Match Recap: San Antonio FC 2 Sacramento Republic FC 3

Sacramento Republic FC headed out on the road Saturday night looking to get back on track after only scoring three goals over their last six league matches going 1-4-1 during that stretch. The task was tall against San Antonio FC where they had never won (0-2-0) respectively).

As expected, Republic FC Simon Elliott Manager Simon Elliott went with a different starting XI than what he has been using of late in an effort to shake things up. Most notably, Drew Skundrich, Keven Aleman and Juan Barahona all got the start. Villyan Bijev was sidelined with a knee injury.

The Republic would strike first in the 21st minute on a sublime corner kick from midfielder Sam Werner that a charging Stefano Bonomo sharply headed in to give the Quails a quick 1-0 lead. It was Bonomo’s fourth goal of the season and Werner’s fourth assist.

In the 33rd minute, Cameron Iwasa got into the action on a powerful header of his own to extend the Republic’s lead to 2-0. With it, Iwasa recorded his 10th goal on the season and is the lone player on the team with double-digit goals. Credit Skundrich with the assist.

Just when you thought a two goal lead on the road was great heading into halftime, Bonomo notched his second goal of the half in the 45th minute, and with it, his second brace of the season. The goal started on a pretty heel flick from Werner (who else). Barahona quickly moved it into space up the left hand side and crossed the ball back right in front of goal. Bonomo was left unmarked and easily slotted the ball home.

In the 52nd minute, San Antonio’s Jack Barmby pulled one back for the home side on a set piece just outside the box. His left-footed shot scooted low and somehow slid left of the wall and easily past Republic keeper Rafael Diaz.

San Antonio would dominate possession for the next 30 plus minutes, and nearly pulled off an incredible comeback against a Republic side that seemed content to sit back and defend their lead. It nearly cost them. San Antonio added a second goal in the 90th minute by Joshua Yaro, and nearly a third goal a few minutes later, but in the end, the Republic’s three first half goals were too much to overcome.

The Republic walk away with a crucial 3-2 road victory and their first win in San Antonio in the club’s history. The win moves them to 9-9-3 (30 points) and up the Western Conference table into seventh place. San Antonio drop to 7-9-6 (27 points) and remains in 12th place.

The boys return home this Wednesday, August 7 when they face Las Vegas Lights FC in another important match. Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm.

Final Stats:

Sacramento Republic FC: 3 goals, 9 shots, 5 shots on target, 32.6 possession, 3 corners, 2 offsides, 4 yellow cards.

San Antonio FC: 1 goals, 25 shots, 9 shots on target, 67.4 possession, 11 corners, 1 offsides, 2 yellow cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Rafael Diaz, Mitchell Taintor, Keven Aleman, Sam Werner (OUT, 90’), Drew Skundrich, Juan Barahona, Dekel Keinan, Jaime Villarreal (OUT, 76’), Stefano Bonomo (OUT, 83’), Jordan McCrary and Cameron Iwasa

Republic FC Bench: Sergio Ramos, Matt Mahoney (IN, 90’), Haris Chantzopoulos (IN, 83), Hayden Partain (IN, 76’), Tyler Blackwood, Ray Saari and Elliott Hord.