Republic FC get two goals in the last ten minutes to earn a point at Sand Creek Stadium
August 15, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC
(Sacramento Republic FC, Credit: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC)
After an hour and twenty minute lightning delay, Republic FC wasted no time in making a strong offensive statement, taking the lead in just the 2nd minute. Midfielder Danny Barrera sends ball from the right side across the top of the box to Thomas Stewart who took a strong left-footed strike past a diving Devala Gorrick and into the upper left corner of the goal, putting Republic FC ahead 1-0.
Switchbacks FC answered back quickly after Republic FC defender Nemanja Vukoviæ was given a yellow card for a handball in the box in the 19th minute. Switchbacks FC midfielder Luke Vercollone stepped up to the penalty spot in the 21st minute and sent a hard shot into the upper right corner of the goal and past Patrick McLain, who dove left.
Switchbacks FC took the lead in the 38th minute after forward Mike Seth threaded a ball past the offside trap to a streaking Vercollone. The midfielder went one-on-one against McLain and after the keeper dove to his left, slotted home a goal, putting Switchbacks FC ahead 2-1 going into the half.
Republic FC came out attacking in the second half, but it was Switchbacks FC who would strike again in the 78th minute. Vercollone took a strong shot at the top of the box, but had his shot blocked. The rebound bounced perfectly to Chandler Hoffman on the right side of the box. Hoffman then sent a low shot to the left corner of the goal and past a diving McLain, putting Switchbacks FC ahead 3-1.
Republic FC was not done however, and in the 82nd minute pulled within a goal. Substitute defender Derek Foran protected the ball in the middle of the box before passing the ball to his right to fellow defender Mickey Daly. Daly sent a one-touch rocket past Gorrick. making the score 3-2.
Near the end of regulation time, Switchbacks substitute forward Davy Armstrong was sent off after a hard tackle and the ensuing scuffle. Republic FC, now up a man, took advantage soon after, and a minute into stoppage time an Ivan Mirkoviæ long ball into the box found its way into the top right corner of the net, equalizing the score 3-3. The goal was Mirkoviæ's first as a member of Republic FC.
Republic FC goalkeeper McLain recorded nine saves on the night, a franchise USL record. McLain also held the previous record of seven saves, which he recorded against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on June 25.
Republic FC return to action on Saturday, August 22, when they take on Real Monarchs SLC at Bonney Field at 8:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on CW31. Tickets are still available on Ticketmaster.com.
Images from this story
 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC) |
 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC) |
 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC) |
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 15, 2015
- Aztex Unable to Hold off Los Dos Rally - Austin Aztex
- Louisville City Takes Three-Game Winning Streak Into Pittsburgh - Louisville City FC
- Battery Draw Saint Louis FC 1-1 Behind Late Heroics from Cordoves - Charleston Battery
- Rochester Tops Wilmington 2:1 - Rochester Rhinos
- Late Hounds Lapse Gifts Point to Charlotte - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Late Goal from Finley Earns Charlotte a Point in Pittsburgh - Charlotte Independence
- Kickers Suffer 2-1 Loss to Toronto FC II - Richmond Kickers
- Switchbacks Get a Draw at Home - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Republic FC get two goals in the last ten minutes to earn a point at Sand Creek Stadium - Sacramento Republic FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Sacramento Republic FC Stories
- Danny Vitiello Named to Week 16 Team of the Week
- Fan Vote Now Open: Lopez's Free-Kick Nominated for Goal of the Week
- Republic FC Blanks Rhode Island FC, 2-0
- Match Preview: Republic FC at Rhode Island FC
- Global Sports Leader Elevate Joins Republic FC Stadium Development Team
