USL Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC capture a win in Buckle's USL debut behind a brace from Thomas Stewart

Published on August 2, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
(Sacramento Republic FC)

After an even first half hour in the match, with both teams seeing their fair share of possession, Seattle saw the first real chance of the match in the 30th minute. Midfielder Aaron Kovar got behind the Republic FC defense on a long through ball in the air and had a one-on-one encounter with Mickey Daly in the box. Daly was called for a foul after Kovar went to ground. Kovar then stepped up to the penalty spot and pushed his shot wide of the post keeping the match scoreless.

Republic FC got on the score sheet shortly after in the 37th minute when midfielder Rodrigo Lopez sent a threatening through ball up the middle for forward Thomas Stewart. The target-man Stewart was able to run onto the ball and send a first-touch howler on goal. Seattle keeper Charlie Lyon dove to his right and was able to deflect the ball, but Stewart's shot had too much pace on it as it hit the inside of the far post and into the back of the net for a 1-0 Republic FC lead.

With the assist on Stewart's first-half goal, Rodrigo Lopez became the all-time USL assists leader. The goal was Stewart's first in USL play in 2015 and his sixth in all competitions.

The match came to halt in the 76th minute when Seattle defender Amadou Sanyang went in dangerously with a tackle on Republic FC midfielder Octavio Guzman. Sanyang was shown a straight red card and Guzman was subbed out with a right knee injury.

Republic FC would add a second goal in the 83rd minute when Stewart beat an offside trap and ran onto a long through ball from midfielder Danny Barrera. Stewart was by himself and only had the keeper to beat as he initially tried to chip the oncoming Lyon. The Seattle keeper blocked it right back to Stewart, who took two more touches towards the empty net and slotted home his second goal of the match, putting Republic FC ahead 2-0.

"We really contained them well and in open play they didn't really expose us", said Sacramento Republic FC Head Coach Paul Buckle after his first USL victory. "I was really pleased with that. We looked very dangerous."

"It was very important to get the victory after a few weeks not playing in the league", said Stewart. "It's always nice to score goals. It's my job as a striker and I'm a goal-scorer. It's what I do best."

The win was snaps a three-match winless streak for Republic FC and moves them within three points of first place LA Galaxy II. Republic FC keeper Patrick McLain recorded his sixth shutout of the season, the fourth at Bonney Field.

Republic FC will be back in action again on Saturday, August 8 when they take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. and tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

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Sacramento Republic FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
 Sacramento Republic FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
 Sacramento Republic FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 2, 2015


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