Sacramento Republic FC News Release - www.sacrepublicfc.com
Thursday, June 19, 2014
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sacramento Republic FC (6-4-2) moves into its new home to face the Colorado Rapids Reserves (2-1-1) Friday in the inaugural match at Bonney Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Formerly known as the Cal Expo Multi-Use Sports Field Facility, Bonney Field features a 120 x 80 yard field - one of the largest in the country for a professional soccer club. Construction of the facility began in March, 2014 following approval by the Cal Expo Board of Directors. The approximately $3 million privately funded facility is a private-public collaboration among Ovations Food Service, Republic FC and Cal Expo.
On April 21, 2014, Republic FC announced a naming rights partnership with Bonney Plumbing, Heating, Air and Rooter Service to name the facility Bonney Field. The facility includes concessions, merchandise, VIP seating, state-of-the-art digital board and fan zone with beer garden and activities for all ages.
The match will be Republic FC’s second matchup versus an MLS reserve squad this season. Republic FC defeated the Chivas USA Reserves 3-0 on April 7, the first win in franchise history. The matches versus the MLS reserves squads count toward both Republic FC and the reserves’ respective league standings and are considered league matches for both.
Republic FC enters the match following a 2-0 loss against Oklahoma City Energy FC on July 14. Republic FC was forced to play the match a man down for 59 minutes after midfielder Ivan Mirković was shown a red card following a scuffle in front of the Energy FC goal.
Republic FC will be without Mirković due to the red card that he received in that game. Republic FC will be led by midfielder Rodrigo Lopez, who enters the match as the club’s second leading points man with three goals and six assists this season.
The Rapids Reserves enter the match following a 2-0 loss against the Real Salt Lake Reserves on May 18. The Rapid Reserves are a combination of trialists, Rapids Academy and Rapids players. Two trialists, defenders John Neeskens and Thomas Piermayr, lead the team in both starts and minutes played. Rapids player Gabriel Torres leads the Rapids Reserves in goals with two in only 113 minutes of play.
The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and by using #SRFCvCOL.