Republic FC has done well to generate scoring chances of late. Since the start of July, the Indomitable Club has generated 28 close range opportunities and out-shot their opponents 44-23. While playing 45 minutes on Saturday down at least one man, Republic FC had eight second half scoring opportunities.

A victory on Wednesday could leave Mark Briggs’ men just one point outside of fourth place in the Pacific Division standings with just under two-thirds of a season to play.

The Latest on the Team

A victory on Wednesday could leave Mark Briggs’ men just one point outside of fourth place in the Pacific Division standings with just under two-thirds of a season to play.

How about the visitors?

Las Vegas Lights FC (4-6-1, 13 points) comes into Wednesday’s matchup on a two-game win streak and victorious in three of their last five.

The hosts come in to the contest with a bit of momentum after a comeback win against Oakland Roots SC on Saturday. While Las Vegas would fall behind early, they battled back to take three points on the road in a 2-1 result.

Las Vegas’ defensive unit has been stingy of late, conceding more than one score just once dating back to June 11th.

Despite appearing in only six of 11 matches this season, goalkeeper Alex Rando has been a force in the box for Las Vegas thus far. His 37 saves place him second in the USL Championship, behind only Trey Muse of San Diego Loyal SC.

How about the visitors?

Las Vegas Lights FC (4-6-1, 13 points) comes into Wednesday’s matchup on a two-game win streak and victorious in three of their last five.

Las Vegas’ defensive unit has been stingy of late, conceding more than one score just once dating back to June 11th.

Head-to-Head

Wednesday’s contest in the Las Vegas heat will be the second meeting between the two clubs this season and their sixth all-time. Republic FC holds a slight historical edge over their opponents, with a record of 2-1-2.

Sacramento last faced off with the Southern Nevada-based side during their 2021 home opener on May 12. The match saw Republic FC take a 3-1 victory behind scores from Jaime Villareal, Dariusz Formella, and Tucker Bone.

Head-to-Head

Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 0-2 Orange County SC

SACRAMENTO, California (July 10, 2021) – The boys in Old Glory Red fell 2-0 to Orange County SC on Saturday Night at Heart Health Park, bringing the club’s recent unbeaten streak to a close.

“We have got to refocus; our mentality has to be different,” Head Coach Mark Briggs said in the postgame press conference. “First and foremost, we've got to keep 11 players on the field, that's pretty obvious. We'll readjust and refocus and then we'll get back at it again for Wednesday.”

SACRAMENTO, California (July 10, 2021) – The boys in Old Glory Red fell 2-0 to Orange County SC on Saturday Night at Heart Health Park, bringing the club’s recent unbeaten streak to a close.

“We have got to refocus; our mentality has to be different,” Head Coach Mark Briggs said in the postgame press conference. “First and foremost, we’ve got to keep 11 players on the field, that’s pretty obvious. We’ll readjust and refocus and then we’ll get back at it again for Wednesday.”

The visitors opened the scoring seven minutes into the match when Chris Wehan broke the early deadlock.

Shortly after the 20-minute mark, Republic FC created a pair of chances in quick succession. Minutes after Mitchell Taintor nodded a header on target that the Orange County SC goalkeeper got both hands on, Jordan McCrary was played a ball into the box that the defender managed to fire on target but the OC ‘keeper thwarted the attack.

Orange County doubled its lead in the 37th minute when Wehan set up Brian Iloski for a 2-1 score line shortly after the first half hydration break.

The visitors opened the scoring seven minutes into the match when Chris Wehan broke the early deadlock.

Orange County doubled its lead in the 37th minute when Wehan set up Brian Iloski for a 2-1 score line shortly after the first half hydration break.

McCrary nearly but the deficit in half with a header from point-blank but the OCSC goalkeeper parried the close-range effort to safety.

In the closing moments of the first half, a straight red card was shown to Nabi Kibunguchy.

McCrary nearly but the deficit in half with a header from point-blank but the OCSC goalkeeper parried the close-range effort to safety.

In the closing moments of the first half, a straight red card was shown to Nabi Kibunguchy.

After the second half hydration break, Duke Lacriox was able to break free into space with possession and fire a shot on frame, but the goalkeeper brought a halt to the SRFC offensive threat.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Indomitable Club when the squad pays a visit to Sin City this coming Wednesday night for an away match at Las Vegas Lights FC.

After the second half hydration break, Duke Lacriox was able to break free into space with possession and fire a shot on frame, but the goalkeeper brought a halt to the SRFC offensive threat.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Indomitable Club when the squad pays a visit to Sin City this coming Wednesday night for an away match at Las Vegas Lights FC.

Sacramento Republic FC 0-2 Orange County SC
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
July 10, 2021
Attendance: 9,316

Scoring Summary: OC – Chris Wehan (Nathan Smith) 7’, Brian Iloski (Wehan) 37’

Misconduct Summary: OC – Nathan Smith (caution) 27’, Romero Rakovsky (caution) 87’, Raymond Drai (caution) 90’; SAC – Nabi Kibunguchy (red card) 45’, Mitchell Taintor (caution) 48, Taintor (second yellow – ejection) 79’, Luis Felipe (caution) 87’, Tucker Bone (caution) 87’.

Sacramento Republic FC: Tómás Gomez, Jordan McCrary, Nabi Kibunguchy, Mitchell Taintor, Dan Casey, Shannon Gomez (Duke Lacriox 45’), Fatai Alashe (Mario Penagos 75’), Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (Tucker Bone 64’), Dariusz Formella (Cameron Iwasa 59’), Pete Pennanen (Luis Felipe 45’), Kharlton Belmar.

Unused substitutes: Chuy Sanchez, Hayden Sargis.

Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 7, Saves: 1, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 0.

