What Went Right in Sacramento Republic’s Win Against Seattle Sounders 2

The Republic scored two goals for the second time in two weeks to secure a 2-0 shutout of Seattle Sounders FC 2. This is the team's second victory against last place Sounders 2 this season and their second victory in a row overall.

Many things have to go right in order to get a victory and there was plenty that went right for the Republic last Saturday. Here are some of them.

1. Tommy Thompson was electric.

The home crowd witnessed another great performance from midfielder Tommy Thompson as he scored his first professional brace. Thompson, on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes along with forward Adam Jahn, provided some offensive firepower that the Republic have been lacking this season.

Thompson looked unstoppable while racking up two goals against S2. His first goal of the night came off a penalty kick in the 32^nd minute after a foul against midfielder Cameron Iwasa. S2 keeper Charlie Lyon blocked Thompson's initial shot but Thompson was not going to be denied and he blasted the rebound off the crossbar to put the Republic up 1-0.

Thompson's second goal brilliantly illustrated his skill set as he weaved past the S2 defense to find an open shot at the top of the box. Thompson powered the ball through the defense and past a diving Charlie Lyon to give the Republic a 2-0 victory.

2. The defense once again held their own.

The Republic once again showed why they are the best defense in the USL, coming away with their second consecutive clean sheet and their fifth shutout of the season. Although S2 had five shots on goal, the defense was able to keep the ball out of the net. Dominik Jakubek was once again brilliant, even taking one to the face to keep S2 scoreless.

3. The officiating was good.

This is not something normally expressed by many, but the referees last Saturday did a good job. The officiating was was tight and well called. For example, the second goal by Tommy Thompson was possible because the referee allowed play to continue due to a Republic advantage after midfielder JJ Koval was fouled. The referee did not call too many fouls, or make many incorrect calls, generally letting the game progress on its own.

Please let us know in the comments below what you think went right last Saturday.