Republic FC Advance to Quarter Finals with 2-1 Win over New Mexico United
Oct 23, 2019, 10:03 PM | Updated: 10:03 pm
Photo via the Sacramento Republic FC
The Sacramento Republic FC weren’t expecting to have home field advantage at any point in the USL Playoffs this year, but ended up hosting New Mexico United for a win-or-go-home playoffs play-in match. Despite a very rough start, the Republic overcame New Mexico and have moved on to the USL West quarter finals.
The match couldn’t have began any worse for Sacramento, who conceded a goal without touching the ball. It only took New Mexico 18 seconds to find the back of the net, sucking all of the air out of Papa Murphy’s Park.
New Mexico would have another good chance early, forcing Sacramento keeper Bobby Shuttleworth to make a quick glove save, but after that it was all Republic. Sacramento dominated possession for the rest of the half, resulting in multiple chances to score throughout the 45 minutes.
Finally, a breakthrough came on the brink of halftime, when Keven Aleman found the ball at his feet with a simple tap-in.
The second half was more back and forth, with both teams trading possession in the middle of the park. Then, in the 82nd minute, Republic midfielder Sam Werner caught a glimpse of striker Thomas Enevoldsen making a run at the far post. What happened next was simply sensational.
New Mexico was unable to equalize in the final minutes, resulting in the win and advancement for Sacramento.
Saturday, the Republic FC will challenge Reno 1868 FC away from home in the next leg of the USL Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30pm.
