News

Republic FC Launch Donation Drive to Benefit Those Impacted by Calif. Wildfires

Starting on Saturday, Oct. 14, Republic FC will be launching a donation drive to support those within our soccer family affected by the devastating fires in Northern California. Republic FC will serve as a drop off location and collecting the following items for those impacted:

New or gently used soccer equipment for donation. This may include nets, bags, shoes, balls, new water bottles, new socks or uniforms, and shinguards.
Gift cards to retail stores, restaurants or grocery stores. Please mark in an envelope your name, email and amount so a thank you may be sent.
Backpacks and sports bags/duffles.

New or gently used soccer equipment for donation. This may include nets, bags, shoes, balls, new water bottles, new socks or uniforms, and shinguards.
Gift cards to retail stores, restaurants or grocery stores. Please mark in an envelope your name, email and amount so a thank you may be sent.
Backpacks and sports bags/duffles.

Fans are encouraged to drop off their donations at the Team Store (Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) located at 2421 17th St. or bring them to upcoming watch parties. .

Republic FC is partnering with Second Touch Soccer and NorCal Premier Soccer to help ensure the families, schools and teams in need directly receive the items collected in the donation drive.

BRING YOUR DONATION TO OUR WATCH PARTY

More details to be announced for the Oct. 20 watch party and related donations at it.

Please DO NOT bring nonsoccer items for donation. Only soccer equipment, backpacks and gift cards will be accepted.

DONATE ONLINE

The donation drive is in addition to our ongoing matching donations up to $11,569 to the Red Cross for all those in need. Donate online at: https://www.redcross.org/sacrepublicfc-pub

Fans are encouraged to drop off their donations at the Team Store (Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) located at 2421 17th St. or bring them to upcoming watch parties. .

Republic FC is partnering with Second Touch Soccer and NorCal Premier Soccer to help ensure the families, schools and teams in need directly receive the items collected in the donation drive.

BRING YOUR DONATION TO OUR WATCH PARTY

More details to be announced for the Oct. 20 watch party and related donations at it.

Please DO NOT bring nonsoccer items for donation. Only soccer equipment, backpacks and gift cards will be accepted.

DONATE ONLINE

The donation drive is in addition to our ongoing matching donations up to $11,569 to the Red Cross for all those in need. Donate online at: https://www.redcross.org/sacrepublicfc-pub

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Reno 1868 FC

Sacramento Republic FC finish their three-match road stretch and the USL regular season when they travel about 100 miles east on I-80 to take on Reno 1868 FC on Saturday, Oct. 14. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. PT at Greater Nevada Field. The match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide. Republic FC are hosting watch parties at SacTown Sports Bar in Old Sac and The Brass Tap in Rocklin.

The match is the fourth and final meeting between Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC this season. Republic FC won the first matchup between the two, a 2-0 victory in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play on May 31, but Reno has come away victorious in both of the previous two matches, a 2-0 win on Jun. 10 and a 2-1 win Aug. 19.

Republic FC come into the match after a 1-0 loss to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, Oct. 7. Despite the loss, Republic FC clinched a playoff spot with Orange County SC’s loss to Reno 1868 FC on Saturday. Depending on the result of their match against Reno and results around the USL, Republic FC can finish as high as 6th or as low as 8th in the Western Conference standings.

Defender James Kiffe can become the first player in Republic FC history to start in every USL match in a single season with a start against Reno. He would also become just the second player ever to appear in every USL match in a single season, joining Danny Barrera who played in all 30 USL matches for Republic FC last season. Kiffe has made 38 consecutive USL starts dating back to Aug. 13, 2016.

Saturday will mark the return of Emrah Klimenta and Trevin Caesar who missed the last two matches representing their national teams in World Cup Qualifying matches. Klimenta started and played the full 90 minutes in Montenegro’s 4-2 loss to Poland on Oct. 8, while Caesar made substitute appearances for Trinidad and Tobago in their 3-1 loss to Mexico on Oct. 6 and their 2-1 win over the U.S. on Oct. 10.

