Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 5 CD Aguiluchos USA 0

Sacramento Republic FC welcomed CD Aguiluchos USA to Bonney Field on Wednesday night for a second round match of the 2016 U.S. Open Cup. The Republic dominated the lower league club with a flurry of first half goals. Evan Newton got the start at goalkeeper as the Republic finished with their 3rd consecutive shutout, winning 5-0.

CD Aguiluchos threatened early in the 10th minute when Aguiluchos forward Simon Rawnsley broke away from Republic defender Carlos Rodriguez for a shot on goal. Evan Newton charged forward to block the shot and keep the clean sheet streak alive.

Let the Scoring Begin

The Republic's first opportunity to score was when Aguiluchos defender Bengy Ruiz was called for a handball in the penalty box in the 20th minute. Thomas Stewart sent a weak penalty shot that was easily blocked by Aguiluchos goalkeeper Kevin Gonzalez.

The Republic wouldn't be denied a second time as midfielder Alfonso Motagalvan blasted a header to the back of the net in the 24th minute for the Republics first goal. Interestingly -- but mostly sad -- Motagalvan's goal was the Republic's first from a corner kick since September 13, 2014.

The Republic would score again in the 36th minute as forward Mackenzie Pridham slotted the first U.S. Open Cup goal of his career to make it 2-0. Republic defender Carlos Rodriguez would score the Republic's second corner kick goal of the match with a well timed header in the 44th minute. Just a minute later, forward Thomas Stewart would make up for his missed penalty kick and score from top of the penalty box to give the Republic a 4-0 advantage going into the half.

Second Half Slumber

As much as the first half was dominated by the Republic offense, the second half was where the defense shined. CD Aguiluchos put pressure on the Republic back line and had nine shots on goal for the second half. Evan Newton had some miraculous saves and even looked to get injured as he came up limping in the 89th minute after a save.

It wasn't all defense in the second half, though. Midfielder Max Alvarez scored a beautiful free-kick in second half stoppage time to cement the victory 5-0.

The Republic have now won three consecutive U.S. Open Cup matches in the second round. The Republic will now face Kitsap Pumas of the PDL for the third round of the U.S. Open Cup on June 1st.

Republic Lineup and Final Stats

Starting XI: Evan Newton; James Kiffe, Carlos Rodriguez, Derek Foran, Emrah Klimenta; Max Alvarez, Alfonso Motagalvan, Matt LaGrassa, Chase Minter; Thomas Stewart, Mackenzie Pridham

Subs: , Cameron Iwasa (in 56), Joaquin Rivas (in 70), Harry Williams (in 73).

Final Stats: 5 goals, 2 assists, 7 fouls, 13 corners, 2 offside, 5 saves, 16 shots, 10 shots on goal