News

Cheer on Sacramento Republic FC as they travel to Arizona United SC on Saturday, June 25 as they look to extend their unbeaten streak to eight matches. Republic FC will host a watch party at de Vere’s Irish Pub (1521 L St). Kickoff is 7:30 p.m., but fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure a seat.

Fans are encouraged to wear their Old Glory Red and scarves and grab a bite to eat as they watch the match. Saturday’s watch party will feature Republic FC swag giveaways and is open to fans of all ages.

Republic FC enter Saturday’s match on a three-match win streak and are undefeated in the previous seven league matches. Currently Republic FC sits in second place in the USL Western Conference, with one game in hand against conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.

For fans unable to make it to the watch party, the match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #AZvSAC.

The boys in Old Glory Red return home to Bonney Field on Saturday, July 2 as they host Seattle Sounders FC 2. Republic FC have already S2 defeated twice this season. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m.

Cheer on Sacramento Republic FC as they travel to Arizona United SC on Saturday, June 25 as they look to extend their unbeaten streak to eight matches. Republic FC will host a watch party at de Vere’s Irish Pub (1521 L St). Kickoff is 7:30 p.m., but fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure a seat.

Fans are encouraged to wear their Old Glory Red and scarves and grab a bite to eat as they watch the match. Saturday’s watch party will feature Republic FC swag giveaways and is open to fans of all ages.

Republic FC enter Saturday’s match on a three-match win streak and are undefeated in the previous seven league matches. Currently Republic FC sits in second place in the USL Western Conference, with one game in hand against conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.

For fans unable to make it to the watch party, the match will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #AZvSAC.

The boys in Old Glory Red return home to Bonney Field on Saturday, July 2 as they host Seattle Sounders FC 2. Republic FC have already S2 defeated twice this season. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m.

On Saturday, Sacramento Republic FC’s home pitch, Bonney Field, will host an international rugby match between USA and Russia. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

• Get tickets > 

Bonney Field will be transformed overnight, with goals moved to make way for rugby posts and instead of a penalty box, 22-meter lines will adorn each side of the pitch.

For many fans unfamiliar with rugby, the sport’s rules may seem foreign compared to soccer. However, the two sports share many commonalities and similar origins. Indeed, both soccer and rugby sides often use the term F.C. or Football Club in their names as their respective formal names are association football and rugby football.

With Republic FC on the road this weekend, swap your scarves the red, white and blue and cheer on USA as they face off against Russia on Saturday at Bonney Field. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. Walk-up ticket sales will begin at Bonney Field at 5:30 p.m.

Whether you need to learn the fundamentals of rugby or need a refresher course, here’s what you need to know about rugby and how it compares to the beautiful game.

On Saturday, Sacramento Republic FC’s home pitch, Bonney Field, will host an international rugby match between USA and Russia. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

• Get tickets > 

Bonney Field will be transformed overnight, with goals moved to make way for rugby posts and instead of a penalty box, 22-meter lines will adorn each side of the pitch.

For many fans unfamiliar with rugby, the sport’s rules may seem foreign compared to soccer. However, the two sports share many commonalities and similar origins. Indeed, both soccer and rugby sides often use the term F.C. or Football Club in their names as their respective formal names are association football and rugby football.

With Republic FC on the road this weekend, swap your scarves the red, white and blue and cheer on USA as they face off against Russia on Saturday at Bonney Field. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. Walk-up ticket sales will begin at Bonney Field at 5:30 p.m.

Whether you need to learn the fundamentals of rugby or need a refresher course, here’s what you need to know about rugby and how it compares to the beautiful game.

The U.S. Men's National Team face Argentina, the number one ranked country in the world, in the Copa America Centenario semifinals on Tuesday at 6 p.m. PT at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The U.S.—the lone CONCACAF team to reach the semifinals—advanced to the semifinals after beating Ecuador 2-0 in the quarterfinals while Argentina advanced by winning 4-1 against Venezuela.

If you’re looking to watch the USA vs Argentina match, here’s everything you need to know:

What: Copa America semifinal – USA vs Argentina
Where: NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
When: Tuesday, June 21 at 6 p.m. PT.

How to Watch

Watch Party: Join Republic FC at de Vere’s Irish Pub, Sacramento’s official Copa America headquarters.

