Republic FC Reclaim Top Spot in Western Conference with 2-1 Win over Seattle
May 6, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Sacramento Republic FC battle Seattle Sounders FC 2
(Sacramento Republic FC)
TACOMA, Wash. - Sacramento Republic FC reclaimed the top spot in the Western Conference following Sunday's 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC 2.
Mitchell Taintor's first USL goal of the season, along with an own goal from S2 keeper Bryan Meredith, gave Sacramento three points as they complete a two-game road stand in the Pacific Northwest.
Republic FC took the lead in the closing minutes of the first half after a corner kick from Hayden Partain was cleared to the midfield. Republic FC captain Jeremy Hall received the ball and found Taintor open in the box. The center back, who had scored his first MLS goal while on-loan with Toronto FC just two weeks ago, took a touch towards goal and sent a blistering left-footed shot that beat Meredith on the near post and put his side ahead in the 41st minute.
Taintor's strike was Republic FC's first first-half goal since the season opener. The visitors would take the 1-0 lead into halftime, ending a four-game streak of conceding in the opening 45 minutes.
S2 found the equalizer through Felix Chenkam in the 61st minute. Nick Hinds was allowed to attack down the left wing, and just before getting to the touchline, the agile forward sent a low ball into the box that deflected into Chenkam's path. The forward squared a shot past an outstretched Josh Cohen to tally his fourth goal of the season and level the score.
The equalizer swung the momentum in S2's favor and Republic FC had to withstand a barrage of threats following Chenkam's strike. Just when it seemed like the match would end in a draw, Republic FC recovered the lead with eight minutes remaining.
In a play not too dissimilar from the first goal, second-half substitute Jaime Villarreal sent a long, looping ball for Villyan Bijev in the box. Bijev's first touch took helped him beat his defender and give him space to fire a left-footed shot that ricocheted off the near post and hit Meredith's back as he dove for the ball. The ball bounced off the S2 keeper and past the goal line for what would ultimately be ruled an own goal and be the match-winner for Republic FC.
The Indomitable Club return home to face Reno 1868 FC on Saturday, May 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the match will be broadcast live on KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+ and Sports1140 KHTK. Tickets to the match are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Seattle Sounders FC 2 1:2 Sacramento Republic FC
USL Match
Cheney Stadium - Tacoma, WA
May 6, 2018
Scoring Summary: SRFC - Mitchell Taintor (Jeremy Hall) 41, Bryan Meredith (own goal) 82; SEA - Felix Chenkam 61
Misconduct Summary: SEA - Denso Ulysse (caution) 31
Sacramento Republic FC - Josh Cohen, Cole Seiler (Shannon Gomez 72) , Carlos Rodriguez, Mitchell Taintor, Justin Schmidt, Hayden Partain, Jeremy Hall, Adam Moffat (Jaime Villarreal 79), Villyan Bijev, Luis Espino (Jure Matjasic 72), Cameron Iwasa.
Subs Not Used: Rafa Diaz, Wilson Kneeshaw, Christian Eissele, Elliott Hord.
Stats: Shots:9 , Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 3, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 7, Offside: 5.
Seattle Sounders FC 2 - Bryan Meredith, Denso Ulysse, Rodrigue Ele, Sam Rogers, Ibrahim Usman, Francisco Narbon, Dylan Teves (Azriel Gonzalez 82), David Olsen (David Estrada 58), Shandon Hopeau, Nick Hinds (Khai Brisco 90), Felix Chenkam.
Subs Not Used: Calle Brown, Jesse Daley.
Stats: Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 0, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 5, Offside: 0.
Images from this story
 Sacramento Republic FC controls the ball vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2 |
 Sacramento Republic FC with possession vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2 |
 Sacramento Republic FC battle Seattle Sounders FC 2 |
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