USL Sacramento Republic FC

Republic FC falls to Energy FC 0-2

June 14, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Despite controlling the ball for most of the match, and playing down a man, Republic FC falls to Energy FC 0-2. Republic FC played the final 59 minutes of the match with only ten men on the pitch after a red card was issued to Ivan Mirkoviæ.

Republic FC started the match controlling the tempo and ball, despite battling wind gusts that routinely hit 30 mph, causing considerable difficulty with any passes off the ground. Republic FC saw their first good chance when midfielder Max Alvarez took a corner in the 13th minute. The ball went right across the front of the net, but Justin Braun's header went just over the crossbar.

In the 29th minute Republic FC had another good look at goal. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez took a free kick that sailed past the goal but was passed into the middle of the box by Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta. A waiting Nemanja Vukoviæ took the shot, which was saved by a diving Jon Kempin. Vukoviæ attempted a rebound, but it was also blocked.

Vukoviæ attempted to take two more shots after the ball seemed to have been stopped, but was pushed starting a large shoving match in front of the Energy FC goal. After the skirmish was broken up, referee Elvis Mahmutovic produced a single card, a red card, for midfielder Ivan Mirkoviæ who had run into the middle of the action and seemed to have pushed an Energy FC player before working to separate a teammate from the action.

Energy FC quickly took advantage of their being a man-up. In the 36th minute forward Adda Djeziri received a pass on the left wing from Christian Duke shooting the ball past a diving Dominik Jakubek into the right side of the goal.

Republic FC did pressure Energy FC near the end of the half despite being down a man, but were unable to find an equalizer, ending the half 1-0 in favor of Energy FC.

Republic FC again controlled the tempo and the possession to start the second half. In the 55th minute forward Chad Bartlomé had a one-on-one breakaway, which looked like a potential goal. However, Bartlomé seemed to get a bad first touch and when he regained his balance, his shot went wide just as he was taken out by sliding defender Mark Howard.

Republic FC continued to pressure offensively despite being down a man, but Energy FC was able to double their lead in the 81st minute. Midfielder Steven Perry received the ball in the right side of the box, making multiple moves to try and create an opening before sending a cross. The cross found a streaking Michael Thomas who headed home Energy FC's second goal of the match from the far post.

"Our goal was three points here and we failed to achieve that," said Republic FC forward Chad Bartlomé following the match. "I think we all need to take a good look at what we do now to react to this step back and make sure we get back on track right away."

This is the third match in USL PRO play and the fifth match overall that Republic FC has received a red card and been forced to play a man down.

"We need to be much more disciplined," said Bartlomé about Republic FC's red cards. "The majority of games we have lost have been matches where we have been forced to play down a man, that just can't happen anymore."

The loss snapped Republic FC's five match unbeaten streak in USL PRO playand is their second loss in a row overall. This was also the first time Republic FC has been shut out this season.

Republic FC will travel home and on Friday, June 20, will play the home opener at Bonney Field against the Colorado Rapids Reserves. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 14, 2014


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