Republic FC will be giving away swag, including two tickets to the International Champions Cup match between AC Milan and Liverpool FC on July 30 at Levi’s Stadium and two tickets to the USA vs Russia international rugby match at Bonney Field on June 25.

Happy hour specials run from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring $2 to $9 small plates and $4-$6 drinks

TV: FOX Sports 1, Univision, Univision Deportes

Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2Go and fuboTV.

The U.S. Men’s National Team face Argentina, the number one ranked country in the world, in the Copa America Centenario semifinals on Tuesday at 6 p.m. PT at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The U.S.—the lone CONCACAF team to reach the semifinals—advanced to the semifinals after beating Ecuador 2-0 in the quarterfinals while Argentina advanced by winning 4-1 against Venezuela.

If you’re looking to watch the USA vs Argentina match, here’s everything you need to know:

What: Copa America semifinal – USA vs Argentina
Where: NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
When: Tuesday, June 21 at 6 p.m. PT.

How to Watch

Watch Party: Join Republic FC at de Vere’s Irish Pub, Sacramento’s official Copa America headquarters.

Republic FC will be giving away swag, including two tickets to the International Champions Cup match between AC Milan and Liverpool FC on July 30 at Levi’s Stadium and two tickets to the USA vs Russia international rugby match at Bonney Field on June 25.

Happy hour specials run from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring $2 to $9 small plates and $4-$6 drinks

TV: FOX Sports 1, Univision, Univision Deportes

Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2Go and fuboTV.

While Sacramento Republic FC Academy’s inaugural season is over, the postseason is just beginning.

Republic FC’s U-13/14 Academy team is in Frisco, Texas to compete in the 2016 U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-13/14 National Showcase, a premier national event that features the top U-13/14 boys players from across the country. The event started on Monday, June 20 and runs through Thursday, June 23.

As part of the National Showcase, Republic FC Academy’s U-13/14 match against NYCFC U-13/14 on Wednesday, June 22 was selected as one of the event’s Featured Games to be streamed live on the U.S. Soccer YouTube page. Kickoff is 9 a.m. PT.

• Watch live >

Since the U-13/14 age group does not have a playoff tournament like the U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups, the National Showcase is the culminating event for the 10-month Academy U-13/14 season and will feature 92 unique Development Academy teams playing a combined total of 138 matches.

The U-13/14 Showcase is designed to creative play and player development, as opposed to results and standings. Additionally, the Showcase is an opportunity for U.S. Youth National Team coaches, technical advisors, and scouts to identify players for future national team call-ups.

On Monday, Republic FC’s U-13/14 team kicked off their National Showcase debut with a 3-1 win against Crew SC Academy Wolves. Forward Scott Nicholson scored a brace while second half substitute Mario Penagos tallied the final goal.

Wednesday’s Republic FC’s U-13/14 match against NYCFC’s U-13/14 is one of just nine of the 138 matches selected by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program to be one of the event’s Featured Games.

The Featured Games were selected on a variety of factors, including embodying the Academy ideals, upholding Academy standards and playing to a high quality.

Republic FC fans may watch Wednesday’s Featured Game between the club’s U-13/14 team and NYCFC U-13/14s at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday.

Republic FC Academy’s U-13/14s will finish the tournament against Georgia United on Thursday, June 23. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. PT.

Fans may follow the 2016 U-13/14 National Showcase and the U-15/16 and U-17/18 Playoffs by visiting the official homepage of the Development Academy at www.ussoccerda.com and via social media on Twitter (@ussoccer_acad), Instagram, and Facebook using #WorldClassDA.

While Sacramento Republic FC Academy’s inaugural season is over, the postseason is just beginning.

Republic FC’s U-13/14 Academy team is in Frisco, Texas to compete in the 2016 U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-13/14 National Showcase, a premier national event that features the top U-13/14 boys players from across the country. The event started on Monday, June 20 and runs through Thursday, June 23.

As part of the National Showcase, Republic FC Academy’s U-13/14 match against NYCFC U-13/14 on Wednesday, June 22 was selected as one of the event’s Featured Games to be streamed live on the U.S. Soccer YouTube page. Kickoff is 9 a.m. PT.

• Watch live >

Since the U-13/14 age group does not have a playoff tournament like the U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups, the National Showcase is the culminating event for the 10-month Academy U-13/14 season and will feature 92 unique Development Academy teams playing a combined total of 138 matches.