Republic FC are 1-1-1 in their history on the last day of the regular season, but have not lost since playing LA Galaxy II to a 2-1 defeat on Sept. 6, 2014. Since then, Republic FC have played Orange County SC to a scoreless draw on Sept. 22, 2015 and beat Tulsa Roughnecks FC 4-0 in last season’s regular season finale on Sept. 24, 2016. Interestingly enough, Republic FC have played the last regular season match at home just once in their history and that was in 2014.

Reno 1868 FC come into the match following a 4-1 win over Orange County SC on Saturday, Oct. 7. With the win, Reno have now scored 73 goals on the season, most of any professional club in the country. Despite their strong offense, Reno are also in the top third of the league defensively, allowing 37 goals in 31 matches.

Rookie midfielder Chris Wehan has taken the league by storm this season, scoring seven goals and leading the league with 12 assists. The midfielder was a star at the University of New Mexico, scoring 31 goals in 80 collegiate matches.

Dane Kelly has also impressed this season, leading the league with 18 goals on the season. Kelly has also added four assists to pad his resume for USL MVP. The forward is the USL’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 66 goals in seven USL seasons.

Republic FC will host two official watch parties at SacTown Sports Bar in Old Sacramento and The Brass Tap in Rocklin. SacTown Sports Bar is located at 106 J St and The Brass Tap is located at 5150 Commons Dr. in Rocklin. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for best seating.

The match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #RNOvSAC.

Republic FC Matching Fan Donations to American Red Cross in Response to Calif Wildfires

Once again, we are reaching out to our Republic FC family, this time to help us support our neighbors in Napa and Sonoma counties as they deal with the wildfires tearing through their communities.

When you donate, we will reciprocate the action. Republic FC will match all donations to the Red Cross donation page below up to $11,569.

DONATE: REDCROSS.ORG/SACREPUBLIC-Pub

Together, we are Indomitable. Please join us in supporting these life-saving resources for all those that have been devastated by the California wildfires.

Shelters and resources for displaced residents

EVACUATION SHELTER AT CAL EXPO

Due to the expanding evacuations in Sonoma and Napa counties, the American Red Cross has opened additional shelters, including one here in Sacramento at Cal Expo. There are no requirements to

You can find additional shelter locations by following your local media or go to redcross.org/shelters.

Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815.

Once again, we are reaching out to our Republic FC family, this time to help us support our neighbors in Napa and Sonoma counties as they deal with the wildfires tearing through their communities.

When you donate, we will reciprocate the action. Republic FC will match all donations to the Red Cross donation page below up to $11,569.

DONATE: REDCROSS.ORG/SACREPUBLIC-Pub

Together, we are Indomitable. Please join us in supporting these life-saving resources for all those that have been devastated by the California wildfires.

Shelters and resources for displaced residents

EVACUATION SHELTER AT CAL EXPO

Due to the expanding evacuations in Sonoma and Napa counties, the American Red Cross has opened additional shelters, including one here in Sacramento at Cal Expo. There are no requirements to

You can find additional shelter locations by following your local media or go to redcross.org/shelters.

Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815.

RECONNECT WITH LOVED ONES

Visit the Red Cross Safe and Well website at http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell to reconnect with loved ones. The site allows individuals and organizations to register and post messages to indicate that they are safe or to search for loved ones. The site is always available, open to the public and available in Spanish. Registrations and searches can be done directly on the website. Registrations can also be completed by texting SAFE to 78876.

RECONNECT WITH LOVED ONES

Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 0, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 1

The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, who needed a win or tie to keep their playoff hopes alive, pushed to find an early goal. Despite the early pressure by the Switchbacks, it was Republic FC who would see the best early chance in the 27th minute. Midfielder Villyan Bijev attacked through the middle of the field, reaching the top of the box before laying the ball wide to the left where Wilson Kneeshaw was making a run. Kneeshaw attempted a right-footed shot, but a diving Switchbacks defender was there just in the nick of time to knock the ball out for a corner.

The Switchbacks pressure would break through in the 36th minute on a play that started down the left side. Defender Josh Suggs drove the ball down the side before cutting the ball back and sending a cross toward the back post. Midfielder Kevaughn Frater chested the ball down and took a quick touch before firing a low shot past the defense and into the back post to put the Switchbacks ahead 1-0 going into the half.

