Match Recaps

SACRAMENTO, California (March 7, 2020)– Republic FC kicked off the 2020 USL Championship regular season home opener with a 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa in front of a sell-out crowd at Papa Murphy’s Park on Saturday night. 

SACRAMENTO, California (March 7, 2020)– Republic FC kicked off the 2020 USL Championship regular season home opener with a 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa in front of a sell-out crowd at Papa Murphy’s Park on Saturday night. 

Mark Briggs’ men put plenty of pressure on the visitors and outshot the opposition 16 to 4 on the contest (eight shots on target compared to Tulsa’s two). In ten all-time matches against Tulsa, Republic FC has never lost to the midwestern club.  

“I just said to the players there, we’re one point better off than we were before we started, so that’s a positive,” Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs said. “We didn’t win the game like we wanted to. I think we could have been a bit more clinical in front of goal with our final pass, our final shot, whatever that maybe and I think the game would have been different.”

Mark Briggs’ men put plenty of pressure on the visitors and outshot the opposition 16 to 4 on the contest (eight shots on target compared to Tulsa’s two). In ten all-time matches against Tulsa, Republic FC has never lost to the midwestern club.  

“I just said to the players there, we’re one point better off than we were before we started, so that’s a positive,” Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs said. “We didn’t win the game like we wanted to. I think we could have been a bit more clinical in front of goal with our final pass, our final shot, whatever that maybe and I think the game would have been different.”

A number of Republic FC players made their Indomitable Club debuts against FC Tulsa, including defender Hayden Sargis and midfielder Mario Penagos who both earned spots in the first team starting eleven for the first time in their young career during a USL Championship regular season game. Both 17-year-old SRFC Academy products signed their first professional contracts with the club in January. 

Also debuting in the starting lineup on Saturday night were goalkeeper Adam Grinwis and midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, with the former MLS Cup champion finishing the match with a team-high five interceptions. 

A number of Republic FC players made their Indomitable Club debuts against FC Tulsa, including defender Hayden Sargis and midfielder Mario Penagos who both earned spots in the first team starting eleven for the first time in their young career during a USL Championship regular season game. Both 17-year-old SRFC Academy products signed their first professional contracts with the club in January. 

Also debuting in the starting lineup on Saturday night were goalkeeper Adam Grinwis and midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, with the former MLS Cup champion finishing the match with a team-high five interceptions. 

The match was a physical affair and featured seven yellow cards between the two clubs. Defensively, SRFC held the visitors to just two shots on the entire night. 

In the 42nd minute of a feisty first half, defender Hayden Sargis, making his first career USL Championship start, rifled a towering longball to fellow defender Juan Barahona on the left flank. The Salvadoran left back spotted Drew Skundrich at the top of the box and delivered a perfectly placed ball to the midfielder. Skundrich pulled the ball back to his left foot and tucked his shot just inside the bottom corner to lift Sacramento to a 1-0 lead. 

Club legend Rodrigo Lopez officially returned to the pitch for Republic FC in the 69th minute when the midfielder entered the match as a substitute for Penagos. 

The match was a physical affair and featured seven yellow cards between the two clubs. Defensively, SRFC held the visitors to just two shots on the entire night. 

In the 42nd minute of a feisty first half, defender Hayden Sargis, making his first career USL Championship start, rifled a towering longball to fellow defender Juan Barahona on the left flank. The Salvadoran left back spotted Drew Skundrich at the top of the box and delivered a perfectly placed ball to the midfielder. Skundrich pulled the ball back to his left foot and tucked his shot just inside the bottom corner to lift Sacramento to a 1-0 lead. 

Club legend Rodrigo Lopez officially returned to the pitch for Republic FC in the 69th minute when the midfielder entered the match as a substitute for Penagos. 

Tulsa equalized in the 79th minute when Lebo Moloto picked out Rodrigo da Costa to level the match at 1-1. The Brazilian playmaker finished the 2019 season in Tulsa as the team leader in both goals (9) and assists (13) and was the only player from a non-playoff team to be named to the 2019 Championship All-League Team. 

Defender Ashkanov Apollon, who earned a first team contract after impressing during open tryouts and preseason training camp, made his first career appearance for the boys in Old Glory Red as a second half substitute in the 83rd minute. 

Republic FC continued pushing forward creating chances, ten to be exact on the night, but were unable to snag a late winner against a tricky Tulsa team as the Indomitable Club earned their first point in the Western Conference standings of the young Championship campaign. 

Tulsa equalized in the 79th minute when Lebo Moloto picked out Rodrigo da Costa to level the match at 1-1. The Brazilian playmaker finished the 2019 season in Tulsa as the team leader in both goals (9) and assists (13) and was the only player from a non-playoff team to be named to the 2019 Championship All-League Team. 

Defender Ashkanov Apollon, who earned a first team contract after impressing during open tryouts and preseason training camp, made his first career appearance for the boys in Old Glory Red as a second half substitute in the 83rd minute. 

Republic FC continued pushing forward creating chances, ten to be exact on the night, but were unable to snag a late winner against a tricky Tulsa team as the Indomitable Club earned their first point in the Western Conference standings of the young Championship campaign. 

Next up for the boys in Old Glory Red is a trip to Sin City to take on Eric Wynalda’s Las Vegas Lights FC next Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. PT. 

Next up for the boys in Old Glory Red is a trip to Sin City to take on Eric Wynalda’s Las Vegas Lights FC next Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. PT. 

Sacramento Republic FC 1-1 FC Tulsa
USL Championship 
Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 11,569 (sell out)
March 7, 2020

Sacramento Republic FC 1-1 FC Tulsa
USL Championship 
Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California
Attendance: 11,569 (sell out)
March 7, 2020

Scoring Summary:SAC – Drew Skundrich (Juan Barahona) 42; TUL – Rodrigo da Costa (Lebo Moloto) 79. 

Misconduct Summary:SAC – Drew Skundrich (caution) 23, Hayden Sargis (caution) 27, Juan Barahona (caution) 33; TUL – Lebo Moloto (caution) 24, Matt Sheldon (caution) 60, Kevin Garcia (caution) 68, Ariel Martinez (caution) 90.  

Sacramento Republic FC – Adam Grinwis; Matt Mahoney, Hayden Sargis, Dekel Keinan, Juan Barahona; Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev (Ashkanov Apollon 83), Sam Werner, Mario Penagos (Rodrigo Lopez 68), Cameron Iwasa.  

Unused substitutes: Diego Ramos, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Aris Yang, Jaime Villarreal, Julian Chavez. 

Stats– Shots: 16, Shots on Goal: 8, Saves: 1, Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 3.

FC Tulsa– Sean Lewis, Matt Sheldon (Cristhian Altamirano 78), Kevin Garcia, Bradley Bourgeois, Solomon Kwambe, Lebo Moloto, Rodrigo da Costa, Marlon Santos, Panin Boakye (Raphael Ayagwa 56), Ariel Martinez, Pedro Castro (Tobenna Uzo 71).  

Unused substitutes: Bryan Byars, Vengjel Zguro, Maicon da Silva. 

Stats– Shots: 4, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 7, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 0, Offsides: 1.

Scoring Summary:SAC – Drew Skundrich (Juan Barahona) 42; TUL – Rodrigo da Costa (Lebo Moloto) 79. 

Misconduct Summary:SAC – Drew Skundrich (caution) 23, Hayden Sargis (caution) 27, Juan Barahona (caution) 33; TUL – Lebo Moloto (caution) 24, Matt Sheldon (caution) 60, Kevin Garcia (caution) 68, Ariel Martinez (caution) 90.  

Sacramento Republic FC – Adam Grinwis; Matt Mahoney, Hayden Sargis, Dekel Keinan, Juan Barahona; Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev (Ashkanov Apollon 83), Sam Werner, Mario Penagos (Rodrigo Lopez 68), Cameron Iwasa.  

Unused substitutes: Diego Ramos, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Aris Yang, Jaime Villarreal, Julian Chavez. 

Stats– Shots: 16, Shots on Goal: 8, Saves: 1, Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 3.

FC Tulsa– Sean Lewis, Matt Sheldon (Cristhian Altamirano 78), Kevin Garcia, Bradley Bourgeois, Solomon Kwambe, Lebo Moloto, Rodrigo da Costa, Marlon Santos, Panin Boakye (Raphael Ayagwa 56), Ariel Martinez, Pedro Castro (Tobenna Uzo 71).  

Unused substitutes: Bryan Byars, Vengjel Zguro, Maicon da Silva. 

Stats– Shots: 4, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 7, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 0, Offsides: 1.

