Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 1 Reno 1868 FC 0

Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC faced off once again, this time not in USL league play, but in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition. Last year, it was Republic FC eliminating Reno 2-0 at Papa Murphy’s Park. Republic would eliminate Reno for a second-consecutive year (and snap their eight match unbeaten streak in the process) in a 1-0 victory in front of 1,822 fans.

Given that Republic FC is not playing again until June 2, Manager Simon Elliott would roll out a STRONG lineup. The one notable exception not in the starting XI was Adam Moffat.

Sacramento would come out on the front foot in the first 35 minutes of the match. Despite the fast start and dominating possession, the Quails could not find the back of the net. There were several great chances though, including in the 28th minute from Keven Alemán (on a nice set up from Villyan Bijev) and in the 32nd minute from Cameron Iwasa, who had a nice one-on-one situation after a horrendous turnover from Reno. Unfortunately, Reno’s keeper Kyle Ihn was able to save.

The whistle would blow on the first half shortly thereafter with the two sides scoreless.

In the 69th minute, Keven Alemán would get a second chance on a free kick just outside the box, and he would hit an absolute banger in the top corner to give the Republic a 1-0 lead. It was a beautiful left-footed strike in which the keeper had no chance.

Reno would put together a couple nice chances in stoppage time, but were ultimately unable to equalize. Give that clean sheet to Josh Cohen.

With the win, Republic FC advance to the fourth round of the Open Cup competition. A draw will take place tomorrow morning to determine who the Quails will face on June 6.