Republic FC ends drought with 2-0 win over LA Galaxy II

Emrah Klimenta and Harry Williams scored, and Republic FC ended a three-game losing streak and four-game scoreless skid with a 2-0 victory over the rival LA Galaxy II on Saturday night in Carson.

The loss was the first in USL play for Western Conference-leading Los Angeles (4-1-4, 16 points), and Sacramento upped its all-time record to 4-0-1 at the Galaxy II’s StubHub Track and Field Stadium.

Republic FC (3-3-1, 10 points) scored its first goal in the 16th minute when a Galaxy II player was called for a hand ball seven yards from the top of the box. Klimenta, a defender, sent a bending ball just above the Los Angeles wall and past leaping goalkeeper Clement Diop into the upper-left corner of the net. It was Republic FC’s first goal in 35 days.

Klimenta also factored into the second goal in the 62nd minute when he sent a cross into the box that Tommy Stewart back-heeled to a wide-open Harry Williams. The 20-year-old from England buried the left-footer past Diop for his first USL goal.

While Republic FC entered the match having scored a league-low two goals, the Galaxy II had a league-leading 17.

But Republic FC’s defense stayed resolute throughout in its fourth shutout. The defense’s three goals allowed are the fewest in the 29-team USL.

Los Angeles forward Jack McBean entered the match with a league-leading nine goals, but his best chance in stoppage time, a free kick from just above the box, deflected off the crossbar.

JJ Koval and Octavio Guzman of Republic FC had strong games in central midfield to support the back four of Klimenta, Chris Christian, Derek Foran and James Kiffe.

The Galaxy II had five players on loan from its Major League Soccer team, while Sacramento played without anyone from its MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes.

Republic FC returns home at 7:30 p.m. Saturday to play the Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Bonney Field.

This story was originally published May 7, 2016 at 10:24 PM with the headline "Republic FC ends drought with 2-0 win over LA Galaxy II."