SACRAMENTO, California (February 29, 2020)– Republic FC’s solid preseason form continued on Saturday night against the defending league champions at Papa Murphy’s Park. 

Against a stacked Real Monarchs starting eleven that fielded seven players listed on Real Salt Lakes’ Major League Soccer roster, the boys in Old Glory Red stormed back from a two-goal deficit to earn a dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win against the 2019 USL Championship Trophy Winners. 

SACRAMENTO, California (February 29, 2020)– Republic FC’s solid preseason form continued on Saturday night against the defending league champions at Papa Murphy’s Park. 

Against a stacked Real Monarchs starting eleven that fielded seven players listed on Real Salt Lakes’ Major League Soccer roster, the boys in Old Glory Red stormed back from a two-goal deficit to earn a dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win against the 2019 USL Championship Trophy Winners. 

Mark Briggs’ men, who racked up valuable minutes against a slew of quality oppositions this preseason including two quality MLS clubs, didn’t let a strong start from the visitors deny the Indomitable Club a captivating victory.

“I thought you saw two different teams in the first and second half, and it’s a credit to them that we got a reaction,” Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs said. “I think in the second half, that showed the team that we are and the team we are going to be. It was pleasing to see there was a reaction at halftime.” 

In the 27th minute directly from a dead ball free kick just outside the box, Alvin Jones curled in a right footed effort to give his side an early first half advantage. In 2017 while representing Trinidad and Tobago, Jones scored a famous stunnerto beat former USMNT stalwart Tim Howard and knock the U.S. out of World Cup contention. 

Mark Briggs’ men, who racked up valuable minutes against a slew of quality oppositions this preseason including two quality MLS clubs, didn’t let a strong start from the visitors deny the Indomitable Club a captivating victory.

“I thought you saw two different teams in the first and second half, and it’s a credit to them that we got a reaction,” Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs said. “I think in the second half, that showed the team that we are and the team we are going to be. It was pleasing to see there was a reaction at halftime.” 

In the 27th minute directly from a dead ball free kick just outside the box, Alvin Jones curled in a right footed effort to give his side an early first half advantage. In 2017 while representing Trinidad and Tobago, Jones scored a famous stunnerto beat former USMNT stalwart Tim Howard and knock the U.S. out of World Cup contention. 

Three minute later, Christopher Garcia doubled the visitors’ lead when the forward tucked a close-range effort into the far corner. 

The second half opened with a scorching start from Republic FC as Kharlton Belmar, who entered the match just seconds before, scored his second goal in as many weeks with the Indomitable Club in the 46th minute. Winger Villyan Bijev whipped in a dangerous cross that found Belmar directly in front of net. The 2015 USL Rookie of the Year buried his shot from point blankto cut the deficit in half, 2-1. 

Republic FC equalized in the 73rd minute when midfielder Mario Penagos, who entered the game just two minutes prior, delivered a stellar ball through the heart of the visiting defense directly to Bijev. The Bulgarian-born playmaker rifled a curling effort from just outside the box into the far corner to level the match at 2-2. 

Three minute later, Christopher Garcia doubled the visitors’ lead when the forward tucked a close-range effort into the far corner. 

The second half opened with a scorching start from Republic FC as Kharlton Belmar, who entered the match just seconds before, scored his second goal in as many weeks with the Indomitable Club in the 46th minute. Winger Villyan Bijev whipped in a dangerous cross that found Belmar directly in front of net. The 2015 USL Rookie of the Year buried his shot from point blankto cut the deficit in half, 2-1. 

Republic FC equalized in the 73rd minute when midfielder Mario Penagos, who entered the game just two minutes prior, delivered a stellar ball through the heart of the visiting defense directly to Bijev. The Bulgarian-born playmaker rifled a curling effort from just outside the box into the far corner to level the match at 2-2. 

With momentum on their side, the boys in Old Glory Red continued pushing forward and found their reward in the 86th minute when Man of the Match Bijev bagged his brace to seal the enthralling win. Defender Juan Barahona fired a free kick that deflected off the far post. Bijev drilled his shot by the visiting goalkeeper to gift SRFC a hard-fought victory. 

The Indomitable Club closes out the preseason training camp with a closed-door exhibition friendly against Sacramento State Sunday afternoon before the regular season home opener on Saturday, March 7 against FC Tulsa. Postgame fireworks will immediately follow the match. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT at Papa Murphy’s Park and fans can purchase tickets for the opening game at www.sacrepublicfc.com. 

With momentum on their side, the boys in Old Glory Red continued pushing forward and found their reward in the 86th minute when Man of the Match Bijev bagged his brace to seal the enthralling win. Defender Juan Barahona fired a free kick that deflected off the far post. Bijev drilled his shot by the visiting goalkeeper to gift SRFC a hard-fought victory. 

The Indomitable Club closes out the preseason training camp with a closed-door exhibition friendly against Sacramento State Sunday afternoon before the regular season home opener on Saturday, March 7 against FC Tulsa. Postgame fireworks will immediately follow the match. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT at Papa Murphy’s Park and fans can purchase tickets for the opening game at www.sacrepublicfc.com. 

Sacramento Republic FC 3-2 Real Monarchs
Preseason Friendly
Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California
February 29, 2020

Scoring Summary:SLC – Alvin Jones 27, Christopher Garcia 30; SAC – Kharlton Belmar (Villyan Bijev) 46, Villyan Bijev (Mario Penagos) 73, Villyan Bijev (Juan Barahona) 86. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Adam Grinwis; Jordan McCrary, Matt Mahoney, Hayden Sargis, Juan Barahona; Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Sam Werner, Darek Formella (Kharlton Belmar 46), Cameron Iwasa (Mario Penagos 71). 

Real Monarchs SLC– David Ochoa; Ashtone Morgan, Alvin Jones, Erik Holt, Taylor Peay; Sam Brown, Everton Luiz (Jordan Pena 83), Arturo Rodriguez (Kyle Coffee 81), Dayonn Harris (Noah Powder 69), Milan Iloski, Christopher Garcia. 

Sacramento Republic FC 3-2 Real Monarchs
Preseason Friendly
Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California
February 29, 2020

Scoring Summary:SLC – Alvin Jones 27, Christopher Garcia 30; SAC – Kharlton Belmar (Villyan Bijev) 46, Villyan Bijev (Mario Penagos) 73, Villyan Bijev (Juan Barahona) 86. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Adam Grinwis; Jordan McCrary, Matt Mahoney, Hayden Sargis, Juan Barahona; Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Sam Werner, Darek Formella (Kharlton Belmar 46), Cameron Iwasa (Mario Penagos 71). 

Real Monarchs SLC– David Ochoa; Ashtone Morgan, Alvin Jones, Erik Holt, Taylor Peay; Sam Brown, Everton Luiz (Jordan Pena 83), Arturo Rodriguez (Kyle Coffee 81), Dayonn Harris (Noah Powder 69), Milan Iloski, Christopher Garcia. 

SAN JOSE, California (February 21, 2020)– Republic FC traveled to Silicon Valley on Friday afternoon for a closed-door training camp exhibition match against MLS-side San Jose Earthquakes. 

Unlike the Indomitable Club’s previous two friendlies, both of which were 120-minute contests, this encounter was a traditional 90-minute match that ended as a 3-1 win for Mark Briggs’ men. 

“The pleasing thing is the things we’ve been working on, we’re starting to see come out and it was the first time we were able to put a group together and not have it split up in two,” Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs said. “We got good minutes for everyone which is very pleasing and another step towards opening night.” 

SAN JOSE, California (February 21, 2020)– Republic FC traveled to Silicon Valley on Friday afternoon for a closed-door training camp exhibition match against MLS-side San Jose Earthquakes. 

Unlike the Indomitable Club’s previous two friendlies, both of which were 120-minute contests, this encounter was a traditional 90-minute match that ended as a 3-1 win for Mark Briggs’ men. 

“The pleasing thing is the things we’ve been working on, we’re starting to see come out and it was the first time we were able to put a group together and not have it split up in two,” Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs said. “We got good minutes for everyone which is very pleasing and another step towards opening night.” 

The result was positive but the most prized takeaway from the friendly against the ‘Quakes was another match where players logged invaluable minutes against a quality MLS club.

“We played against a top MLS team that have a great coach and a great structure and great tactics and I thought the boys handled it very well,” Coach Briggs said following the match. 

Republic FC struck first in the seventh minute when Cameron Iwasa connected on a Drew Skundrich pass that lifted his side to an early lead. Defender Jordan McCrary delivered a long ball down the right flank to winger Villyan Bijev who whipped in a cross that found Skundrich. The Stanford grad spotted Iwasa whose strike gave SRFC a 1-0 advantage. 

