Sacramento Republic FC News Release -- www.sacrepublicfc.com
Thursday, July 3, 2014
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC (8-5-2) hosts Orange County Blues FC (8-8-0) on Friday night at Bonney Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.
The match will be the third match-up between the two sides this year. In both of the prior match-ups the home side has come away victorious by a score of 2-1. The first meeting was at Anteater Stadium and was the first loss in franchise history for Republic FC. The second match was held at Hughes Stadium and was the first home win in franchise history for Republic FC.
Republic FC enters the match after falling to OKC Energy FC 2-0 last Saturday night. Despite controlling possession for most of the match and outshooting Oklahoma City 10-6, Republic FC was unable to score and dropped its second straight against Energy FC.
Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez has recorded an assist in four of his last six matches and comes into the match tied for second in USL PRO for assists with five. Lopez also scored twice during that same six-match span.
Defender Alvas Powell, on loan from Portland Timbers, and midfielder Tommy Thompson, on loan from San Jose Earthquakes, have both also been playing well since being added to the roster before the match against Arizona United on June 26.
Orange County comes into the match as arguably the hottest club in the USL PRO having won five of their last six matches. Orange County now sits in fifth place just two points behind Republic FC.
The Blues are led by midfielder Allan Russell, who had scored six goals and recorded four assists this season, including two goals against Republic FC.
Friday night's match will be Caped Crusader Night. Capes worn by the players during the pregame activities will be auctioned off at halftime of the match with proceeds going to Capes4Heroes. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero attire to the match.
The match will be broadcast live on KHTK Sports 1140 and streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and by using #SRFCvOCB.