James Kiffe has been a stalwart member of Sacramento Republic FC’s back line since joining the club late in their inaugural season. After a grinding 1-0 win against Arizona United SC on Saturday, Kiffe was named to the USL Team of the Week in the second week of league play.
Kiffe was critical in helping Republic FC earn their second straight shutout, while also pushing forward to earn an assist on the match-winning goal scored by forward Cameron Iwasa.
James Kiffe has been a stalwart member of Sacramento Republic FC’s back line since joining the club late in their inaugural season. After a grinding 1-0 win against Arizona United SC on Saturday, Kiffe was named to the USL Team of the Week in the second week of league play.
Kiffe was critical in helping Republic FC earn their second straight shutout, while also pushing forward to earn an assist on the match-winning goal scored by forward Cameron Iwasa.
“On the goal that was 90% James getting up the wing,” said Iwasa about his teammate and the goal. “James is always working hard and getting up the left side, creating chances. He got crushed, taken out by a tackle, as he passed me the ball and I was able to finish. It was hard work to get us in that position.”
Not only did Kiffe make a critical offense play for the team, he alongside fellow defenders Emrah Klimenta, Derek Foran and Chris Christian have made up a tenacious back line that has just allowed one shot on goal so far in the 2016 USL season. Against Arizona United SC, Republic FC’s defense allowed just two shots, none on goal.
“It’s good to see [the back line] get recognition, we do all the dirty work I like to think,” said Klimenta. “James did really well picking up that ball up, getting crushed and in the process still getting it to Cam, who had a great finish.”
Kiffe is joined on the USL Team of the Week for week two by goalkeeper Mark Ridgers (Orlando City B), defenders Hugh Roberts (Richmond Kickers), Jacob VanCompernolle (Swope Park Rangers) and Harrison Delbridge (FC Cincinnati), midfielders Junior Flemmings (New York Red Bulls II), Vince Cicciarelli (Saint Louis FC) and David Estrada (Charlotte Independence) and forwards Jack McBean (LA Galaxy II), Jason Johnson (San Antonio FC) and Daniel Haber (Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2).
For more on this week’s Team of the Week, visit USLSoccer.com.
“On the goal that was 90% James getting up the wing,” said Iwasa about his teammate and the goal. “James is always working hard and getting up the left side, creating chances. He got crushed, taken out by a tackle, as he passed me the ball and I was able to finish. It was hard work to get us in that position.”
Not only did Kiffe make a critical offense play for the team, he alongside fellow defenders Emrah Klimenta, Derek Foran and Chris Christian have made up a tenacious back line that has just allowed one shot on goal so far in the 2016 USL season. Against Arizona United SC, Republic FC’s defense allowed just two shots, none on goal.
“It’s good to see [the back line] get recognition, we do all the dirty work I like to think,” said Klimenta. “James did really well picking up that ball up, getting crushed and in the process still getting it to Cam, who had a great finish.”
Kiffe is joined on the USL Team of the Week for week two by goalkeeper Mark Ridgers (Orlando City B), defenders Hugh Roberts (Richmond Kickers), Jacob VanCompernolle (Swope Park Rangers) and Harrison Delbridge (FC Cincinnati), midfielders Junior Flemmings (New York Red Bulls II), Vince Cicciarelli (Saint Louis FC) and David Estrada (Charlotte Independence) and forwards Jack McBean (LA Galaxy II), Jason Johnson (San Antonio FC) and Daniel Haber (Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2).
For more on this week’s Team of the Week, visit USLSoccer.com.