The U-13/14 Showcase is designed to creative play and player development, as opposed to results and standings. Additionally, the Showcase is an opportunity for U.S. Youth National Team coaches, technical advisors, and scouts to identify players for future national team call-ups.

On Monday, Republic FC’s U-13/14 team kicked off their National Showcase debut with a 3-1 win against Crew SC Academy Wolves. Forward Scott Nicholson scored a brace while second half substitute Mario Penagos tallied the final goal.

Wednesday’s Republic FC’s U-13/14 match against NYCFC’s U-13/14 is one of just nine of the 138 matches selected by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program to be one of the event’s Featured Games.

The Featured Games were selected on a variety of factors, including embodying the Academy ideals, upholding Academy standards and playing to a high quality.

Republic FC fans may watch Wednesday’s Featured Game between the club’s U-13/14 team and NYCFC U-13/14s at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday.

Republic FC Academy’s U-13/14s will finish the tournament against Georgia United on Thursday, June 23. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. PT.

Fans may follow the 2016 U-13/14 National Showcase and the U-15/16 and U-17/18 Playoffs by visiting the official homepage of the Development Academy at www.ussoccerda.com and via social media on Twitter (@ussoccer_acad), Instagram, and Facebook using #WorldClassDA.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 21, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC’s U-13/14, U-15/16 and U-17/18s Academy teams will compete this week in U.S. Soccer Development Academy postseason events at Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas.

Republic FC’s U-15/16 and U-17/18 Academy teams will play in the group stage of U.S. Soccer Development Academy Playoffs Wednesday, June 22 through Sunday, June 26. The U-13/14 team play three matches as part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Summer Showcase, which started on Monday, June 20 and runs through Thursday, June 23.

The Academy Playoffs are comprised of the top three teams from each of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy’s seven geographically-based divisions and 11 wildcard teams. The 32-team field is then split into eight groups for a group stage to be played June 22-June 26. The winner of each group advances to an eight-team bracket. The quarterfinals will be played on July 7 at the home site of the higher seed with the semifinals and finals to be played July 14 and July 16 in Carson, Calif.

Republic FC’s U-17/18 Academy team earned a berth the Playoffs after going 17-8-7 and finishing in second place in the Northwest Division, fourth overall in the Western Conference. They will be playing in Group C against Sockers FC (Illinois) on June 22, New York Red Bulls (New York) on June 24 and Pateadores (Southern California) on June 26.

Republic FC’s U-15/16s earned the seventh wildcard spot in the Playoffs after going 16-13-3 and finishing fifth in the Northwest division in the regular season. The U-15/16 team will be playing in Group D against Crew SC Academy Wolves (Michigan) on June 22, Montreal Impact (Québec) on June 24 and Real So-Cal ( (Southern California) on June 26.

The U.S. Soccer Development Academy does not hold playoffs for the U-13/14 age group, but instead hold the National Showcase. Republic FC’s U-13/14 team finished the regular season with 19-4-2 record. They beat Crew SC Academy Wolves 3-1 in their first National Showcase Match on June 20. The U-13/14 team will also play New York City FC (New York) on June 22 and Georgia United (Georgia) on June 23 in their final two matches of the National Showcase.

Republic FC’s U-13/14s match against NYCFC is one of the National Showcase’s Featured Games, which will be streamed live on YouTube. The match kicks off at 9 a.m. PT on Wednesday, June 22 and will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday.

This was the first season for Republic FC’s Academy that played with teams at the U-13/14, U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups. Next season, the U.S Soccer Development Academy program will add two new age groups, U-12 and U-13. As part of the expansion, Republic FC’s Academy will add two U-12 teams and a U-13 team in addition to their U-14, U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams for the 2016-2017 season.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 21, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC’s U-13/14, U-15/16 and U-17/18s Academy teams will compete this week in U.S. Soccer Development Academy postseason events at Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas.

Republic FC’s U-15/16 and U-17/18 Academy teams will play in the group stage of U.S. Soccer Development Academy Playoffs Wednesday, June 22 through Sunday, June 26. The U-13/14 team play three matches as part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Summer Showcase, which started on Monday, June 20 and runs through Thursday, June 23.

The Academy Playoffs are comprised of the top three teams from each of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy’s seven geographically-based divisions and 11 wildcard teams. The 32-team field is then split into eight groups for a group stage to be played June 22-June 26. The winner of each group advances to an eight-team bracket. The quarterfinals will be played on July 7 at the home site of the higher seed with the semifinals and finals to be played July 14 and July 16 in Carson, Calif.

