Republic FC, Galaxy II Finish Level
Published on March 31, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
CARSON, Calif. - The Sacramento Republic FC and LA Galaxy II played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night as Republic FC claimed a point from its inaugural contest in USL PRO at the StubHub Center. Justin Braun scored the opening goal in Republic FC history, but a late equalizer by Chandler Hoffman earned the Galaxy II a share of the points.
The Galaxy II opened the game sharply, and Republic FC goalkeeper Jake Gleeson - on loan from the Portland Timbers - made a good early save to deny Charlie Rugg. Gleeson was again called into action in the 16th minute as he denied Jack McBean after the Galaxy II forward broke in on goal.
Sacramento took the lead just past the half-hour mark off a corner from the right side. The Galaxy were unable to properly clear, with the ball going high above the six-yard box after a second ball was sent into the penalty area, and Braun rose highest to head into the back of the net.
Republic FC was able to maintain its advantage for much of the second half as Gleeson finished the game with five saves. It was unable to hold the Galaxy II with nine minutes to go, though, as Raul Mendiola made a good pass to find Hoffman just outside the left edge of the penalty area, and the former PDL All-League selection made a good move to create space before he fired into the bottom-right corner of the net to earn his side a point.
SATURDAY
ORLANDO 1, PITTSBURGH 1: Orlando City earned a second consecutive draw to start the season as the Lions were held in their home opener by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Reigning USL PRO Most Valuable Player Jose Angulo opened the scoring for the Riverhounds, but Luke Boden equalized soon after as the game finished all square.
Both teams had chances in the first half, but the opening goal didn't arrive until shortly after the break as Angulo was able to outmuscle his marker to get onto a pass from Matt Dallman, and the forward rounded the goalkeeper before shooting home in the 50th minute. Orlando equalized less than 10 minutes later from a corner as the ball came to Boden on the left side of the penalty area after a collision between Orlando's Rob Valentino and Pittsburgh goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap, and the defender fired a left-footed finish home.
CHARLESTON 2, RICHMOND 2: George Davis IV scored twice in his Richmond debut as the Kickers and Charleston Battery played to a draw at Blackbaud Stadium. Collin Martin, on loan from D.C. United, provided the assists on both of Davis' goals, while Jarad van Schaik and Amadou Sanyang found the back of the net for the Battery.
Richmond took the lead in the 14th minute as a well-delivered through ball from Martin found Davis 25 yards out. The 2013 USL PRO All-League selection controlled and put a good finish into the back of the net. Charleston found an equalizer less than 10 minutes later, though, as Andre Lewis found space on the left and sent in a good cross that van Schaik was able to flick home.
Charleston then took the lead just before the hour mark, with van Schaik becoming the provider as his free kick was headed home powerfully by Sanyang. Richmond got back on level terms in the 67th minute, however, as Martin's cross from the right after a partially cleared corner kick was headed home at the near post by Davis.
SUNDAY
NEW YORK RESERVES 3, DAYTON 0: Eric Stevenson had a goal and an assist as the New York Red Bulls Reserves took a 3-0 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions in the first interleague contest between MLS Reserve and USL PRO teams this season at Red Bull Arena.
The game reached halftime scoreless as Stevenson was denied by Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams midway through the first half, but the former Sounders FC U23 midfielder played a role in all three of his side's second-half goals. Michael Bustamante claimed the first, putting home a corner kick from Stevenson in the 51st minute after a near-post flick, and then Stevenson added a goal of his own as he capped a strong move with a powerful finish from the right side of the penalty area.
Another corner by Stevenson capped the scoring as Matt Miazga's header went off the underside of the crossbar and in to make it 3-0 in the 66th minute. Dayton had chances to get back into the game, particularly after the introduction of on-loan Columbus Crew midfielder Matt Walker, but former PDL Goalkeeper of the Year Ryan Meara was able to preserve the shutout for the Red Bulls Reserves.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 31, 2014
- Republic FC, Galaxy II Finish Level - USL
- Kickers Announce New Rec Director - Richmond Kickers
- Eagles Add Former MLS Pool-Goalkeeper - Charlotte Eagles
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