The result was positive but the most prized takeaway from the friendly against the ‘Quakes was another match where players logged invaluable minutes against a quality MLS club.

“We played against a top MLS team that have a great coach and a great structure and great tactics and I thought the boys handled it very well,” Coach Briggs said following the match. 

Republic FC struck first in the seventh minute when Cameron Iwasa connected on a Drew Skundrich pass that lifted his side to an early lead. Defender Jordan McCrary delivered a long ball down the right flank to winger Villyan Bijev who whipped in a cross that found Skundrich. The Stanford grad spotted Iwasa whose strike gave SRFC a 1-0 advantage. 

The boys in Old Glory Red doubled their lead in the 11th minute when Skundrich curled a perfectly placed left footed effort inside the far post before San Jose cut the deficit in half just two minutes later by way of Andy Rios. 

Bijev was active on both wings all afternoon and in the 29th minute the Bulgarian-born playmaker rifled a cross into the box that Skundrich steered on target and across the goal line for a 3-1 lead. 

“From an attacking standpoint, the speed of the ball, the movement of the ball, the timing of the movements was very pleasing to see,” Coach Briggs said. “I think you could see that the players looked like they enjoyed it and for me, if the players enjoy what they’re doing, then you’re ultimately going to get better performances and they look like they’re having fun. That’s the aim.”

The Indomitable Club returns to preseason training camp exhibition action tomorrow afternoon in a closed-door friendly against Oakland Roots SC at Cosumnes River College. 

The boys in Old Glory Red doubled their lead in the 11th minute when Skundrich curled a perfectly placed left footed effort inside the far post before San Jose cut the deficit in half just two minutes later by way of Andy Rios. 

Bijev was active on both wings all afternoon and in the 29th minute the Bulgarian-born playmaker rifled a cross into the box that Skundrich steered on target and across the goal line for a 3-1 lead. 

“From an attacking standpoint, the speed of the ball, the movement of the ball, the timing of the movements was very pleasing to see,” Coach Briggs said. “I think you could see that the players looked like they enjoyed it and for me, if the players enjoy what they’re doing, then you’re ultimately going to get better performances and they look like they’re having fun. That’s the aim.”

The Indomitable Club returns to preseason training camp exhibition action tomorrow afternoon in a closed-door friendly against Oakland Roots SC at Cosumnes River College. 

Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Preseason Friendly
Earthquakes Stadium, San Jose, California
February 21, 2020

Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Preseason Friendly
Earthquakes Stadium, San Jose, California
February 21, 2020

Scoring Summary:SAC – Cameron Iwasa 7, Drew Skundrich 11, 29; SJ – Andy Rios 13

Sacramento Republic FC – Adam Grinwis; Jordan McCrary, Matt Mahoney, Hayden Sargis, Ashkanov Apollon (Juan Barahona 82); Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Sam Werner (Kharlton Belmar 71), Darek Formella (Mario Penagos 85), Cameron Iwasa.

Scoring Summary:SAC – Cameron Iwasa 7, Drew Skundrich 11, 29; SJ – Andy Rios 13

Sacramento Republic FC – Adam Grinwis; Jordan McCrary, Matt Mahoney, Hayden Sargis, Ashkanov Apollon (Juan Barahona 82); Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Sam Werner (Kharlton Belmar 71), Darek Formella (Mario Penagos 85), Cameron Iwasa.

SEATTLE, Washington (February 5, 2020) – Republic FC kicked off its first friendly of the 2020 preseason campaign this morning against the defending MLS Cup Champions, Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field in a 120-minute exhibition match. 

The final result of 6-2 may not have been the preferred outcome, but the encounter against one of the country’s best clubs provided invaluable experience for Mark Briggs’ men as they gear up for the 2020 USL Championship regular season which kicks off on March 7 at home against FC Tulsa.

SEATTLE, Washington (February 5, 2020) – Republic FC kicked off its first friendly of the 2020 preseason campaign this morning against the defending MLS Cup Champions, Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field in a 120-minute exhibition match. 

The final result of 6-2 may not have been the preferred outcome, but the encounter against one of the country’s best clubs provided invaluable experience for Mark Briggs’ men as they gear up for the 2020 USL Championship regular season which kicks off on March 7 at home against FC Tulsa.

Regardless of what the score line was, there were plenty of positives to take away from the contest. The Indomitable Club created a number of scoring opportunities against the reigning champs from the nation’s premier division and of the players who traveled with the club, each accumulated some crucial minutes against a top tier domestic opponent. 

“That’s what it’s all about, getting minutes against the best team in the country,” Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs said following the friendly. 

Regardless of what the score line was, there were plenty of positives to take away from the contest. The Indomitable Club created a number of scoring opportunities against the reigning champs from the nation’s premier division and of the players who traveled with the club, each accumulated some crucial minutes against a top tier domestic opponent. 

“That’s what it’s all about, getting minutes against the best team in the country,” Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs said following the friendly. 

Especially for Republic FC Academy standouts Aris Yang, Julian Chavez, Diego Ramos, former academy defender Hayden Sargis, who recently signed his first professional contract with the first team, and 15-year-old Rafael Jauregui who each logged valuable minutes against Seattle’s best starting eleven. 

“For 75 minutes of the match, Seattle played their strongest team,” Coach Briggs said. “The young guys played well against Seattle’s strongest side and we got out of it what we needed. Everybody got minutes.”

The lengthy friendly allowed players to show coaches their current fitness levels, which look to be in solid shape given how young the season is. 

Especially for Republic FC Academy standouts Aris Yang, Julian Chavez, Diego Ramos, former academy defender Hayden Sargis, who recently signed his first professional contract with the first team, and 15-year-old Rafael Jauregui who each logged valuable minutes against Seattle’s best starting eleven. 

“For 75 minutes of the match, Seattle played their strongest team,” Coach Briggs said. “The young guys played well against Seattle’s strongest side and we got out of it what we needed. Everybody got minutes.”

The lengthy friendly allowed players to show coaches their current fitness levels, which look to be in solid shape given how young the season is. 

“From a fitness standpoint, we’re ahead of the curve,” Coach Briggs said. “Today was about seeing the fitness levels that the players came in at and doing Seattle a favor with their Champions League match next week, 60 minutes was enough for us. Everybody played 60 minutes and we got out of the match what was to be expected.”

In the match, the hosts leaped out to an early 2-0 lead in the Pacific Northwest by way of Raul Ruidiaz in the 2nd minute and Harry Shipp in the 9th. USMNT standout Jordan Morris added a third in the 35th minute before the boys in Old Glory Red bagged a sensational strike in the 72nd minute by midfielder Sam Werner to make it 3-1. Defender Jordan McCrary, against his former club, whipped a ball towards the far post that Werner volleyed into the top corner. 

“From a fitness standpoint, we’re ahead of the curve,” Coach Briggs said. “Today was about seeing the fitness levels that the players came in at and doing Seattle a favor with their Champions League match next week, 60 minutes was enough for us. Everybody played 60 minutes and we got out of the match what was to be expected.”

In the match, the hosts leaped out to an early 2-0 lead in the Pacific Northwest by way of Raul Ruidiaz in the 2nd minute and Harry Shipp in the 9th. USMNT standout Jordan Morris added a third in the 35th minute before the boys in Old Glory Red bagged a sensational strike in the 72nd minute by midfielder Sam Werner to make it 3-1. Defender Jordan McCrary, against his former club, whipped a ball towards the far post that Werner volleyed into the top corner. 

Seattle forward Justin Dhillon netted his first goal of the friendly to lift Sounders FC to a 4-1 lead in the 78th minute before the Indomitable Club cut the deficit in half through forward Cameron Iwasa in the 96th. The Sacramento native pulled the ball back from the left-hand side, beat his defender and simply passed the ball into the back of the net. Dhillon bagged his brace one minute later before an Alex Roldan strike 20 minutes later sealed the 6-2 win for Seattle. 

Next up for the boys in Old Glory Red is a closed-door exhibition friendly against regional rivals Reno 1868 FC on Saturday, February 15. 

Seattle forward Justin Dhillon netted his first goal of the friendly to lift Sounders FC to a 4-1 lead in the 78th minute before the Indomitable Club cut the deficit in half through forward Cameron Iwasa in the 96th. The Sacramento native pulled the ball back from the left-hand side, beat his defender and simply passed the ball into the back of the net. Dhillon bagged his brace one minute later before an Alex Roldan strike 20 minutes later sealed the 6-2 win for Seattle. 