Republic FC’s U-17/18 Academy team earned a berth the Playoffs after going 17-8-7 and finishing in second place in the Northwest Division, fourth overall in the Western Conference. They will be playing in Group C against Sockers FC (Illinois) on June 22, New York Red Bulls (New York) on June 24 and Pateadores (Southern California) on June 26.

Republic FC’s U-15/16s earned the seventh wildcard spot in the Playoffs after going 16-13-3 and finishing fifth in the Northwest division in the regular season. The U-15/16 team will be playing in Group D against Crew SC Academy Wolves (Michigan) on June 22, Montreal Impact (Québec) on June 24 and Real So-Cal ( (Southern California) on June 26.

The U.S. Soccer Development Academy does not hold playoffs for the U-13/14 age group, but instead hold the National Showcase. Republic FC’s U-13/14 team finished the regular season with 19-4-2 record. They beat Crew SC Academy Wolves 3-1 in their first National Showcase Match on June 20. The U-13/14 team will also play New York City FC (New York) on June 22 and Georgia United (Georgia) on June 23 in their final two matches of the National Showcase.

Republic FC’s U-13/14s match against NYCFC is one of the National Showcase’s Featured Games, which will be streamed live on YouTube. The match kicks off at 9 a.m. PT on Wednesday, June 22 and will be streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday.

This was the first season for Republic FC’s Academy that played with teams at the U-13/14, U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups. Next season, the U.S Soccer Development Academy program will add two new age groups, U-12 and U-13. As part of the expansion, Republic FC’s Academy will add two U-12 teams and a U-13 team in addition to their U-14, U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams for the 2016-2017 season.

Sacramento Republic FC forward Cameron Iwasa was voted USL Player of the Week for Week 13 after scoring his first professional brace in the club’s thrilling 3-2 victory against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros at Bonney Field on Saturday, June 18. The win moved Republic FC into second place in the USL Western Conference and extended the club’s unbeaten streak to seven matches.

On Saturday, Iwasa set a new record for fastest goal in club history, scoring against the Toros just 38 seconds into the match. Fellow forward Thomas Stewart held the previous record, scoring in the second minute against Colorado Switchbacks FC on August 14, 2015.

“I think we scored an unbelievable goal, I asked the players for a quick start and we got it,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle about Iwasa’s performance. “It was an incredible goal, great move from our right deep, across through them and then Cameron, he’s really looking to play now, Cameron Iwasa. Always a bit worried to say somebody’s name, but he’s just got to believe now because that’s what he can do.”

With five goals in USL play, Iwasa, a Sacramento native, leads Republic FC in goals this season, scoring three in the last two matches. After nearly doubling his minutes of play, Iwasa has quintupled his goal output compared to the 2015, when he had just one goal in his rookie season.

“It’s pretty cool. Whenever you’re a part of history it’s pretty awesome,” said Iwasa about his record breaking goal on Saturday.

Iwasa was named the USL Player of the Week and named to Team of the Week in a landslide vote conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market, capturing 73 percent of the poll.

Iwasa is the second Republic FC player to be named USL Player of the Week and the fifth Republic FC player to earn USL Team of the Week honors this season. Midfielder and loan player Tommy Thompson earned USL Player of the Week honors in Week Eight also for scoring his first professional brace in Republic FC’s 2-0 win against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on May 14.

Defenders James Kiffe, Chris Christian and Emrah Klimenta have also earned USL Team of Week honors this year.

Iwasa is joined on Team of the Week by goalkeeper John Berner (Charlotte Independence); defenders Stephen McCarthy (San Antonio FC), Harrison Delbridge (FC Cincinnati), Enrique Montano (Louisville City FC) and Ashani Fairclough (Wilmington Hammerheads FC); midfielders Michael Thomas (OKC Energy FC) Kevin Kerr (Pittsburgh Riverhounds) and Jasson Ramos Carpio (Tulsa Roughnecks FC); and forwards Anthony Jackson-Hamel (FC Montreal) and Long Tan (Arizona United SC).

Sacramento Republic FC forward Cameron Iwasa was voted USL Player of the Week for Week 13 after scoring his first professional brace in the club’s thrilling 3-2 victory against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros at Bonney Field on Saturday, June 18. The win moved Republic FC into second place in the USL Western Conference and extended the club’s unbeaten streak to seven matches.