Looking to increase their lead, the Switchbacks would continue the attack early in the second half. In the 53rd minute they had their best chance on a corner by Masta Kacher. The midfielder’s looping pass went into the middle of the box where it was popped straight up in the air. Frater tried to knock the ball toward the net, but it was punched out by Evan Newton instead, but only as far as Shawn Chin who chested the ball down before hitting a long shot from around 30-yards out. The ball started going toward the upper right corner but bent high and wide right, keeping the score 1-0.

The Switchbacks almost doubled their lead again in the 76th minute. The ball went long where both Akwafei Ajeakwa and Frater had beat the defense. Frater brought the long ball down in a one-on-one with Newton and attempted to chip the Republic FC keeper, but Newton was quick to leap in the air and snag the ball to keep Republic FC in the match.

Republic FC had their best chance of the half a minute into stoppage time. James Kiffe’s corner went to the far post where Jeremy Hall jumped high to head the ball back into the middle. Bijev made a run to that spot and was able to snap a header toward the goal, but Dan Jackson was quick to dive and make the save.

Despite the loss, Republic FC clinched their fourth consecutive playoff spot with Orange County SC's 4-1 loss to Reno 1868 FC. Republic FC will finish their three-match road trip when they travel to face Reno on Saturday, Oct. 14. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field. The match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide.

Despite the loss, Republic FC clinched their fourth consecutive playoff spot with Orange County SC’s 4-1 loss to Reno 1868 FC. Republic FC will finish their three-match road trip when they travel to face Reno on Saturday, Oct. 14. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field. The match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 1:0 Sacramento Republic FC

USL Match

Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO

October 7, 2017 – Attendance: 3,860

Scoring Summary: COS – Kevaughn Frater (Josh Suggs) 36.

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Jeremy Hall (caution) 33, Peter McGlynn (caution) 54, Chris Christian (caution) 69, Sammy Ochoa (caution) 79; COS – Rony Argueta (caution) 40).

Sacramento Republic FC – Evan Newton, Peter McGlynn, Chris Christian, Carlos Rodriguez (Elliott Hord 52), James Kiffe; Agustin Cazarez (Wilson Kneeshaw 15), Jeremy Hall, Hayden Partain, Gabe Gissie (Christian Chaney 59); Tyler Blackwood, Villyan Bijev.

Subs Not Used: Dominik Jakubek; Harry Williams, Sammy Ochoa, Luis Espino.

Stats: Shots: 4, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 2, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 2, Offside: 4.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Dan Jackson; Josh Suggs, Pascal Eboussi, Sean McFarlane, Shawn Chin; Rony Argueta, Kim Tae-Seong (Jordan Burt 90), Masta Kacher, Luke Vercollone, Kevaughn Frater (Tebenna Uzo 89); Akwafei Ajeakwa (Shane Malcolm 78).

Subs Not Used: Moise Pouaty; Davy Armstrong, Eddy Prugh, Aaron King.

Stats: Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 6, Offside: 2.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 1:0 Sacramento Republic FC

USL Match

Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO

October 7, 2017 – Attendance: 3,860

Scoring Summary: COS – Kevaughn Frater (Josh Suggs) 36.

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Jeremy Hall (caution) 33, Peter McGlynn (caution) 54, Chris Christian (caution) 69, Sammy Ochoa (caution) 79; COS – Rony Argueta (caution) 40).

Subs Not Used: Dominik Jakubek; Harry Williams, Sammy Ochoa, Luis Espino.

Stats: Shots: 4, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 2, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 2, Offside: 4.

Subs Not Used: Moise Pouaty; Davy Armstrong, Eddy Prugh, Aaron King.

Stats: Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 6, Offside: 2.

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Sacramento Republic FC continue their three-match road stretch when they travel to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, Oct. 7. Kickoff is 5 p.m. PT at Weidner Field. The match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide.

