USL Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC vs Orange County Blues FC

Published on July 8, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Orange County Blues FC July 10, 2016; 4:00 p.m. PDT Kickoff

Sacramento Republic FC (8-4-4, 28 pts) begin a stretch of five consecutive road matches when they take on Orange County Blues FC (6-7-3, 21 pts) on Sunday, July 10. Kickoff is 4 p.m. at Anteater Stadium on the campus of UC Irvine.

This will be the second of four total matches between Republic FC and Orange County Blues FC. The Blues won the first matchup between the two clubs 1-0 on Apr. 30, bringing the all-time series to 3-3-1.

Republic FC enter the match following a 3-2 loss to Real Monarchs SLC on Wednesday, July 6. The loss snapped a nine-match unbeaten streak for Republic FC, the second longest unbeaten streak in club history.

Republic FC defender Mike da Fonte scored his second goal in as many matches when he started the scoring for Republic FC in the 53rd minute on July 6. Should da Fonte score against the Blues on Sunday, he would become just the third player in Republic FC history to score in three consecutive matches.

Midfielder Danny Barrera recorded the assist on da Fonte's goal and scored a goal against the Monarchs on July 6. Barrera's pushed his club-record to four consecutive matches with an assist. He is now the club leader in assists on the season with four and has recorded two goals and four assists in his last seven matches.

Republic FC will be without defender Emrah Klimenta for the match. Klimenta tore the ACL in his left knee in a non-contact play as he tried to avoid a tackle against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on July 2. Klimenta will have season ending knee surgery in one to two weeks.

Orange County has gone 3-5-2 since their win against Republic FC on Apr. 30. The Blues also hold a three match unbeaten streak against Republic FC with their last loss to Republic FC coming on August 17, 2014. Since that time the Blues are 2-0-1 against Republic FC.

Defender Roy Meeus has been a force for the Blues this season, scoring four goals and recording three assists in a club-leading 16 appearances. Forward Didier Crettenand has also been important for the Blues offense scoring five goals and recording an assist.

Former Republic FC midfielder Ivan Mirkoviæ will face Republic FC for the second time since transferring to the Blues on Apr. 1. Mirkoviæ, who is fifth all-time in minutes and appearances in Republic FC history, started and played 80 minutes against his former team on Apr. 30. He has appeared in 12 matches for the Blues this season, logging 1,005 minutes.

Republic FC will host their official watch party at de Vere's Irish Pub in downtown Sacramento. de Vere's Irish Pub is located at 1521 L St. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for best seating. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #OCvSAC.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 8, 2016


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