Republic FC win 3rd straight behind Mark Briggs’ prediction and Cameron Iwasa’s milestone

Mark Briggs should buy a lottery ticket due to how accurate his pregame predictions have been.

After Republic FC team squandered a 3-1 second-half lead to Tacoma Defiance in their first game back since the coronavirus stoppage, Sacramento’s coach said he wanted to see a 1-0 win against Reno 1868 FC.

He got that.

After concerns were raised at the club’s training last week about a lack of goals, Briggs said, “We will get a goal (eventually) off someone’s back or someone’s shoulder. The rub of the green will change and every (goal) after that will start flying in. That’s what I truly believe.”

He was also right about that. Republic FC’s only goal against Portland Timbers 2 was an own goal that hit the crossbar, then bounced off goalkeeper Jake Leeker’s head and into the net.

Briggs on Thursday during training predicted an offensive explosion would happen against Tacoma, the team Sacramento played Saturday night.

Once again, he was correct.

Behind three first-half goals, Republic FC defeated Tacoma Defiance 3-1 at Papa Murphy’s Park to remain tied for first place in the United League Soccer Group A standings.

Dariusz Formella scored in the 14th and 41st minutes, and Jesuit High School graduate Cameron Iwasa netted his 50th career USL goal in his 100th career start with the club.

There was a lot to smile and be happy about in the victory. Republic FC (4-1-3) has won three in a row and are looking like serious contenders in Group A.

“I’ve been saying it’s not really a worry for me,” Briggs said. “Tonight we got three (goals), but even still, we could’ve got six or seven, to be honest. There’s a lot of positives, which is pleasing.”

Iwasa reflected on scoring career goal No. 50 in his hometown of Sacramento. He sees it as a big accomplishment, but the winning streak is more important.

“It feels good. I would have felt better if there were some people here to celebrate it,” Iwasa said on his 50th goal. “To be honest, the whole number 50 (goal) thing is obviously a big accomplishment, but it’s not something that’s honestly that important to me. The goal of this week was for us to get nine points, and that’s what I’m buzzing about right now.”

Republic FC finished the game with 18 shots, seven more than Tacoma (2-4-1).

Tacoma’s goal in the 50th minute was the first Republic FC’s allowed in nearly 350 minutes. Formella’s first goal Saturday broke another streak for the hosts — it was the first non-penalty or own goal for Sacramento in 519 minutes.

Republic FC will get a week off after playing three matches in eight days. Sacramento will host Portland Timbers 2 next Saturday night.

Republic FC Upcoming Schedule

Aug. 22 vs. Portland Timbers 2, 8 p.m

Sept. 2 at Portland Timbers 2, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 vs. Reno 1868 FC, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs. Tacoma Defiance 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Reno 1868 FC 6:30 p.m.

This story was originally published August 16, 2020 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Republic FC win 3rd straight behind Mark Briggs’ prediction and Cameron Iwasa’s milestone."