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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs LA Galaxy II

September 25, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC (13-8-7, 46 pts) take on LA Galaxy II (14-11-3, 45 pts) in a USL Western Conference Quarterfinal on Saturday, September 26. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PDT at Bonney Field.

The match will be the fifth time that Republic FC and LA Galaxy II will meet in 2015. Republic FC won the first three matchups before Los Dos claimed their lone victory over Republic FC on July 11. Republic FC hold a 6-2-1 all-time record against LA Galaxy II.

Republic FC and Los Dos met in last year's USL Playoffs on September 20, 2014, in a semifinal now dubbed by Republic FC fans as the Miracle at Bonney. LA Galaxy II forward Charlie Rugg scored a first half brace, giving Los Dos the 2-0 halftime lead. Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo Lopez then scored a second half, set piece hat trick converting two penalties and a stoppage time free kick to give Republic FC a 3-2 victory and advance them into the USL Championship match.

Republic FC enter the match undefeated in their last seven matches after playing to their second consecutive scoreless draw on Tuesday. Republic FC recorded back-to-back scoreless draws for the first time in franchise history.

Goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek recorded his third consecutive shutout against Orange County Blues FC on Tuesday. The shutout was the ninth this season by Republic FC, tying the mark that they set last season. Jakubek has allowed only one goal in his four USL starts this season, and has not allowed a goal in 294 consecutive minutes.

The back line has been a crucial part of the shutout streak for Republic FC. Defenders Emrah Klimenta, Mickey Daly and Nemanja Vukoviæ and defensive midfielder Ivan Mirkoviæ lead the club in minutes and appearances. Each has played over 2,000 USL minutes this season and appeared in over 25 matches. Klimenta, Daly and Vukoviæ have all appeared in over 50 USL matches as members of Republic FC over two seasons, the only other player to reach that mark is Lopez.

LA Galaxy II enter the match after defeating Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 1-0 on Saturday, September 19. Forward Ariel Lassiter scored in the 10th minute and then was sent off right before halftime. The short-handed Galaxy II was able to hold on to the lead and clinch the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Due to the red card Lassiter will be suspended for the match, leaving Los Dos without their leading forward from the regular season. Lassiter leads the club in goals (11) and points (23) during the regular season.

Los Dos has plenty of firepower to make up for the loss of Lassiter. Forward Jack McBean and midfielders Andre Auras and Raul Mendiola have been important contributors all season. McBean is second on the club in goals (6) and assists (5), while Mendiola leads the club with eight assists and has added four goals. Auras has three goals and four assists on the season.

The winner of the match will travel to Southern California to take on Orange County Blues FC in the Western Conference Semifinals.

The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday via the USL YouTube channel. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #SACvLA. Tickets to the match are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

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