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Sacramento Republic FC

Rafael Diaz Impresses on Debut with Dominican Republic

January 25, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Goalkeeper Rafael Diaz made his debut with the Dominican Republic National Team in Santo Domingo on Monday, posting a strong performance to shutout Serbia and secure a draw for the home side.

Early on in the 7th minute, Dominicana had a fantastic opportunity in front of a goal, but the chip over the Serbian goalkeeper went just wide. Three minutes later, Serbia hit the back of the net only to have their goal called back after it was deemed offside. Serbia controlled much of the rest of the match, but could not break down the Dominican defense to open the scoreline.

In the 20th minute, Diaz made a fantastic save to deny Serbia. Diaz was up to task again in the 48th minute, plucking a free kick from the visitors out of the air and out of danger for his side. Serbia nearly had their goal in the 78th minute, but Diaz kept his shutout with a save in the 12-yard-box, throwing his body on the ball and denying Aleksic a shot on goal.

Diaz's impressive performance all 90 minutes garnered positive feedback on the social feeds.

Amazing job by @Rafi_Dee and rest of the players @fedofutbol @sedofutbol. Tying @FSSrbije which is rank 30th in the world is not an easy task. Amazing goal keeper @SacRepublicFC we can't say enough about him!!!

- Dominican Republic Sports (@SportsDominican) January 26, 2021

.@SacRepublicFC's Rafael Diaz posts a shutout in his debut for @sedofutbol, a 0-0 draw against Serbia this evening.

Had some good moments, and a positive result for the DR overall after falling to Puerto Rico last week. pic.twitter.com/79EyV2jeml

- Nicholas Murray (@NJEMurray) January 25, 2021

Rafael Diaz gran debut en la selección, tremendo, rememorando su gran temporada en @SacRepublicFC

- Sports RD (@_SportsRD) January 25, 2021

La figura fue Rafael Díaz, portero Dominicano del @SacRepublicFC y hoy se dio algo histórico: República Dominicana Empató ante Serbia en un amistoso...mas allá de ser un equipo B, lo de Dominicana es tremendo!@ESPN_JorgeRamos @delvalle_ESPN @carodelas @pereyraespn @JorgeRamosFUT pic.twitter.com/xsteK0hnwO

- David Camarena/Ð"эвид Камарена (@David2095_Sport) January 25, 2021

After falling to Puerto Rico in their last match, the result against the FIFA ranked #30 Serbia ends the #159 ranked Dominican Republic's training camp on a positive note ahead of World Cup qualifiers, which kick off in March.

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