Match Recap: Sacramento Republic 2, Seattle Sounders 2 1

Sacramento Republic FC (5-1-3) entered Sunday’s match coming off easily their worst performance of the year in a 0-2 loss against Portland Timbers 2. To their credit, they rebounded nicely on the road in a 2-1 win over Seattle Sounders 2 (2-5-1), in what was a cleaner performance from what we saw against Timbers 2.

Republic FC manager Simon Elliott would roll out the following lineup:

In the 41st minute, Jeremy Hall delivered a beautiful ball that Mitchell Taintor calmly collected, and sent a left-footed shot that beat Sounders 2 keeper Bryan Meredith to give the Quails a 1-0 advantage. It was a nice change of pace to go up a goal — the first time they had done so since Keven Alemán’s goal in the home opener versus San Antonio FC.

In the 61st minute, Felix Chenkam would equalize scoring his fourth goal of the season, in what was another lapse in defense from the Republic. The goal was the beginning of about 15 minutes of play where Sacramento looked totally lost on defense...and on offense.

Eventually, Republic FC would right the ship. In the 82nd minute, Villyan Bijev had a great first touch, evaded his defender with a clever move to the left and sent a shot on goal that just made it past Meredith to give Republic FC a 2-1 lead. Although the goal was ruled an own goal on Meredith, you got to give Bijev the credit.

The match would end shortly thereafter and Republic FC would secure three points on the road. With the win, the Quails are now back on top of the Western Conference table with 18 points.

Republic return home to host Reno 1868 FC on Saturday, May 12 at 7:30pm will they will look to remain unbeaten at home.