Team News

Three Takeaways from #PORvSAC

Republic FC left it until late to break both deadlocks and down Portland Timbers 2-1 in Oregon.

Wednesday’s win lifted the Indomitable Club’s current streak to five straight after a pair of stunning late strikes from Mario Penagos and Julian Chavez saw Sacramento pull off a dramatic road victory.

Many will remember the score line, but a powerful demonstration by the players set a solemn tone for all to witness. In the 7th minute, both T2 and SRFC stopped play and joined together at midfield to take a knee in solidarity over injustice and recognize a time for social change. The box score will reflect the final score, but the one minute and 46 seconds of two rivals taking a knee midgame reflects both sides’ push for diversity, equality and inclusivity.

With less than five minutes left in regulation and the match still tied at zero, the offensive explosion was yet to come. A flurry of goals from both teams saw a scoreless stalemate turn into a historic finish for two local youngsters.

Republic FC left it until late to break both deadlocks and down Portland Timbers 2-1 in Oregon.

Five Wins from Five Fixtures

The Indomitable Club have now racked up five consecutive wins from the last five straight matches as the squad continues to stay in contention for the top spot in Group A.

Republic FC are level on points with first place Reno 1868 FC with 21 but the Nevadan club’s +11 goal differential is the only bit of separation between the two sides while SRFC is currently +6.

The last time Sacramento won five straight USL Championship regular season fixtures was the inaugural campaign in 2014 when the eventual league champions won six straight games from July 27 to August 27.

Five Wins from Five Fixtures

The Indomitable Club have now racked up five consecutive wins from the last five straight matches as the squad continues to stay in contention for the top spot in Group A.

Republic FC are level on points with first place Reno 1868 FC with 21 but the Nevadan club’s +11 goal differential is the only bit of separation between the two sides while SRFC is currently +6.

SRFC Academy Stars Shine in Second Half

With the game tied in the 87th minute, Cameron Iwasa played a perfectly weighted ball to Mario Penagos who slammed his first career Championship goal by the T2 goalkeeper to grant his side a 1-0 lead. The strike was Penagos’ first on the USL stage after a decorated career with the academy where the local standout netted 54 career goals during USSDA play.

After Portland found a late equalizer, another SRFC Academy product stepped up to the big stage and showcased his maturity with a stunning curler that found its way into the near corner of the net. JuJu weaved through a pair of T2 defenders before powering his left-footed shot into goal to seal the win with the very last kick of the game.

Both Penagos and Chavez are just 18 years old, both spent a number of years developing their game in the Republic FC Academy system, and both look to have an extremely promising future ahead of them.

SRFC Academy Stars Shine in Second Half

Both Penagos and Chavez are just 18 years old, both spent a number of years developing their game in the Republic FC Academy system, and both look to have an extremely promising future ahead of them.

Defense Dons Another Powerful Performance

Over the course of the Indomitable Club’s five game winning streak, not once has the Republic FC defense allowed more than one goal in each of the five fixtures.

Wednesday’s match was another stout showing from the SRFC backline that nearly went the distance to notch a fifth clean sheet this season.

Centrally, Hayden Sargis finished the match with a 90.3% passing percentage while his fellow CB Matt Mahoney was heavily involved as well as he led his side in total passes (85) and helped set up the game winning goal. While in possession late in the match, Mahoney picked out Chavez on the wing who proceeded to etch his name in SRFC history with the game-winner at the death. Sargis and Mahoney also finished the afternoon tied for a team-best three interceptions.

On the flanks, Shannon Gomez – who started his first match in over one year – notched a team-high four tackles while Jordan McCrary lead Sacramento with three clearances in Portland.

Defense Dons Another Powerful Performance

Over the course of the Indomitable Club’s five game winning streak, not once has the Republic FC defense allowed more than one goal in each of the five fixtures.

Wednesday’s match was another stout showing from the SRFC backline that nearly went the distance to notch a fifth clean sheet this season.

On the flanks, Shannon Gomez – who started his first match in over one year – notched a team-high four tackles while Jordan McCrary lead Sacramento with three clearances in Portland.

RECAP: Republic FC 2-1 Portland Timbers 2

PORTLAND, Oregon (September 2, 2020) – In the dying moments of the match on Wednesday afternoon, Mario Penagos and Julian Chavez – two products of the Academy development pipeline – scored their first career goals with the first team. Their late match efforts ensured that all three points head back to Sacramento after a thrilling 2-1 win over Portland Timbers 2.

“It's amazing for them, amazing for their development. We needed something in the moment. We needed something special and both of our Academy players stepped up and provided something special for the team,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “That's just rewarding for everyone in general, so I'm over the moon for Mario and Juju. They deserve to be rewarded for the goals they've scored and giving them time in crucial moments shows the trust we have in them.”

“It’s amazing for them, amazing for their development. We needed something in the moment. We needed something special and both of our Academy players stepped up and provided something special for the team,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “That’s just rewarding for everyone in general, so I’m over the moon for Mario and Juju. They deserve to be rewarded for the goals they’ve scored and giving them time in crucial moments shows the trust we have in them.”

In the seventh minute of the game, both Western Conference rivals halted play and came together to take a collective knee at midfield for a powerful demonstration in support of social justice and recognize the fight for equality, inclusivity and diversity.

The two teams entered the break scoreless but were creating plenty of chances with the final opportunity before the whistle from Timbers 2 forcing goalkeeper Rafael Diaz to make a save on his near post from close range.

But the Sacramento shot stopper wasn’t done coming up big for his side and in the 75th minute, the GK made a veteran play after a long ball was played to an open Giovanni Calixtro with nothing but Rafa and goal in front of him. As the T2 forward tried to lob his effort over Diaz, Rafa – who was well out of the box – knew exactly where he was on the pitch and threw his shoulder into the shot to deflect to the side. Diaz then chased the shot, beat Calixtro to the loose ball to head it back into his own box where he safely secured the ball.

