Republic FC earns playoff spot with win over Vancouver

Republic FC forward Justin Braun (17) fights for the ball against a Salt Lake City defender during the first half in a match between the Sacramento Republic FC and the Salt Lake City Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, in Sacramento, Calif. Andrew Seng aseng@sacbee.com

Behind Justin Braun’s two goals, Republic FC clinched a USL playoff berth Sunday with a 2-1 win over the host Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.

With three matches left, defending champion Republic FC (12-8-5) is in fifth place in the tightly contested Western Conference with 41 points.

Braun opened the scoring in the 30th minute, taking a pass from Tommy Thompson and scoring on a right-footed shot from the right side of the box.

After Marco Bustos tied the score in the 66th minute, Braun delivered the tiebreaker in the 71st minute. Emrah Klimenta sent a low cross that Braun redirected into the goal with his right foot.

Bee Sports staff

This story was originally published September 6, 2015 at 7:30 PM with the headline "Republic FC earns playoff spot with win over Vancouver."

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