Match Recap: Sacramento Republic 0, OKC Energy 1

Sacramento Republic FC had a rough time of it in Tuesday’s 0-1 loss against OKC Energy FC. The match came right on the heels of Saturday’s win over Tulsa Roughnecks, which made an already tough match more difficult.

Republic had a decent chance in the eighth minute thanks to some combination play from Wilson Kneeshaw and Elliott Hord, but former Republic defender Mickey Daly put a stop to it.

OKC had a free kick opportunity in the 15th minute, but Chris Christian was able to clear it out.

The home team drew blood first with a goal in the 30th minute from Miguel Gonzalez.

The play began with one of the flip-throw-ins that OKC commonly uses, which led to an incredible bicycle kick from Gonzalez.

There’s no denying that it was a beautiful goal and will likely win Goal of the Week, if not Goal of the Month or Year. While it was disappointing to see the Republic concede the goal, the sheer quality of the it made it almost bearable.

For those looking to blame someone, though, look no further than Republic fan Mattjf22.

Hella selfless of you to shoulder the blame, Matt. Respect.

Republic repeatedly tried to earn an equalizer through the rest of the first half, mostly through Tyler Blackwood on the left wing. However, despite the occasional dangerous buildup, nothing came of the attacking moves.

Chris Christian received the Republic’s first yellow card of the match in the 45th minute as the first half drew to a close.

Half-Time stats

Sacramento Republic FC: 0 goals, 3 shots, 2 shots on target, 61% possession, 2 offside, 1 yellow card.

OKC Energy FC: 1 goals, 4 shots, 2 shots on target, 39% possession, 1 offside

The second half opened with the Republic coming out and putting the OKC defense under continued pressure. Although they were unable to take advantage of the early pressure, the visitors were definitely the more aggressive of the two teams through the first 20 minutes of the second half.

Daniel Trickett-Smith had a rocket of a shot from outside the box in the 57th minute, which hurtled toward OKC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, who was able to make the save.

Paul Buckle made his first substitutions of the match in the 59th minute, bringing on Harry Williams and Trevin Caesar for Tyler Blackwood and Elliott Hord.

OKC’s Wojciech Wojcik received the home team’s first yellow card of the match for a foul on Danny Barrera in the 62nd minute.

As the second half wore on, the Republic increased the pressure on the OKC backline, searching desperately for an equalizer. One opportunity came in the 76th minute on a great counter-attack, but Trevin Caesar ran into two Energy defenders, which put an end to it.

Republic’s chances at a comeback were dealt a serious blow in the 82nd minute when Chris Christian was sent off with a second yellow card, putting the visitors down a man.

Despite the disadvantage, Republic still pressed their attack and continued to look for an equalizer.

Paul Buckle made his final substitution of the match in second-half stoppage time, replacing Emrah Klimenta with Lamin Suma, who made his Republic debut.

Suma did not have much time to make an impact, however, as the whistle soon blew, signaling an end to the match and to the Republic’s unbeaten streak.

Final Stats and Lineup

Sacramento Republic stats: 0 goals, 7 shots, 3 shots on target, 67% possession, 2 offside, 1 yellow card, 1 red card

OKC Energy stats: 1 goal, 6 shots, 2 shots on target, 34% possession, 2 offside, 1 yellow card

Sacramento Republic starting XI: Evan Newton; Elliott Hord, Emrah Klimenta, Chris Christian, James Kiffe; Jeremy Hall, Daniel Trickett-Smith, Tyler Blackwood, Danny Barrera; Wilson Kneeshaw and Sammy Ochoa

Republic bench: Dominik Jakubek, Julius James, Harry Williams, Gabe Gissie, Lamin Suma, Adam Moffat and Trevin Caesar

What are your thoughts about tonight’s match? Share your comments/lamentations in the comments below!