Next up for the boys in Old Glory Red is a closed-door exhibition friendly against regional rivals Reno 1868 FC on Saturday, February 15. 

Sacramento Republic FC 2-6 Seattle Sounders FC
Preseason Friendly
CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
February 5, 2020

Sacramento Republic FC 2-6 Seattle Sounders FC
Preseason Friendly
CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
February 5, 2020

Scoring Summary: SEA – Raul Ruidiaz 2, Harry Shipp 9, Jordan Morris 35, Justin Dhillon 78, Dhillion 97, Alex Roldan 117; SAC – Sam Werner 72, Cameron Iwasa 96. 

Sacramento Republic FC starting XI– Adam Grinwis; Aris Yang (academy player), Juan Barahona, Dekel Keinan, Matt Mahoney; Jaime Villarreal, Rodrigo Lopez, Darek Formella, Julian Chavez (academy player), Kharlton Belmar; Khalid Balogun. 

Sacramento Republic FC third period XI– Adam Grinwis; Jordan McCrary, Ashkanov Apollon, Hayden Sargis, Tomas Hilliard-Arce; Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Rafael Jauregui (academy player), Sam Werner; Cameron Iwasa. 

Seattle Sounders FC starting XI– Stefan Frei; Kelvin Leerdam, Shane O’Neill, Xavier Arreaga, Nouhou; Gustav Svensson, Joao Paulo, Cristian Roldan, Harry Shipp, Jordan Morris; Raul Ruidiaz. 

Seattle Sounders FCthird period XI – Stefan Cleveland; Alex Roldan, Josh Atencio, Sam Rogers, Joevin Jones; Danny Leyva, Chris Hegardt, Shandon Hopeau, Handwalla Bwana, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez; Justin Dhillon.

Scoring Summary: SEA – Raul Ruidiaz 2, Harry Shipp 9, Jordan Morris 35, Justin Dhillon 78, Dhillion 97, Alex Roldan 117; SAC – Sam Werner 72, Cameron Iwasa 96. 

Sacramento Republic FC starting XI– Adam Grinwis; Aris Yang (academy player), Juan Barahona, Dekel Keinan, Matt Mahoney; Jaime Villarreal, Rodrigo Lopez, Darek Formella, Julian Chavez (academy player), Kharlton Belmar; Khalid Balogun. 

Sacramento Republic FC third period XI– Adam Grinwis; Jordan McCrary, Ashkanov Apollon, Hayden Sargis, Tomas Hilliard-Arce; Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Rafael Jauregui (academy player), Sam Werner; Cameron Iwasa. 

Seattle Sounders FC starting XI– Stefan Frei; Kelvin Leerdam, Shane O’Neill, Xavier Arreaga, Nouhou; Gustav Svensson, Joao Paulo, Cristian Roldan, Harry Shipp, Jordan Morris; Raul Ruidiaz. 

Seattle Sounders FCthird period XI – Stefan Cleveland; Alex Roldan, Josh Atencio, Sam Rogers, Joevin Jones; Danny Leyva, Chris Hegardt, Shandon Hopeau, Handwalla Bwana, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez; Justin Dhillon.

EL PASO, Texas (November 2, 2019) — Republic FC’s 2019 USL Championship campaign came to a close on Saturday night following a 3-0 result to El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park.

EL PASO, Texas (November 2, 2019) — Republic FC’s 2019 USL Championship campaign came to a close on Saturday night following a 3-0 result to El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park.

Simon Elliott’s men created plenty of goalscoring opportunities but a pair of crucial second half saves by the hosts was enough to halt Sacramento’s quest for Championship Cup glory. 

El Paso broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when former Republic FC defender James Kiffe whipped in a left-footed cross from a dead ball free kick that Aaron Gomez headed towards the far post to lift Locomotive FC to a 1-0 lead. 

The boys in Old Glory Red nearly found their equalizer in the 67th minute when Thomas Enevoldsen’s attempt narrowly sailed over the woodwork. Winger Villyan Bijev delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area that bounced around before making its way to the Danish forward who fired his first touch just over the crossbar. 

Moments later, a Drew Skundrich header was cleared off the goal-line by defender Andrew Fox. Bijev picked out Skundrich surging towards the far post and the former Stanford Cardinal put a powerful header on goal that drilled the El Paso defender in the forehead. 

A diving fingertip save in the 80th minute by Locomotive FC goalkeeper Logan Ketterer prevented forward Cameron Iwasa from leveling the match. The Sacramento native rifled an attempt on target but Ketterer reacted quickly enough to deny the club’s all-time leading goalscorer his equalizer. 

Three minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead when Sebastian Contreras converted from the penalty spot after forward Omar Salgado was taken down in the box. 

The club from the Lone Star State put the match out of reach in the 88th minute when Sebastian Velasquez fired a left-footed shot by goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth and into the back of the net to seal El Paso’s spot in the Western Conference Final against Real Monarchs. 
 

Sacramento Republic FC 0-3 El Paso Locomotive FC

USL Championship Semifinal Match

Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas

November 2, 2019 

 

Scoring Summary:  ELP – Aaron Gomez (James Kiffe) 40, Sebastian Contreras 83, Sebastian Velasquez (Drew Beckie) 88. 

Misconduct Summary:  ELP – Drew Beckie (caution) 25, Ritchie Ryan (dissent) 70, Yuma Monsalvez (caution); SAC – Keven Aleman (caution) 51, Thomas Enevoldsen (dissent) 70, Juan Barahona (dissent) 87. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Mitchell Taintor, Dekel Keinan, Juan Barahona; Jaime Villarreal, Drew Skundrich (Hayden Partain 90), Keven Aleman (Villyan Bijev 57), Sam Werner (Dariusz Formella 65); Thomas Enevoldsen, Cameron Iwasa.

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Matt Mahoney, Ray Saari, Charalampos Chantzopoulos.

Stats – Shots: 17, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 2, Fouls: 20, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 0.

El Paso Locomotive FC –  Logan Ketterer; Chiro N’Toko, Andrew Fox, James Kiffe, Drew Beckie; Sebastian Velasquez, Yuma Monsalvez (Louis Herrera 90), Aaron Gomez (Ritchie Ryan 63), Nick Ross, Omar Salgado, Jerome Kiesewetter (Sebastian Contreras 75). 

Subs Not Used:  Alexy Bosetti, Jermaine Fordah, Guillermo Diaz, Moses Makinde. 

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 4, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 1.

Simon Elliott’s men created plenty of goalscoring opportunities but a pair of crucial second half saves by the hosts was enough to halt Sacramento’s quest for Championship Cup glory. 

El Paso broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when former Republic FC defender James Kiffe whipped in a left-footed cross from a dead ball free kick that Aaron Gomez headed towards the far post to lift Locomotive FC to a 1-0 lead. 

The boys in Old Glory Red nearly found their equalizer in the 67th minute when Thomas Enevoldsen’s attempt narrowly sailed over the woodwork. Winger Villyan Bijev delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area that bounced around before making its way to the Danish forward who fired his first touch just over the crossbar. 

Moments later, a Drew Skundrich header was cleared off the goal-line by defender Andrew Fox. Bijev picked out Skundrich surging towards the far post and the former Stanford Cardinal put a powerful header on goal that drilled the El Paso defender in the forehead. 

A diving fingertip save in the 80th minute by Locomotive FC goalkeeper Logan Ketterer prevented forward Cameron Iwasa from leveling the match. The Sacramento native rifled an attempt on target but Ketterer reacted quickly enough to deny the club’s all-time leading goalscorer his equalizer. 

Three minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead when Sebastian Contreras converted from the penalty spot after forward Omar Salgado was taken down in the box. 

The club from the Lone Star State put the match out of reach in the 88th minute when Sebastian Velasquez fired a left-footed shot by goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth and into the back of the net to seal El Paso’s spot in the Western Conference Final against Real Monarchs. 
 

Sacramento Republic FC 0-3 El Paso Locomotive FC

USL Championship Semifinal Match

Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas

November 2, 2019 

 

Scoring Summary:  ELP – Aaron Gomez (James Kiffe) 40, Sebastian Contreras 83, Sebastian Velasquez (Drew Beckie) 88. 

Misconduct Summary:  ELP – Drew Beckie (caution) 25, Ritchie Ryan (dissent) 70, Yuma Monsalvez (caution); SAC – Keven Aleman (caution) 51, Thomas Enevoldsen (dissent) 70, Juan Barahona (dissent) 87. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Mitchell Taintor, Dekel Keinan, Juan Barahona; Jaime Villarreal, Drew Skundrich (Hayden Partain 90), Keven Aleman (Villyan Bijev 57), Sam Werner (Dariusz Formella 65); Thomas Enevoldsen, Cameron Iwasa.

