USL Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC vs LA Galaxy II

Published on September 16, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs LA Galaxy II September 17, 2016; 7:30 p.m. PDT Kickoff

Sacramento Republic FC (13-6-9, 48 pts) finish their two-match home series with LA Galaxy II (11-7-10, 43 pts) when the two sides meet at Bonney Field on Saturday, Sept. 17. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. The match is Farm-to-Fork Night, presented by Raley's and UC Davis Children's Hospital, and will be broadcast live on CW31.

Fans attending the match are encouraged to bring donations of healthy, non-perishable food items benefiting Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. Fans can drop off their donations in front of the Bonney Field West Gate or bring them to the Republic FC Headquarters and Team Store located at 2421 17th Street. For a full list of requested donation items and additional information about how to donate, please visit SacRepublicFC.com.

This is the fourth and final regular season meeting between Republic FC and LA Galaxy II. The two battled to their second draw of 2016 on Saturday, Sept. 10. Republic FC have the only win in the series this season, a 2-0 road victory on May 7. Despite Republic FC having an all-time record of 6-2-3 against Los Dos, the series is deadlocked at 2-2-1 in regular season matches hosted at Bonney Field.

Republic FC are currently on a nine-match unbeaten streak after a comeback draw against Los Dos on Sept. 10. The run matches the longest unbeaten stretch for Republic FC this season and is a win or draw away from matching the longest unbeaten streak in franchise history.

Forward Wilson Kneeshaw scored Republic FC's lone goal against Los Dos on Saturday, his second since joining the club on Aug. 11. Kneeshaw has played just 70 minutes in three matches, all as a sub, and has scored two goals this season.

Octavio Guzman passed Emrah Klimenta on the club's all-time USL appearance list, making his 67th career USL appearance for Republic FC. Guzman is one appearance shy of tying Klimenta's record of 87 all-competition appearances.

Cameron Iwasa also set a record on Saturday. The forward started his 25th consecutive USL match, a Republic FC record. Iwasa passed former Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain who made 24 consecutive appearances last season. Iwasa has made 30 consecutive USL appearances dating back to Sept. 22, 2015.

Republic FC have a chance to clinch a home playoff match on Saturday, with a win or a draw over Los Dos. Should Republic FC clinch, it would be their third consecutive season with a home playoff match. Republic FC currently sit in first place in the USL Western Conference, two points clear of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC who are in second place with 46 points.

Los Dos enter the match after a 1-0 victory over Rio Grande Valley FC Toros on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Ariel Lassiter scored a 61st minute goal that proved enough to earn a win against the Toros, who outshot Los Dos 15 to four. Los Dos had just one shot on goal, Lassiter's match-winning goal.

Lassiter has scored in each of his last three matches, helping Los Dos who have been looking to replace the offense lost when their leading scorer, Jack McBean, was loaned to Coventry City, a League One club. McBean scored 15 USL goals this season. Lassiter currently has eight goals on the season and has had success against Republic FC in the past with two goals and an assist in four career matches against Republic FC.

Los Dos goalkeeper Clement Diop recorded his sixth shutout of the season against the Toros on Wednesday. Diop made a season-high eight saves on Wednesday. He has made 23 of his 58 season saves in his last four matches, allowing five goals in that time.

As a part of Farm-to-Fork Night, all Republic FC players will be wearing a special Farm-to-Fork patch on their kits recognizing and celebrating the region-wide movement. The match-worn kits will later be donated or auctioned to benefit local non-profits.

The match will be broadcast live on CW31 and streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday and YouTube.com/USL. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #SACvLA.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 16, 2016


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