Justin Braun scores his fourth USL goal of the year, but Real Monarchs equalize late as Republic FC

August 23, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release

Sacramento Republic FC vs. Real Monarchs SC
(Sacramento Republic FC)

Republic FC enjoyed most of the possession early in the match. Forward Thomas Stewart had the first real chance of the match in the 34th minute. Stewart sent a header on goal from inside the six-yard box after a Rodrigo Lopez cross was deflected. Real Monarchs keeper Eduardo Fernandez was there to block it away however and kept the match scoreless going into the half.

Republic FC continued to dominate possession to begin the second half and in the 67th minute it would pay off. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez attacked with the ball on the left flank and got into the box. Lopez then picked up his target, Justin Braun, and drilled a cross through the air that found the forward's head. Braun calmly redirected the cross into a wide open net after Fernandez was forced to defend the threat of Lopez. The goal was Braun's 4th in USL play in 2015 and the assist adds to Rodrigo Lopez's all-time USL record.

Real Monarchs capitalized on a counterattack opportunity in the 86th minute. Second-half substitute Lucas Baldin sprinted up the left flank of the Republic FC defense and received a through ball from forward Emery Welshman. Baldin continued towards goal and was able to wrap a right-footed curler around oncoming Republic FC keeper Patrick McLain for the equalizing goal.

Republic FC forward Gabe Gissie, in his first USL start of the season, had a chance for a winner in stoppage time, but his left-footed side-volley went just high keeping the score 1-1.

"We've only got ourselves to blame," Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle said after the match. "We haven't been beaten, we have to take positives from it, but we are disappointed."

Republic FC will be back in action again on Saturday, August 22, when they take on Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8:00 pm. A limited number of tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

Images from this story

Sacramento Republic FC vs. Real Monarchs SC

United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 23, 2015

Sounders FC 2 Fall on the Road to LA Galaxy II - Tacoma Defiance
U.S. Men's Nationa Team Star Brek Shea Available for Meet and Greet Tomorrow - Louisville City FC
Hunt's Late Goal Not Enough as Charlotte Silences Hounds - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Justin Braun scores his fourth USL goal of the year, but Real Monarchs equalize late as Republic FC - Sacramento Republic FC
Arizona United SC Shuts out Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Phoenix Rising FC
FC Montreal Plays Hammerheads FC to 0-0 Draw in Wilmington - FC Montreal

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Justin Braun scores his fourth USL goal of the year, but Real Monarchs equalize late as Republic FC

Images from this story

United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 23, 2015

Other Recent Sacramento Republic FC Stories