Sacramento Republic FC wins 3-2
June 19, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Sacramento Republic FC Celebrates a Goal vs. Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
(Sacramento Republic FC)
Sacramento Republic FC secure three points and move into second place in the USL Western Conference behind Cameron Iwasa's first professional brace.
Republic FC wasted no time in jumping ahead of the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros as they scored 38 seconds into the match. Forward Cameron Iwasa was able to find space in the middle of the defense before unleashing a left-footed laser of a shot from 25 yards out. The shot caught the Toros keeper Callum Irving off guard as Iwasa's shot struck the inside of the right post and into the back of the net. Iwasa's goal was his team-leading fourth of the 2016 USL season and the fastest goal scored in Republic FC history beating Thomas Stewart's 2nd minute strike against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Aug. 14, 2015.
The Toros found an answer in the 14th minute after some well played cross-field passes set up Memo Rodriguez. The midfielder was able to use a shot fake and some fancy footwork to find space to send a left-footed curling shot around Republic FC keeper Dominik Jakubek and into the side netting for the equalizing goal. The match would stay 1-1 at the half.
Iwasa would add a second goal in the 54th minute when he was able to get his head on the end of a Danny Barrera corner kick. Iwasa leapt in the air and sent his header through two defenders and past a diving Irving to put Republic FC ahead 2-1. The goal gave Iwasa his first career professional brace and was his third goal in the last two matches.
The Toros would answer back yet again in the 71st minute when second-half substitute Eric Bird found attacking space. Bird touched the ball to the middle of the pitch from the left wing and moved inside the 18-yard box. The midfielder then slid into his shot as he sent a left-footed bending shot to the far post that Jakubek was able to get a glove to but ultimately could not save, evening the score 2-2.
Republic FC would find a winner in the 87th minute thanks to defender Emrah Klimenta's smart play. Klimenta drove up the right sideline as he searched to cross the ball. The Toros keeper Irving read this and took three steps off his line to go snatch a potential cross. Klimenta wisely kept his head up and sent a right-footed shot on frame in the vacated space on Irving's line. Irving blocked the shot but his momentum had carried him into the net and the ball had already crossed the goal line giving Republic FC the 3-2 victory.
"We couldn't put them to bed and it was that way all night," said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. "It was two good teams and a great atmosphere. Our fans pushed us all the way again and I'm pleased we were able to score three goals."
Republic FC will travel to Peoria, Ariz. to take on Arizona United SC on Saturday, June 25. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday.
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