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Matt Mahoney, Ray Saari, Charalampos Chantzopoulos.

Stats – Shots: 17, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 2, Fouls: 20, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 0.

El Paso Locomotive FC –  Logan Ketterer; Chiro N’Toko, Andrew Fox, James Kiffe, Drew Beckie; Sebastian Velasquez, Yuma Monsalvez (Louis Herrera 90), Aaron Gomez (Ritchie Ryan 63), Nick Ross, Omar Salgado, Jerome Kiesewetter (Sebastian Contreras 75). 

Subs Not Used:  Alexy Bosetti, Jermaine Fordah, Guillermo Diaz, Moses Makinde. 

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 4, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 1.

RENO, Nevada (October 26, 2019) — For the second time this week, a resilient Republic FC side stormed back from an early goal down to advance in the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs after defeating Reno 1868 FC in a Quarterfinal showdown on Saturday night, 3-1.

RENO, Nevada (October 26, 2019) — For the second time this week, a resilient Republic FC side stormed back from an early goal down to advance in the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs after defeating Reno 1868 FC in a Quarterfinal showdown on Saturday night, 3-1.

Simon Elliott’s men fell behind within the first five minutes of the match but the boys in Old Glory Red responded with three of their own, two in the final 20 minutes of play, to upset second-seeded 1868 FC at Greater Nevada Field. 

Reno took a 1-0 lead when a back-pass to goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth was intercepted by Corey Hertzog. Reno’s leading goalscorer rolled his shot into an empty net to gift the hosts an early advantage. 

The Indomitable Club responded three minutes later when forward Cameron Iwasa fought off two defenders at the halfway line before barreling upfield with possession. The Sacramento native picked out defender Juan Barahona on the left side of the box who rifled a cross towards the penalty spot that found a surging Sam Werner. The winger steered his volley towards goal and beat the Reno goalkeeper Cody Mizell to level the score at one all. 

Just before the half, the hosts nearly snatched the lead off of a deflected shot that goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth was quick to pounce on. Moments later, Shuttleworth was called into action again as the Republic FC goalkeeper brushed aside a header from close range.

For the second straight game, Sacramento battled back from an early deficit and snatched the lead late in the second half when Iwasa showed his composure in front of net to put his side on top. Five minutes after subbing into the match, Villyan Bijev made an immediate impact when he flicked a perfectly weighted ball into the path of the club’s all-time leading goalscorer who picked his spot and beat Mizell to put SRFC out in front, 2-1. 

Five minutes later, Sacramento doubled its lead through Thomas Enevoldsen. Iwasa chipped a dangerous ball into the box that Dariusz Formella got a touch on before the Danish striker slammed the loose ball into the back of the net to ensure Republic FC was headed to the Western Conference Semifinals. 

The seventh-seeded boys in Old Glory Red will continue their quest for USL Championship Cup glory this coming Saturday night in Texas against sixth-seed El Paso Locomotive FC at 6:30 p.m. PT. 
 

Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 Reno 1868 FC

USL Championship Quarterfinal Match

Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada

October 26, 2019 
 

Scoring Summary:  RNO – Corey Hertzog 5; SAC – Sam Werner (Juan Barahona) 8, Cameron Iwasa (Villyan Bijev) 70, Thomas Enevoldsen (Dariusz Formella) 75. 

Misconduct Summary:  SAC – Mitchell Taintor (caution) 73, Drew Skundrich (caution) 84. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Mitchell Taintor, Dekel Keinan, Juan Barahona; Jaime Villarreal, Drew Skundrich, Keven Aleman (Dariusz Formella 69), Sam Werner (Villyan Bijev 65); Thomas Enevoldsen, Cameron Iwasa.

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Matt Mahoney, Ray Saari, Hayden Partain, Charalampos Chantzopoulos.

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 4, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1.

Reno 1868 FC –  Matt Bersano; Duke Lacroix, Brent Richards, Thomas Janjigian, Benjamin Galindo; Eric Calvillo (Seth Casiple 59), Kevin Partida (Will Seymore 69), Lindo Mfeka, Raul Mendiola; Corey Hertzog, Aidan Apodaca (Daniel Musovski 72). 

Subs Not Used:  Sam Gleadle, Siad Haji, Seth Casiple, Emrah Klimenta. 

Stats – Shots: 20, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 0.

Simon Elliott’s men fell behind within the first five minutes of the match but the boys in Old Glory Red responded with three of their own, two in the final 20 minutes of play, to upset second-seeded 1868 FC at Greater Nevada Field. 

Reno took a 1-0 lead when a back-pass to goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth was intercepted by Corey Hertzog. Reno’s leading goalscorer rolled his shot into an empty net to gift the hosts an early advantage. 

The Indomitable Club responded three minutes later when forward Cameron Iwasa fought off two defenders at the halfway line before barreling upfield with possession. The Sacramento native picked out defender Juan Barahona on the left side of the box who rifled a cross towards the penalty spot that found a surging Sam Werner. The winger steered his volley towards goal and beat the Reno goalkeeper Cody Mizell to level the score at one all. 

Just before the half, the hosts nearly snatched the lead off of a deflected shot that goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth was quick to pounce on. Moments later, Shuttleworth was called into action again as the Republic FC goalkeeper brushed aside a header from close range.

For the second straight game, Sacramento battled back from an early deficit and snatched the lead late in the second half when Iwasa showed his composure in front of net to put his side on top. Five minutes after subbing into the match, Villyan Bijev made an immediate impact when he flicked a perfectly weighted ball into the path of the club’s all-time leading goalscorer who picked his spot and beat Mizell to put SRFC out in front, 2-1. 

Five minutes later, Sacramento doubled its lead through Thomas Enevoldsen. Iwasa chipped a dangerous ball into the box that Dariusz Formella got a touch on before the Danish striker slammed the loose ball into the back of the net to ensure Republic FC was headed to the Western Conference Semifinals. 

The seventh-seeded boys in Old Glory Red will continue their quest for USL Championship Cup glory this coming Saturday night in Texas against sixth-seed El Paso Locomotive FC at 6:30 p.m. PT. 
 

Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 Reno 1868 FC

USL Championship Quarterfinal Match

Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada

October 26, 2019 
 

Scoring Summary:  RNO – Corey Hertzog 5; SAC – Sam Werner (Juan Barahona) 8, Cameron Iwasa (Villyan Bijev) 70, Thomas Enevoldsen (Dariusz Formella) 75. 

Misconduct Summary:  SAC – Mitchell Taintor (caution) 73, Drew Skundrich (caution) 84. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Mitchell Taintor, Dekel Keinan, Juan Barahona; Jaime Villarreal, Drew Skundrich, Keven Aleman (Dariusz Formella 69), Sam Werner (Villyan Bijev 65); Thomas Enevoldsen, Cameron Iwasa.

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Matt Mahoney, Ray Saari, Hayden Partain, Charalampos Chantzopoulos.

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 4, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1.

Reno 1868 FC –  Matt Bersano; Duke Lacroix, Brent Richards, Thomas Janjigian, Benjamin Galindo; Eric Calvillo (Seth Casiple 59), Kevin Partida (Will Seymore 69), Lindo Mfeka, Raul Mendiola; Corey Hertzog, Aidan Apodaca (Daniel Musovski 72). 

Subs Not Used:  Sam Gleadle, Siad Haji, Seth Casiple, Emrah Klimenta. 

Stats – Shots: 20, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 0.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 23, 2019) — Republic FC showcased their resiliency on Wednesday night in the Western Conference play-in game after a 2-1 come-from-behind victory that was headlined by a breathtaking strike from Thomas Enevoldsen.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 23, 2019) — Republic FC showcased their resiliency on Wednesday night in the Western Conference play-in game after a 2-1 come-from-behind victory that was headlined by a breathtaking strike from Thomas Enevoldsen.

With the win, Simon Elliott’s men march on to the Quarterfinals of the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs where regional rivals Reno 1868 will be waiting for them at Greater Nevada Field this Saturday night. 

It took all of 15 seconds into the match for New Mexico to leap out to a 1-0 lead. Forward Devon Sandoval picked out Santi Moar near the endline who charged towards the SRFC defense before returning it to Sandoval at the top of the box. The striker steered his right-footed shot into the back of the net for early advantage. 

