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Third place Sacramento Republic FC continued their two game road trip Saturday when they took on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field. Republic were looking for back-to-back road wins for the second time this season.
Republic Manager Simon Elliott rolled out the following XI. Notably, Emrah Klimenta made his triumphant return to the starting lineup.
.@EmrahKlimenta makes his first start since returning to the club https://t.co/Z3q01ZA1fW
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) July 14, 2018
Republic would strike first in the 37th minute on a set piece. Yes, a set piece. Something the club has struggled all year with (and since 2014). Jaime Villarreal stepped up and hit a great ball towards goal that Villyan Bijev was able to head in to give the Quails a 1-0 advantage.
⚡️ strikes first for the visitors@villbijev puts Republic FC ahead off a great ball from @Jaime_V18
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) July 15, 2018
SAC 1 | 0 COS#COSvSAC pic.twitter.com/53oMs7taXf
The second half came and went without really any great chances from either side, and Republic came away with another three points. With the win, Republic move to 10-5-6 (36 points), while Colorado Switchbacks FC drop to 7-10-4 (25 points).
Republic return home to host OKC Energy FC on Saturday, July 21 at 8pm, where they’ll be looking for their third straight win.
Final Stats and Lineup
Sacramento Republic FC: 1 goal, 15 shots, 2 shots on target, 58.8 possession, 10 corners, 1 offsides, 3 yellow cards.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: 0 goals, 6 shots, 2 shots on target, 41.2 possession, 3 corners, 5 offsides, 2 yellow cards.
Republic FC lineup: Josh Cohen; Shannon Gomez, Mitchell Taintor (OUT, 61’), Justin Schmidt; Emrah Klimenta, Adam Moffat, Jamie Villarreal, Villyan Bijev; Luis Espino (OUT, 81’), Christian Eissele (OUT, 70’), Cameron Iwasa.
Republic FC bench: Rafael Diaz, Josh Turnley, Wilson Kneeshaw (IN, 70’), Cole Seiler (IN, 81’), Jeremy Hall (IN, 61’), Elliott Hord, Adam Moffat, Quincy Butler.