The Indomitable Club took the lead late after Penagos netted in the 87th to lift his side to a 1-0 lead. Chavez delivered a pass to Cameron Iwasa at the top of the box and with his first touch the career 50-goal scorer played a delicate ball to Penagos surging towards net and all the midfielder had to do was steer his shot by the T2 GK to gift SRFC a 1-0 advantage and collect his first career goal.

The hosts were quick to respond and in the second minute of stoppage time when Max Ornstil found Dyson Clapier, who bagged the late equalizer.

But SRFC were far from finished and with the last kick of the game, Chavez danced around his defender and delivered a curling left-footed effort that carved its way into the near corner of the net to secure a stunning 2-1 road win. The goal was also Chavez’s first with the first team during Championship play and elevated the boys in Old Glory Red's current winning streak to five straight fixtures.

The hosts were quick to respond and in the second minute of stoppage time when Max Ornstil found Dyson Clapier, who bagged the late equalizer.

But SRFC were far from finished and with the last kick of the game, Chavez danced around his defender and delivered a curling left-footed effort that carved its way into the near corner of the net to secure a stunning 2-1 road win. The goal was also Chavez’s first with the first team during Championship play and elevated the boys in Old Glory Red’s current winning streak to five straight fixtures.

Mark Briggs' men return home for another midweek matchup when OCSC visits Papa Murphy’s Park on Wednesday, September 9. Sacramento is currently level with Reno 1868 FC on 21 points but Republic FC trails its regional rival solely on goal differential with +6 compared to Reno's +11.

Mark Briggs’ men return home for another midweek matchup when OCSC visits Papa Murphy’s Park on Wednesday, September 9. Sacramento is currently level with Reno 1868 FC on 21 points but Republic FC trails its regional rival solely on goal differential with +6 compared to Reno’s +11.

Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 Portland Timbers 2
USL Championship
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
September 2, 2020

Scoring Summary:SAC – Mario Penagos (Cameron Iwasa) 87’, Julian Chavez (Matt Mahoney) 90+6’; POR – Dyson Clapier (Max Ornstil) 90+2’.

Misconduct Summary:SAC – Drew Skundrich (caution) 49’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 72’, Shannon Gomez (caution) 81’; Marcus Epps (caution) 80’.

Sacramento Republic FC – Rafael Diaz; Shannon Gomez, Hayden Sargis, Matt Mahoney, Jordan McCrary, Rodrigo Lopez, Drew Skundrich ©, Ashkanov Apollon (Mario Penagos 86’), Dariusz Formella (Villyan Bijev 72’), Sam Werner (Julian Chavez 82’), Cameron Iwasa.

Unused substitutes: Brady Scott, Dekel Keinan, Rafael Jauregui, Jaime Villarreal.

Stats– Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 10, Offsides: 3.

Portland Timbers 2–Hunter Sulte;Harold Hanson, Marcus Epps ©, Isaac Homer (Gerardo Duran 89’), Max Ornstil, Aedan Stanley, Aaron Molloy, Jose Anguiano, Salvador Villegas (Tega Ikoba 57’), Giovanni Calixtro, Dyson Clapier.

Unused substitutes: Jake Leeker, Cullen Wilkerson, Jorge Gonzalez.

Stats– Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 0, Fouls: 7, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 2.

Scoring Summary:SAC – Mario Penagos (Cameron Iwasa) 87’, Julian Chavez (Matt Mahoney) 90+6’; POR – Dyson Clapier (Max Ornstil) 90+2’.

Misconduct Summary:SAC – Drew Skundrich (caution) 49’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 72’, Shannon Gomez (caution) 81’; Marcus Epps (caution) 80’.

Unused substitutes: Brady Scott, Dekel Keinan, Rafael Jauregui, Jaime Villarreal.

Stats– Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 10, Offsides: 3.

Unused substitutes: Jake Leeker, Cullen Wilkerson, Jorge Gonzalez.

Stats– Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 0, Fouls: 7, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 2.

In Their Own Words: We Want to Hold Ourselves to a High Standard. We Want to be that Top Team.

For the second time in as many matches, Republic FC will clash with fellow Group A rivals Portland Timbers 2 as the Pacific Northwest Club still looks to obtain its first point in 2020.

Mark Briggs’ men are currently on a four-game winning streak and are very much on the heels of Reno 1868 FC for first place in the group. A win on Wednesday would not only keep pace with SRFC’s regional rival as both sides would be level with 21 points each, but if SRFC can slam a few goals by T2 to improve the club’s goal differential, sitting at the summit of Group A at the end of the day isn’t entirely out of the question.

But before the Western Conference clubs go head-to-head in the Pacific Northwest, it’s time to see what the Indomitable Club had to say heading into the third of four regular season fixtures against Portland.

For the second time in as many matches, Republic FC will clash with fellow Group A rivals Portland Timbers 2 as the Pacific Northwest Club still looks to obtain its first point in 2020.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the club’s current four-game win streak…
“We don’t really think about it, we just focus on the next game. Portland is our next game and that’s what we’re focused on, just trying to show the same attention to detail, the same focus, and hopefully get the same three points.”

“It’s nice to get on a little run, get the confidence high, get the fans and the community excited. But we just have to focus on the next game, the next opposition, and get the next win.”

On the offensive weapons T2 has in the lineup…
“They have dangerous players. They have players that can still hurt you, so we need to show the same focus, show the same attention to detail, show the same intensity as if we were playing any opponent, winless or not.”

