USL Sacramento Republic FC

Republic FC Can't Equalize vs. San Diego Loyal SC

Published on October 10, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


SAN DIEGO, California - Sacramento fell to San Diego Loyal SC by a score of 2-1 on Saturday evening. A score from Darek Formella to put Sacramento ahead in the 30th minute wouldn't be enough, as Landon Donovan's squad netted two just after the start of the second half to take control of the match.

Sacramento was excellent defensively in the first half, limiting space for San Diego attackers in the middle of the field and keeping opportunities to a minimum as a result. Loyal SC would tally just three scoring chances in the first half, all of them coming from Tumi Moshobane.

After fielding a clearance from Shannon Gomez, Darek Formella carried from midfield through two San Diego defenders before punching one through to open the scoring just before the half hour mark. The score tied him for fourth all-time in club scoring, and was his second goal in as many matches after netting an equalizer in Wednesday's meeting with Oakland Roots.

Republic FC nearly doubled their advantage moments after the start of the second half, when Jerome Kiesewetter drew a foul in the attacking third. Dan Casey got his head on a Darek Formella free kick inside the penalty area, but the defender's attempt would go just wide of the target. San Diego knotted things up at one apiece moments later, when Alejandro Guido struck one past Carlos Saldaña following a free kick for the hosts in the 54th minute.

Corey Hertzog nearly put Loyal SC ahead just seconds later, but his chip shot from the top of the 18 would go off the post. The hosts would pull ahead in the 58th, when Douglas Martinez would find the goal off a pass from Alejandro Guido in space.

"To go up ahead 1-0 was good," said Head Coach Mark Briggs. "But I think we lost our heads for five minutes, which was the difference between getting something from the game and not. We just had a crazy period where we lost our composure a little bit."

The Indomitable Club continued to threaten, but was unable to equalize as time continued to wind down. Cam Iwasa nearly put two attempts in after entering late, but neither would find the net as San Diego's defense would neutralize both efforts. A Jordan McCrary shot from the top of the 18 would be blocked shortly afterward, allowing the hosts to keep their lead intact.

Making his first start since August 11, Pete Pennanen performed well for Sacramento. The midfielder led Republic FC with 84% passing for the match while also finishing with three intercepted passes.

Republic FC will return to action this coming Wednesday, October 13, when they take on LA Galaxy II on Noche Latina II at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the match will be broadcast live on KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento, and ESPN+.

Sacramento Republic FC 1 - 2 San Diego Loyal SC

USL Championship

Torero Stadium, San Diego, California

October 9, 2021

Scoring Summary: SAC- Darek Formella (Shannon Gomez) 30' SD- Alejandro Guido 54', Douglas Martinez (Alejandro Guido) 57'

Misconduct Summary: SAC - Pete Pennanen (caution) 40', Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (caution) 45'SD - Collin Martin (caution) 45', Callum Montgomery (caution) 48'

Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Shannon Gomez (Emil Cuello 76'), Duke Lacroix, Dan Casey, Hayden Sargis, Pete Pennanen (C), Mario Penagos (Cam Iwasa 61'), Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Darek Formella, Kharlton Belmar (Jordan McCrary 61'), Jerome Kiesewetter (Maalique Foster 61')

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Amjot Narang, Julian "JuJu" Chavez

Stats - Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 4, Fouls: 19, Corner Kicks: 1, Offsides: 2

San Diego Loyal SC: Austin Guerrero, Josh Yaro, Callum Montgomery (Douglas Martinez 53', Morgan Hackworth 83'), Grant Stoneman (C), Elijah Martin, Blake Bodily, Miguel Ibarra (Gianfranco Facchineri 90'), Alejandro Guido (Charlie Adams 83'), Collin Martin, Tumi Moshobane (Ben Spencer 83'), Corey Hertzog

Unused substitutes: Chase Boone, Dylan Castanheira

Stats - Shots: 17, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 0, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 2

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 10, 2021


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