On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the Capital City, Sacramento Republic FC and OKC Energy FC faced off for the first time in this young season. Both squads came into the match undefeated — Republic FC 1-0-1 and Energy FC at 2-0-0.
Republic FC Manager would go with the following starting XI:
The Republic would start the match by pressing high and on the front foot, which immediately paid dividends. In the 16th minute, Midfielder Ray Saari sent a ball in to the top of the box that Cameron Iwasa quickly gathered, made a quick turn right than left and hit a low left-footed shot that beat Energy FC keeper Bryan Byars for a 1-0 advantage.
Just three minutes later (19th minute), Stefano Bonomo collected a through ball, put in on frame, but his shot was stopped. Amazingly, Bonomo was able to regain possession and was taken down in the box by Byars and the Quails were awarded a penalty.
Iwasa calmly stepped up and easily converted the penalty, and with it, notched his second goal of the match giving the Republic a 2-0 lead in the 21st minute.
It was was Iwasa again in the 27th minute volleying home a beautiful looping ball from defender Mitchell Taintor to give the Republic a three goal lead, and with it, the backflip celebration that fans at Papa Murphy’s Park haven’t seen in a while. Notably, it was Iwasa’s first career hat trick as a member of the Republic and fastest hat trick in club history.
That record was previously owned by Tommy Stewart, who notched a hat trick in 28 minutes as a second half sub in a 6-1 win over the OC Blues FC on August 17, 2014.
Energy FC would pull one back in the 29th minute when midfielder Rafa Garcia hit a shot left of goal that just beat the outstretched arms of Republic keeper Josh Cohen.
If four goals in 29 minutes were not enough action for fans, midfielder Sam Werner would score his first goal as a member of the Republic in the 45th minute to extend the Republic lead to 4-1 on an assist from who else — Iwasa.
The whistle would blow shortly thereafter, and the Quails would take an impressive 4-1 advantage to the locker room. Republic absolutely dominated Energy FC and deserved every one of their four goals.
In the second half, both teams would have opportunities, but make no mistake about it, this match was decided in the first half.
With the win, Republic move to 2-0-1 (7 points) on the season, while Energy FC fall to 2-1-0 (6 points) respectfully. Republic play next on Monday, April 1 when the face Seattle Sounders FC 2 on the road. The Quails will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak to four matches and their second-consecutive road victory.
Final Stats
Sacramento Republic FC: 4 goals, 14 shots, 6 shots on target, 40.5 possession, 5 corners, 0 offsides, 3 yellow cards.
OKC Energy FC: 1 goal, 8 shots, 2 shots on target, 59.5 possession, 1 corners, 2 offsides, 1 yellow cards.
Republic FC Lineup: Josh Cohen, Shannon Gomez, Mitchell Taintor, Haris Chantzopoulos, Sam Werner (OUT, 74’), Drew Skundrich, Dekel Keinan, Ray Saari (OUT, 52’), Elliott Hord, Stefano Bonomo (OUT, 85’), Cameron Iwasa.
Republic FC Bench: Rafael Diaz, Hayden Partain, Matt Mahoney, Keven Aleman, Tyler Blackwood (IN, 85’), Jaime Villarreal (IN, 52’), Villyan Bijev (IN, 74’).
Comments
Where would we be without Iwasa
What a game by Iwasa! He has 4 of our first 6 goals and he did exactly what our team needed on Sunday to open up the attack: he shot on target from distance (first goal). Teams will continue to pack the box if all we do is go up the wings and cross the ball. After that first goal, the offensive third began to open up and create opportunities for our squad. Next, we need to have our other offensive-minded players start putting the ball on target. For example, Bonomo has been working his tail off and has helped make our team more dangerous. I love most of what he does up front. However, he needs to get more shots on target in each game if we are to make a run at the cup this year-we need more offense than just Iwasa.
By RFCFan on 03.25.19 12:50pm
Team shape
This was a stark difference in team shape from the last two games. Rather than have two wingers stay wide and largely uninvolved, the width this game was provided from Horde and Gomez pushing way up from their fullback positions, especially Horde. This allowed Bonomo to pull defenders out of position which opened up space for Iwasa. I think Bonomo does so much to create space and holds the ball up so well that he doesn’t need to be the one scoring goals, that should be the wingers. Enter Sam Werner. He should have had two goals, but couldn’t find the back of the net for the second goal. He knows how to use the space that is opened up for him by both Bonomo and Iwasa. I think he has a chance to be the second scoring/ creating option option behind Iwasa. I think the more involved Werner is, the more likely Bonomo is going to get on score sheet or at least assist some goals.
The midfielders did their jobs, shield the back line (Ray Saari) and shuttle the ball forward and wide (Drew Skundrich).
The five at the back were excellent for all but one lazy pass that lead to the goal for OKC. They just seem to be organized and comfortable on the ball and in defense.
And of course Cohen played great.
Lastly, I think Elliott needs a large portion of the credit for the game plan. In defense the team played a sort of 5-3-2 or 5-4-1. And in attack Horde pushed way up as a winger so the formation was a 4-3-3. Then Gomez would push up and formation would become a 3-4-3. But the interesting thing is that all three goals started with the center backs. The width allowed the center backs to pass all around the field.
By Republicfan01 on 03.29.19 11:25am