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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC Falls to Kitsap Pumas 1-0 in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

June 2, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC and Kitsap Pumas Go High for the Ball
Sacramento Republic FC and Kitsap Pumas Go High for the Ball
(Sacramento Republic FC)

Sacramento Republic FC suffer 3-1 defeat to the Kitsap Pumas at Bonney Field in the Third Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The match began with both sides having legitimate scoring chances in the first 10 minutes. Republic FC saw their first scoring chance in the 5th minute when defender Emrah Klimenta found space up the right wing. Klimenta, in his first appearance back with Republic FC after his national team call-up for Montenegro, was able to slide a cross into the box for forward Cameron Iwasa. The forward looked to be alone in the box as he sent a driven left-footed one-touch shot towards the open near post, but the shot was deflected out of play for a corner kick.

The Kitsap Pumas saw their first good look at a goal in the 7th minute when midfielder Joel Waterman sent a cross into the box. Forward Hamza Haddadi was able to separate from the defense and get an open header on goal. Republic FC keeper Evan Newton was in perfect position however, and caught the shot easily.

Republic FC nearly opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Danny Barrera sent a left-footed, in-swinging curling shot toward the far post from 25 yards out, but the shot sailed just wide and over the corner.

In the 30th minute, Haddadi found himself again in scoring position off of a cross. The cross came into Haddadi just outside the six-yard box and he sent a powerful one-touch shot on goal. Newton again was in perfect position to make the save, keeping the match scoreless going into the half.

The second half started fast and saw many scoring chances very early in the half. Republic FC nearly scored in the opening seconds when substitute forward Harry Williams beat the defense up the right wing. Williams found himself in a one-on-one situation with Pumas keeper Matt Grosey and the forward sent a dangerous right-footed shot toward the far post. Grosey was able to get just the tip of his glove to the shot to send it wide of the post and out of play.

The Pumas opened the scoring in the 60th minute. Forward Mike Ramos beat his defender up the left wing and started in toward goal before sending a grounded cross to Javier Castro who sat open in the center of the box. Castro calmly settled the pass and sent a quick shot on the ground that beat Newton putting the Pumas ahead 1-0.

Republic FC wasted no time and found an equalizer a minute later. Klimenta received the ball on the right wing before sending a cross toward forward Cameron Iwasa. Iwasa attempted a header but the ball went just over his head. The defense worked to clear the ball but were unable to get the ball past Iwasa who sent the loose rebound straight past Grosey for the tying goal.

Kitsap would pull back ahead with a goal in the 63rd minute. Haddadi took the ball down the middle of the pitch before cutting to his left. Haddadi beat his defender who slipped and sent a powerful shot toward goal. Newton was there to block the shot away but an onrushing Ramos was able to scoop up the rebound and put the Pumas ahead 2-1.

The Pumas would add another goal in the 65th minute with Castro finishing his brace to give Kitsap the 3-1.

Despite a valiant effort including multiple attempts from Williams, Barrera and substitute Daniel Tricket-Smith, Republic FC were unable to score again and the match ended in a 3-1 defeat for Republic FC, ending their 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run in the Third Round.

"You certainly can't make two mistakes like we did on the back line and expect to advance", said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. "They've punished us and they deserved to go through."

"We'll pick our heads back up," said defender Emrah Klimenta after the match. "I'm sure we'll come out with more fire. This game will just add fuel to our rivalry with LA Galaxy II."

With the victory the Kitsap Pumas advance to the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup. They will take on Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday, June 15 at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash.

Republic FC will be back in USL action again on Saturday, June 4 when they take on LA Galaxy II at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

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Images from this story

Sacramento Republic FC Stops a Kitsap Pumas Shot
Sacramento Republic FC Stops a Kitsap Pumas Shot
 Sacramento Republic FC and Kitsap Pumas Race to the Ball
Sacramento Republic FC and Kitsap Pumas Race to the Ball
 Sacramento Republic FC and Kitsap Pumas Go High for the Ball
Sacramento Republic FC and Kitsap Pumas Go High for the Ball

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