The match is the second of two meetings between Republic FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC this season. The clubs battled to a 2-2 draw in their first matchup this season on Sept. 2 at Papa Murphy’s Park. Republic FC took a 2-1 lead into halftime and despite controlling most of the second half, conceded a stoppage time goal on a header by Pascal Eboussi.

Republic FC come into the match needing just two points in order to clinch a playoff spot following a 1-3 loss to Orange County SC on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Two late goals from Dušan Stevanovic and Jerry van Ewijk kept Orange County clinging to their playoff hopes and Republic FC just points away from clinching.

Forward Sammy Ochoa scored Republic FC’s lone goal in the 43rd minute on Wednesday. The goal was his sixth of the season, tying Tyler Blackwood for second on the club. Ochoa still leads Republic FC in assists with six on the season.

Midfielder Villyan Bijev recorded the assist on Ochoa’s goal after a perfectly taken free kick by James Kiffe. Bijev has been an important player for Republic FC since joining the club on loan from Portland Timbers 2. He has made seven appearances, scoring two goals and adding two assists in his time with Republic FC.

The Switchbacks come into the match fighting for a playoff spot for the third consecutive season. The Switchbacks will need some luck to make the playoffs, needing to win each of their last two matches and Oklahoma City Energy FC or Tulsa Roughnecks FC to earn only one point in their last two matches.

Masta Kacher has been a creator in the midfield this season, leading the club in assists and scoring the second most goals, recording seven of each. Kacher is having a career year since joining the Switchbacks in the offseason. The midfielder spent two seasons with FC Montréal prior to joining Colorado Springs, scoring two goals and recording an assist in 36 appearances.

Forward Kevaughn Frater has also been an important player for the Switchbacks, leading the club in scoring with nine goals and recording six assists on the season, second most and trailing only Kacher. Frater joined the Switchbacks after playing the 2016 season with Real Monarchs SLC, where he scored a goal and an assist in his first USL season.

The match will be broadcast live on ESPN3. There will be no YouTube livestream of the match for domestic fans; a stream will be available for international fans. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #COSvSAC.

Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 1, Orange County SC 3

The match started like a match with a lot riding on it with both teams attacking, but also cautious not to concede early. Orange County SC would break through in the 27th minute on a great individual play by Zachary Kobayashi who started the attack down the left side. The midfielder weaved through the Republic FC defense before cutting inside near the top of the box. The move gained space for Kobayashi who took a curling right-footed shot that hit the top of the bar and despite bouncing out, was perfectly followed up by Rodrigo Pacheco who tapped the rebound in from a few feet away, putting Orange County ahead 1-0.

Republic FC seemed to be ignited by the goal and immediately looked to equalize, almost finding their goal in the 28th minute. Villyan Bijev led the play down the left side of the field before making a similar move to the one made by Kobayashi just a minute before and firing a right-footed shot that beat the keeper, but hit the bottom of the bar and bounced away before it was headed away by Orange County.

Republic FC would find their equalizer just before halftime in the 43rd minute. James Kiffe stepped up to take a free kick from around 25 yards out from the top of the box following a foul on midfielder Luis Espino. Kiffe faked as though he would take a shot on goal, but then just touched the ball to Bijev who was making a run through the middle of the box. The midfielder used a quick one-touch pass to play Sammy Ochoa free and the forward did the rest hitting the ball with the outside of his right foot and past keeper Charlie Lyon and into the back of the net to knot the score 1-1 going into the half.

The second half started much like the first with each team feeling each other out, not wanting to concede a match-winning goal. Republic FC looked to have broken through in the 73rd minute on a counter attack. Kiffe took the ball down the middle before breaking just wide to the left. The defender then took the ball back toward the middle with a touch opening a gap between his two defenders. Kiffe then blasted a low shot through the defenders that beat Lyon, but rolled just wide right of the goal.

Orange County would find their second goal in the 80th minute. Pacheco played the ball from the middle of the field toward the right side of the box. Substitute midfielder Dušan Stevanovic connected with the cross with a one-touch right-footed shot that looked destined for the near post. Kiffe was in great position to block the ball away, but it took a bad deflection for Republic FC, going right back to Stevanovic who took a left-footed shot this time that beat Evan Newton and found the far post and the back of the net putting Orange County ahead 2-1.

