Republic FC Open the Season with 1-1 Draw at Home against Real Monarchs SLC
Published on March 10, 2019 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Ray Saari with the corner against Real Monarchs SLC
(Sacramento Republic FC)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A late goal from newcomer Charalampos "Haris" Chantzopoulos earned Sacramento Republic FC a point from a 1-1 draw in the club's 2019 season opener at Papa Murphy's Park on Saturday night.
Republic FC came out of the gates strong and nearly opened the score in the first 10 minutes. Forward Stefano Bonomo, who joined the team in the offseason from the Tampa Bay Rowdies, charged up the right wing after pouncing on a loose ball in the visiting end. The Bay Area native slid a through ball into Villyan Bijev's path inside the box, but before the Bulgarian could get a clean shot off, Real Monarchs keeper David Ochoa came off his line to make the stop.
Despite Sacramento's initial momentum, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 35th minute. Republic FC midfielder Drew Skundrich was called for a foul on Jack Blake inside the box and Monarchs were awarded a penalty. Blake stepped to the spot and hit his penalty to the left of goalkeeper Josh Cohen. Cohen got a fingertip to the shot, but could not keep it out of the net and prevent Monarchs from taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Republic FC renewed their efforts and were rewarded with the equalizing goal in the 81st minute. Second-half substitute Sam Werner found space on the right wing and attacked the Monarchs box, sliding a low cross into the wake of Chantzapoulos, who had gotten forward. The Greek defender used a cheeky backheel to redirect the cross past Ochoa to bring Republic FC even and rescue a point in front of the Papa Murphy's Park faithful.
The Indomitable Club is back in action on Saturday, March 16, as they travel to Colorado to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live on KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento and ESPN+.
Sacramento Republic FC 1-1 Real Monarchs SLC
USL Championship Match
Papa Murphy's Park - Sacramento, CA
March 9, 2019 - Attendance: 10,068
Scoring Summary: SLC - Jack Blake (penalty) 35; SAC - Charalampos "Haris" Chantzapoulos (Sam Werner) 81
Misconduct Summary: SAC - Cameron Iwasa (caution) 11; SLC - Maikel Chang (caution) 25, Ricardo Avila (caution) 80, Mastanabal Kacher (caution) 90
Real Monarchs SLC - David Ochoa, Donald Toia, Erik Holt, Andrew Brody, Kalen Ryden, Pablo Ruiz (Stanley Okumu 80), Maikel Chang, Jack Blake, Ricardo Avila, Luis Palma (Mastanabal Kacher 86), Douglas Martinez (Lionel Abate Etoundi 69).
Subs Not Used: Evan Finney, Joshua Heard, James Moberg, Jordan Pena.
Stats: Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 4, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 2, Offside: 0.
Sacramento Republic FC - Josh Cohen, Shannon Gomez (Sam Werner 78), Haris Chantzopoulos, Drew Skundrich, Elliott Hord (Mitchell Taintor 65), Tyler Blackwood, Villyan Bijev (Hayden Partain 90+), Dekel Keinan, Ray Saari, Stefano Bonomo, Cameron Iwasa.
Subs Not Used: Rafael Diaz, Matt Mahoney, Jaime Villarreal, Mario Penagos.
Stats: Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 4, Offside: 1.
Images from this story
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