USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC V Rochester Rhinos

Published on May 23, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC will face off against the Rochester Rhinos in the first of a two-match east coast road trip. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:35 p.m. PST at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester, New York. The match can be viewed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.

The match will be the first and only time the two clubs will meet this season. Republic FC (4-3-1) and Rochester (3-1-4) are tied for fourth place in the USL PRO standings with 13 points apiece.

Both sides enter the match on unbeaten streaks. Republic FC currently holds a three-match win streak including victories over Orange County Blues FC, LA Galaxy II in USL PRO play and a win over the Ventura County Fusion in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Rochester has not lost since their first match of the USL PRO Season on April 5, an eight-match unbeaten streak.

Republic FC finished a 2-1-0 home stand with their second victory over second place LA Galaxy II (5-2-3) on May 17 in front of a sellout crowd of 20,231 at Hughes Stadium. The match on May 17 was the second sellout of the season for Republic FC who also sold out their inaugural home match on April 26 and was the third home match of the season with over 17,000 fans in attendance.

Republic FC forward Thomas Stewart scored his team-leading third goal of the year during the May 17 victory over Galaxy II. In the 7th minute, Stewart received a through ball from defender Harrison Delbridge, chested the ball to his right foot and arced a chip shot over Galaxy II goalkeeper Cody Laurendi.

Rodrigo Lopez also added to his goal total with a game-winning free kick in the 69th minute after forward Dakota Collins was taken down just outside of the box. Lopez set up and sent a ground ball under a six-man wall and past a diving Laurendi. The goal was Lopez's second of the year.

Rochester enters the match after defeating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1-0 on May 17 in Pittsburgh. Alex Dixon scored the lone goal in 41st minute of the match. Rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy has been impressive for Rochester this season recording four shutouts and allowing just one goal in 5 appearances. On offense forward Jimmy Banks who has three goals and two assists in eight matches this season leads Rochester along with midfielder Tyler Rosenlund (1 goal, 2 assists).

The match may debut newly aquired MLS affiliate loan players Steven Evans and Billy Knutsen. Evans, a midfielder, was loaned to Republic FC by the Portland Timbers prior to the May 17 match against Galaxy II but did not see action. The San Jose Earthquakes loaned goalkeeper Knutsen to Republic FC on Wednesday, May 21. Both players will be active for the match.

A match day viewing party will be held at de Vere's located at 1521 L Street. The match will also be streamed live on YouTube and at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday. Updates will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and by using #ROCvSRFC.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 23, 2014


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