The first half started out slow, as both teams measured each other out. Republic FC debuted four new faces in the starting lineup including Mike da Fonte, Chris Christian, Harry Williams and Evan Newton. The team looked in sync, with Republic FC’s backline disrupting every attack the Rapids attempted.
While the backline was solid, Republic FC had trouble breaking through to the final third of Colorado’s area and was unable to capitalize any shots on goal in the first half. Colorado took one shot on goal, but could not find the back of the net during the opening 45 minutes ending the half in a scoreless draw.
The first half started out slow, as both teams measured each other out. Republic FC debuted four new faces in the starting lineup including Mike da Fonte, Chris Christian, Harry Williams and Evan Newton. The team looked in sync, with Republic FC’s backline disrupting every attack the Rapids attempted.
While the backline was solid, Republic FC had trouble breaking through to the final third of Colorado’s area and was unable to capitalize any shots on goal in the first half. Colorado took one shot on goal, but could not find the back of the net during the opening 45 minutes ending the half in a scoreless draw.
In the second half, Colorado subbed every player except goalkeeper Zac MacMath, while Republic FC made just one sub with Derek Foran coming on for Williams.
Colorado had a few good looks on goal, with their most dangerous shots coming off free kicks. In the 52nd minute Colorado defender Marc Burch forced a great save from new Republic FC goalkeeper Newton. Burch took a free kick from just outside the penalty area directly on goal but Newton was there for a diving save.
Republic’s first good chance of the second half came in the 83rd minute when midfielder Max Alvarez took a turning shot after a great run down the middle. Just minutes later in the 85th minute, Mackenzie Pridham and Alex Risdale broke free of Colorado’s defense to make a great unmarked run down the right, but Risdale’s shot flew just wide of the goal.
In the 86th minute, the Rapids finally broke the deadlock after Republic FC committed a foul outside the 18-yard box. Burch again stepped up to take the free kick and sent in a perfect cross for AJ Cochran to just nudge it past Newton with a diving header putting the Rapids ahead 1-0.
Republic FC tried to launch a counter attack and force a draw, but the Rapids defense absorbed each of Republic FC’s attacks. The last few minutes saw four Republic FC corners but no Republic FC players could get a clear shot on goal to tie the match up, ending the first match of preseason in a loss for Republic FC.
“After nine days of preseason, which is a lot less than what the opposition had, we were very proud of the performance,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “Overall, I thought a draw would have been a fair result. They didn’t score on us in open play and I am pleased with that, we will have to tighten up with the set plays, but this was a very good start for us.”
Republic FC is back at Bonney Field Saturday, Feb. 20, when they host their MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes in the second of a series of MLS preseason friendlies. Tickets for the match are still available at Ticketmaster.com.
In the second half, Colorado subbed every player except goalkeeper Zac MacMath, while Republic FC made just one sub with Derek Foran coming on for Williams.
Colorado had a few good looks on goal, with their most dangerous shots coming off free kicks. In the 52nd minute Colorado defender Marc Burch forced a great save from new Republic FC goalkeeper Newton. Burch took a free kick from just outside the penalty area directly on goal but Newton was there for a diving save.
Republic’s first good chance of the second half came in the 83rd minute when midfielder Max Alvarez took a turning shot after a great run down the middle. Just minutes later in the 85th minute, Mackenzie Pridham and Alex Risdale broke free of Colorado’s defense to make a great unmarked run down the right, but Risdale’s shot flew just wide of the goal.
In the 86th minute, the Rapids finally broke the deadlock after Republic FC committed a foul outside the 18-yard box. Burch again stepped up to take the free kick and sent in a perfect cross for AJ Cochran to just nudge it past Newton with a diving header putting the Rapids ahead 1-0.
Republic FC tried to launch a counter attack and force a draw, but the Rapids defense absorbed each of Republic FC’s attacks. The last few minutes saw four Republic FC corners but no Republic FC players could get a clear shot on goal to tie the match up, ending the first match of preseason in a loss for Republic FC.
“After nine days of preseason, which is a lot less than what the opposition had, we were very proud of the performance,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “Overall, I thought a draw would have been a fair result. They didn’t score on us in open play and I am pleased with that, we will have to tighten up with the set plays, but this was a very good start for us.”
Republic FC is back at Bonney Field Saturday, Feb. 20, when they host their MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes in the second of a series of MLS preseason friendlies. Tickets for the match are still available at Ticketmaster.com.
Sacramento Republic FC 0:1 Colorado Rapids
Preseason Friendly
Bonney Field – Sacramento, CA
February 13, 2016 – Attendance: 10,240
Scoring Summary: COL – AJ Cochran (Marc Burch) 86.
Misconduct Summary: none
Colorado Rapids – Zac MacMath (Chris Froschaver 71), Dennis Castillo (Marc Burch 45), Stephen Keel (Sam Cronin 45), Axel Sjoberg (Dominique Badji 45), Mekeil Williams (Marlon Hairston 45), Jared Watts (Michael Azira 45), Dillon Powers (Bobby Burling 45), Zach Pfeffer (Caleb Calvert 45), Luis Solignac (Dillon Serna 45, Yann Ekra 76), Brian Ownby (Emmanuel Appiah 45), Kevin Doyle (AJ Cochran 45).
Subs Not Used: Bradley Kamdem, Brad Spencer.
Stats: Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 0, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 3, Offside: 1.
Sacramento Republic FC – Evan Newton; Emrah Klimenta, Agustin Cazarez (Matt LaGrassa 54), Mike da Fonte, Chris Christian; Alfonso Motagalvan (Alex Risdale 54), Ivan Mirković (Joaquin Rivas 73), Danny Barrera, Cameron Iwasa (Max Alvarez 54); Harry Williams (Derek Foran 45), Thomas Stewart (Mackenzie Pridham 54).
Subs Not Used: Alex Mangels, Octavio Guzman, Diego Lopez, Nabilai Kibunguchy, Joe Restani.
Stats: Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 0, Saves: 2, Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 5, Offside: 2.
Sacramento Republic FC 0:1 Colorado Rapids
Preseason Friendly
Bonney Field – Sacramento, CA
February 13, 2016 – Attendance: 10,240
Scoring Summary: COL – AJ Cochran (Marc Burch) 86.
Misconduct Summary: none
Colorado Rapids – Zac MacMath (Chris Froschaver 71), Dennis Castillo (Marc Burch 45), Stephen Keel (Sam Cronin 45), Axel Sjoberg (Dominique Badji 45), Mekeil Williams (Marlon Hairston 45), Jared Watts (Michael Azira 45), Dillon Powers (Bobby Burling 45), Zach Pfeffer (Caleb Calvert 45), Luis Solignac (Dillon Serna 45, Yann Ekra 76), Brian Ownby (Emmanuel Appiah 45), Kevin Doyle (AJ Cochran 45).
Subs Not Used: Bradley Kamdem, Brad Spencer.
Stats: Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 0, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 3, Offside: 1.
Sacramento Republic FC – Evan Newton; Emrah Klimenta, Agustin Cazarez (Matt LaGrassa 54), Mike da Fonte, Chris Christian; Alfonso Motagalvan (Alex Risdale 54), Ivan MirkoviÄ (Joaquin Rivas 73), Danny Barrera, Cameron Iwasa (Max Alvarez 54); Harry Williams (Derek Foran 45), Thomas Stewart (Mackenzie Pridham 54).
Subs Not Used: Alex Mangels, Octavio Guzman, Diego Lopez, Nabilai Kibunguchy, Joe Restani.
Stats: Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 0, Saves: 2, Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 5, Offside: 2.
