USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs San Antonio FC

August 5, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC (9-6-6, 30 pts) return home to Bonney Field to take on San Antonio FC (6-7-6, 24 pts) on Saturday, August 6. Kickoff is 8 p.m. The match will be aired live on CW31 and Sports 1140 KHTK. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. The match is Rhythm and Hue Night, presented by UC Davis Children's Hospital.

This is the first-ever matchup between Republic FC and San Antonio FC. Republic FC return from a stretch of five straight road matches, while San Antonio will play their second road match in a stretch of three consecutive road matches.

Republic FC enter the match following a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma City Energy FC on Tuesday, August 2. Republic FC's win was the first by a road team in the history of the matchup, with the home team going 6-0-0 in the previous six matchups. The win gave Republic FC a 1-2-2 record in their season-long five-match road stretch.

Defender James Kiffe scored the lone goal in Republic FC's win on Tuesday. The goal was Kiffe's first professional goal. Kiffe now has a goal and three assists on the season, both are career-highs for the third-year player. With an appearance on Saturday, Kiffe will be the sixth player in Republic FC history to appear in 50 USL matches and will make his 33rd consecutive USL appearance, the third longest streak in club history.

Forward Cameron Iwasa recorded the assist on Kiffe's match-winning goal, his second of the season. Iwasa has played extremely well in his second professional season, recording a club-leading seven goals and adding two assists on the season. Iwasa also leads the club in shots (41) and shots on goal (20).

Goalkeeper Evan Newton recorded his second consecutive shutout on Tuesday. Since taking over the starting role on July 10, Newton has recorded 17 saves in five starts this season, allowing six goals and holding a .739 save percentage. Newton and the Republic FC defense currently hold a 180-minute shutout streak, their third streak of 180 minutes or more this season.

San Antonio FC come into the match on a two-match losing streak after falling 1-2 to Swope Park Rangers KC on July 30. Prior to their losing streak, San Antonio was on a six-match unbeaten streak, going 4-0-2 between June 11 and July 23.

The San Antonio FC offense is extremely balanced, with four players sharing the club-lead with three goals and another four scoring two goals on the season. Midfielder Carlos Alvarez leads San Antonio FC with four assists on the season, adding a goal.

Goalkeeper Josh Ford will return from a three-match suspension on Saturday. Ford is currently tied for third in USL with a 0.88 goals against average on the season. Ford has allowed just 13 goals in 15 appearances this season.

The match is Rhythm and Hue Night, presented by UC Davis Children's Hospital. Fans are encouraged to bring art supplies and toys to donate to UC Davis Children's Hospital Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. Donation bins will be located at the main gate of Bonney Field as well as the Market. The Market will also feature live music from local musician Todd Morgan, an art area for kids to draw, color and paint their own art piece of the matchday program cover, which will be a coloring page. Local musician Keri Carr will perform the national anthem prior to the match.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. at Bonney Field. Republic FC will be hosting a happy hour from 6-7:15 p.m. with $5 select beers, $5 on select menu items at concession stands and $5 off merchandise when you spend $25 or more. For more information on the Republic FC happy hour visit SacRepublicFC.com.

The match will be broadcast live on CW31 and Sports 1140 KHTK and streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #SACvSA. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. =

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