Republic FC fail to score and see their 10-game unbeaten streak snapped against Tacoma
Republic FC’s slim chances to win Group A have vanished.
After winning six consecutive matches last month, Sacramento has struggled to get a victory in its last four. Republic FC came into the night with draws in their last three matches, but were unbeaten in their last 10.
That changed Wednesday night with a 1-0 road loss to Tacoma Defiance. It is only Sacramento’s second loss of the season and first since losing 1-0 to LA Galaxy ll on July 19.
After controlling the majority of the match, Sacramento allowed the lone goal of the night in the 71st minute to Alec Diaz. Sacramento wasn’t able to score despite outshooting Tacoma 12-7.
Sacramento has struggled against Tacoma this season. In the reboot opener July 13, Sac Republic surrendered a 3-1 second-half lead and finished with a 3-3 draw. Sacramento bounced back in the next meeting at home against Tacoma and won 3-1 on July 15, but drew 1-1 with Tacoma on Sept. 20.
Changes in the lineup, what’s next?
One of the highlights of the night was 15-year-old midfielder Rafael Jauregui becoming the youngest player to ever start a game for Republic FC. Also in the lineup were two 18-year-olds in Julian Chavez and Hayden Sargis. Another teenager, Mario Penagos, was subbed in late in the second half. All four played in Republic FC’s youth academy.
More changes in the lineup included Frank Lopez, who made his first start after consistently being one of the 18 active roster players. The other player Sacramento acquired on loan this year, Brady Scott, made his second start of the season in goal.
For the second consecutive game, Republic FC captain Drew Skundrich wasn’t in the lineup after being a late scratch in the last game against Reno 1868 FC. It’s unclear when he will return.
Sacramento will close out the regular season at home against Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday. Sacramento will enter the United Soccer League playoffs as the second team out of Group A and will play their first postseason match on the road next week.
This story was originally published September 30, 2020 at 9:44 PM with the headline "Republic FC fail to score and see their 10-game unbeaten streak snapped against Tacoma."