On wanting to see his side put together a complete performance on Wednesday…
“That’s what we’re looking for. That was the challenge to the players yesterday. We’ve put together 45 minutes, we’ve put together 60 minutes, but we haven’t put together 90 minutes so for me, that’s the goal. We need to start putting in full performances.”

“It’s nice to get on a little run, get the confidence high, get the fans and the community excited. But we just have to focus on the next game, the next opposition, and get the next win.”

Shannon Gomez

On preparing for T2 this week…
“There was talk in the locker room of not becoming complacent and wanting to go into every game confident. We’re not taking any team for granted, we want to go in and put in a solid all-around performance.”

On the club’s current win streak…
“The goal is always to go out and win. When you think about winning four games in a row, it’s a motivating factor, but every game is like a final. Getting wins is your job at the end of the day, so we just go out and do our job and if it’s five, seven, ten [wins], we just enjoy winning and that’s something we want to continue doing.”

On competing for the top spot in Group A…
“When you’re in a group, you want to be the top team that everybody wants to beat and we’re certainly aiming to be that team. Everybody wants to be in the top position, that is what we aspire to. We want to hold ourselves to a high standard and we want to be that top team. We’ll continue grinding, continue to try to win as much as we can and piece together everything, we need to piece together to get more wins and get that top spot in the group.”

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2

At a Glance: #PORvSAC

Wednesday, September 2
12:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
How to Watch: KQCA My58 (English), Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)

At a Glance: #PORvSAC

Wednesday, September 2
12:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
How to Watch: KQCA My58 (English), Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)

What's the latest on the team?

Republic FC (5-1-3, 18 pts) made it four straight wins from the last four consecutive fixtures after Mark Briggs’ men came-from-behind to earn all three points at home against Portland Timbers 2 on August 22, 2-1.

T2 took an early lead in the 23rd minute when Jorge Gonzalez scored for the visitors. The goal was just the second time all season Rafael Diaz – who recently earned the USL Championship Fans’ Choice Save of the Week for his stunning stop against Reno to preserve a crucial 1-0 win – has been beaten in net. Diaz made a pair of stellar stops in the first half to keep his side within one strike of Timbers 2. The save was one of four Diaz made on the night to help preserve the win.

What’s the latest on the team?

In the 60th minute, Ashkanov Apollon delivered a cross that found Drew Skundrich in front of net and all the midfielder had to do was guide his attempt into goal and register his second strike of the season. Ash’s assist was the first of his Sacramento career and his USL Championship Team of the Week selection in Week 8 from his performance against Tacoma was also his first.

A resilient Republic FC side finally secured its first lead of the match in the 69th minute when Jordan McCrary steered a perfectly weighted ball into space for Cameron Iwasa to fire by the visiting goalkeeper. McCrary’s performance earned the defender USL Championship Team of the Week honors after setting up Iwasa’s game-winner and providing a solid performance on both the offensive and defensive fronts.

In the 84th minute, Shannon Gomez made his first appearance since playing the full 90 minutes against Orange County SC in late-July 2019 when the right back entered the match as a second half substitute for Belmar.

What about the hosts?

Since the last time Sacramento played Portland Timbers 2 (0-6-0, 0 pts), the Pacific Northwest club was dealt a 3-2 loss at home against LA Galaxy II on August 26.

Los Dos took a first half lead before Max Ornstil leveled the match for T2 in the 69th minute. LA nabbed two more goals to go up 3-1 before an Aaron Molloy strike nine minutes into injury time cut the deficit in half but the late goal wasn’t enough as Portland continued its search for its first point on the 2020 campaign.

Timbers 2 was expecting to play Tacoma Defiance in Oregon on Sunday, but the match was postponed.

What about the hosts?

Since the last time Sacramento played Portland Timbers 2 (0-6-0, 0 pts), the Pacific Northwest club was dealt a 3-2 loss at home against LA Galaxy II on August 26.

Timbers 2 was expecting to play Tacoma Defiance in Oregon on Sunday, but the match was postponed.

Portland’s 28 goals conceded is the most allowed in the USL Championship this season and T2’s seven goals scored offensively is tied for the least number of goals scored in the Western Conference alongside San Diego Loyal SC, OKC Energy FC and Real Monarchs.

Head-to-Head

Republic FC will look to make it two wins from two trips to the City of Roses when the two Group A rivals clash midweek in Portland. Wednesday's game will be the third of four total fixtures between the two sides during the regular season.

Republic FC will look to make it two wins from two trips to the City of Roses when the two Group A rivals clash midweek in Portland. Wednesday’s game will be the third of four total fixtures between the two sides during the regular season.

Heading into the last match between these two clubs – a 2-1 win for Republic FC in Sacramento – the last 11 straight meetings were won by the team that found the back of the net first. But the boys in Old Glory Red broke that trend after bagging a pair of second half strikes to overcome a first half deficit and earn all three points to keep pace with Reno at the top of the Group A standings.

Not once have these two Western Conference clubs played to a draw.

Overall (USL Championship Regular Season): 8-5-0
Home: 5-1-0 (GF: 11, GA: 3)
Away: 3-4-0 (GF: 7, 5)

Not once have these two Western Conference clubs played to a draw.

Overall (USL Championship Regular Season): 8-5-0
Home: 5-1-0 (GF: 11, GA: 3)
Away: 3-4-0 (GF: 7, 5)

Republic FC Acquires Goalkeeper Brady Scott on Loan from Nashville SC

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC announced today the club has acquired goalkeeper Brady Scott on loan from Nashville SC for the remainder of the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.

“Brady is a top-quality goalkeeper and we’re thrilled to have him back in his native Northern California,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He is a welcome addition to our talented group of goalkeepers and we look forward to integrating him into the club.”

