Sacramento Republic FC Defeat Phoenix Rising FC 2-0
September 30, 2017 Shawn Jonas	Leave a comment
Goals from Emrah Klimenta and Agustin Cazarez lift Sacramento Republic FC to a 2-0 victory over Phoenix Rising FC to break their eleven-match unbeaten streak.
After both teams struggled to find an offensive flow in the beginning of the match, Sacramento Republic FC found their stride in the 16th minute. Forward Trevin Caesar attacked down the left side of the pitch before sending a low cross into the box for Sammy Ochoa, who slyly dummied the ball between his legs. Midfielder Villyan Bijev tracked the ball into the box before rifling a right-footed shot just wide of the near post. Moments after Bijev's near miss, Caesar nearly broke loose on an empty net but Phoenix Rising FC keeper Josh Cohen came off his line to force Caesar out towards the sideline.
Phoenix had a great chance of their own go begging in the 27th minute. Forward Chris Cortez sent a short cross into the box just in front of Republic FC keeper Evan Newton. Jason Johnson won the aerial battle and sent a looping header towards goal. Newton had to retreat back and fully outstretch for the header. The ball looked dangerous as it dipped and hit the top of the crossbar with Newton cleverly letting it go out of play as to not concede a corner kick. The match would stay scoreless through halftime.
Republic FC captain Emrah Klimenta put his stamp on the match in the 49th minute. Phoenix midfielder Matt Watson was whistled and carded for a handball just outside the box. Klimenta stood over the spot from 20 yards out and curled a right-footed shot over the wall and past Cohen for the emphatic 1-0 lead for Republic FC.
Agustin Cazarez would add a second goal for Republic FC in the 54th minute. Strong build-up play led Bijev up the left wing with the ball. Bijev coolly slid a pass into the middle before the defense could get to him and the ball found the feet of Cazarez. The Republic FC midfield mainstay settled the ball in front of him before sending a left-footed shot on frame that beat Cohen and hit the back of the net.
Newton made a crucial save in the 77th minute to preserve the two-goal lead for his side. Gladson Awako sent a free kick cross into the box and through the traffic the ball fell loose in front of goal. Newton quickly pounced on the ball and stopped the Phoenix attack. Republic FC held off the last ditch efforts of Phoenix to secure the 2-0 victory and a vital 3 points in the final home match of the regular season.
"We were resilient and we had great fight," said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. "This atmosphere felt like a playoff match with the support [from the fans]. The boys did the job and hopefully we can take a lot of belief from this performance. This was a true Republic performance."
Republic FC will begin a three-match road trip to end the season when they travel south to take on Orange County SC on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Orange County Great Park. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday-guide.
Match Recap Courtesy of the Sacramento Republic FC Media Relations
Agustin CazarezChris CortezEmrah KlimentaEvan NewtonGladson AwakoJason JohnsonJosh CohenMatt WatsonPaul BucklePhoenix Rising FCSacramento Republic FCSammy OchoaTrevin CaesarUnited Soccer LeagueUSLVillyan Bijev
Sacramento Republic FC Shut Out By Real Monarchs SLC 2-0
Real Monarchs SLC use two goals in the first five minutes of the second half and strong goalkeeping to shutout Sacramento Republic FC 2-0.
The match began with back and forth play for both sides in the first 20 minutes. Trevin Caesar and Agustin Cazarez were active early for Republic FC and Chandler Hoffman nearly broke free multiple times for Real Monarchs SLC. Republic FC captain Emrah Klimenta did his part to keep Hoffman in check early.
Republic FC keeper Evan Newton was also busy in the first half. Newton made three saves, two on dangerous long distance efforts from Juan Mare and Taylor Peay. Newton also made a key grab in the air on a threatening cross in the 25th minute from Hoffman. Newton and Republic FC did well to stifle the Monarchs attack to keep the match scoreless in the first half.
The Monarchs came out firing to start the second half as they jumped on the score sheet twice in the first five minutes. Mare tallied the first goal in the 47th minute, tapping in his own rebound shot after Newton made the initial save.
Hoffman scored the second in the 49th minute after receiving a perfect through ball from Max Lachowecki that beat the Republic FC defense. Hoffman lofted a one-touch chip shot up and over a charging Newton as it bounced into the open net for a Monarch two-goal lead.
Sammy Ochoa and James Kiffe nearly linked up for a goal in the 57th minute. Kiffe attacked up his normal left wing, beating a defender before whipping in a left-footed cross. Ochoa made a strong near-post run but his redirected header missed the target wide. Ochoa was able to earn a penalty in the 90th minute but he could not put it away as he took the kick himself only to have it saved by Putna in stoppage time.
"We let ourselves down early in the second half," said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. "It is going to be a fight to get into the playoffs but it is good for us to have a fight. We did a lot of things right and I am very positive for Saturday."