Orange County SC: Romero Rakovsky, Rob Kiernan, Michael Orozco, Nathan Smith, Kevin Alston (Brent Richards 44’), Thomas McCabe, Mikko Kuningas (Sean McTague 90’), Chris Wehan (Kobi Henry 71’), Eric Calvillo, Eero Markkanen (Aidan Apodaca 45’), Brian Iloski (Raymond Drai 88’).

Unused substitutes: Abraham Romero.

Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 7, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 0, Offsides: 1.

Scoring Summary: OC – Chris Wehan (Nathan Smith) 7’, Brian Iloski (Wehan) 37’

Unused substitutes: Chuy Sanchez, Hayden Sargis.

Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 7, Saves: 1, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 0.

Unused substitutes: Abraham Romero.

Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 7, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 0, Offsides: 1.

In Their Own Words: The Team is Moving in a Better Direction Cohesively…It’s Clicking

Following Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with the Oakland Roots, the Boys in Old Glory Red wrap up their two-game home stand against Orange County SC. Saturday's fixture, which is also the club’s annual “Salute to Veterans” match, will kick off at 8:00 p.m after the sun sets and temperatures level off. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, KQCA My58, and EstrellaTV. Tickets can be purchased here.

Before the club’s third match in seven days kicks off, Coach Mark Briggs, defender Shannon Gomez, and midfielder Fatai Alashe shared their thoughts on the week of training and the team’s confidence after two promising results.

Following Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with the Oakland Roots, the Boys in Old Glory Red wrap up their two-game home stand against Orange County SC. Saturday’s fixture, which is also the club’s annual “Salute to Veterans” match, will kick off at 8:00 p.m after the sun sets and temperatures level off. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, KQCA My58, and EstrellaTV. Tickets can be purchased here.

Head Coach Mark Briggs:

On Wednesday’s draw with Oakland…

“Wednesday's game was a big positive; I thought the collective performance of the group was good. Obviously, we've got to get that final missing piece, get a goal and put games away, but we definitely feel like the team is moving in a better direction cohesively… It's clicking.”

On getting the team to continue generating scoring chances…

“The biggest factor when it comes to winning games is hitting the target. That's the biggest stat and we collectively as a group know it. We spoke yesterday and again this morning about putting a certain percentage of opportunities on target, and it’s something we’ve been really focusing on. Hopefully it pays dividends.”

On the club’s “Salute to Veterans” match on Saturday…

It'll be amazing to be able to be able to salute them, say thank you and give them the respect that they deserve for what they've done for this country and us collectively as humans. It'll be a great night to say good job and give them the respect they deserve.”

On Wednesday’s draw with Oakland…

“Wednesday’s game was a big positive; I thought the collective performance of the group was good. Obviously, we’ve got to get that final missing piece, get a goal and put games away, but we definitely feel like the team is moving in a better direction cohesively… It’s clicking.”

On getting the team to continue generating scoring chances…

“The biggest factor when it comes to winning games is hitting the target. That’s the biggest stat and we collectively as a group know it. We spoke yesterday and again this morning about putting a certain percentage of opportunities on target, and it’s something we’ve been really focusing on. Hopefully it pays dividends.”

On the club’s “Salute to Veterans” match on Saturday…

It’ll be amazing to be able to be able to salute them, say thank you and give them the respect that they deserve for what they’ve done for this country and us collectively as humans. It’ll be a great night to say good job and give them the respect they deserve.”

Defender Shannon Gomez:

On training this week…

“It's been a good week. We've been trying to take care of our bodies and get ready for a very tough stretch in the schedule. We’re all trying to look after ourselves, get everybody involved in the game and make sure everyone can contributing something. We’ve played Orange County twice now and lost both, so we’d like to give the fans something to cheer about.”

On the chemistry and form of the team’s attacking unit…

"We're trying to put our shots on target and make our chances count. We’re definitely creating opportunities for ourselves and our teammates, and we’re working hard to make the goalkeeper react and not just hit the ball wide. I think by doing that, and continuing to press and keep the other team on their back foot, we’ll get more opportunities to score goals."

On training this week…

“It’s been a good week. We’ve been trying to take care of our bodies and get ready for a very tough stretch in the schedule. We’re all trying to look after ourselves, get everybody involved in the game and make sure everyone can contributing something. We’ve played Orange County twice now and lost both, so we’d like to give the fans something to cheer about.”

On the chemistry and form of the team’s attacking unit…

“We’re trying to put our shots on target and make our chances count. We’re definitely creating opportunities for ourselves and our teammates, and we’re working hard to make the goalkeeper react and not just hit the ball wide. I think by doing that, and continuing to press and keep the other team on their back foot, we’ll get more opportunities to score goals.”

Midfielder Fatai Alashe:

On the importance of Saturday’s match…

“I think it's an important game for us to kind of try to get another win and take care of business at home. Obviously with so many matches back to back, we’ve got to give guys rest, but we've been working hard and we hope that we can have a little bit of payoff on the weekend.”

On the impact of the draw with San Diego on July 3…

“We definitely got a bit of confidence from the result in San Diego. Obviously, to get a goal there late in the game and come away with a point was important for us. We're hoping that we can turn that momentum into some wins here, especially at home.”

On the importance of Saturday’s match…

“I think it’s an important game for us to kind of try to get another win and take care of business at home. Obviously with so many matches back to back, we’ve got to give guys rest, but we’ve been working hard and we hope that we can have a little bit of payoff on the weekend.”

On the impact of the draw with San Diego on July 3…

“We definitely got a bit of confidence from the result in San Diego. Obviously, to get a goal there late in the game and come away with a point was important for us. We’re hoping that we can turn that momentum into some wins here, especially at home.”