The Petaluma native returns to Northern California after three years with FC Köln of the German Bundesliga. Before signing with Nashville SC earlier this month, Brady made 29 appearances for Köln’s second team, recording five shutouts, as well as three appearances for FC Köln’s U-19 squad, with shutouts in two of the three matches.

In 2018, Brady manned the net for the United States U-20 side that won the CONCACAF Championship. His performance earned him the Golden Glove, recognizing the best goalkeeper at the tournament as well as a spot on the tournament’s Best XI Team.

Scott’s performance led the United States to its second consecutive confederation title while allowing only two goals in six matches at the tournament. In tournament play, he recorded three clean sheets, including a matchup against Mexico in the final.

Brady will join Republic FC this week in preparation for its next match against Portland Timbers 2.

TRANSACTION: Sacramento Republic FC acquire goalkeeper Brady Scott on loan from Nashville SC on August 25.

Brady Scott
Position: Goalkeeper
Height:  6-2
Weight:  172
Birthdate: June 30, 1999
Age: 21
Hometown:  Petaluma, California
Nationality:  United States
Last club: Nashville SC
How Acquired: Loan

TRANSACTION: Sacramento Republic FC acquire goalkeeper Brady Scott on loan from Nashville SC on August 25.

Brady Scott
Position: Goalkeeper
Height:â¯ 6-2
Weight:â¯ 172
Birthdate: June 30, 1999
Age: 21
Hometown:â¯ Petaluma, California
Nationality:â¯ United States
Last club: Nashville SC
How Acquired: Loan

McCrary Earns Team of the Week Honors

Jordan McCrary’s defensive efforts and contributions to the team’s game winning goal against Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night earned the Republic FC defender a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week.

McCrary – who now leads the team in assists with two – set up the squad’s second goal of the game when the right back broke Portland’s backline with a through ball to Cameron Iwasa, who pushed the Indomitable Club ahead for good.

Not only was McCrary credited with the game-winning assist, but his staunch defensive play helped preserve the club’s fourth straight win. He won six of eight duels, recorded two clearances, one interception and led the team with three tackles.

The defender currently leads Sacramento with 20 interceptions on the season and is second on the squad in tackles (21), tackles won (13) and duels won (44). He's also been a force on the offensive end as his seven scoring chances created are tied for the most on the team by a defender alongside Ashkanov Apollon.

The defender currently leads Sacramento with 20 interceptions on the season and is second on the squad in tackles (21), tackles won (13) and duels won (44). He’s also been a force on the offensive end as his seven scoring chances created are tied for the most on the team by a defender alongside Ashkanov Apollon.

McCrary is the Indomitable Club’s seventh Team of the Week selection during the 2020 campaign – fourth to the starting eleven TOTW after Formella picked up a pair of honors this season and Ashkanov Apollon being named to his first career selection for Week 8. A trio of SRFC players have been named to the TOTW bench including Juan Barahona for Week 1, Hayden Sargis for Week 7 and Iwasa for Week 8.

Republic FC head North to Portland for the third match in the series against Timbers 2 on Wednesday, September 2. The match will be broadcast locally on KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento, as well as streamed on ESPN+.

In Their Own Words: It Shows We Have the Character, the Desire, and the Ability to Get Back in Games

In four straight fixtures, Republic FC have earned all three points in each match and Saturday night's performance was a first for Mark Briggs' men this season as SRFC came from a goal down to secure the dramatic win.

After the contest, the gaffer and his squad were beaming with delight and had plenty of positives to reflect on following the victory.

In four straight fixtures, Republic FC have earned all three points in each match and Saturday night’s performance was a first for Mark Briggs’ men this season as SRFC came from a goal down to secure the dramatic win.

After the contest, the gaffer and his squad were beaming with delight and had plenty of positives to reflect on following the victory.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On tonight’s match…
"Tonight was a tale of two halves to be quite frank. I think the first half was non-existent. No intensity. No desire. No passion. Not willing to get on the ball, the way that we wanted them. We made a few adjustments in midfield for the second half. Which I felt gave us a little bit more of an advantage in the middle of the park and didn't give them so much space to play."

"And we became a little more aggressive and move the ball a lot quicker with a lot more intensity and score two goals what we should have scored more, we have to continue to work on that aspect of the game. Because we leave teams in games and that's a dangerous thing to be doing."

On Rafa Diaz’s performance…
"As a goalkeeper that's why you’re paid to do. You’re paid to make important saves at important times, and Rafa’s doing it in abundance at the moment. And I'm really happy for him. He's grabbed the shirt with both hands, and he continues to make big saves when we need big saves. So no, I'm really pleased for Rafa. He’s flying at the moment. You can see his confidence growing. The players trust him. I trust him."

On Shannon Gomez’ return to the pitch…
"I just pulled all the players in and gave them my thoughts on the game and gave them credit for their second half performance, and then I pulled Shannon in and just gave him the credit he deserves. Shannon's been through hell for the past year, and it's a mental challenge when you you go through what Shannon has gone through."

"To stay focused and stay strong and still continue to try and see the light at the end of the tunnel and Shannon's done that. And it was funny because when I called his name tonight, he looked at Jaime and said, “did coach just call my name?” With a big smile on his face and Jaime said yes and then his eyes lit up and he came jogging towards me. And that's what it meant for him so I'm over the moon for Shannon to get back on the field and Shannon's an important player he can add a lot to us. "

On the team’s turnaround after half…
"It doesn't always happen the way you want it to. You can’t always play the greatest football and you can't go out there and beat teams four or five nil every time you step on the field."

"So for us to be 1-0 down and could have been two zero down. It shows character it shows when we're in uncomfortable positions and when we're in uncomfortable moments, it shows that we have the character, we have the desire and we also have the ability to get back in games and put games in the direction that we want them to go in. You don't always want to go, one, zero down but I'm really happy with the character that we show to get back into the game. And obviously take the three points after being down."