United nearly doubled their lead in the 12th minute but goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth brushed aside the close range header, one of his four saves on the evening.  

The boys in Old Glory Red continued pushing forward in search of an equalizer and nearly found it in the 35th minute through Enevoldsen. The Danish striker weaved through United’s defense and fired a low shot that deflected off a defender before striking the woodwork. 

But the Indomitable Club would not be denied and it was Keven Aleman who delivered the leveler in the final minute of first-half stoppage time. From the top of the box, Enevoldsen flicked a lob towards the back post that Drew Skundrich headed back across goal. The cross managed to find Aleman who fired his first attempt by the visiting goalkeeper to tie the match at 1-1. 

Aleman almost bagged a brace in the second half when his 55th minute curling effort from outside the box collided with the crossbar. 

Sacramento created plenty of second half goal scoring chances but the moment of magic came in the 82nd minute when Sam Werner delivered an impeccable ball all the way from just inside the midfield line that was placed perfectly on Enevoldsen’s foot just feet from United’s goal. The Great Dane buried his volley and inevitably booked Republic FC their spot in the Quarterfinals. The finish was sublime but the pinpoint delivery from Werner made it all possible. 

The Indomitable Club’s quest for USL Championship Cup glory continues Saturday in Reno with kickoff at Greater Nevada Field set for 5:30 p.m. PT. 

Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 New Mexico United

USL Championship Playoff Match

Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California

October 23, 2019  – Attendance: 9,907

 

Scoring Summary:  NM – Devon Sandoval (Santi Moar) 1; SAC – Keven Aleman (Drew Skundrich) 45, Thomas Enevoldsen (Sam Werner) 82. 

Misconduct Summary:  SAC – Thomas Enevoldsen (caution) 44, Jaime Villarreal (caution) 67, Sam Werner (caution) 90; NM – Manny Padilla (caution) 44, Christopher Wehan (caution) 64, Juan Guzman (caution) 69, Justin Schmidt (caution) 90. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Dekel Keinan, Mitchell Taintor, Juan Barahona; Jaime Villarreal, Keven Aleman, Villyan Bijev (Sam Werner 61), Drew Skundrich; Thomas Enevoldsen (Charalampos Chantzopoulos 89), Cameron Iwasa.

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Matt Mahoney, Hayden Partain, Ray Saari, Dariusz Formella. 

Stats – Shots: 18, Shots on Goal: 7, Saves: 4, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 1.

New Mexico United – Cody Mizell; Manny Padilla, Rashid Tetteh, Justin Schmidt, Josh Suggs; Santi Moar, Juan Guzman (Daniel Bruce 86), Sam Hamilton (Saalih Muhammad) 45, David Estrada (Kevaughn Frater) 58; Christopher Wehan, Devon Sandoval. 

Subs Not Used: Austin Yearwood, Tommy Madden, Benjamin Beaury, Ethen Sampson.

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

With the win, Simon Elliott’s men march on to the Quarterfinals of the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs where regional rivals Reno 1868 will be waiting for them at Greater Nevada Field this Saturday night. 

It took all of 15 seconds into the match for New Mexico to leap out to a 1-0 lead. Forward Devon Sandoval picked out Santi Moar near the endline who charged towards the SRFC defense before returning it to Sandoval at the top of the box. The striker steered his right-footed shot into the back of the net for early advantage. 

United nearly doubled their lead in the 12th minute but goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth brushed aside the close range header, one of his four saves on the evening.  

The boys in Old Glory Red continued pushing forward in search of an equalizer and nearly found it in the 35th minute through Enevoldsen. The Danish striker weaved through United’s defense and fired a low shot that deflected off a defender before striking the woodwork. 

But the Indomitable Club would not be denied and it was Keven Aleman who delivered the leveler in the final minute of first-half stoppage time. From the top of the box, Enevoldsen flicked a lob towards the back post that Drew Skundrich headed back across goal. The cross managed to find Aleman who fired his first attempt by the visiting goalkeeper to tie the match at 1-1. 

Aleman almost bagged a brace in the second half when his 55th minute curling effort from outside the box collided with the crossbar. 

Sacramento created plenty of second half goal scoring chances but the moment of magic came in the 82nd minute when Sam Werner delivered an impeccable ball all the way from just inside the midfield line that was placed perfectly on Enevoldsen’s foot just feet from United’s goal. The Great Dane buried his volley and inevitably booked Republic FC their spot in the Quarterfinals. The finish was sublime but the pinpoint delivery from Werner made it all possible. 

The Indomitable Club’s quest for USL Championship Cup glory continues Saturday in Reno with kickoff at Greater Nevada Field set for 5:30 p.m. PT. 

Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 New Mexico United

USL Championship Playoff Match

Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California

October 23, 2019  – Attendance: 9,907

 

Scoring Summary:  NM – Devon Sandoval (Santi Moar) 1; SAC – Keven Aleman (Drew Skundrich) 45, Thomas Enevoldsen (Sam Werner) 82. 

Misconduct Summary:  SAC – Thomas Enevoldsen (caution) 44, Jaime Villarreal (caution) 67, Sam Werner (caution) 90; NM – Manny Padilla (caution) 44, Christopher Wehan (caution) 64, Juan Guzman (caution) 69, Justin Schmidt (caution) 90. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Dekel Keinan, Mitchell Taintor, Juan Barahona; Jaime Villarreal, Keven Aleman, Villyan Bijev (Sam Werner 61), Drew Skundrich; Thomas Enevoldsen (Charalampos Chantzopoulos 89), Cameron Iwasa.

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Matt Mahoney, Hayden Partain, Ray Saari, Dariusz Formella. 

Stats – Shots: 18, Shots on Goal: 7, Saves: 4, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 1.

New Mexico United – Cody Mizell; Manny Padilla, Rashid Tetteh, Justin Schmidt, Josh Suggs; Santi Moar, Juan Guzman (Daniel Bruce 86), Sam Hamilton (Saalih Muhammad) 45, David Estrada (Kevaughn Frater) 58; Christopher Wehan, Devon Sandoval. 

Subs Not Used: Austin Yearwood, Tommy Madden, Benjamin Beaury, Ethen Sampson.

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

HERRIMAN, Utah (October 19, 2019) — Republic FC fell 3-0 to Real Monarchs on Saturday afternoon at Zions Bank Stadium and the result guarantees Sacramento will host a play-in game on Wednesday night against an opponent that has yet to be determined.

HERRIMAN, Utah (October 19, 2019) — Republic FC fell 3-0 to Real Monarchs on Saturday afternoon at Zions Bank Stadium and the result guarantees Sacramento will host a play-in game on Wednesday night against an opponent that has yet to be determined.

Simon Elliott’s men finished the regular season with 48 points from 34 matches and will end up in either seventh or eighth place, depending on Austin Bold FC’s Saturday night result against Tacoma Defiance. If Austin wins or draws, Republic FC will bump down to eighth and host the ninth place team (either LA Galaxy II, San Antonio or New Mexico will be the ninth and tenth seeds). 

The boys in Old Glory Red started the match strong and created the better scoring chances early on. In the 19th minute, midfielder Sam Werner whipped in a cross that found an open Villyan Bijev but the Bulgarian-born winger pushed his header just wide. 

Seven minutes later, an attacking Republic FC side nearly broke through once again when Bijev fired a low cross into the box that forward Thomas Enevoldsen nudged just wide of the far post. 

But it was the hosts who managed to take the lead on the cusp of halftime when a Kalen Ryden header gave Monarchs the 1-0 advantage. Ryden’s first header slammed off the crossbar but a quick cross from Maikel Chang was immediately returned to Ryden who buried his second effort. 

Real Monarchs doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Tate Schmitt spotted Luke Mulholland sprinting towards goal and delivered a blistering right-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. 

Monarchs made it 3-0 off an indirect free kick resulting from a back pass to the goalkeeper. Justin Portillo laid the ball off for Douglas Martinez who powered his shot through the Republic FC defense and into the back of the net. 

The Indomitable Club will kickoff their 2019 USL Championship Playoffs campaign this Wednesday night at Papa Murphy’s Park. More information on the upcoming match will be released following Saturday night’s results from around the league. 

 

Sacramento Republic FC 0-3 Real Monarchs

USL Championship Match

Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah

October 19, 2019 

 

Scoring Summary:  SLC – Kalen Ryden (Maikel Chang) 45, Luke Mulholland (Tate Schmitt) 50, Douglas Martinez (Justin Portillo) 61. 

