July 17, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Sacramento, Calif. – For the first time this season, Republic FC fall at home, ending the record tying 12 match home-unbeaten streak. In a hard fought Saturday night matchup, Republic FC lose to Birmingham Legion FC, 1-0
Republic FC put the pressure on the visitors all night long, outshooting the Southern side 19-5, but couldn’t break through in the end to equalize. Two tough looks off the bar from Rodrigo Lopez, and a conservative defensive approach from the visitors kept Sacramento out of net.
The visitors made the most of a break in play to find the net in the 2nd minute. Legion caught Sacramento off guard in the middle of the pitch, with forward Juan Agudelo finding net off an Enzo Martinez assist.
Defensive work from Birmingham blocked three shots from Sacramento in the opening half, including two in rapid succession in the 10th and 12th minutes. Maalique Foster nearly tied things up at the half-hour mark, but excellent goalkeeping kept the chance from getting over the line. Sacramento continued to manufacture ahead of the halftime whistle – tallying 10 shots and nine chances created before the break.
Republic FC continued to press out of the break – Rodrigo Lopez put his fourth of six shots of the night off the left post in the 50th minute. Lopez had another shot go off the post in the 70th, firing from distance off a set piece opportunity only find the crossbar.
Birmingham parked the bus as the match went on, putting eleven men behind the ball to keep Sacramento from finding space to work up top. The Alabama club finished the contest with just five shots – and their second-minute score went down as their only attempt on frame for the night.
Republic FC now starts a stretch of three contests in eight days, beginning on the road against Phoenix Rising FC on July 23. The match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 App, and streaming live on ESPN+. Fans can join the club to watch the match in Midtown at At Ease Brewing Company for Keep the Pint Night. The Indomitable Club will return home on July 27 when Sporting Kansas City comes to Sacramento for the U.S. Open Cup semifinal.
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