Republic FC looked again for an equalizer, having their best chance come in the 85th minute. After a good attacking play through the middle, Republic FC earned a corner. Kiffe stepped up to take the corner, sending a long ball toward the back post. Defender Carlos Rodriguez connected with Kiffe’s corner, sending a header toward the goal, but his shot went just over the bar.

Orange County sealed their victory three minutes into stoppage time. Forward Jerry van Ewijk played a one-two on the left side of the pitch with second half substitute Irvin Parra who played his return pass long, playing van Ewijk into a one-on-one with Newton. The forward calmly played the ball on the ground past the keeper and into the far side of the net to give Orange County the 3-1 victory.

Republic FC’s magic number for clinching playoffs remains at two points which can be obtained with a win on Saturday when they continue their three-match road stretch against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, Oct. 7. Kickoff is 5 p.m. PT at Weidner Field. The match will be broadcast on ESPN3.

Orange County SC 3:1 Sacramento Republic FC

USL Match

Orange County Great Park – Irvine, CA

October 4, 2017 – Attendance: n/a

Scoring Summary: OC: Rodrigo Pacheco 27, Dušan Stevanovic 80, Jerry van Ewijk (Irvin Parra) 90; SAC – Sammy Ochoa (Villyan Bijev) 43.

Misconduct Summary: SAC – James Kiffe (caution) 86

Sacramento Republic FC – Evan Newton, Peter McGlynn (Elliott Hord 87), Chris Christian, Carlos Rodriguez, James Kiffe; Agustin Cazarez, Jeremy Hall, Luis Espino (Harry Williams 72), Villyan Bijev; Tyler Blackwood, Sammy Ochoa (Matt Wiesenfarth 65).

Subs Not Used: Dominik Jakubek; Gabe Gissie, Christian Chaney, Hayden Partain.

Stats: Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 2, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 4, Offside: 3.

Orange County SC – Charlie Lyon; Jeannot Esua, Oscar Sorto, Walker Hume, Juan Pablo Ocegueda; Victor Pineda, Frank Olijive, James Baxendale (Irvin Parra 61), Zachary Kobayashi (Dušan Stevanovic 73); Rodrigo Pacheco, Jerry van Ewijk.

Subs Not Used: Casey Beyers; Gustavo Villalobos, Carlos Alvarez, Sola Abolaji, Roy Meeus.

Stats: Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 1, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 0, Offside: 0.

Orange County SC 3:1 Sacramento Republic FC

USL Match

Orange County Great Park – Irvine, CA

October 4, 2017 – Attendance: n/a

Scoring Summary: OC: Rodrigo Pacheco 27, Dušan Stevanovic 80, Jerry van Ewijk (Irvin Parra) 90; SAC – Sammy Ochoa (Villyan Bijev) 43.

Misconduct Summary: SAC – James Kiffe (caution) 86

Subs Not Used: Dominik Jakubek; Gabe Gissie, Christian Chaney, Hayden Partain.

Stats: Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 2, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 4, Offside: 3.

Subs Not Used: Casey Beyers; Gustavo Villalobos, Carlos Alvarez, Sola Abolaji, Roy Meeus.

Stats: Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 1, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 0, Offside: 0.

How to Watch Montenegro and Trinidad and Tobago World Cup Qualifiers

Sacramento Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta and forward Trevin Caesar were called up to the Montenegro National Team and the Trinidad and Tobago National Team, respectively, this week for upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches.

Klimenta and Montenegro will host Denmark on Thursday, Oct. 5, at Podgorica City Stadium before heading to Warsaw, Poland on Sunday, Oct. 8. Both are crucial matches for Montenegro, who are currently tied in second place with Denmark on 16 points, just three points behind group leaders Poland.

On this side of the pond, Caesar's Trinidad and Tobago will face two CONCACAF heavyweights in Mexico and the USMNT. Trinidad and Tobago will first travel to San Luis Potosi, Mexico to face El Tri on Friday, Oct. 6, before hosting the USMNT on Oct. 10 at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago have a slim chance of qualifying to the 2018 World Cup but will still be looking to take crucial points from the two CONCACAF powerhouses and maybe even snag the fourth place spot to secure a qualification playoff match against a team from the AFC.

