Match Recap: Sacramento Republic 1, San Antonio FC 1

Sacramento Republic FC welcomed San Antonio FC to Papa Murphy’s Park for the first and only time in the 2017 USL Regular Season on Saturday and came away with a 1-1 draw. An Emrah Klimenta goal gave Republic an early lead that disappeared minutes later.

Paul Buckle put out a familiar starting lineup in Saturday’s game.

Although the starting XI held no surprises, Harrison Heath, who just joined Republic on loan from Atlanta United, was on the bench.

Republic started off the match on the front foot, getting behind the SAFC back line many times in the first 15 minutes. However, the Quails were unable to create any significant chances from those plays.

Emrah Klimenta, a now legendary figure for Republic FC, scored the game’s first goal in the 22nd minute.

Klimenta both started and finished the play, running all the way from Republic’s own defensive half to deliver the final touch. The goal was Klimenta’s second of the season and earned Danny Barrera his fourth assist of the year.

Republic’s lead did not last particularly long, however, as San Antonio found an equalizer in the 31st minute.

The Republic defense did not cover itself in glory on the play.

Half Time Stats

Sacramento Republic FC: 1 goal, 9 shots, 3 shots on target, 5 chances created, 57% possession, 1 offside.

San Antonio FC: 1 goal, 5 shots, 2 shots on target, 4 chances created, 43% possession, 2 offside, 1 yellow card.

Neither team came out particularly strong in the second half. Both sides pressured and tried to find openings in the opposition defense, but gaps rarely opened up.

Paul Buckle made his first substitution of the match in the 64th minute, bringing on Daniel Trickett-Smith for Trevin Caesar. The switch was not a like-for-like one and resulted in a chance in Republic’s shape.

Buckle made another chance in the 69th minute, bringing on newcomer Heath for Barrera.

Paul Buckle made his third and final substitution of the match in the 77th minute, bringing on Gabe Gissie for Agustin Cazarez.

Gissie and Trickett-Smith nearly combined for a goal in the 80th minute, but DTS missed an open shot at the back post.

Republic continued to attack the San Antonio net, but were unable to find another goal.

The draw brings Republic undefeated streak in league play to four games. Republic have a well deserved rest from league play coming up. The team’s next USL match is not until July 23 when they host Seattle Sounders 2.

Final Stats

Sacramento Republic FC: 1 goal, 17 shots, 4 shots on target, 11 chances created, 51% possession, 3 offside.

San Antonio FC: 1 goal, 12 shots, 5 shots on target, 10 chances created, 49% possession, 2 offside, 1 yellow card.

What are your thoughts on tonight’s match? Sound off in the comments below!