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Sacramento Republic FC faced off against Los Angeles Galaxy 2 Saturday night in a match of two teams going in separate directions. The Republic were coming into the game on six game unbeaten streak and fighting for playoff positioning, while Galaxy 2 were sitting thirteenth in the Western Conference table and out of playoff contention.
Republic FC Manager Simon Elliott would go with the following starting XI:
Our starting XI vs @LAGalaxyII ⚽️#LAvSAC pic.twitter.com/920kS3ZsbG
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) October 7, 2018
The Quails would strike first in the 13th minute after a poor clearance from Galaxy 2 keeper Eric Lopez. Cameron Iwasa would intercept outside the box, immediately dribble it up and play it forward to Keven Alemán who made a clever move left to create space and hit a left-footed curling shot in the top left corner for a 1-0 Republic advantage.
That assist from Cam Iwasa
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) October 7, 2018
And then that finish by @kAlemanS pic.twitter.com/Rp1VCmHz9U
Eight minutes later, it was Alemán scoring once again after a great ball over the top of the defense from Jure Matjasic to extend the Republic’s lead to 2-0. It was Alemán’s third goal of the season, and with it, his first brace as a member of the Republic.
.@kAlemanS tonight:
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) October 7, 2018
Two goals by Alemán have Republic FC up by one.
SAC 2 | 1 LA#LAvSAC pic.twitter.com/dEaMfu4VMU
Frank Lopez of the Galaxy 2 would pull one back for the home side just three minutes later (24th minute).
However, Republic FC were able to hold on and endure going down a man in the 74th minute when Cole Seiler earned his second yellow of the match and was sent off.
With the win, Republic FC move to 18-7-8 (62 points) and push their unbeaten streak to seven games, while Galaxy 2 move to 10-16-7 (38 points). They also secure a first round playoff match two weeks from today. Opponent to be determined.