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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC Falls to Portland Timbers 2, 2-1

April 3, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2
(Sacramento Republic FC, Credit: Portland Timbers 2)

Former Republic FC loan player Steven Evans scored late goal to propel Timbers 2 to the 2-1 win.

The match started with both teams trying to maintain possession and control the midfield. Both sides had some good chances early but were unable to convert in the first half.

In the 41st minute Republic FC got their best look on goal in the first half when defender Emrah Klimenta sent a ball to midfielder Rodrigo Lopez in the middle of the field. Lopez trapped the ball and took two dribbles forward to the top of the box before sending a left-footed strike towards goal, but the ball sailed just over the crossbar.

Four minutes later, T2 got their best opportunity of the first half. In the 44th minute a poor clearance by Republic FC left T2 forward Schillo Tshuma open and behind the defense. Tshuma tried to chip the onrushing Patrick McLain but sent the ball just wide left of the goal, keeping the match at 0-0 going into the break.

Republic FC started the second half quickly, winning three corners in the first three minutes of the half. In the 48th minute forward Cameron Iwasa made a move to get behind the defense and had a one-on-one with T2 keeper and former Republic FC loan player Jake Gleeson but was unable to get the ball past the onrushing Gleeson.

In the 61st minute Republic FC was able to find a goal. Second half substitute Joaquin Rivas received the ball at the top of the box, behind the defense, settled the ball and sent a pass back to Iwasa who was running on the right side of Rivas. Iwasa was able to shoot the ball into an open net since Gleeson had rushed forward to block a possible shot from Rivas.

T2 took no time in finding an equalizer just a minute later, made the score 1-1. Defender Taylor Peay ran the ball up the right side of the field and sent a low cross to forward Kharlton Belmar who was behind the defense. Belmar then poked the ball past McLain who was not able to react in time to save the ball.

In the 87th minute Republic FC cleared a weak shot by T2, but the clear went right to the feet of Steven Evans at the top of the box. Evans ran onto the ball and with his first touch sent a rocket into the top right corner of the box and put T2 ahead 2-1.

"It felt good to get the first one out of the way and see the ball go in the net," said Iwasa of his first professional goal. "Overall the result was definitely disappointing especially giving up the lead and then giving up the late winner as well. We had our chances and could have put the game away but didn't take advantage of them."

Republic FC will return home to take on LA Galaxy II at their Bonney Field Opening Night on Saturday, April 11. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. The match is sold out, but fans may purchase tickets to the next Republic FC match, on April 15, at Ticketmaster.com.

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Sacramento Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2
(Portland Timbers 2)		   

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