USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Tulsa Roughnecks FC

June 24, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC travels to Tulsa, Okla. to face Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Thursday, June 25, at ONEOK Field. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. PDT.

This will be the first of two meetings between Republic FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC this season and the first ever matchup between the two. The Roughnecks entered the USL this season as one of 12 expansion franchises added in 2015.

Republic FC enter the match following a comeback 2-1 victory over Oklahoma City Energy FC on Saturday, June 20. Republic FC went down early, but an own goal by Coady Andrews and Gabe Gissie's first professional goal gave Republic FC their second consecutive victory and first place in the Western Conference.

With his first professional goal, Gissie became the youngest player to score for Republic FC at 18 years and 213 days old, beating JJ Koval's goal on August 2, 2014 against Arizona United SC when he was 22 years and 75 days old. Gissie has now recorded a goal and an assist in consecutive matches, both as a substitute. He is averaging a point ever 22 minutes this season with three points in just 67 minutes played.

Forward Kaleemullah made a strong impression in his Republic FC debut in Saturday's match, replacing Justin Braun in the 65th minute. Kaleemullah is believed to be the first Pakistani-born player to sign a contract and appear in a professional match in the United States.

Republic FC is tied with LA Galaxy II, Arizona United SC, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC for most road victories in the Western Conference this season. Last season, Republic FC led the USL with seven road victories.

The Roughnecks come into the match following a 1-1 draw with the Austin Aztex on Saturday, June 20. Forward Sammy Ochoa scored the first penalty kick in Roughnecks history to earn a point on the road for the Roughnecks.

The Roughnecks have a balanced offensive attack with nine different players recording a goal this season, trailing only Republic FC (13) and Seattle (12) for most players with a goal in the Western Conference.

Forward Lucas Cordeiro leads the Roughnecks' offense recording two goals and three assists this season. Midfielder Gibson Bardsley leads all scorers with three goals on the season.

The match will also be the first matchup between Republic FC and their former midfielder Chad Bond. Bond joined the Roughnecks in the offseason after appearing in nine matches for Republic FC last season. Bond has appeared in ten matches, all starts, for the Roughnecks this season, recording two assists. He was also named to the USL Team of the Week for his performance in week 9, alongside Republic FC's Rodrigo Lopez.

The match will be streamed live on SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #TULvSAC.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 24, 2015


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