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On tonight’s match…
“Tonight was a tale of two halves to be quite frank. I think the first half was non-existent. No intensity. No desire. No passion. Not willing to get on the ball, the way that we wanted them. We made a few adjustments in midfield for the second half. Which I felt gave us a little bit more of an advantage in the middle of the park and didn’t give them so much space to play.”

“And we became a little more aggressive and move the ball a lot quicker with a lot more intensity and score two goals what we should have scored more, we have to continue to work on that aspect of the game. Because we leave teams in games and that’s a dangerous thing to be doing.”

On Rafa Diaz’s performance…
“As a goalkeeper that’s why you’re paid to do. You’re paid to make important saves at important times, and Rafa’s doing it in abundance at the moment. And I’m really happy for him. He’s grabbed the shirt with both hands, and he continues to make big saves when we need big saves. So no, I’m really pleased for Rafa. He’s flying at the moment. You can see his confidence growing. The players trust him. I trust him.”

On Shannon Gomez’ return to the pitch…
“I just pulled all the players in and gave them my thoughts on the game and gave them credit for their second half performance, and then I pulled Shannon in and just gave him the credit he deserves. Shannon’s been through hell for the past year, and it’s a mental challenge when you you go through what Shannon has gone through.”

“To stay focused and stay strong and still continue to try and see the light at the end of the tunnel and Shannon’s done that. And it was funny because when I called his name tonight, he looked at Jaime and said, “did coach just call my name?” With a big smile on his face and Jaime said yes and then his eyes lit up and he came jogging towards me. And that’s what it meant for him so I’m over the moon for Shannon to get back on the field and Shannon’s an important player he can add a lot to us. “

On the team’s turnaround after half…
“It doesn’t always happen the way you want it to. You can’t always play the greatest football and you can’t go out there and beat teams four or five nil every time you step on the field.”

“So for us to be 1-0 down and could have been two zero down. It shows character it shows when we’re in uncomfortable positions and when we’re in uncomfortable moments, it shows that we have the character, we have the desire and we also have the ability to get back in games and put games in the direction that we want them to go in. You don’t always want to go, one, zero down but I’m really happy with the character that we show to get back into the game. And obviously take the three points after being down.”

Drew Skundrich

Overview of the match…
"Obviously great win, great team effort in the second to battle back from one nil down, and to get those goals that was huge. It showed immense character with the group. I'm really proud of how resilient we were on the field. We didn't start the game that we wanted to we didn't come out with the right energy and attitude. But we grew into the game we moved it side to side, kept the ball flowing, and we created chances and we took those chances so I'm happy that we won."

On Timbers 2 goal…
"I was holding midfield role, just for that play, and I saw in front of me some guys that in my opinion weren't working hard enough defensively we weren't shifting side to side we weren't on the same page weren't connected. So that was frustrating for me and I have to put that on myself as well because I wasn't talking to them at that moment telling them to shift to keep working. So that's something that I need to improve on and something that we need to improve on as a group. And once they scored I was furious I don't like conceding. I just tried to try to hold people accountable, and then it got better from there."

On the locker room at half…
"Briggs made some tactical changes, pushing me higher. Me and Darek were almost playing as two attacking mids and Roro was sitting deeper, because we wanted to press on we knew we had to go after the game. Roro was able to open up the game for us with his great range of passing. And we created chances from there, and we knew we had to hit the target with our chances. I had one earlier that the goalie saved, hit the post. That was unfortunate not to go in, but we knew we had to keep going, no matter what. And that's what I'm really proud of, from this group is our resilience to keep going for that first goal and then that second game-winner from Cam."

On his goal…
"I'm not sure how it got to Ash. But I just remember I saw him get it out wide and he's a player that will take his defender on 1-v-1and try to get a service in the box. I think Cam made a great run to the near post. So I was just falling behind, and the ball just skips through Cam and his defender and came straight to me and I just tried to redirect it on target and then it went in. "

On the team finding rhythm…
"Coming out of the break we wanted to focus more on the defensive side of things, trying to lock up in the back, trying to keep clean sheets, and we've done well with goals against thus far. So, as soon as we have that foundation, we wanted to create more chances to work on building out in practice to work on patterns, stuff like that. The finishing, getting on the same page team chemistry. That's something that we've been working on but we can't get away from the foundation that is keeping shutouts defending as a unit."

On Shannon’s return…
"He's an incredible guy. His mentality is awesome. He was he was grinding for the last year, you know a torn ACL is nothing easy to come back from. But he kept his head down. He worked so hard. And it's easy to just give up in those moments to feel bad for yourself but he didn't do that he kept pushing through everything day by day, it’s a long process every single player on the field congratulated him. Everyone was so, so happy so emotional for him to see him out in the field doing what he does doing what he loves to do it was incredible. He's an inspiration to all of us."

Drew Skundrich

Overview of the match…
“Obviously great win, great team effort in the second to battle back from one nil down, and to get those goals that was huge. It showed immense character with the group. I’m really proud of how resilient we were on the field. We didn’t start the game that we wanted to we didn’t come out with the right energy and attitude. But we grew into the game we moved it side to side, kept the ball flowing, and we created chances and we took those chances so I’m happy that we won.”

On Timbers 2 goal…
“I was holding midfield role, just for that play, and I saw in front of me some guys that in my opinion weren’t working hard enough defensively we weren’t shifting side to side we weren’t on the same page weren’t connected. So that was frustrating for me and I have to put that on myself as well because I wasn’t talking to them at that moment telling them to shift to keep working. So that’s something that I need to improve on and something that we need to improve on as a group. And once they scored I was furious I don’t like conceding. I just tried to try to hold people accountable, and then it got better from there.”

