/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63843789/US_Open_Cup_Trophy_2017_992x640.0.jpg)
Sacramento Republic FC hosted Reno 1868 FC Wednesday night for a second-round match up in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Republic, fresh off a 4-1 loss to Reno last Saturday, were looking to avenge the loss and eliminate 1868 FC from the Open Cup tournament for the third-consecutive year.
Republic Manager Simon Elliott rolled out the following starting XI. Of note, Rafael Diaz got his first start of the season between the pipes:
Our starting XI vs @Reno1868FC
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) May 16, 2019
Watch live on ESPN+: https://t.co/SmJBWqM0KC#USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/5XXCDjXNmq
Both teams had to deal with bad playing conditions with the Sacramento Region receiving steady rain all evening. As the match wore on, standing water was visible on various parts of the field. Attempted passes died, players were sliding, and it was just a mess.
Despite the poor playing conditions, the Republic were finally able to break the 0-0 score in the 83rd minute via the Stanford connection of Drew Skunrich and Sam Werner. Skundrich would gather a throw in from the right side, quickly control it off his chest, turned and moved the ball forward. Once he created some space, he sent a low cross back towards goal that found Werner who calmly slotted it home.
@SacRepublicFC took a late lead with a smooth finish against @Reno1868FC #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/iYGLn1qHXm
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 16, 2019
The final eight plus minutes would play out and the Quails would hold on and emerge victorious. With the win, the Republic will host Fresno FC May 29 at 7:30pm in a third-round match up.
Final Stats:
Sacramento Republic FC: 1 goals, 11 shots, 5 shots on target, 52.0 possession, 9 corners, 0 offsides, 4 yellow cards.
Reno 1868 FC: 0 goals, 7 shots, 2 shots on target, 48.0 possession, 3 corners, 1 offsides, 1 yellow cards.
Republic FC Lineup: Rafael Diaz, Shannon Gomez, Mitchell Taintor, Haris Chantzopoulos, Sam Werner, Drew Skunrich, Tyler Blackwood, Jaime Villarreal, Ray Saari, Elliott Hord, and Jordan McCrary.
Republic FC Bench: Josh Cohen, Stefano Bonomo, Keven Aleman, Cameron Iwasa, Dekel Keinan, Matt Mahoney, and Hayden Partain,