Republic FC will host Phoenix Rising FC in their final home match of the season on Saturday, Sept. 30. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy's Park. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com.
Agustin CazarezChandler HoffmanEmrah KlimentaEvan NewtonJames KiffeJuan MareMax LachoweckiPaul BuckleReal Monarchs SLCSacramento Republic FCSammy OchoaTaylor PeayTrevin CaesarUnited Soccer LeagueUSL
Sacramento Republic FC Falls To Oklahoma City FC 3-1
Oklahoma City Energy FC use two early goals to defeat Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 at Papa Murphy's Park.
Energy FC started the match on the front foot, scoring just 45 seconds into the match. After a long ball down the right side found Jon Brown, the midfielder slid a cross into the box that Miguel Gonzalez ran over leaving Jose Angulo wide open in the middle of the box. The forward simply turned his right foot and redirected the cross past Dominik Jakubek putting Energy FC in the lead 1-0 early. It was the second consecutive match that an opponent scored in the first minute against Republic FC.
Energy FC would double their lead just eight minutes later. This time it was Angulo returning the favor and finding Brown for the goal. After a long throw in from Kyle Hyland, Angulo attacked down the middle of the pitch. The forward got to about 25 yards from goal before sliding the ball to his right where Brown was positioned. Brown took a touch before firing a right-footed shot on the ground that beat Jakubek and snuck inside the far post for a 2-0 lead for Energy FC before the 10-minute mark of the match.
Republic FC settled down and looked more dangerous as the half rolled on. In the 42nd minute they had their best look of the half with James Kiffe attacking down the left side. The defender cut inside before sending a cross near the back post. Energy FC defender Sam Fink headed the ball away, but only as far as Emrah Klimenta who was positioned perfectly to take possession. Klimenta brought the ball down with a quick touch of his right foot before sending a strong strike on goal, but Cochran made a quick dive to his right and was able to deflect the ball away from danger, keeping the score 2-0 going into the half.
Dominik JakubekJon BrownJose AnguloKyle HylandMiguel GonzalezOklahoma City Energy FCSacramento Republic FCUnited Soccer LeagueUSL
Sacramento Republic FC Sign Goalkeeper Jordan Martinez And Midfielder Oscar Govea
Martinez and Govea both join Republic FC on Academy Player on a Professional Team contracts.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC have added goalkeeper Jordan Martinez and midfielder Oscar Govea to the club's 2017 USL Roster under Academy Player on a Professional Team contracts. Martinez and Govea will be available for selection in USL matches, but will not lose their amateur status.
Martinez joined Republic FC's United States Developmental Academy for its inaugural season in 2015, playing with the U-15/16 team in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, before moving to the U-19 team this season. The 17-year-old has made 32 career academy appearances for Republic FC, including two this season.
Govea also joined Republic FC's Academy in 2015 and, like Martinez, spent two seasons with the U-15/16 team before joining the U-19 team this season. Govea has made 45 career academy appearances, including 39 starts. The 16-year-old has scored 17 career academy goals, including 11 in the 2016-17 season. He has made four appearances, all starts, this season and has scored a goal. Govea has already verbally committed to play college soccer at the University of San Francisco.
Republic FC continue their four-match home stand when they host Oklahoma City Energy FC on Saturday, Sept. 23. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy's Park. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com.
Jordan MartinezOscar GoveaSacramento Republic FCUnited Soccer LeagueUSL
Sacramento Republic FC Defeats LA Galaxy II 2-1
Sacramento Republic FC use goals from Luis Espino and Villyan Bijev to erase an early deficit and defeat LA Galaxy II 2-1 in front of sold-out crowd at Papa Murphy's Park.
Los Dos started the match out with a bang. Forward Ethan Zubak scored in the first 10 seconds, a USL record for fastest goal, beating the previous held record of Jordan Hamilton's 18th second strike for Wilmington Hammerheads FC in 2014. Midfielder Alejandro Covarrubias took the opening kickoff and sent it long to Zubak who headed the ball down and sent a dipping shot from about 25 yards out that went up and over Dominik Jakubek and into the back of the net.
Republic FC would answer back with a goal in the 26th minute. Forward Sammy Ochoa attacked down the right side, getting all the way to the touchline. Ochoa dragged the ball back to his left foot and sent a curling cross to the far post. Midfielder Luis Espino, making his Republic FC debut tonight, went unmarked at the far post as he sent his header into the back of the net for the equalizer. The score would remain 1-1 going into the half.
Tyler Blackwood had a glorious chance to put Republic FC up a goal in the 59th minute when he used his speed to blow past the Los Dos defense. Blackwood took three touches towards keeper Eric Lopez, who had to come off his line to stop the attack. Blackwood blasted a low shot, but Lopez slid and deflected the breakaway chance out of harm's way.
