How Republic FC took loss but still earned huge victory on same day
For the fourth time in five matches Saturday, Republic FC left the field with a loss.
Despite another unfavorable result, Sacramento later received a huge victory.
Republic FC, who fell 1-0 Saturday to host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, clinched their fourth consecutive USL playoff appearance about an hour later, when Orange County SC was beaten 4-1 by visiting Reno 1868 FC.
With tonights results across the league, @SacRepublicFC has claimed their spot in the #USLPlayoffs! Congrats. #RaiseYourGame pic.twitter.com/e0spSNqyxh
— USL (@USL) October 8, 2017
Kevaughn Frater collected a cross from Josh Suggs in the box and blasted a shot into the lower-left corner past a flatfooted Evan Newton in the 36th minute for the game’s only score and a much-needed victory for Switchbacks FC, who are also trying to earn a Western Conference playoff berth. Colorado Springs is 11-12-8 (41 points), two points behind eighth-place OKC Energy FC (12-11-7, 43), who hosts Swope Park Rangers on Sunday.
.@kev_frater with the nice touch to give @SwitchbacksFC the lead!#COSvSAC pic.twitter.com/AQqzVQN0YU
— USL (@USL) October 8, 2017
Republic FC (13-12-6, 45) can finish anywhere between sixth and eighth place in the standings. Regardless, they’ve made it to the postseason in each of their four USL seasons, including a championship in its inaugural year. Sacramento ends its regular season next Saturday in Reno.