Misconduct Summary:  SAC – Jaime Villarreal (caution) 24, Mitchell Taintor (caution) 43, Jordan McCrary (caution) 85; SLC – Luke Mulholland (caution) 48, Jack Blake (caution) 56, Douglas Martinez (caution) 82. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Mitchell Taintor, Charalampos Chantzopoulos, Matt Mahoney; Jaime Villarreal (Keven Aleman 62), Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Sam Werner; Thomas Enevoldsen (Dariusz Formella 62), Cameron Iwasa (Stefano Bonomo 75).

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Dekel Keinan, Ray Saari, Hayden Partain.

Stats – Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 8, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 2.

Real Monarchs –  David Ochoa; Konrad Plewa, Noah Powder, Erik Holt, Kalen Ryden; Luke Mulholland (Sam Brown 69), Maikel Chang, Tate Schmitt (Steve Jasso 81), Justin Portillo, Jack Blake (Luis Arriaga 81); Douglas Martinez. 

Subs Not Used: Kyle Coffee, Damian German, Evan Finney, Julian Vazquez.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 3, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 1.

Simon Elliott’s men finished the regular season with 48 points from 34 matches and will end up in either seventh or eighth place, depending on Austin Bold FC’s Saturday night result against Tacoma Defiance. If Austin wins or draws, Republic FC will bump down to eighth and host the ninth place team (either LA Galaxy II, San Antonio or New Mexico will be the ninth and tenth seeds). 

The boys in Old Glory Red started the match strong and created the better scoring chances early on. In the 19th minute, midfielder Sam Werner whipped in a cross that found an open Villyan Bijev but the Bulgarian-born winger pushed his header just wide. 

Seven minutes later, an attacking Republic FC side nearly broke through once again when Bijev fired a low cross into the box that forward Thomas Enevoldsen nudged just wide of the far post. 

But it was the hosts who managed to take the lead on the cusp of halftime when a Kalen Ryden header gave Monarchs the 1-0 advantage. Ryden’s first header slammed off the crossbar but a quick cross from Maikel Chang was immediately returned to Ryden who buried his second effort. 

Real Monarchs doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Tate Schmitt spotted Luke Mulholland sprinting towards goal and delivered a blistering right-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. 

Monarchs made it 3-0 off an indirect free kick resulting from a back pass to the goalkeeper. Justin Portillo laid the ball off for Douglas Martinez who powered his shot through the Republic FC defense and into the back of the net. 

The Indomitable Club will kickoff their 2019 USL Championship Playoffs campaign this Wednesday night at Papa Murphy’s Park. More information on the upcoming match will be released following Saturday night’s results from around the league. 

 

Sacramento Republic FC 0-3 Real Monarchs

USL Championship Match

Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah

October 19, 2019 

 

Scoring Summary:  SLC – Kalen Ryden (Maikel Chang) 45, Luke Mulholland (Tate Schmitt) 50, Douglas Martinez (Justin Portillo) 61. 

Misconduct Summary:  SAC – Jaime Villarreal (caution) 24, Mitchell Taintor (caution) 43, Jordan McCrary (caution) 85; SLC – Luke Mulholland (caution) 48, Jack Blake (caution) 56, Douglas Martinez (caution) 82. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Mitchell Taintor, Charalampos Chantzopoulos, Matt Mahoney; Jaime Villarreal (Keven Aleman 62), Drew Skundrich, Villyan Bijev, Sam Werner; Thomas Enevoldsen (Dariusz Formella 62), Cameron Iwasa (Stefano Bonomo 75).

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Dekel Keinan, Ray Saari, Hayden Partain.

Stats – Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 8, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 2.

Real Monarchs –  David Ochoa; Konrad Plewa, Noah Powder, Erik Holt, Kalen Ryden; Luke Mulholland (Sam Brown 69), Maikel Chang, Tate Schmitt (Steve Jasso 81), Justin Portillo, Jack Blake (Luis Arriaga 81); Douglas Martinez. 

Subs Not Used: Kyle Coffee, Damian German, Evan Finney, Julian Vazquez.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 3, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 1.

Sacramento, Calif. (October 12, 2019) — Playoff-bound Republic FC lost to Orange County SC 3-2 Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park but despite the loss, the club can still potentially host at least one more match at home this season.

Sacramento, Calif. (October 12, 2019) — Playoff-bound Republic FC lost to Orange County SC 3-2 Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park but despite the loss, the club can still potentially host at least one more match at home this season.

Following the result, the Indomitable Club currently sits in sixth place with 48 points from 33 games played. If the season were to end today, the sixth place team would have to travel to the club in possession of third place, currently held by Fresno. But with one match remaining, SRFC could end up as high as fifth place or as low as eighth, with seventh and eighth place being the two seeds who would host a play-in round on Oct. 23. Either way, the boys in Old Glory Red are still headed to the postseason. 

Simon Elliott’s men took the early lead in the sixth minute when Thomas Enevoldsen weaved a perfect through ball to Cameron Iwasa in space. The Sacramento native collected himself and danced around the goalkeeper before firing his shot into an empty net to give Republic FC the 1-0 advantage. 

Orange County equalized ten minutes later when forward Darwin Jones bagged his 12th goal of the season. Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth made a terrific diving save to prevent a Walker Hume header from finding the back of the net but the save fell straight to Jones who tapped his first touch home. 

The visitors doubled their lead in the 26th minute when a Vinicius header off a Michael Orozco cross gave OCFC the 2-1 advantage. Orozco blindly rifled the ball over his shoulder and into the middle of the box. Vinicius was in the right place at the right time and nodded his shot into the far corner. 

But the boys in Old Glory Red weren’t finished yet. Midfielder Sam Werner tried a one-timer from just inside the box which bounced its way towards goal before Enevoldsen attempted to get a touch on it. The dummy touch threw off the visiting goalkeeper and allowed the ball to slip through his grasp. Iwasa, barreling into the box, slammed his shot from point blank into the back of the net to tie the match at two a piece. The goal was Iwasa’s 16th strike in league play this season. 

Republic FC thought they took the lead off a free kick with about a quarter hour left to play before the referee called the goal back for offside. 

Moments later, it was the visitors who captured the lead off a corner kick. The cross met Aodhan Quinn in the middle of the box whose header fell directly to Orozco in front of net. The forward’s shot from close range was ultimately the difference in the match. 

Before the boys in Old Glory Red begin their 2019 USL playoff campaign, one final regular season game awaits them in Utah against Real Monarchs on Saturday, October 19. 

Sacramento Republic FC 2-3 Orange County SC

USL Championship Match

Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California

October 12, 2019  – Attendance: 11,569

Scoring Summary:  SAC – Cameron Iwasa (Thomas Enevoldsen) 6, Iwasa 64; OC – Darwin Jones 16, Vinicius (Michael Orozco) 26, Michael Orozco (Aodhan Quinn) 78. 

Misconduct Summary:  SAC – Jordan McCrary (caution) 17, Drew Skundrich (caution) 91, Mitchell Taintor (dissent) 94; OC – Kevin Alston (caution) 20, Harry Forrester (caution) 43, Vinicius (caution) 56, Frederik Due (dissent) 91, Aodhan Quinn (dissent) 94. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Dekel Keinan (Matt Mahoney 55), Mitchell Taintor, Charalampos Chantzopoulos; Jaime Villarreal, Keven Aleman (Dariusz Formella 83), Sam Werner (Villyan Bijev 66), Drew Skundrich; Thomas Enevoldsen, Cameron Iwasa.

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Hayden Partain, Ray Saari, Stefano Bonomo.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 3.

Orange County SC –  Frederik Due; Kevin Alston, Walker Hume, Joseph Amico, Michael Orozco; Aodhan Quinn, Daniel Crisostomo, Harry Forrester; Jerry van Wolfgang (Christian Duke 81), Vinicius (Kevin Coleman 74), Darwin Jones (Giovanni Ramos Godoy 60). 

Subs Not Used:  Aaron Cervantes, Leonardo, Owusu-Ansah Kontor, Bryang Kayo. 

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 3, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 0.

Following the result, the Indomitable Club currently sits in sixth place with 48 points from 33 games played. If the season were to end today, the sixth place team would have to travel to the club in possession of third place, currently held by Fresno. But with one match remaining, SRFC could end up as high as fifth place or as low as eighth, with seventh and eighth place being the two seeds who would host a play-in round on Oct. 23. Either way, the boys in Old Glory Red are still headed to the postseason. 

Simon Elliott’s men took the early lead in the sixth minute when Thomas Enevoldsen weaved a perfect through ball to Cameron Iwasa in space. The Sacramento native collected himself and danced around the goalkeeper before firing his shot into an empty net to give Republic FC the 1-0 advantage. 