On the locker room at half…
“Briggs made some tactical changes, pushing me higher. Me and Darek were almost playing as two attacking mids and Roro was sitting deeper, because we wanted to press on we knew we had to go after the game. Roro was able to open up the game for us with his great range of passing. And we created chances from there, and we knew we had to hit the target with our chances. I had one earlier that the goalie saved, hit the post. That was unfortunate not to go in, but we knew we had to keep going, no matter what. And that’s what I’m really proud of, from this group is our resilience to keep going for that first goal and then that second game-winner from Cam.”

On his goal…
“I’m not sure how it got to Ash. But I just remember I saw him get it out wide and he’s a player that will take his defender on 1-v-1and try to get a service in the box. I think Cam made a great run to the near post. So I was just falling behind, and the ball just skips through Cam and his defender and came straight to me and I just tried to redirect it on target and then it went in. “

On the team finding rhythm…
“Coming out of the break we wanted to focus more on the defensive side of things, trying to lock up in the back, trying to keep clean sheets, and we’ve done well with goals against thus far. So, as soon as we have that foundation, we wanted to create more chances to work on building out in practice to work on patterns, stuff like that. The finishing, getting on the same page team chemistry. That’s something that we’ve been working on but we can’t get away from the foundation that is keeping shutouts defending as a unit.”

On Shannon’s return…
“He’s an incredible guy. His mentality is awesome. He was he was grinding for the last year, you know a torn ACL is nothing easy to come back from. But he kept his head down. He worked so hard. And it’s easy to just give up in those moments to feel bad for yourself but he didn’t do that he kept pushing through everything day by day, it’s a long process every single player on the field congratulated him. Everyone was so, so happy so emotional for him to see him out in the field doing what he does doing what he loves to do it was incredible. He’s an inspiration to all of us.”

Shannon Gomez

Recap of tonight’s match…
"We've won of the past couple of games and tonight was one of those games that we really needed to keep it going, confidence wise and to keep building on great performances and to piece together all the good things we've been doing and training and working on."

"Personally for me was a memorable game, being out for so long and coming back and contributing to the team all over again it's just something spectacular to me and it’s an emotional day for me and hopefully I was an inspiration to somebody else tonight. The team did a great job coming back from behind to win the game and put it in a perfect position for me to come on to field. We're happy to get another win and keep the ball rolling."

On having his name called…
"It was a moment that shocked me. I heard him call my name and I was like he's definitely not talking to me, I'm gonna do more sprints, I'm just gonna mind my business. And he was like, yeah, I'm talking to you yeah get ready you’re going in and I was like, Oh my God my heart started beating really fast, the moments here. I got to be ready and right away I went into defensive mode, I was ready, just to tackle somebody and I'm thankful that he trusted me in that moment to return to the pitch and give all I can, even if it's a couple of minutes just him believing in me again is something amazing and I am very thankful to the club for that."

On Grinwis, similar injury and next steps…
"I'm 100% confident in Adam and this is one of the guys that didn't even know me when he came here and he just saw me injured when he got here. And right away I could tell like we connected, our energies were just you know intact and he would come and talk to me words of inspiration and just by the way he spoke I could tell this guy has an amazing spirit about him. I spoke to him when he got injured and I said listen sometimes we question the most hard working guys and the guys that put their head down and give 110% for their team are the ones that ended up injured and you start questioning everything and sometimes we don't know what a plan is for us and we're lucky to have people around us that are going to go through this with us and he's been one of those guys that sat down with me from day one."

"He'll text me on my off day and he'd say hey man how's your day going and he's just been right by my side, most of the time and even my roommate, Jaime. I'm pretty sure with the people that are charge of us coming back to full fitness like Katie and Luke and Betty, these are people they're like mother figures, father figures to you and they really take care of you. I think with the right attitude and he's a model figure for that right attitude and I think he's gonna come back, 110%. He’s a great player but he’s been having a great attitude so far and no doubt he's coming back stronger and better from his injury."

Shannon Gomez

Recap of tonight’s match…
“We’ve won of the past couple of games and tonight was one of those games that we really needed to keep it going, confidence wise and to keep building on great performances and to piece together all the good things we’ve been doing and training and working on.”

“Personally for me was a memorable game, being out for so long and coming back and contributing to the team all over again it’s just something spectacular to me and it’s an emotional day for me and hopefully I was an inspiration to somebody else tonight. The team did a great job coming back from behind to win the game and put it in a perfect position for me to come on to field. We’re happy to get another win and keep the ball rolling.”

On having his name called…
“It was a moment that shocked me. I heard him call my name and I was like he’s definitely not talking to me, I’m gonna do more sprints, I’m just gonna mind my business. And he was like, yeah, I’m talking to you yeah get ready you’re going in and I was like, Oh my God my heart started beating really fast, the moments here. I got to be ready and right away I went into defensive mode, I was ready, just to tackle somebody and I’m thankful that he trusted me in that moment to return to the pitch and give all I can, even if it’s a couple of minutes just him believing in me again is something amazing and I am very thankful to the club for that.”

On Grinwis, similar injury and next steps…
“I’m 100% confident in Adam and this is one of the guys that didn’t even know me when he came here and he just saw me injured when he got here. And right away I could tell like we connected, our energies were just you know intact and he would come and talk to me words of inspiration and just by the way he spoke I could tell this guy has an amazing spirit about him. I spoke to him when he got injured and I said listen sometimes we question the most hard working guys and the guys that put their head down and give 110% for their team are the ones that ended up injured and you start questioning everything and sometimes we don’t know what a plan is for us and we’re lucky to have people around us that are going to go through this with us and he’s been one of those guys that sat down with me from day one.”

