Game Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Fresno FC

Sacramento Republic FC (8-4-5) travel south on Highway 99 to face off against Fresno FC (4-7-7) tomorrow night at Chukchansi Park. The last time these two teams faced off was June 13 at Fresno, where Republic emerged victorious (1-0) behind a Luis Espino goal in the 37th minute.

Republic FC will be looking to get back on track after giving up a two-goal lead last Saturday at home against St. Louis FC. Even though the Quails earned a point in the 2-2 draw, it sort of felt like a loss after conceding goals in the 74th minute and another in the 90th minute.

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

• While Fresno is coming into Saturday’s contest on a two-match losing streak, both games were on the road against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Real Monarchs SLC. Fresno only gave up one goal in each match, which is pretty impressive given how solid both the Switchbacks and Monarchs are. It’s also worth nothing that prior to the Switchbacks loss, Fresno pounded Swope Park Rangers 4-1 at home, so needless to say, they are playing well and will be looking to get a win at home after dropping their last two.
• Republic have struggled at times to hold onto leads late in games this season. Obviously, there was the game last weekend, but they also inexplicably allowed three second-half goals against Reno 1868 on May 12 in a 2-3 loss at home. That’s six points that they arguably should have had, yet were only able to secure one. It seems overly critical, because it’s impossible to the team to play perfect all the time, but in a tight and difficult Western Conference, every point will matter will down the stretch.
• Cameron Iwasa was the bright spot last weekend against St. Louis with the brace, which moved him into second place on the Republic all-time list with three braces in USL play (Rodrigo Lopez leads with five). It was also awesome to see him break out the flip again after his second goal right? He’ll be one to watch again tomorrow as he’s just one goal away from matching Lopez’s all-time goal record of 20. I’m guessing he’s aware of what’s at stake.

Do you have a match prediction? Let us know in the comments section below!