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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Rodrigo Lopez scores match-winning goal late in stoppage time

March 29, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
(Sacramento Republic FC, Credit: LA Galaxy II)

The match started quickly with both side coming out strong and pressing the defenses. In just the 8th minute LA Galaxy II would put themselves ahead on a free kick. Midfielder Raul Mendiola, on loan from LA Galaxy, squared up a 25-yard free kick from the right side of the pitch. The in-swinger found the head of defender Daniel Steres, who flicked the ball into the right side of the net to put Los Dos ahead 1-0.

Republic FC took no time in responding, quickly making plays on the counterattack in an attempt to equalize. In the 12th minute, Republic FC forward David Estrada was taken down in the box, setting up a penalty. Midfielder Octavio Guzman calmly stepped up to the spot, then sent an elevated shot into the left side of the net and past the outstretched hand of Los Dos keeper, Clement Diop, who had guessed right. The penalty evened the score 1-1.

12 minutes later, Republic FC earned a second penalty kick in the 24th minute when forward Cameron Iwasa was fouled in the box, earning Republic FC their second penalty. Guzman again stepped up to the spot and, after a quick stutter-step toward the left side, sent an elevated ball into the left side of the net, this time fooling Diop, who dove to the right. The half would end with Republic FC leading 2-1.

The match continued at a high pace in the second half, with both sides eager for another goal. In the 66th minute, Mendiola would again set up a Los Dos goal, this time in the run of play. Mendiola received a perfect pass up the right side of the pitch and send a low cross in front of the goal where it met the foot of Travis Bowen, who was able to poke the ball past the Republic FC defense and equalize the match to 2-2.

The final 24 minutes of the match were a flurry, with each side trying to find a winning goal and capitalize on mistakes in the other side's defensive third. It wasn't until the final minute of stoppage time that Republic FC would find their winning goal. A lofted pass ahead to Estrada set up the match-winner. Estrada, who streaked up the far side of the pitch with the ball with second-half substitution Rodrigo Lopez nearby. The pair exploited the two-on-one situation as Estrada sent a perfect square ball across the face of goal to an oncoming Lopez, who simply tapped the ball into the net from about three yards out to clinch the 3-2 victory for Republic FC.

The win is the first for Republic FC in the 2015 USL season and their fifth all-time against Los Dos. Republic FC won't have long to think about the win however as they play Portland Timbers 2 on Thursday, April 2 in the first matchup against the former affiliates. The match will take place at Merlo Field on the campus of the University of Portland. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m.

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Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
(LA Galaxy II)		   

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