RECAP: Sacramento Republic FC 0-1 Tacoma Defiance

TACOMA, Washington (September 30, 2020)– Republic FC’s 10-game undefeated streak came to a close on Wednesday night following a 1-0 loss against Tacoma Defiance at Cheney Stadium with four players developed in the club’s youth system earning valuable minutes in the match.

The double-digit unbeaten run ties the second-longest in club history with a 10-game stretch without a loss that occurred during the club’s inaugural campaign in 2014. The result on Wednesday night also locks in the squad’s Group A position and will result in a first-round road playoff match against the Group B top seed.

The midweek clash between Group A opponents was headlined by Rafael Jauregui being named to the starting lineup. At the age of 15 years, nine months and ten days, Rafa becomes the youngest player to start for the boys in Old Glory Red in club history. The midfielder logged 62 minutes and finished the night tied with the most scoring chances created on the team with two – alongside Jaime Villarreal and Frank Lopez.

Joining the youngster in the SRFC midfield was another member of the Republic FC Academy system – Julian Chavez. The midweek match was JuJu’s first career start with the Indomitable Club, and he ended the evening completing 11 of 14 passes and three total crosses.

Frank Lopez also made his debut to the starting eleven and the striker managed to fire off three shots on the night – tied for the most on team along with RoRo and Cameron Iwasa. On top of creating a pair of scoring opportunities against Defiance, Frankie forced the Tacoma goalkeeper into one of his three saves.

In net for Mark Briggs’ men was Brady Scott – making his second career start for Sacramento and coming up with one stop in Sacramento’s fourth and final regular season bout with Tacoma.

In the 71st minute, Tacoma took a 1-0 lead when Danny Reynolds set up Alec Diaz for the game’s lone goal.

In net for Mark Briggs’ men was Brady Scott – making his second career start for Sacramento and coming up with one stop in Sacramento’s fourth and final regular season bout with Tacoma.

In the 71st minute, Tacoma took a 1-0 lead when Danny Reynolds set up Alec Diaz for the game’s lone goal.

The fourth SRFC player to have developed his skills in the club’s youth academy and grace the pitch during Wednesday’s match was Mario Penagos as the midfielder entered the contest in the 84th minute for Cameron Iwasa.

The postseason-bound boys in Old Glory Red return home for the regular season finale against Portland Timbers 2 this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. PT at Papa Murphy’s Park.

Sacramento Republic FC 0-1 Tacoma Defiance
USL Championship
Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Washington
September 30, 2020

Scoring Summary:TAC – Alec Diaz (Danny Reynolds) 71’.

Misconduct Summary:SAC – Julian Chavez (caution) 42’, Mario Penagos (caution) 90’; TAC – Taylor Mueller (caution) 66’, Alec Diaz (caution) 90’.

Sacramento Republic FC – Brady Scott; Shannon Gomez, Matt Mahoney, Hayden Sargis, Ashkanov Apollon (Tomas Hilliard-Arce 84’), Rodrigo Lopez ©, Cameron Iwasa (Mario Penagos 84’), Jaime Villarreal (Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu 62’), Rafael Jauregui (Sam Werner 62’), Julian Chavez (Villyan Bijev 62’), Frank Lopez.

Unused substitutes: Rafael Diaz.

Stats– Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 20, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 3.

Tacoma Defiance– Eric Klenofsky; Alex Villanueava (Danny Reynolds 68’), Taylor Mueller ©, Antonee Burke-Gilroy, Abdoulaye Cissoko; Sota Kitahara, Chris Hegardt, Ethan Dobbelaere (Alec Diaz 59’), Ray Serrano, Daniel Robles (Jesus Perez 83’), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Aziel Gonzalez 68’).

Unused substitutes: Conrad Lee, Josh Hardin, Reed Baker-Whiting.