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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Republic FC Welcome Buckle to the Helm with 1-0 win over Sunderland AFC

July 15, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sunderland AFC
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sunderland AFC
(Sacramento Republic FC)

Sacramento Republic FC beat English Premier League side Sunderland in Paul Buckle's first match as head coach.

After a short delay to start the match, Sacramento Republic FC and Sunderland AFC kicked off with Republic FC coming out looking to attack. Both sides saw chances, including a near miss from Sunderland forward and former MLS star Jermain Defoe, but the half ended in a scoreless draw. Republic FC held a slight shot advantage at the end of the half, outshooting the Black Cats 6-5.

Republic FC got on the score early in the second half. In the 58th minute substitute forward Cameron Iwasa sent a ball out wide to Thomas Stewart with his first touch of the match. Stewart sent a cross into the edge of box where midfielder Max Alvarez laid off a pass for Iwasa. With his second touch of the match Iwasa sent a left-footed strike past Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone and into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The home side saw a slew of chances late, including in the 83rd minute when Joaquin Rivas sent a ball to forward Adnan Gabeljic. The big target-man controlled the ball with his first touch and used his second touch to send a rocket of a shot over Mannone, but it hit the crossbar and sailed out of play.

Iwasa had a chance to add a second goal in the 85th minute after receiving a layoff pass from James Kiffe. After using a shot fake to juke his defender, Iwasa sent the shot up and over the crossbar and out of play.

Patrick McLain was called into action in the 86th minute when he saved a dangerous curling shot from second-half substitute Duncan Watmore, Barclay's U-21 Player of the Year last season. McLain was also tested late by back-to-back corner kicks, but his defense cleared the ball out in front of him. Republic FC withstood the late rush and finished off the victory over the Black Cats with a 1-0 score line.

"We'll work on some things in training", said new Republic FC Head Coach Paul Buckle. "We want to keep this positive momentum that we've got now. That was a very big win for us and we'll be looking for more of the same against another very good team."

Republic FC will face another EPL team, Newcastle United on Saturday, July 18 at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. The match is sold out, but will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.

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Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sunderland AFC
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sunderland AFC
 Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sunderland AFC
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sunderland AFC
 Sacramento Republic FC Celebrates vs. Sunderland AFC
Sacramento Republic FC Celebrates vs. Sunderland AFC
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sunderland AFC
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sunderland AFC
   

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