Orange County equalized ten minutes later when forward Darwin Jones bagged his 12th goal of the season. Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth made a terrific diving save to prevent a Walker Hume header from finding the back of the net but the save fell straight to Jones who tapped his first touch home. 

The visitors doubled their lead in the 26th minute when a Vinicius header off a Michael Orozco cross gave OCFC the 2-1 advantage. Orozco blindly rifled the ball over his shoulder and into the middle of the box. Vinicius was in the right place at the right time and nodded his shot into the far corner. 

But the boys in Old Glory Red weren’t finished yet. Midfielder Sam Werner tried a one-timer from just inside the box which bounced its way towards goal before Enevoldsen attempted to get a touch on it. The dummy touch threw off the visiting goalkeeper and allowed the ball to slip through his grasp. Iwasa, barreling into the box, slammed his shot from point blank into the back of the net to tie the match at two a piece. The goal was Iwasa’s 16th strike in league play this season. 

Republic FC thought they took the lead off a free kick with about a quarter hour left to play before the referee called the goal back for offside. 

Moments later, it was the visitors who captured the lead off a corner kick. The cross met Aodhan Quinn in the middle of the box whose header fell directly to Orozco in front of net. The forward’s shot from close range was ultimately the difference in the match. 

Before the boys in Old Glory Red begin their 2019 USL playoff campaign, one final regular season game awaits them in Utah against Real Monarchs on Saturday, October 19. 

Sacramento Republic FC 2-3 Orange County SC

USL Championship Match

Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California

October 12, 2019  – Attendance: 11,569

Scoring Summary:  SAC – Cameron Iwasa (Thomas Enevoldsen) 6, Iwasa 64; OC – Darwin Jones 16, Vinicius (Michael Orozco) 26, Michael Orozco (Aodhan Quinn) 78. 

Misconduct Summary:  SAC – Jordan McCrary (caution) 17, Drew Skundrich (caution) 91, Mitchell Taintor (dissent) 94; OC – Kevin Alston (caution) 20, Harry Forrester (caution) 43, Vinicius (caution) 56, Frederik Due (dissent) 91, Aodhan Quinn (dissent) 94. 

Sacramento Republic FC – Bobby Shuttleworth; Jordan McCrary, Dekel Keinan (Matt Mahoney 55), Mitchell Taintor, Charalampos Chantzopoulos; Jaime Villarreal, Keven Aleman (Dariusz Formella 83), Sam Werner (Villyan Bijev 66), Drew Skundrich; Thomas Enevoldsen, Cameron Iwasa.

Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Hayden Partain, Ray Saari, Stefano Bonomo.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 3.

Orange County SC –  Frederik Due; Kevin Alston, Walker Hume, Joseph Amico, Michael Orozco; Aodhan Quinn, Daniel Crisostomo, Harry Forrester; Jerry van Wolfgang (Christian Duke 81), Vinicius (Kevin Coleman 74), Darwin Jones (Giovanni Ramos Godoy 60). 

Subs Not Used:  Aaron Cervantes, Leonardo, Owusu-Ansah Kontor, Bryang Kayo. 

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 3, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 0.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.  (October 9, 2019) — A free kick from outside the box in the dying moments for FC Juarez was ultimately the deciding factor on Wednesday night at Papa Murphy’s Park after a resilient Republic FC team, consisting mostly of academy players, fought back from a goal down to level the match on three separate occasions before the late strike gave the visitors a 4-3 win.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.  (October 9, 2019) — A free kick from outside the box in the dying moments for FC Juarez was ultimately the deciding factor on Wednesday night at Papa Murphy’s Park after a resilient Republic FC team, consisting mostly of academy players, fought back from a goal down to level the match on three separate occasions before the late strike gave the visitors a 4-3 win.

FC Juarez jumped out to an early lead in the 14th minute by way of a Leandro Carrijo goal. The visitors easily could have taken a 2-0 lead within the first quarter hour of play but an impressive diving save from Rafael Diaz kept the boys in Old Glory Red firmly in the match. 

Simon Elliott’s men equalized in the 34th minute when Stefano Bonomo tucked a right-footed effort inside the near post to level the score 1-1. Midfielder Hayden Partain, who was credited with an assist on the goal, drove a perfectly weighted through ball to the SRFC forward who simply could not have placed his shot any better. 

But the visitors were quick to respond and regained the lead two minutes later when Eduardo Perez fired one by the Republic FC goalkeeper in the 36th minute. 

Five minutes into the second half, Bonomo snagged his second score of the match with a perfectly placed header. Academy defender Aris Yang spotted Bonomo at the far post and delivered a towering cross. Bonomo nodded the ball towards the back post which bounced off the woodwork and past the Juarez goalkeeper Ivan Vazquez to level the score 2-2.

The feisty Mexican club took their third lead of the match in the 54th minute when Leandro Carrijo scored his second goal of the game. 

But the Indomitable Club battled back once again and found their well-deserved equalizer in the 58th minute. Initially, a long-distance effort crushed the Juarez crossbar before academy forward Nate Carrasco followed up the rebound by slamming his shot by the Juarez goalkeeper to make it 3-3. 

FC Juarez found their fourth and final goal after the referee awarded a free kick to the visitors just outside the SRFC box in extra time. Ivan Vazquez came all the way up from his goal and delivered a dipping shot that kissed the crossbar before finding the back of the net. 

Republic FC return to league play against Orange County on Saturday, October 12 for the final home game of the regular season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park. 

Sacramento Republic FC 3-4 FC Juarez

International Friendly

Papa Murphy’s Park – Sacramento, CA

October 9, 2019

Republic FC starting XI:  Rafael Diaz; Aris Young,Hayden Sargis, Mitchell Taintor, Giovanni Ceja; Mario Penagos, Ray Saari, Hayden Partain, Dariusz Formella, Stefano Bonomo, Emmanuel Johnson.

FC Juarez starting XI:  Enrique Palos; Eder Borelli, Elio Castro, Jonathan Lacerdo, Jose Rodriguez; Flavio Santos, Javier Nevares, Eduardo Perez, Joaquin Noy; Gabriel Hachen, Leandro Carrijo.

FC Juarez jumped out to an early lead in the 14th minute by way of a Leandro Carrijo goal. The visitors easily could have taken a 2-0 lead within the first quarter hour of play but an impressive diving save from Rafael Diaz kept the boys in Old Glory Red firmly in the match. 

Simon Elliott’s men equalized in the 34th minute when Stefano Bonomo tucked a right-footed effort inside the near post to level the score 1-1. Midfielder Hayden Partain, who was credited with an assist on the goal, drove a perfectly weighted through ball to the SRFC forward who simply could not have placed his shot any better. 

But the visitors were quick to respond and regained the lead two minutes later when Eduardo Perez fired one by the Republic FC goalkeeper in the 36th minute. 

Five minutes into the second half, Bonomo snagged his second score of the match with a perfectly placed header. Academy defender Aris Yang spotted Bonomo at the far post and delivered a towering cross. Bonomo nodded the ball towards the back post which bounced off the woodwork and past the Juarez goalkeeper Ivan Vazquez to level the score 2-2.

The feisty Mexican club took their third lead of the match in the 54th minute when Leandro Carrijo scored his second goal of the game. 

But the Indomitable Club battled back once again and found their well-deserved equalizer in the 58th minute. Initially, a long-distance effort crushed the Juarez crossbar before academy forward Nate Carrasco followed up the rebound by slamming his shot by the Juarez goalkeeper to make it 3-3. 

FC Juarez found their fourth and final goal after the referee awarded a free kick to the visitors just outside the SRFC box in extra time. Ivan Vazquez came all the way up from his goal and delivered a dipping shot that kissed the crossbar before finding the back of the net. 

Republic FC return to league play against Orange County on Saturday, October 12 for the final home game of the regular season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park. 

Sacramento Republic FC 3-4 FC Juarez

International Friendly

Papa Murphy’s Park – Sacramento, CA

October 9, 2019

Republic FC starting XI:  Rafael Diaz; Aris Young,Hayden Sargis, Mitchell Taintor, Giovanni Ceja; Mario Penagos, Ray Saari, Hayden Partain, Dariusz Formella, Stefano Bonomo, Emmanuel Johnson.

FC Juarez starting XI:  Enrique Palos; Eder Borelli, Elio Castro, Jonathan Lacerdo, Jose Rodriguez; Flavio Santos, Javier Nevares, Eduardo Perez, Joaquin Noy; Gabriel Hachen, Leandro Carrijo.