Sports stats



USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

August 7, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC (10-7-3, 33 pts) will take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (11-7-2, 35 pts) on Saturday, August 8. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. PDT at Bonney Field. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The match is Back to School Night presented by Arden Fair. Republic FC will be collecting new and gently used school supplies and backpacks prior to the match in support of Operation Backpack.

Fans attending the match are encouraged to bring donations of new and gently used backpacks, pens, paper and other school supplies. Fans may drop off their donations in front of the Cal Expo West Gate or bring them to Republic FC Headquarters, located at 2421 17th Street. For a full list of requested donation items and additional information about how to donate, please visit SacRepublicFC.com.

This will be the first of two consecutive matches for Republic FC against Switchbacks FC and the first ever matchup between the two sides. The clubs will complete their two-match season series on Friday, August 14 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Republic FC enter the match after defeating Seattle Sounders FC 2 2-0 on Saturday, August 1 at Bonney Field. The win broke a three match winless streak for Republic FC and put them within three points of first place in the USL Western Conference standings.

The win was also the ninth all-time USL shutout for Republic FC at Bonney Field. Republic FC has now shutout their opponents in nine of the 20 all-time USL regular season matches at Bonney Field. Republic FC has recorded six USL shutouts this season.

Republic FC forward Thomas Stewart scored both goals for Republic FC in their victory over S2. The goals were the first in USL play for Stewart this season. Stewart led Republic FC with 11 USL goals last season. The brace was Stewart's third multi-goal USL match since joining Republic FC last season.

Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez recorded the assist on Stewart's first goal against S2, his 23rd career USL assist. Lopez is now the all-time career USL assist leader. He has placed second in the USL for assists the last two years with 11 as a member of Orange County Blues FC in 2013 and eight for Republic FC last season. Lopez has four USL assists this season.

Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain made his 20th USL appearance this season becoming the first keeper in Republic FC history to appear in 20 USL matches in a single season. McLain also recorded his sixth USL shutout, tying Jake Gleeson for most shutouts by a Republic FC keeper in a single season.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC come into the match 1-2-2 in their last five matches and in third place in the Western Conference, just a point behind S2 and LA Galaxy II. Switchbacks FC fell to Tulsa Roughnecks FC 1-0 on Wednesday, August 5.

Switchbacks FC have been this year's rookie sensation, riding a six-match win streak into first place in the Western Conference during the middle of the season. Switchbacks FC's 39 goals scored leads the Western Conference and they trail only LA Galaxy II (22) with 23 goals allowed this season for a Conference leading 16 season goal differential.

Switchbacks FC is led by their captain and first-ever signing Luke Vercollone. The midfielder has ten goals and seven assists this season, leading Switchbacks FC in both categories. Vercollone had played the previous seven seasons with the Richmond Kickers, appearing in over 150 matches.

Forward Miguel Gonzalez has also played well in his first professional season. Gonzalez has eight goals and five assists, trailing only Vercollone in both categories. Gonzalez played last season with the Kitsap Pumas, appearing in ten matches and scoring six goals. Republic FC midfielder Joaquin Rivas and Gonzalez played together last season with the Pumas.

The match will be broadcast live on KHTK Sports 1140 AM and will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #SACvCOL. Tickets to the match are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...

United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 7, 2015


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.

OurSports Central