On Saturday, Iwasa set a new record for fastest goal in club history, scoring against the Toros just 38 seconds into the match. Fellow forward Thomas Stewart held the previous record, scoring in the second minute against Colorado Switchbacks FC on August 14, 2015.

“I think we scored an unbelievable goal, I asked the players for a quick start and we got it,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle about Iwasa’s performance. “It was an incredible goal, great move from our right deep, across through them and then Cameron, he’s really looking to play now, Cameron Iwasa. Always a bit worried to say somebody’s name, but he’s just got to believe now because that’s what he can do.”

With five goals in USL play, Iwasa, a Sacramento native, leads Republic FC in goals this season, scoring three in the last two matches. After nearly doubling his minutes of play, Iwasa has quintupled his goal output compared to the 2015, when he had just one goal in his rookie season.

“It’s pretty cool. Whenever you’re a part of history it’s pretty awesome,” said Iwasa about his record breaking goal on Saturday.

Iwasa was named the USL Player of the Week and named to Team of the Week in a landslide vote conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market, capturing 73 percent of the poll.

Iwasa is the second Republic FC player to be named USL Player of the Week and the fifth Republic FC player to earn USL Team of the Week honors this season. Midfielder and loan player Tommy Thompson earned USL Player of the Week honors in Week Eight also for scoring his first professional brace in Republic FC’s 2-0 win against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on May 14.

Defenders James Kiffe, Chris Christian and Emrah Klimenta have also earned USL Team of Week honors this year.

Iwasa is joined on Team of the Week by goalkeeper John Berner (Charlotte Independence); defenders Stephen McCarthy (San Antonio FC), Harrison Delbridge (FC Cincinnati), Enrique Montano (Louisville City FC) and Ashani Fairclough (Wilmington Hammerheads FC); midfielders Michael Thomas (OKC Energy FC) Kevin Kerr (Pittsburgh Riverhounds) and Jasson Ramos Carpio (Tulsa Roughnecks FC); and forwards Anthony Jackson-Hamel (FC Montreal) and Long Tan (Arizona United SC).

Sacramento Republic FC earned a big three points on Saturday to climb the standings in the USL Western Conference on Saturday as they captured a 3-3 win against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toro.

Check out highlights from the match below.

Match highlights presented by Northern California Honda Dealers. Learn more at norcalhondadealers.com.

Sacramento Republic FC earned a big three points on Saturday to climb the standings in the USL Western Conference on Saturday as they captured a 3-3 win against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toro.

Check out highlights from the match below.

Match highlights presented by Northern California Honda Dealers. Learn more at norcalhondadealers.com.

In the past seven matches, Sacramento Republic FC are not only unbeaten, but are also riding a hot offensive streak, averaging 1.86 goals per match. After capturing a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros on Saturday, Republic FC sit in second place in the USL Western Conference, four points behind leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.

However, despite newly acquiring second place in the Western Conference, Republic FC aren’t pausing to celebrate, but instead remain focused on the task and matches ahead. With a road match against Arizona United SC looming in the distance on Saturday, Republic FC remain focused on turning their resilient play in the Western Conference into refinement.

“What we’ll have to do is dust ourselves down — delighted with the win, it’s about winning — and see how we can improve,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle after Saturday’s win. “But it’s always that way anyway.

Against the Toros on Saturday, Republic FC took an early lead when forward Cameron Iwasa scored just 38 seconds into the match, setting a new record for fastest goal in club history.

However, Republic FC gave away the lead twice in the match before a late goal from defender Emrah Klimenta in the 87th minute lifted the boys in Old Glory Red to a win.

“Unfortunately, we gave up the lead twice but we kept showing a lot of fight, a lot of resiliency to come back,” said Iwasa. “After they equalized we get another one and then they equalize again, and we got that last one. Always feels good to win at home for sure.”

“It was that way all night,” added Buckle. “We got the lead and we’d throw it again but I have to say something about the character of the players and sometimes in the end you have to win, you have to find a way to win and we did. We seem to be able to kick once we concede.”

While Buckle commended the team’s character to come back and win the match, he is eager to refine the club’s performance to not just continue Republic FC’s winning ways, but to dominate future matches.

“[Games] should be clear…Sometimes in the end you have to win, you have to find a way to win and we did,” said Buckle. “However, we must learn to manage games better. Control games and be a little more clinical.”

