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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Sunderland AFC

July 13, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC will face English Premier League side Sunderland AFC in an international friendly match on Tuesday, July 14. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. PDT at Bonney Field. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

This is the second of three international friendlies for Republic FC this season. Republic FC fell 4-1 to Atlas FC (Liga MX) in their first international friendly on July 8. Republic FC will also play Newcastle United (EPL) on Saturday, July 18 at Bonney Field.

This will be the second time that Republic FC has welcomed a Premier League club to Sacramento. Last season, Republic FC played against West Bromwich Albion twice at Bonney Field. West Bromwich Albion won both matches, the first 0-1 on July 21 and then 3-1 on July 25.

This will be the first match for new Republic FC head coach Paul Buckle. Coach Buckle takes over Republic FC after having most recently coached Cheltenham Town, a National League (England) club.

Coach Buckle has seen success with his clubs against the larger Premier League clubs. In 2013 Buckle led Luton Town to the fifth round of the FA Cup, beating Premier League side Norwich City 1-0 in the 4th round of the FA Cup. The win was the first time in 24 years that a non-League team had defeated a top division club.

The match will be one of three that Sunderland will play in North America during their preseason. Sunderland will also face CF Pachuca (Liga MX) on Friday, July 17 at Bonney Field and Toronto FC (MLS) on Wednesday, July 22 in Toronto.

Sunderland forward and England Men's National Team player Jermaine Defoe will return to North America for the first time since leaving Toronto FC in a player exchange deal that sent US National Team forward Jozy Altidore to Toronto FC. Defoe has 55 national team caps and has scored 19 international goals.

Defender John O'Shea will also make the trip to Sacramento. O'Shea is best known for his play with Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland Men's National Team. O'Shea appeared in over 250 league matches for Manchester United, winning five Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League title, one FA Cup, three Football League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup. O'Shea has also appeared in over 100 matches for his country.

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

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