USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, May 17, 2014
SACRAMENTO -- Sacramento Republic FC took a 2-1 victory against rival the LA Galaxy II in front of a second sellout crowd of 20,231 at Hughes Stadium this season on Saturday night. Republic FC's victory was their second against the their Galaxy II this season as Rodrigo Lopez scored the winning goal with just over 20 minutes to play.
In one of the more exciting first halves of the season, Republic FC tallied the first goal of the game in the seventh minute. The goal came from Thomas Stewart as he notched his team-leading third goal of the season. Harrison Delbridge sent a lofted through-ball into the attacking third that found Stewart’s chest, who controlled the ball to his right foot and sent a first-time chip from outside the penalty area over Galaxy II keeper Cody Laurendi.
The excitement did not stop there as the Galaxy II equalized in the 16th minute. After two spectacular saves in succession from Republic FC keeper Jake Gleeson in the ninth minute, Los Dos found a scoring opportunity that defender Kyle Venter took advantage of as he headed a cross from Rafael Garcia into the goal past a fully-extended Gleeson. The two teams shared a few chances in the rest of the half, but the teams went to the break tied 1-1.
Shortly after the halftime break, Galaxy II midfielder Rafael Garcia fouled Republic FC midfielder Ivan Mirković causing a both sides to exchange unfriendly words. Garcia was sent off in the 51st minute, giving Republic FC a man-advantage for the remainder of the contest.
Republic FC would capitalize on their advantage in the 67th minute when Galaxy II defenseman Bradley Diallo committed a foul, resulting in a free kick less than a yard outside of the penalty area. Lopez stepped up and curled a right-footed strike around a defenseive wall and past a diving attempt from Laurendi. The free kick was Lopez’s second goal for Republic FC.
The Galaxy II had a few exciting chances in the waning moments of the match, including a corner kick four minutes into stoppage time, but were unable to find an equalizer.
“Important win for us,” said Republic FC Head Coach Preki. “We always try to play the same way, the right way, creating opportunities and opening spaces so we can be effective. We always believe if we stick to our plan, more often than not it will work in our favor.”
“Everything we work for is a fun product, and that product is ultimately a win,” said Stewart “Everything is tough and hard but it is all for a purpose.”
With the win, Republic FC moves to 4-3-1 in USL PRO play. The club will travel to Rochester to take on the Rhinos on Friday, May 23. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 4:35 p.m. (PT) at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester, New York.