Republic FC fall 1-0 to Orange County Blues FC in front of another sold-out Bonney Field crowd.
Published on May 1, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Sacramento Republic FC Eyes the Ball vs. Orange County Blues FC
(Sacramento Republic FC)
After a couple of minor scoring chances in the first 15 minutes for Republic FC, Orange County Blues FC opened the scoring in the 16th minute when midfielder Pavle Popara capitalized on a missed clearance from Republic FC midfielder Danny Barrera. Orange County midfielder Didier Crettenand sent a through ball from the wing and Barerra was unable to track back enough to intercept as he deflected the ball right to Popara who calmly slotted a right-footed shot past Republic FC keeper Dominik Jakubek for the early 1-0 lead. Crettenand barely missed making it 2-0 in the 31st minute as his free kick beat Jakubek but sailed wide of the post by a few inches.
Republic FC had a glorious chance to equalize just before the halftime whistle when defender Emrah Klimenta ran onto a deep counterattacking through ball up the right wing. With only the keeper to beat, Klimenta saw forward Thomas Stewart running with him on his left in the middle of the box. Klimenta laid the ball off to an unmarked Stewart, but reigning USL Keeper of the Year winner Brandon Miller read the pass and was able to come off of his line and block Stewart's shot away preserving the Blues 1-0 at the half.
The match went back and forth in the second half with each team looking to gain control. Orange County midfielder Pavle Popara had a great chance to add another goal in the 81st as he was on the receiving end of a far-post cross that bounced right to him. In mid-air, Popara sent a laser of a shot from just outside the six-yard box on goal. Jakubek was in perfect position and got his body in the way of the shot as it deflected out of the box.
Republic FC had a final chance in stoppage time as defender Kip Colvey got behind the defense and sent a brilliant ball across the face of goal to the far post. Second-half substitute Mackenzie Pridham was waiting at the far post. Unfortunately, Pridham couldn't get his feet underneath him and as he sent a weak shot at the goal that Miller was able to save keeping his shutout intact.
"I think we controlled the game," said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle after the defeat. "We gifted them a goal. It's a bit like a broken record for us. Every team goes through a rough patch."
Republic FC will hit the road and head down south to face their rival LA Galaxy II on Saturday, May 7. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at the StubHub Center.
Images from this story
 Sacramento Republic FC Chases the Ball vs. Orange County Blues FC |
 Sacramento Republic FC Battles Orange County Blues FC |
 Sacramento Republic FC Eyes the Ball vs. Orange County Blues FC |
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- Republic FC fall 1-0 to Orange County Blues FC in front of another sold-out Bonney Field crowd. - Sacramento Republic FC
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