Thomas Enevoldsen Earns Brace In His Sacramento Republic FC Debut
Aug 17, 2019, 11:55 PM | Updated: 11:55 pm
Photo via Sacramento Republic FC
A couple new faces took the pitch in maroon for the Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night. Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth and forward Thomas Enevoldsen were both brought in to provide a needed spark for Sacramento, who found themselves clinging onto the 10th and final playoff spot in the West heading into the match.
As the 4-0 win over the Colorado Switchbacks shows, they delivered more than just a spark.
On fireworks night at Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento put on a show with a relentless attack from the opening whistle. Jaime Villarreal opened up the scoring with a well-placed strike after some swift one-two passing with Keven Aleman. Sacramento took their one goal advantage into halftime.
The flood gates opened in the second half, beginning with Enevoldsen’s first goal in the 57th minute, off a composed pass from captain Cameron Iwasa.
Just minutes later, the 32-year-old newcomer scored his second, with a low shot that was awkwardly deflected into the netting by Colorado’s keeper.
Sacramento didn’t stop with a three goal advantage, enjoying the surge of goals that has alluded them at times this season. Iwasa, who tied former Republic defender Emrah Klimenta for most matches played in the club’s history, got himself onto the scorer’s sheet with a stunning strike late in the match. For Iwasa, it was his 11th goal of the season, leading his team.
Shuttleworth provided a couple of strong saves in his debut, earning the clean sheet.
The Republic earned a much-needed three points, putting them right back in the mix at the middle of the USL West playoff picture. However, their next match will be a challenge, as they face the first place Phoenix Rising FC, who are unbeaten in their last five matches.
