USL PRO Game Report
Thursday, July 17, 2014
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Republic FC and Orlando City SC play to a 0-0 draw on Thursday night at Bonney Field despite Republic FC playing down a man for the final 11 minutes of the match. The match was the first scoreless draw for both sides this season.
Orlando and Republic FC both created early scoring chances but neither was able to take the lead. Republic FC could not capitalize on three early corner kicks, while the Lions' best chance found the back of the net but was disallowed after an offside call.
Republic FC had its best chance at goal in first-half stoppage time when forward Max Alvarez received a pass at the top of the penalty area, settled and fired a left-footed shot toward the bottom-right hand corner, but the shot was saved on a diving effort by Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo.
City came out strongly in the second half as the Lions controlled possession and challenged the Republic FC back line. One of their best scoring opportunities came in the 52nd minute when Orlando sent a cross into the box where Adama Mbengue was able to get his head to it and sent it towards Republic FC keeper Jake Gleeson’s right. Gleeson made a quick reaction save and parried the ball out of play.
In the 79th minute Republic FC would go a man down. Alvarez was sent off with a straight red card after a confrontation with another player during a throw in. Playing a man down for the final 11 minutes of the match, Republic FC looked to attack more than the rest.
Republic FC saw their best chance of the half in the 86th minute as second-half substitute midfielder Gilberto Dos Santos Souza used three stepover moves to shake off a defender and get a bullet shot off, only for his effort to be blocked away by Gallardo.
The final chance of the match came for Orlando leading scorer Kevin Molino in the 89th minute, as a cross into the penalty area was deflected to his right foot and he tried to put a shot on goal. Republic FC midfielder Ivan Mirković stepped in and blocked the shot with his chest.
“We got a good result, we were just lacking that little bit of quality and finishing,” said Republic FC Head Coach Preki following the match. “I’m so proud of our guys, they showed a lot of heart against a team that is going to the MLS.”
Republic FC will be at home again on Saturday night to take on Rangers FC of the Scottish Championship League in their second friendly of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT at Bonney Field.