USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Oklahoma City Energy FC

Published on June 19, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC returns to USL action on Saturday, June 20, when they take on Oklahoma City Energy FC in a clash of Western Conference powers. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. PDT at Bonney Field. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The match will be Rhythm and Hues Night presented by Shane Co. and the one-year anniversary of Bonney Field's inaugural match.

This will be the second and final meeting between Republic FC and Oklahoma City Energy FC this season. Energy FC won the first meeting, 2-1, on May 23, in Oklahoma City, Okla. The match was delayed multiple times due to intense rain and thunderstorms in the area. Republic FC went down a man in the 9th minute after midfielder Rodrigo Lopez was shown a red card. Energy FC took advantage of the red card and built an early lead scoring in the 20th and 35th minutes. Republic FC controlled the second half and would cut the lead in half at 62nd minute but fell short on their comeback attempt. Neither club has recorded a road victory against each other in five matches.

Republic FC enter the match following a penalty kick loss to San Jose Earthquakes in the U.S. Open Cup. Republic FC scored the first two goals of the match but were unable to hold their lead late giving up goals in the 74th and 79th minutes to US Men's National Team forward Chris Wondolowski. The match would go to penalty kicks after a scoreless extra time, with San Jose prevailing 6-5.

Republic FC had comeback victory over Arizona United SC the last time they played in USL action on Saturday, June 13. Republic FC went down a goal in just the 9th minute, but late goals by Agustin Cazarez and Danny Barrera gave Republic FC their third road victory of the season.

With Cazarez and Barrera each scoring their first goals of the USL season, Republic FC now has 12 different players that have recorded a goal during the 2015 USL season. Republic FC's 12 different players with a goal trails only the Harrisburg City Islanders (13), for most in the USL.

Cazarez's 76th minute goal against Arizona United SC was his first goal as a member of Republic FC. Gabe Gissie, who had entered the match just three minutes earlier, assisted Cazarez's goal. The assist was Gissie's first USL assist of the season and his third in all competitions.

Barrera's 84th minute goal was also his first as a member of Republic FC after making his debut for the club just a week earlier. Barrera's goal was assisted by Cameron Iwasa, his first USL assist and second in all competitions. Three of the four players involved in Republic FC's goals against Arizona United SC were substitutes in the match.

Republic FC announced the signing of Pakistan Men's National Team captain Kaleemullah on Thursday. Kaleemullah has recorded 90 goals in 111 professional matches in the Pakistan Premier League and Kyrgyzstan First Division. Kaleemullah most recently won the MVP and Golden Boot for the Kyrgyz First Division after scoring 18 goals and recording seven assists in 17 matches.

Oklahoma City Energy FC comes into the match on a Western Conference best five-match win streak. During the streak Energy FC has outscored opponents 9-1 and recorded a USL-best four straight shutouts. Republic FC forward Adnan Gabeljic scored the last goal scored against Energy FC in the 62nd minute of their match on May 23. Energy FC is currently on a 388-minute shutout streak.

Forward Danni König has been a leader on offense for Energy FC this season. König has scored a club-leading eight goals and added three assists this season. He is tied for second in points with 19 this season, trailing only Pittsburgh Riverhounds Rob Vincent (22 points).

Goalkeeper Evan Newton has been a force in goal for Energy FC, amassing a 7-3-1 record and allowing just 10 goals in 11 matches. Newton's 0.91 goals against average is fourth in USL. Newton has also recorded four shutouts on the season, tied with Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain for third in USL.

The match is Rhythm and Hues Night, celebrating the arts in Sacramento. The Republic FC Team Store both before the match and at the match will sell shirts featuring David Garibaldi art celebrating Republic FC. Proceeds from the Garibaldi shirts will be donated to local nonprofit youth art program. There will also be art related activities for youth at the match in the Market.

Fans are encouraged to bring donations of art supplies to the match. Donations will benefit UC Davis Children's Hospital. The first 7,000 fans in attendance will receive water bottles courtesy of Shane Co.

The match will be broadcast live on CW31 and KHTK Sports 1140 AM. The match will also be streamed live on SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #SACvOKC.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 19, 2015


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