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Second half goal from Rodrigo Lopez lifts Republic FC to third win against LA Galaxy II this season

May 17, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
(Sacramento Republic FC)

Republic FC looked to gain an advantage early in the match pressuring the LA Galaxy II defense with an early opportunity at goal in the first minute. Republic FC forward Justin Braun broke down the left side of the field and sent a cross into the middle of the box where two Republic FC attackers were lurking but the ball missed both and was cleared.

The match leveled out for the most of the first half with each side getting just one good look at goal. Los Dos saw their best opportunity in the 40th minute after a foul in the middle of the pitch. Galaxy II restarted play quickly and beat the Republic FC defense on the left side. Los Dos midfielder Ariel Lassiter cut the ball back multiple times at the top of the box before sending a low strike that beat Republic FC keeper Patrick McLain but struck the left post and was cleared by the defense.

Republic FC saw their chance come in the 45th minute when Braun again got free on the left side of the defense. Braun sent a strong low strike toward the near post but Los Dos keeper Clement Diop was up to the task, making the kick save and keeping the match scoreless at the half.

Republic FC came out attacking in the second half constantly going after the Los Dos back line. In the 65th minute, they would finally break through. Midfielder Ivan Mirkovic won a 50-50 ball in the middle of the pitch and then sent a pass to defender Emrah Klimenta who was streaking up the right side of the pitch. Klimenta then passed the ball back to Gilberto who sent in his cross to the back post and a waiting Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez settled the ball then sent a low finessed shot into the right side of the goal putting Republic FC ahead 1-0.

Los Dos put pressure for a late goal and got their best chance at an equalizer in the final four minutes of the match. McLain would make three big plays in that time including punching two crosses clear and coming up with the biggest save of the match. In the 90th minute, a strong cross was swung into the box where it found the head of Los Dos forward Jack McBean. McBean flicked the ball toward goal and over the head of McLain. McLain rushed quickly toward goal and made a great save pushing the sure goal over the crossbar and preserving the 1-0 win.

The goal by Lopez was his USL-leading seventh of the season and his seventh all-time against Los Dos. The Republic FC defense also recorded their second straight shutout and have not allowed a goal in 202 consecutive minutes, their second 200-plus minute shutout streak of the season. The match is also the USL-leading fourth shutout for McLain this season.

Republic FC will be back in action on Wednesday, May 20 when they take on the Sonoma County Sol in the U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PDT at Bonney Field. Tickets start at $13 on Ticketmaster.com.

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Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
 Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
Sacramento Republic FC vs. LA Galaxy II
  



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 17, 2015


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