NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Sacramento Republic FC

Three Takeaways from #RNOvSAC

August 13, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Republic FC brought an end to Reno 1868 FC's three-game winning streak following a 1-0 win on Wednesday night in Nevada.

Villyan Bijev lifted SRFC to a 1-0 lead after perfectly placing his first half penalty kick by the Reno goalkeeper right on the cusp of halftime. Reno was relentless on the attacking front, racking up 15 total shots but none making their way by the Indomitable Club's Rafael Diaz.

After escaping Reno with all three points, Mark Briggs' men have another chance to nab three more against a Group A opponent when Tacoma visit Sacramento on Saturday but before all the attention turns to Defiance this weekend, there's no better time than now to reflect on the positives from Republic FC's midweek performance against its regional rival.

Rafa a Rock Recently in Net

In three starts, Rafael Diaz has recorded three clean sheets - upping the Indomitable Club's shutout tally to four on the 2020 USL Championship campaign. Republic FC is one of only three teams in the entire league that have managed to shutout four opponents this season.

Against Reno on Wednesday, Rafa was made a slew of stops - five total on the night - and it was just after the 20thminute when Diaz was first called into action. Prolific goalscorer Corey Hertzog had a tap-in attempt from point blank that he steered on target, but a diving Diaz was there to deflect the ball away. The shot fell to 1868 FC's leading scorer Christiano Francois who's effort on goal was parried by the SRFC GK.

A quarter of an hour into the second half, Diaz does it again. This time, a long-range effort from Reno was dipping towards the top of net, but the former St. John's University shot-stopper was quick to react and brushed the attempt aside.

But his biggest stop was in the final minutes of the match when a Reno defender put a header n target from inside the box moments before the final whistle. The nodded attempt was dipping towards goal before Rafa came to the rescue and pushed the shot over the crossbar - sealing the win and all three points for his side.

Bijev Breaks Deadlock, Bags a Big Night

Making his third start over the last four matches, Villyan Bijev has been a recent force on the offensive front and Wednesday night marked his best performance yet this season.

The winger not only netted the game-winning goal - a well-place and coolly taken penalty kick right on the cusp of halftime - led his side in shots (4), shots on target (3) and created one of the Indomitable Club's seven scoring opportunities on the contest.

Aside from Bijev's brilliant work on the offensive end, the playmaker was also a nuisance for the hosts on the defensive side of the ball too. He had no problem doing the dirty work as he led Republic FC in total duels with 26 and added four clearances, two tackles and an interception.

The Bulgarian-born midfielder also made his 79th career appearance with Republic FC, moving him into a tie for fifth place in the club's all-time appearances - tying him with former defender Jeremy Hall.

Wingers Providing a Wealth of Chances

Bijev wasn't the only attacking threat for the Indomitable Club against 1868 FC - though he was an extremely effective one.

Sam Werner once again made his presence known in Reno's defensive half, as the former Stanford Cardinal contributed a team-best three scoring chances created and his 86.7% passing accuracy was second best on the squad Wednesday night. In the 10thminute, Werner whipped in a beautiful cross that found Kharlton Belmar but the attacker's header was nodded wide.

Belmar was actively involved in the midweek matchup as well, not only nearly putting his side in front after connecting with Werner's cross in the first half, but is still in search of his first goal during league play with the boys in Old Glory Red. But Belmar played the role of creator on Wednesday, recording a team-high five crosses and displayed his physical presence with 10 total aerial duals - also a team-best.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...

United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 13, 2020


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central