Below see when and where to watch all the matches.

On this side of the pond, Caesar’s Trinidad and Tobago will face two CONCACAF heavyweights in Mexico and the USMNT. Trinidad and Tobago will first travel to San Luis Potosi, Mexico to face El Tri on Friday, Oct. 6, before hosting the USMNT on Oct. 10 at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago have a slim chance of qualifying to the 2018 World Cup but will still be looking to take crucial points from the two CONCACAF powerhouses and maybe even snag the fourth place spot to secure a qualification playoff match against a team from the AFC.

Below see when and where to watch all the matches.

Emrah Klimenta – Montenegro National Team

Thursday, Oct. 5 | 11:45 a.m.
Montenegro vs Denmark
ESPN 3

Sunday, Oct. 8 | 9:00 a.m.
Poland vs Montenegro
ESPN Deportes and ESPN 3

Trevin Caesar – Trinidad and Tobago National Team

Friday, Oct. 6 | 6:30 p.m.
Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago
FOX Sports 1, Univision and Univision Deportes

Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 5:00 p.m.
USA vs Trinidad and Tobago
beIN SPORTS and NBC Universo

Emrah Klimenta – Montenegro National Team

Thursday, Oct. 5 | 11:45 a.m.
Montenegro vs Denmark
ESPN 3

Sunday, Oct. 8 | 9:00 a.m.
Poland vs Montenegro
ESPN Deportes and ESPN 3

Trevin Caesar – Trinidad and Tobago National Team

Friday, Oct. 6 | 6:30 p.m.
Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago
FOX Sports 1, Univision and Univision Deportes

Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 5:00 p.m.
USA vs Trinidad and Tobago
beIN SPORTS and NBC Universo

Defender Emrah Klimenta Named to the USL Team of the Week

Sacramento Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta has been named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 28 for his performance in Republic FC’s 2-0 win against Phoenix Rising FC on Sept. 30. Midfielder Agustin Cazarez was also recognized, being named to the Bench of the Week.

Klimenta scored the opening and match-winning goal against Phoenix with a perfectly placed free kick. In the 49th minute, Phoenix midfielder Matt Watson was carded for a handball. Klimenta stepped up to the ball about 20 yards outside the box and hit a curled right-footed shot that was impossible to stop for goalkeeper Josh Cohen. Klimenta also completed 54 of 64 passes in the match.

This is the third time this season that Klimenta has been named to the USL Team of the Week. He was named to the Week 1 Team of the Week for his match-winning goal against Seattle Sounders FC 2 in Republic FC’s season opener, which was also his first match back since an ACL injury in July 2016. Klimenta was also named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 15.

Five other Republic FC players have been named to the Team of the Week this season including defender Chris Christian, midfielder Villyan Bijev and forwards Trevin Caesar, Sammy Ochoa and Wilson Kneeshaw, the latter two having received the honors twice in 2017.

KIimenta is also currently in the running for USL Goal of the Week for Week 28. Fans can vote through Thursday, Jul. 6 at 6 a.m. for Klimenta’s goal against San Antonio FC.

The defender will miss Republic FC’s matches on Oct. 4 and Oct. 7 as he is on international duty, having been called up to the Montenegro National Team for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers versus Denmark and Poland. He will be back for Republic FC’s last regular season match at Reno 1868 FC.

Full USL Team of the Week – Week 28

GK – Andrew Putna (Real Monarchs SLC); D – Mark O’Ojong (San Antonio FC), Sean Reynolds (Louisville City FC), Emrah Klimenta (Sacramento Republic FC); M – Taeseong Kim (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC), Liam Fraser (Toronto FC II), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Phoenix Rising FC), Kevin Schindler (FC Cincinnati); F – Kharlton Belmar (Swope Park Rangers), Ropapa Mensah (Harrisburg City Islanders), Jose Angulo (OKC Energy FC).

