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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC V Orlando City SC

July 16, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC (10-6-2) will host Orlando City SC (14-0-3) on Thursday, July 17. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field. The match will be Republic FC's first-ever Salute to Military Night.

The matchup will be the first and only time the two sides will meet this season. Republic FC looks to stay unbeaten at Bonney Field in USL PRO play as they face first place Orlando City, a club moving to the MLS in 2015.

Republic FC enters the match after splitting their weekend East Coast road trip. Republic FC fell to the Richmond Kickers 2-1 on Saturday before rebounding and beating the Charlotte Eagles 1-0 on Monday. Republic FC is entering a stretch of five matches in 11 days including three matches in five days.

Republic FC will rely heavily on playmaking midfielder Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez, coming off a suspension for yellow card accumulation, enters the match scoring three goals and recording three assists in his last five appearances. Lopez's six assists leads Republic FC and is second in the USL PRO this season.

Republic FC forward Thomas Stewart tallied his fifth USL PRO goal of the season against Charlotte on Monday. Stewart is now tied with Lopez for the team lead in overall and USL PRO goals this season.

Orlando City comes into the match unbeaten in USL PRO play this season and has not lost in USL PRO play since August 14, 2013. Orlando City's defense is the strongest part of their success this year, allowing just 11 goals in 17 matches including seven shutouts. Orlando City's defense is lead by Luke Boden, the club leader in minutes. Boden is also a contributor to the offense, scoring two goals and recording three assists.

On offense Orlando City is led by forward Kevin Molino whose seven assists leads the USL PRO. Molino has also scored 11 goals on the season, second most in the USL PRO.

The match will be Salute to Military Night. Military members will be a part of pregame and halftime festivities. In addition, military members attending Salute to Military Night at Bonney Field will receive a 10% discount for Republic FC Merchandise and $5 beer specials with a military ID card. The match will also be the first match held during the California State Fair. A Sacramento Republic FC ticket will allow the holder access to the fair on match day.

The match will be broadcast on KHTK Sports 1140 AM and streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and by using #SRFCvORL.

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