“He’ll text me on my off day and he’d say hey man how’s your day going and he’s just been right by my side, most of the time and even my roommate, Jaime. I’m pretty sure with the people that are charge of us coming back to full fitness like Katie and Luke and Betty, these are people they’re like mother figures, father figures to you and they really take care of you. I think with the right attitude and he’s a model figure for that right attitude and I think he’s gonna come back, 110%. He’s a great player but he’s been having a great attitude so far and no doubt he’s coming back stronger and better from his injury.”

Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 Portland Timbers 2

SACRAMENTO, California (August 22, 2020) – A resilient Republic FC side stormed back from a goal down at home to prevail 2-1 over Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park.

The win not only secured all three points to keep the Indomitable Club firmly in contention for the top spot in Group A and hot on Reno 1868 FC’s tail, but the triumph also upped SRFC’s winning streak to four straight games.

The visitors took an early lead in the 23rd minute when Jorge Gonzalez hammered a close-range attempt into the back of the net to gift the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

The goal was just the second time in five games Rafael Diaz – who recently was honored with Save of the Week – has been beaten in net all season. Diaz made a pair of stellar stops in the first half to keep his side within one strike of Timbers 2. Rafa was a rock in net during the second half as well, finishing the night with four saves to help preserve the comeback win.

Republic FC were unable to beat the visiting goalkeeper in the opening 45 minutes, but Mark Briggs’ men did manage to create six chances and none better than just a few minutes before the break when Cameron Iwasa’s shot from inside the box was saved by T2’s Hunter Sulte.

The boys in Old Glory Red thought they equalized in the 52nd minute when Drew Skundrich’s right-footed effort collided with the ‘keeper and bounced towards what looked like the corner of the net but the shot kissed the inside of the woodwork and sailed directly into the Portland GK’s hands.

But on the hour mark, Ashkanov Apollon – who earned his first career USL Team of the Week selection this past week – rifled a low cross from the left flank into the box that made its way to Skundrich who steered his first touch into goal and tally his second strike of the season. Ash was credited with the assist that leveled the match at one-all – the first assist off his Sacramento career.

Republic FC then secured its first lead of the match in the 69th minute when Jordan McCrary delivered a sensational ball into space for Iwasa to slam by Sulte and score the eventual game-winner. Kharlton Belmar spotted an open McCrary who quickly provided a dangerous ball back into Portland’s box that the Sacramento native simply guided into net for his 51st career goal – 49th with the Indomitable Club.

In the 84th minute, Shannon Gomez made his first appearance since August 2019 when the defender entered the match for Belmar.

Next up for Republic FC is a second straight game against Timbers 2 but the upcoming fixture between the Group A rivals will be played in the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday, September 2 at 7:30 p.m. PT. The midweek matchup will be the third of four regular season games between SRFC and T2 with the final showdown set for October 3 in Sacramento.

Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 Portland Timbers 2
USL Championship
Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, CA
August 22, 2020

Scoring Summary: POR – Jorge Gonzalez (Jose Anguiano) 23’; SAC – Drew Skundrich (Ashkanov Apollon) 60’, Cameron Iwasa (Jordan McCrary) 69’.

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 45’, Ashkanov Apollon (caution) 82’; POR – Aaron Molloy (caution) 75’

Sacramento Republic FC – Rafael Diaz; Ashkanov Apollon, Hayden Sargis, Tomas Hilliard-Arce (Matt Mahoney 45’), Jordan McCrary, Rodrigo Lopez, Drew Skundrich©, Dariusz Formella, Villyan Bijev (Sam Werner 70’), Kharlton Belmar (Shannon Gomez 84’), Cameron Iwasa (Mario Penagos 84’).

Unused substitutes: Diego Ramos, Rafael Jauregui, Jaime Villarreal.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 4, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 3.

Portland Timbers 2 –Hunter Sulte;Harold Hanson, Mamadou Danso (Mitchell Ferguson 78’), Aedan Stanley, Aaron Molloy, Jose Anguiano, Max Ornstil, Marcus Epps ©, Salvador Villegas, Giovanni Calixtro, Jorge Gonzalez (Gerardo Duran 85’).

Unused substitutes: Jake Leeker, Isaac Homer, Cullen Wilkerson.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 2.

Scoring Summary: POR – Jorge Gonzalez (Jose Anguiano) 23’; SAC – Drew Skundrich (Ashkanov Apollon) 60’, Cameron Iwasa (Jordan McCrary) 69’.

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 45’, Ashkanov Apollon (caution) 82’; POR – Aaron Molloy (caution) 75’

Unused substitutes: Diego Ramos, Rafael Jauregui, Jaime Villarreal.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 4, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 3.

Unused substitutes: Jake Leeker, Isaac Homer, Cullen Wilkerson.

Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 2.

Calming Confidence: Diaz Weathers Republic’s Toughest 11 Day Stretch

Over the course of 11 days, Rafa Diaz has a remarkable tale to tell, from getting the call to anchor the defense for the first time this season against Orange County SC – a match that eventually would be postponed just before kickoff out of caution for the safety of everyone involved – to claiming three clean sheets in three matches, vaulting the Indomitable Club up the Group A table.

Underneath the calm demeanor and soothing presence on the pitch, Rafa’s constant preparation and confidence in his team has him ready to snap into action at a moment’s notice.

Over an incredibly difficult three-match stretch with two games on the road, the Indomitable Club’s goalkeeper has slammed the door shut on allowing an opposing team to score against him – a feat in SRFC history that hasn’t been done in over two years. He clawed at the club’s record books with an impressive 320 consecutive shutout minutes, just behind record-holder Josh Cohen’s 2018 performance (335 min.)

