The Indomitable club put in a dominating performance Wednesday, netting three first half scores to defeat Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. A phenomenal defensive effort kept possibly the league’s most dangerous attacking unit without a goal, moving the club into sole possession of fourth place and just two points back of the top three.
Take Advantage of It
Throughout the night, Republic FC seemed to have a step on the visitors at every turn. If there was an opportunity to be had, the club pounced on it – every inch of space, every misstep or poor touch, and every error was recognized and acted upon from the first minute to the 90th.
“I thought it was the complete performance from start to finish. Everything we asked of the guys -with the ball, and without the ball – I thought they were fantastic,” said Mark Briggs. “From start to finish, I guess if there’s one negative, we could have scored more goals, but I thought the performance from minute one to minute 94 was exceptional. A complete performance from the team.”
Scoring First
Taking control of matches early on has been a major driver to Sacramento’s success this season. In 13 games they’ve found net first, they are unbeaten with a record 11-0-2. Maalique Foster’s 12th minute score – putting the Indomitable Club ahead 1-0 and and moving him into the team lead in scores with five – set the tone in a big way, allowing the club to operate with a little more comfort. With an advantage in tow, the club pressed forward with frequency to dominate the remainder of the match and net two more.
Shut Down Defense
Wednesday’s performance netted Republic FC their seventh clean sheet in league play this season. However, making it more impressive was that it came against the league’s second-highest scoring team and a player in the thick of the Golden Boot race. Scorers of 12 of Colorado Springs’ previous 14 scores, Hadji Barry, Elvis Amoh, and MicheeNgalina were silent throughout the night as Sacramento’s backline put in a phenomenal effort. The trio combined for just two shots on target and was kept relatively out of the action, with Barry registering the third-fewest touches he has all season.
“That’s one of the most lethal attacks in our league,” said Matt LaGrassa after the match. “And to shut them out is a big thing for us. It shows what we’re about in our character, especially being 3-0 up at the half a lot of teams can take their foot off the gas. I think we came out and still had a good mentality. And we dealt with it really well.”
