USL Sacramento Republic FC

Republic FC Downed by Seattle in Preseason Friendly

February 16, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


MLS side Seattle Sounders FC defeat Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 in a preseason friendly at Papa Murphy's Park as Jordan Morris scores a brace.

Sounders FC came out with a resounding boom as their star forward, U.S. National Team player Jordan Morris, rocketed a shot past Republic FC keeper Josh Cohen in the second minute. Morris found space in the box on a set piece and he pounced on the opportunity when the ball found his feet to put the visitors ahead early.

They would add a second goal in the 27th minute. Sounders FC midfielder Nico Lodeiro found space up the left wing before looping the ball to the far post where Henry Wingo was setting up. Wingo unloaded on a right-footed, side-volley that beat a diving Cohen near-post to give Sounders FC a 2-0 lead.

Republic FC nearly pulled one back in the 35th minute after some relentless attacking led forward Christian Eissele with the ball in the box. Eissele picked his head up and sent a left-footed shot at the far post that forced Sounders FC keeper Stefan Frei to make a key diving save. Wilson Kneeshaw also provided some early spark for Republic FC as he pestered the back line of Sounders FC.

The home side did not disappoint to start the second half. Solid build up play in the 47th minute gave defender Josh Turnley time and space out on the left wing. Turnley curled a left-footed cross into the box and forward Christian Eissele skillfully flicked his header back across goal to beat Frei and cut the lead to 2-1.

Josh Cohen kept Republic FC close with a crucial stop on Henry Wingo in the 58th minute. Wingo was alone in the box after a cross left, when Cohen charged off his line to dispossess and clear the ball. Wingo tried to drag the ball past Cohen but the keeper was able to snag the ball and clear it out of danger.

Jordan Morris would add a second goal in the 79th minute. Morris sent a through ball to forward Seyi Abekoya and followed his pass into the box. Abekoya cut the ball back into the path of Morris and he wasted no time sending a one-touch shot past Cohen and into the back of the net. Morris' second goal sealed the victory for Sounders FC as the final whistle blew with a 3-1 final score.

"I think the guys tried to execute which was really good," said Republic FC Head Coach Simon Elliott. "I think the guys weren't sure what to expect. I'm relatively pleased with the way the team is coming together. We've got something to build on."

Sacramento Republic FC 1:3 Seattle Sounders FC

Friendly Match

Papa Murphy's Park - Sacramento, CA

February 15, 2018 Attendance: 9,094

Scoring Summary: SEA - Jordan Morris 2, Henry Wingo (Nico Lodeiro) 28, Jordan Morris (Seyi Abekoya) 79; SRFC - Christian Eissele (Josh Turnley) 47

Misconduct Summary: SRFC - Brian Nana-Sinkam (caution) 85

Seattle Sounders FC - Stefan Frei, Jordan McCrary, Chad Marshall, Tony Alfaro, Waylon Francis, Jordy Delem, Christian Roldan, Henry Wingo, Nico Lodeiro, Harry Shipp Seyi Abekoya 62), Jordan Morris.

Subs Not Used: Calle Brown, Francisco Narbon, Shandon Hopeau, Khai Brisco, Dylan Teves, Felix Chenkah.

Sacramento Republic FC - Josh Cohen, Hayden Partain (Esteban Zepeda 66), Mitch Taintor (Brian Nana-Sinkam 69), Cole Seiler (Matteo Sorentino 69), Josh Turnley (Shannon Gomez 66), Jeremy Hall (Oscar Govea 61), Jaime Villareal (Jose Garcia 61), Villyan Bijev (Quincy Butler 61), Wilson Kneeshaw (Luis Espino 46), Christian Eissele (Roberto Hategan 61), Cameron Iwasa (Keven Aleman 46).

Subs Not Used: Jordan Martinez, Mark Mcentosh

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 16, 2018


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