This week – with help from the club’s supporters – he’s up for a well-deserved Save of the Week honor, saluting his heroics in Reno to bring home three points. Fans can vote at USLChampionship.com through 9 a.m. PT on Friday, August 21.

Preparation, but no payoff

With an injury that sidelined Adam Grinwis, Rafa Diaz prepared to man the pipes and help set the club on a winning path following the team’s away loss against Los Dos at the end of July.

A vote of confidence from the boss added to the preparations of Republic’s netminder. Head Coach Mark Briggs noted, “Credit where credit's due, Rafa deserves to be playing no matter what the scenario is. We have two goalkeepers that are competing and can be number one.”

Minutes before the match was set to kickoff, the league and teams called off the game following a positive COVID-19 test result by a previous opponent– safeguarding the health of everyone involved with matchday.

With an injury that sidelined Adam Grinwis, Rafa Diaz prepared to man the pipes and help set the club on a winning path following the team’s away loss against Los Dos at the end of July.

A vote of confidence from the boss added to the preparations of Republic’s netminder. Head Coach Mark Briggs noted, “Credit where credit’s due, Rafa deserves to be playing no matter what the scenario is. We have two goalkeepers that are competing and can be number one.”

“At that point, that would have been my first start at the point, so I was already pretty nervous,” Diaz said. “You have the normal jitters, you're preparing in your mind, you're trying to prepare all week and then the game comes.

“I’ve had games where it’s delayed three hours and the game doesn’t start until close to midnight, which is always tough mentally to stay focused.”

“At that point, that would have been my first start at the point, so I was already pretty nervous,” Diaz said. “You have the normal jitters, you’re preparing in your mind, you’re trying to prepare all week and then the game comes.

“I’ve had games where it’s delayed three hours and the game doesn’t start until close to midnight, which is always tough mentally to stay focused.”

Challenges Ahead

With a condensed season, the boys in Old Glory Red entered a brutal season stretch, following the disappointment of not taking the field against OCSC. 8 days, three matches, and a chance at nine points.

He’s spent the majority of his time in Sacramento competing for a starting role but when given the opportunity to wear the shirt for a full 90 minutes, the Dominican Republic-born netminder grabs control with both hands – or more specifically, goalie gloves.

But Diaz is very self-aware and as an experienced veteran, he knows full-well that complacency won’t get a player to reach his dreams. It takes growth and development, and Diaz isn’t done finding his best form.

“That’s the thing about sports, you’re always evolving,” Rafa explained. “I’m not the same player I was a year ago or two years ago or three years ago and sometimes a lot of players get stuck not growing and the ones who stick around tend to grow and adapt somehow and I just feel like every year I take the mentality of getting better and adapting and that’s kind of driven me.”

On the road

That evolution was on display when the team headed South to San Diego for the club’s inaugural matchup with the league’s newest side. Scouting a team with limited film is always a tough task, but Diaz was up to the challenge and his two saves earned the club a hard-fought road point.

“I trained really well so going into San Diego I was really confident,” Diaz explained. “Warming up I was completely fine; in my head I was just thinking don't get canceled again! I think we left San Diego feeling pretty good about ourselves because I think San Diego might be a tough place to get points and we were able to at least get one point, secure the shutout and go in the direction we really wanted to go.”

“I trained really well so going into San Diego I was really confident,” Diaz explained. “Warming up I was completely fine; in my head I was just thinking don’t get canceled again! I think we left San Diego feeling pretty good about ourselves because I think San Diego might be a tough place to get points and we were able to at least get one point, secure the shutout and go in the direction we really wanted to go.”

The road warriors continued their trek with a journey North to Portland in a quest for three points. The defense was stout in front of Diaz, only registering one save on the night – but the keeper claimed three crosses, smothering any opportunity of attack, and beginning the club’s clean sheet streak.

Heroics Away from Home

Notching the first road win this season provided the club solid footing to take the trek East and challenge regional rivals Reno 1868 FC. With only three days between matches, the club faced its fastest turnaround this season, but the always prepared Diaz was ready. He was called into service five times, stonewalling Reno strikers at the doorstep five times – including a 24th min double save to preserve a nil-nil scoreline early in the match (eventually becoming Save of the Week material.) With another clean sheet, and three more points, Rafa and the boys in Old Glory Red headed home, ready to close out a week against a tough Tacoma side.

Collective Confidence Springs the Team Free

With three road matches in the rearview mirror, Diaz led the team back to home turf to settle a score from the club’s return to play. A 3-3 draw against Tacoma, especially with an early lead, left a scar on the season for the club. Even after back-to-back 1-0 grinding games, the club was full of fight. Diaz may have only stopped one shot on the night, but the confidence radiated from the backline, through the midfield and to the strikers ready to let loose. Diaz’s clean sheet streak may have ended, but the boys in Old Glory Red added three more points to their Group A standings.

Now at the mid-way point of the season, Republic FC continues to push for more. And during the toughest stretch of the 2020 season, Diaz stepped in to provide the confidence and calm for a squad chasing a storm of games.

Diaz's Stop that Solidified Win Over Reno Nominated for Save of the Week

Republic FC goalkeeper Rafael Diaz has been nominated for the USL Championship Save of the Week for Week 8 for his stunning stop during the Indomitable Club’s 1-0 road win over group leaders Reno 1868 FC on August 12.

In the 24th minute, Reno forward and prolific USL goal scorer Corey Hertzog had an opportunity from directly in front of net that Diaz denied with a powerful save. Hertzog’s right-footed effort soared into the sturdy goalkeeper’s legs after Diaz fearlessly stepped up to slam the door shut on Reno’s best scoring chance on the night.

Diaz is now unbeaten in four starts between the pipes and has three clean sheets to his name this season. Republic FC fans can vote for Rafa here and voting ends Friday, Aug 21 at 9 a.m. PT.