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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC at Portland Timbers 2

April 1, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC finish their streak of three-straight road matches as they travel to Merlo Field in Portland, Ore. to take on Portland Timbers 2 on Thursday, April 2. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Republic FC and Timbers 2. Last season, Republic FC and the Portland Timbers (MLS) had an affiliation that included the loan of six players from the Timbers to Republic FC. Two players that were loaned from the Timbers to Republic FC appeared in the 2014 USL Championship match including goalkeeper Jake Gleeson who started the match and recorded a shutout. The affiliation between Republic FC and the Timbers was not renewed for the 2015 season as the Timbers launched T2.

Republic FC come into the match after defeating LA Galaxy II 3-2 on Saturday, March 28. Second-half substitute Rodrigo Lopez scored the winning goal late in stoppage time to earn Republic FC three points on the road. The win pushed Republic FC's all-time record against Los Dos to 4-1-1, including Republic FC's 3-2 win in their 2014 USL Semifinal match.

Republic FC midfielder Octavio Guzman converted two penalties against Los Dos to his push his 2015 total to three goals, one more than he scored in USL play in 2014. Guzman's brace against Los Dos was his first professional brace and the first time that he had scored multiple goals in a match. He has also scored goals in back-to-back matches for the first time in his professional career. For his efforts, Guzman was named to USL Team of the Week bench for Week 2, he was previously named to the USL Team of the Week in Week 1.

Lopez's goal was his first of the 2015 season after scoring 10 in 2014. Lopez has now scored five goals against LA Galaxy II in all competitions and four in the last two matches, including his hat trick in the 2014 USL Semifinal match. His five goals against Los Dos is his most against any one USL team.

T2 enters the match having won their inaugural USL match 3-1 over Real Monarchs SLC on Sunday, March 29. T2 scored the match's opening three goals before Real Monarchs took one back in the 59th minute. Forward Kharlton Belmar recorded a brace, including the club's inaugural goal, his first as a professional. Belmar was a second round draft pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by the Timbers after playing four years at VCU. He scored 18 goals and recorded five assists in 76 appearances for VCU.

The current T2 roster includes some familiar faces to Republic FC fans. Defender Harrison Delbridge was one of the original signings for Republic FC, appearing in 16 USL matches in 2014 and recording an assist. Midfielder Steven Evans was loaned by the Timbers to Republic FC on May 16, 2014 and appeared in 13 USL matches for Republic FC, scoring a goal. Evans also played in two of Republic FC's playoff matches, including the 2014 USL Championship Match.

Last week the Timbers loaned goalkeeper Jake Gleeson to T2. Gleeson appeared in 17 USL matches for Republic FC in 2014, recording a 0.92 GAA and six shutouts while conceding only 15 goals. Gleeson also appeared in all three of Republic FC's playoff matches, recording a shutout victory in the 2014 USL Championship Match.

The match will be the first of three matchups between the two sides this season. Republic FC will host their official watch party at de Vere's Irish Pub located in Midtown Sacramento at 1521 L St. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #PORvSAC.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 1, 2015


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