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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC Earns Point in 1-1 Deadlock with Real Monarchs SLC

July 1, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Republic FC earn a point finish three-match road trip undefeated.

The match started slowly with neither club gaining any dangerous chances, although Republic FC maintained possession for most of the first half. In the 19th minute the possession paid off after Republic FC earned a corner. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez sent the corner toward the back post and defender Derek Foran. Foran and a Real Monarchs defender fought for the ball before it ended up bouncing in front of goal. Forward Justin Braun poked the ball into the goal with a jump, putting Republic FC ahead 1-0.

Republic FC would dominate the possession for the remainder of the half, but could not increase their lead. The Monarchs had their best chance of the half in the 37th minute when midfielder Fito Ovalle took a chance from about 35 yards out on the right side of the field. Ovalle's shot looked to find the top left corner of the goal, but missed just over the bar keeping the match 1-0 in favor of Republic FC going into the half.

The second half started slowly for Republic FC, who looked to regain their rhythm after the Monarchs made three substitutions at half. Republic FC would get their first serious chance in the second half in the 57th minute. Lopez streaked down the left side of the field before sending a curling shot toward the right corner of the goal, but Monarchs goalkeeper Eric Osswald was there to make the diving save.

The Monarchs would find an equalizer in the 61st minute. Midfielder Ricardo Velazco crossed the ball from the upper left corner of the box to the right side of the box where substitute forward Eti Tavares had snuck behind the defense. Tavares took a touch then sent a shot that hit the far post and ricocheted into the goal, evening the score 1-1.

The Monarchs had the best chance of the second half in the 82nd minute when Republic FC was called for a handball in the penalty box. Monarchs leading scorer Max Rauhofer stepped up to take the penalty and sent a screamer off the crossbar, keeping the score even.

Republic FC would look to equalize late with two good looks at goal. The first was a run from substitute forward Adnan Gabeljic who worked through the Monarchs defense at the top of the box but his finally touch was a little hard and the ball found the gloves of Osswald. Midfielder Danny Barrera had the final good look for Republic FC on a free kick from 40 yards out. Barrera sent a long ball from the left side toward the upper right corner of the goal, but Osswald skied to send the ball over the crossbar to keep the match as a draw.

"I am very disappointed with the result," said Republic FC Head Coach Preki following the match. "I thought we played a pretty good game, especially in the first half. We lost a little of our legs with the travel and our third game in six days and coming to altitude so we toned it down, but still we had enough chances to win the game."

Republic FC will be back in action again on Wednesday, July 8, when they take on Atlas FC (Liga MX) in a friendly match at Bonney Field. Republic FC will return to USL action on Saturday, July 11 when they take on LA Galaxy II at Bonney Field. Kickoff for both matches is 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the Atlas FC match are still available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. The LA Galaxy II match has been sold out.

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