Sacramento Republic FC Top Seattle Sounders FC in Extra Time
Jun 7, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:29 am
Photo by Matt George
by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter
The 4th round of the US Open Cup made it’s way to Sacramento Wednesday night as the Republic FC hosted MLS juggernaut Seattle Sounders FC. The Republic have a history of success against MLS clubs in the US Open Cup on their home pitch, defeating Real Salt Lake 4-1 last season. After falling to Seattle in a preseason friendly earlier this year, Sacramento was determined to prove they belonged with the giants of the MLS.
On a breezy, chilly June night, the Republic were clearly the better club from kickoff. It took some extra time drama and a whole lot of chances, but Sacramento came out on top.
After a feel-it-out first half, with both sides sharing possession and limited opportunities, it was all Republic in the second 45 minutes. Seattle barely managed to get the ball out of their half, and Sacramento was on the front foot. It didn’t take too long for a breakthrough, as Cameron Iwasa found the back off of a beautiful assist by Elliott Hord.
.@cam31iwasa, we love ya đ#USOC2018 pic.twitter.com/xsosTVXqsG
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) June 7, 2018
Sounders keeper Bryan Meredith was a brick wall for Seattle, whose efforts kept the game close late. Sacramento had multiple chances taken away by outstanding saves from Meredith, whose efforts opened the door for Seattle’s late robbery.
Substitute midfielder Harry Shipp managed to sneak a dribbler past Josh Cohen, off on an unfortunate deflection, stunning the Republic in the 90th minute. It was Seattle’s only chance of the second half.
The story of the match continued in the first half of extra time, Sacramento was on the front foot the entire 15 minutes but couldn’t manage to beat Meredith. However, on the other end of the pitch, right in front of a small group of Sounders supporters, Republic midfielder Jure Matjasic was the hero.
The match winning goal. đ Jure, WE LOVE YA!#USOC2018 pic.twitter.com/3gobUhsfhI
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) June 7, 2018
It started once again with Iwasa, who booted a screamer right off of the hands of Meredith. Matjasic was waiting and tucked the game winner away comfortably before celebrating with his teammates and the Republic supporters.
With the 2-1 victory, the Sacramento Republic FC advance to the next round of the US Open Cup, facing LAFC at Banc of California Stadium.
Hear from head coach Simon Elliott after the match below:
