USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Oklahoma City Energy FC

August 1, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC (8-6-6, 30 pts) finish their run of five consecutive road matches when they take on Oklahoma City Energy FC (8-2-8, 32 pts) on Tuesday, August 2. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. at Taft Stadium. The match will be aired live on ESPN 3. Republic FC will hold their official watch party at de Vere's Irish Pub in downtown Sacramento.

This is the only matchup between Republic FC and Energy FC this season. The all-time series is split 3-3-0, with the home team winning every matchup. Republic FC won the last matchup 2-1 at Bonney Field on June 20, 2015.

Republic FC enter the match following a scoreless draw with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros on Saturday, July 30. The shutout was the seventh this season for Republic FC. The defense has allowed just 20 goals in 20 matches this season, the third-least goals against in the Western Conference this season trailing just Energy FC (13) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (17).

Goalkeeper Evan Newton recorded his first shutout as a member of Republic FC. Newton has recorded an impressive 16 saves in his four starts this season, holding a .727 save percentage. Newton recorded 89 saves in 27 appearances last season for Energy FC, including 10 shutouts. Newton was a finalist for USL Goalkeeper of the Year last season, finishing second in voting.

Midfielder Danny Barrera, who leads the USL in assists this season with seven, is set to tie Republic FC's all-time record for consecutive USL-appearances should he make an appearance against Energy FC on Tuesday. Barrera has 36 consecutive appearances dating back to June 6, 2015. Defender Emrah Klimenta holds the current record, recording 37 consecutive USL appearances from May 17, 2014 to June 6, 2015. Defender James Kiffe has recorded 31 consecutive appearances dating back to July 1, 2015.

Energy FC come into the match unbeaten in their last eight matches. Energy FC is 4-0-4 during that run after a scoreless draw in their last match, against Saint Louis FC on July 30. OKC has outscored their opponents 11-3 during their eight-match unbeaten streak.

Forward Danni König is the leader for Energy FC on offense, despite a large drop on production from last season. König has scored two goals and recorded three assists in 18 appearances this season. He recorded 21 goals and four assists in 28 appearances last season.

Goalkeeper Cody Laurendi has been strong in goal for Energy FC after moving there from the Austin Aztex in the offseason. Laurendi has allowed just 11 goals in 16 appearances this season for a USL-leading 0.69 goals against average this season.

Republic FC will host their official watch party at de Vere's Irish Pub in downtown Sacramento. de Vere's Irish Pub is located at 1521 L St. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for best seating. The match will be aired live on ESPN 3. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #OKCvSAC.

Republic FC returns home on Aug. 6 to take on San Antonio FC. Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Bonney Field. Tickets to the match are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 1, 2016


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