While Republic FC will look to further refine their play during training this week, Saturday’s match still signaled important benchmarks for the club as they look to further establish their dominance in the Western Conference.

Despite giving up the lead twice, Republic FC’s first two goals signaled further refinement and success for the club’s offense, which has more than quintupled their goals per match average in the past seven matches compared to the club’s first six matches of the season.

Not only was Iwasa’s goal in the first minute a new club record, but it was also the third goal for Republic FC to come in the first half of play. Additionally, his second goal of the night, scored early in the second half, was the club’s first goal scored off a corner this season.

Both goals signal how the club has been successfully improving their technical work on offense throughout the season.

“Dating back to last season we’ve struggled with the set pieces and that’s something that Paul’s had us working really hard on, trying to find some chemistry on the set pieces,” said Iwasa “To finally get the breakthrough is great and hopefully it just opens the floodgates.”

In addition to first half goals and set piece goals, Republic FC look to further expand on their unbeaten streak by refining their play, with Buckle stressing after Saturday’s match the club needs to provide better protection on the ball and refine their match management techniques.

“We look a dangerous team now. We look like we can win games, we are winning games. We’ve always got to improve,” said Buckle. “There has to be protection…there should be no clear line of pass through to [the opposing team’s] strikers.”

While Republic FC look to improve their ball possession, confidence will go a long way for the club as they look to find their way to the top of the Western Conference.

“We’ve been on a very good run, we’re hot right now. We’ve shown a lot of confidence on the field, there’s a lot of confidence in the locker room,” said Iwasa. “When we step out here. We believe we can win any gam, we expect to win every time. Recently we’ve shown that we’re definitely a tough team to beat.”

Republic FC travel this weekend to face off against Arizona United SC on Saturday, June 25. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex. The match will be broadcast live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday.

In the past seven matches, Sacramento Republic FC are not only unbeaten, but are also riding a hot offensive streak, averaging 1.86 goals per match. After capturing a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros on Saturday, Republic FC sit in second place in the USL Western Conference, four points behind leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.

However, despite newly acquiring second place in the Western Conference, Republic FC aren’t pausing to celebrate, but instead remain focused on the task and matches ahead. With a road match against Arizona United SC looming in the distance on Saturday, Republic FC remain focused on turning their resilient play in the Western Conference into refinement.

“What we’ll have to do is dust ourselves down — delighted with the win, it’s about winning — and see how we can improve,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle after Saturday’s win. “But it’s always that way anyway.

Against the Toros on Saturday, Republic FC took an early lead when forward Cameron Iwasa scored just 38 seconds into the match, setting a new record for fastest goal in club history.

However, Republic FC gave away the lead twice in the match before a late goal from defender Emrah Klimenta in the 87th minute lifted the boys in Old Glory Red to a win.

“Unfortunately, we gave up the lead twice but we kept showing a lot of fight, a lot of resiliency to come back,” said Iwasa. “After they equalized we get another one and then they equalize again, and we got that last one. Always feels good to win at home for sure.”

“It was that way all night,” added Buckle. “We got the lead and we’d throw it again but I have to say something about the character of the players and sometimes in the end you have to win, you have to find a way to win and we did. We seem to be able to kick once we concede.”

While Buckle commended the team’s character to come back and win the match, he is eager to refine the club’s performance to not just continue Republic FC’s winning ways, but to dominate future matches.

“[Games] should be clear…Sometimes in the end you have to win, you have to find a way to win and we did,” said Buckle. “However, we must learn to manage games better. Control games and be a little more clinical.”

While Republic FC will look to further refine their play during training this week, Saturday’s match still signaled important benchmarks for the club as they look to further establish their dominance in the Western Conference.

Despite giving up the lead twice, Republic FC’s first two goals signaled further refinement and success for the club’s offense, which has more than quintupled their goals per match average in the past seven matches compared to the club’s first six matches of the season.

Not only was Iwasa’s goal in the first minute a new club record, but it was also the third goal for Republic FC to come in the first half of play. Additionally, his second goal of the night, scored early in the second half, was the club’s first goal scored off a corner this season.

Both goals signal how the club has been successfully improving their technical work on offense throughout the season.

“Dating back to last season we’ve struggled with the set pieces and that’s something that Paul’s had us working really hard on, trying to find some chemistry on the set pieces,” said Iwasa “To finally get the breakthrough is great and hopefully it just opens the floodgates.”

