USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Oklahoma City Energy FC

Published on May 22, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC travel to Oklahoma City and the newly renovated Taft Stadium to take on Oklahoma City Energy FC on Saturday, May 23. Kickoff is 5:00 p.m. PDT.

This will be the first of two matches between Republic FC and Energy FC this season. The clubs split the season series last season, 2-2-0, with each club winning two home matches against the other.

Republic FC enter the match with back-to-back USL wins and having won five of their last seven matches. During the past seven matches, Republic FC have outscored their opponents 13-4 and have recorded four shutouts. The club is currently in their second longest shutout streak of 2015, with 202 consecutive minutes played without conceding a goal. Republic FC had a 255-minute streak earlier this season, the third longest streak in franchise history.

Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo Lopez scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over LA Galaxy II on May 17, his USL-leading seventh goal of the season. Lopez has scored six goals and recorded three assists in his last seven USL appearances. He also leads the USL with 17 points on the season. Lopez currently has 22 career USL assists, this is tied with Kevin Molino for most in USL history.

With a USL-leading four shutouts to-date, Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain has had an impressive season so far. McLain has recorded two straight shutouts while allowing just three goals in the last six matches. In that stretch McLain has saved 21 of 24 shots faced and lowered his GAA from 2.25 to 1.20.

Midfielder Gilberto recorded his first assist of the season and his first assist as a member of Republic FC on Lopez's goal against LA Galaxy II on May 17. Gilberto has now appeared in three matches since returning to Republic FC after a loan to Marília Atlético Clube in Brazil. He has played all but 45 minutes in those three matches.

Energy FC enter the match following a 2-2 tie against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on May 17. Energy FC has not won a USL match since April 18 when they defeated Seattle Sounders FC 2 2-1. Since that victory, they have gone 0-2-2.

Forward Danni König has been a force on offense for Energy FC this season. König has scored a club-leading four goals and added two assists in seven appearances this season. Originally from Denmark, König played for FC Vestsjælland in the Danish Superliga last season, scoring eight goals and recording four assists.

The rest of Energy FC's attack is balanced with Chuy Sanchez, Michael Thomas and Kyle Greig all scoring two goals and recording an assist. Greig and Thomas both recorded a goal last season against Republic FC last season.

Republic FC lost both matches last season in Oklahoma City by a score of 2-0. Republic FC has failed to score on the road just four times in franchise history, twice in Oklahoma City. The only other matches they did not score was a scoreless draw against Wilmington Hammerheads FC on August 30, 2014 and a 0-1 loss earlier this season to Real Monarchs SLC.

The match will be live streamed at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #OKCvSAC.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 22, 2015


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