Game Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Seattle Sounders 2

Sacramento Republic FC (4-1-3) continue their two-game road trip through the northwest when they face off against Seattle Sounders 2 (2-4-1) Sunday afternoon at 1:30pm.

Republic FC will be looking to bounce back after a lackluster performance on Wednesday against Portland Timbers 2 in a match that featured little attack and poor play in the backfield in route to a 0-2 loss — their first of the 2018 season.

To get you ready for tomorrow, below are three keys to the match:

• Republic need to start fast. They have been down a goal early in nearly every match this season. The only games I remember that they weren’t down was the home opener against San Antonio FC and on the road versus Orange County SC. We know manager Simon Elliott and the players are focused on this. Now is the time to go out and execute against a Club that has given up the fourth most goals this season (12).
• The back line has to be better than it was against Timbers 2. Unmarked players and poor clearances out of the back third is just not going to cut it. I think many would say that the back line was an early season surprise, but over the last two matches, it’s been disappointing.
• The last time these two teams played, it was a rather chippy affair featuring three red cards, and some questionable sportsmanship from Sounders 2, but ultimately ended in a 1-0 win on an Adam Moffat penalty kick conversion. Once again, Republic FC will need to keep an eye on Daniel Estrada and Felix Chenkam who lead their team with three goals a piece, and match the intensity of Sounders 2.

Game prediction

Sacramento has shown great resolve early in the season, whether that’s grinding out points on the road or coming back when down early. Given what we know about this team, I expect them to bounce back from Wednesday’s dud and come away with three points. Final score prediction....2-1 Quails.