In addition to first half goals and set piece goals, Republic FC look to further expand on their unbeaten streak by refining their play, with Buckle stressing after Saturday’s match the club needs to provide better protection on the ball and refine their match management techniques.

“We look a dangerous team now. We look like we can win games, we are winning games. We’ve always got to improve,” said Buckle. “There has to be protection…there should be no clear line of pass through to [the opposing team’s] strikers.”

While Republic FC look to improve their ball possession, confidence will go a long way for the club as they look to find their way to the top of the Western Conference.

“We’ve been on a very good run, we’re hot right now. We’ve shown a lot of confidence on the field, there’s a lot of confidence in the locker room,” said Iwasa. “When we step out here. We believe we can win any gam, we expect to win every time. Recently we’ve shown that we’re definitely a tough team to beat.”

Republic FC travel this weekend to face off against Arizona United SC on Saturday, June 25. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex. The match will be broadcast live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday.

Sacramento Republic FC vs Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Bonney Field
June 18, 2016
Sacramento Republic FC 3 |Rio Grande Valley FC Toros 2

Sacramento Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle:

(On the overall match)
“It was an up and down and a game we didn’t seem to want to win. It should have been clear. I think we scored an unbelievable goal, and I had asked the players for a quick start and we got it and it was an incredible goal, great move from our right deep across through them and then Cameron [Iwasa]. He’s really looking to play now, Cameron Iwasa. I was a bit worried to say somebody’s name but he’s just got to believe now because that’s what he can do.” 

(On coming back to win the match)
“We were loose from our second face, from a corner, we gave them space to come inside and finish and it was unlike us. We’ve been tight in those areas before and they were back in the game. We then went on again with a few chances. Cameron had a very good chance in the box with the post and we couldn’t put it in the back. It was that way all night. We got the lead and we’d throw it again but I have to say something about the character of the players and sometimes in the end you have to win, you have to find a way to win and we did. We seem to be able to kick once we concede. We must learn to manage games better. Control games, and be a little more clinical."

Sacramento Republic FC Forward Cameron Iwasa:

(On the win)
“It was huge for us. Unfortunately, we gave up the lead twice but we kept showing a lot of fight, a lot of resiliency to come back. After they equalized we get another one and then they equalize again, and we got that last one. Always feels good to win at home for sure.” 

(On the team’s form right now)
“We’ve been on a very good run, we’re hot right now. We’ve shown a lot of confidence on the field, there’s a lot of confidence in the locker room. When we step out here. We believe we can win any gam, we expect to win every time. Recently we’ve shown that we’re definitely a tough team to beat.” 

Sacramento Republic FC vs Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Bonney Field
June 18, 2016
Sacramento Republic FC 3 |Rio Grande Valley FC Toros 2

Sacramento Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle:

(On the overall match)
“It was an up and down and a game we didn’t seem to want to win. It should have been clear. I think we scored an unbelievable goal, and I had asked the players for a quick start and we got it and it was an incredible goal, great move from our right deep across through them and then Cameron [Iwasa]. He’s really looking to play now, Cameron Iwasa. I was a bit worried to say somebody’s name but he’s just got to believe now because that’s what he can do.” 

(On coming back to win the match)
“We were loose from our second face, from a corner, we gave them space to come inside and finish and it was unlike us. We’ve been tight in those areas before and they were back in the game. We then went on again with a few chances. Cameron had a very good chance in the box with the post and we couldn’t put it in the back. It was that way all night. We got the lead and we’d throw it again but I have to say something about the character of the players and sometimes in the end you have to win, you have to find a way to win and we did. We seem to be able to kick once we concede. We must learn to manage games better. Control games, and be a little more clinical.”

Sacramento Republic FC Forward Cameron Iwasa:

(On the win)
“It was huge for us. Unfortunately, we gave up the lead twice but we kept showing a lot of fight, a lot of resiliency to come back. After they equalized we get another one and then they equalize again, and we got that last one. Always feels good to win at home for sure.” 

(On the team’s form right now)
“We’ve been on a very good run, we’re hot right now. We’ve shown a lot of confidence on the field, there’s a lot of confidence in the locker room. When we step out here. We believe we can win any gam, we expect to win every time. Recently we’ve shown that we’re definitely a tough team to beat.”