Sacramento Republic FC extended their win streak to 3 and their unbeaten streak to 5 on Saturday against Portland Timbers 2. A brace from Republic captain Justin Braun and a goal from Rodrigo Lopez sealed the victory for the defending USL Champions, who are on a great run and look ready to defend their crown.

The Match

Sacramento Republic began the match strong and did not let up throughout the first half. They were the better of the two teams by far throughout the first 45 minutes, although there was a bit of sloppy play in midfield at times.

Rodrigo Lopez, a former Timber from the club’s USL days, struck first for the Republic in the 13th minute with a fantastic shot from just outside the 18 yard box. The ball came to Lopez from a deflected Thomas Stewart cross, which looked to be intended for Justin Braun. Lopez cooly stepped up to the ball and blasted it past former teammate Jake Gleeson, who played with Sacramento on loan from Portland in 2014. The goal was Lopez’s 4th of the season from outside the 18 yard box and his 10th overall.

Republic captain Justin Braun was the next to find the net, getting his first goal of the match in the 33rd minute, heading the ball past an onrushing Gleeson. Danny Barrera got the assist thanks to his great chipped ball into the box, which was perfectly placed right in Braun’s path.

Not satisfied with just one goal, Braun scored again just a minute later to put the game away for the Republic just 34 minutes in. After collecting a poor backpass from a T2 midfielder, Braun ran at the defense, making 21 year old New Zealand international Tim Payne look like an oversized green training cone in the process. He then poked the ball past an onrushing Gleeson once again to get himself a brace. The goal was Braun’s 4th in 2 games and his 8th of the season.

Timbers 2 looked more lively in the second half, controlling more of the possession and looking more dangerous than they had in the previous 45 minutes. However, they were unable to find even a single goal and the Republic still looked like the better team for much of the half.

The win over Timbers 2 brought Sacramento Republic to 3rd in the USL Western Conference, tied at 44 points with OKC Energy, but with a game in hand. If the Republic continue their recent form and win their remaining 2 games, they will end the season at the top of the USL Western Conference table with home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Man of the Match

Whose performance impressed the most in Sacramento Republic’s victory over Portland Timbers 2? Was it Justin Braun with the brace, Rodrigo Lopez with his long distance goal, Danny Barrera for his assist and overall good play, or Dominik Jakubek, who once again filled in well for the injured Patrick McLain?

Cast your vote in the poll below.

What’s Next

Next up, Sacramento Republic head to Southern California to face David Estrada and the Orange County Blues on Wednesday, September 16th. The match kicks off at 7pm. You can watch the match, as with all USL matches, live on YouTube. Make sure to check ICS the day prior to the match for our Match Preview.

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