Full USL Team of the Week – Week 28

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Orange County SC

Sacramento Republic FC will travel south to take on Orange County SC on Wednesday, Oct. 4 in the first of three straight road matches to end the USL regular season. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Orange County Great Park. The match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide.

The match is the second of two meetings between Republic FC and Orange County SC this season. Republic FC won the first match in convincing fashion, a 4-0 victory on Apr. 1 in their home opener.

Republic FC enter the match after a 2-0 win over Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, Sept. 30. The win broke Phoenix’s 11-match unbeaten and five-match win streaks and helped propel Republic FC into 6th place in the USL Western Conference. With the win, Republic FC will clinch a 2017 USL Cup Playoff spot with a win or a draw against Orange County on Wednesday.

Defender Emrah Klimenta scored Republic FC’s first goal on Saturday, with a 49th minute free kick strike from about 20 yards away. The defender continues to have a strong goal scoring season, recording his fourth goal of the season, a career-high. Klimenta and forward Trevin Caesar will be unavailable for Wednesday’s match against Orange County as both are currently with their respective National Teams for World Cup Qualifying matches. Both will return to the club prior to their last match of the season on Oct. 14.

Midfielder Agustin Cazarez scored Republic FC’s second goal against Phoenix, continuing his career season. Cazarez has now scored three goals on the season. The midfielder has now set career-highs in goals, assists, appearances, starts, minutes and consecutive appearances.

Goalkeeper Evan Newton and Republic FC’s defense recorded their 7th shutout of the season on Saturday and their first since Aug. 13. Republic FC’s defense stopped Phoenix Rising FC who had outscored their opponents 11-1 during their five-match winning streak. With the clean sheet on Saturday, five of Newton’s eight goalkeeper wins this season have been shutouts.

Orange County SC come into the match winning just one of their last four matches, following a 2-1 loss to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday. Orange County is fighting for the eighth and final playoff spot in the USL Western Conference, although they are currently in 10th place and on the outside looking in.

Midfielder Irvin Parra has been one of the most important offensive players for Orange County this season, leading the club in both goals and assists, recording eight of each. Parra is in his first season with Orange County SC after playing the 2016 season with Seattle Sounders FC 2. Parra scored once and added two assists in six appearances with S2 last season.

The match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide and in the USL Match Center. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #OCvSAC.

Republic FC Defender Emrah Klimenta and Forward Trevin Caesar Earn National Team Call-ups for World Cup Qualifying Matches

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 2, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta has been called up to the Montenegro National Team, while forward Trevin Caesar has been called up to the Trinidad and Tobago National Team. Both players joined their national teams on Sunday and will remain with them through Oct. 10. Both will also miss Republic FC’s matches against Orange County SC on Oct. 4 and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Oct. 7.

Klimenta and Caesar join midfielder Jeremy Hall as Republic FC players to receive international call-ups during their tenure with the club. In addition, current forward Lamin Suma (Sierra Leone) and former Republic FC players Jake Gleeson (New Zealand), Kip Colvey (New Zealand), Justin Braun (USA), Carlton Cole (England), Kaleemullah (Pakistan) and Alvas Powell (Jamaica) have all represented their respective national teams, although not during their time with the club.

This is the fourth national team call up for Klimenta. The defender previously joined the Montenegro National Team from May 20 – 29, 2016 for a friendly match against Turkey, from May 24 – Jun. 10 for a World Cup Qualifying Match against Armenia and from Aug. 27 – Sept. 5 for World Cup Qualifying Matches against Kazakhstan and Romania.

Klimenta and the Montenegro National Team entered camp on Oct. 1 and will play in World Cup Qualifying Matches against Denmark on Oct. 5 and Poland on Oct. 8. Klimenta will rejoin Republic FC on Oct. 10.

Caesar will join Trinidad and Tobago National Team for the first time since joining Republic FC. The forward was previously called up in late August, but due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, was unable to get a flight to join the team. Caesar will join the national team for their World Cup Qualifying Matches against Mexico on Oct. 6 and the United States on Oct. 10. Caesar will rejoin Republic FC on Oct. 11.