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Republic FC fall to Cosmos in front of sold-out crowd at Hughes Stadium

February 28, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Republic FC fall to Cosmos in front of sold-out crowd at Hughes Stadium in final home preseason friendly, 3-1.

Republic FC saw the majority of chances in a scoreless first half with the visiting New York Cosmos. The 12th minute saw the first real chance for Republic FC, as Gabe Gonzalez got behind the defense and took a shifty touch to get around a charging Cosmos keeper James Maurer. Gonzalez was unable to score however, as the Cosmos defense came to Maurer's aid.

Republic FC's got another chance in the 26th minute when defender Emrah Klimenta made an attacking run up the right side and sent a driven cross into the near post. Forward Justin Braun made the near post run and sent a powerful header on goal, only to have it saved by Maurer, who made a quick reaction save to his left and sent it out of play for a Republic FC corner.

The second half started out looking much like the first with neither side able to get a strong chance on goal. In the 68th minute the Cosmos broke the tie when midfielder Marcos Senna sent a free kick to the far post from 25 yards out. Republic FC keeper Patrick McLain and the defense let the ball bounce to the endline where Cosmos defender Samuel Caceres chased the ball down and sent the ball back into the box where Raúl was in perfect striking position. He then sent a driven header on goal as McLain scurried to get back into position and was unable to save the shot before it got past the goal line giving the Cosmos 1-0 lead.

The Cosmos would add two more second half goals, the first coming in the 76th minute when a cross was deflected in the box and midfielder Leonardo Fernandes capitalized by sending it into the back of the net. Then in the 81st minute second-half substitute midfielder Andres Flores capitalized on a miscue from the Republic FC defense scored giving him a breakaway chance that he slotted in the side netting for a 3-0 lead.

In the 86th minute the Cosmos looked poised to score after Mads Stokkelien was taken down in the box. On the ensuing penalty kick Stokkelien's shot which was saved by Republic FC keeper Patrick McLain.

Republic FC would find the score sheet in the 89th minute when second-half substitute forward Joaquin Rivas sent a left-footed curler into the far post side-netting past a diving Cosmos substitute keeper Brian Holt.

"I was extremely happy with the first half performance, I thought we created many opportunities and were really unfortunate to not score a goal or two," said Republic FC Head Coach Preki. "Then we made a lot of changes at the half and it was a totally different game. That helps us though because we got to see new players because we have decisions to make."

Republic FC will round out their preseason on March 14 when they take on UC Davis men's soccer team. The match will be at the UC Davis Soccer Stadium and a part of a triple-header. Tickets may be purchased at UCDavisAggies.com.


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