Republic FC would find the go-ahead goal in the 61st minute. Midfielder Villyan Bijev had the ball at his feet in the center of the pitch, 25 yards away from goal. He picked his head up and curled a right-footed shot past the defenders in his way and a diving Lopez for his second goal for Republic FC and putting the home side ahead 2-1.
Second-half substitute Harry Williams nearly added a third goal in the 89th minute. Williams ran onto a long through ball and beat the defense as he headed for goal. Lopez came rushing off his line to cut down the angle for Williams to shoot at. Williams sent a left-footed shot on goal, but Lopez went to ground to make the save. The match ended a few minutes later with Republic FC securing the three points with a 2-1 victory over their rivals LA Galaxy II.
"We looked dangerous and we deserved to win," said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle after the victory. "We have shown great character this season. To come back when you fall behind, it shows character and we've got that. There are no easy games in this league."
Republic FC continues their four-match home stand when they host Oklahoma City Energy FC on Saturday, Sept. 23. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy's Park. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com.
Alejandro CovarrubiasDominik JakubekEric LópezEthan ZubakHarry Williams Paul BuckleJordan HamiltonLA Galaxy IILos DosLuis EspinoSacramento Republic FCSammy OchoaTyler BlackwoodUnited Soccer LeagueUSLVillyan BijevWilmington Hammerheads FC
Bay Area Sports, Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders Sign T Donald Penn To Two-Year Extension
ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders have signed T Donald Penn to a two-year contract extension through 2019, the club announced Friday.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Penn has played in 161 career regular season games with 157 starts, all of which are consecutive. His 157 consecutive regular season starts are second most among active offensive linemen.
Last season, Penn was named to his second Pro Bowl after starting all 16 games at left tackle. In helping the team win 12 games and return to the postseason for the first time since 2002, Penn and the rest offensive line played a major role for an offense that finished sixth in the NFL in total offense.
Prior to joining the Raiders, Penn played eight seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, appearing in 112 games with 108 starts. Penn was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2010 season.
The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 before being signed off the practice squad by the Buccaneers later that season.
A native of Inglewood, Calif., Penn attended Utah State, where he started 44 consecutive games at both tackle positions for the Aggies.
Press Release Courtesy of the Oakland Raiders Media Relations
Donald PennNFLOakland Raiders
Sacramento Republic FC Sign Former Atlas FC Youth Player Luis Espino
Midfielder joins Republic FC for the remainder of the 2017 USL season.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a USL contract with midfielder Luis Espino for the remainder of the club's 2017 season.
"The signing of Luis is demonstrative of the good relationships that we have built with the CESIFUT Academy in Mexico," said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. "Since losing Danny Barrera to injury earlier this season, we have been looking for a number ten and I believe that Espino is just that player. He is very creative with the ball at his feet and will be a valuable asset for us the rest of the season."
Espino joins Republic FC after spending the Clausura 2017 season with Atlas FC's second division team and their U20s. The midfielder scored a goal in 15 appearances, including nine starts between the two teams. Prior to joining Atlas, Espino played at Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas. In the 2015-16 season Espino scored two goals in 12 appearances, including 10 starts while helping Tuzos UAZ earn promotion to the second division in Mexico. Espino and fellow Republic FC teammate Carlos Rodriguez are both products of the CESIFUT Academy in Torreón, Mexico.
Espino has joined the club and will be available for selection in Republic FC's match versus LA Galaxy II on Saturday, Sept. 16. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy's Park. The match will be streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday-guide.
Carlos RodriguezDanny BarreraLuis EspinoPaul BuckleSacramento Republic FCUnited Soccer LeagueUSL
Oakland Raiders Sign Tavecchio; Place Janikowski On IR
September 9, 2017 Shawn Jonas	Leave a comment
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Oakland Raiders have signed K Giorgio Tavecchio to the active roster and placed K Sebastian Janikowski on the Reserve/Injured List, the club announced Saturday.
Tavecchio has spent time with the Raiders in the each of the last four preseasons, and has connected on a combined 9-of-11 field goal attempts in preseason action for the Silver and Black from 2014-17.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder had stints in training camp with the San Francisco 49ers (2012), Green Bay Packers (2013) and Lions (2014) prior to joining the Raiders in 2014. Tavecchio played in 46 games for at the University of California and finished his career with 256 points, ranking fifth on the school's all-time scoring list and fourth among kickers. He converted 48-of-64 (75 percent) field goal attempts and 112-of-120 (93.3 percent) PATs during his three years, ranking third in both all-time made field goals and extra points made.
Giorgio TavecchioNFLOakland RaidersSebastian Janikowski
Oakland Raiders Sign Harris, Woodson-Luster
ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders have signed S Erik Harris and LB Xavier Woodson-Luster, the club announced Tuesday.
Harris joins the Raiders after spending the 2016 season with the New Orleans Saints, seeing action in four games. Prior to signing with New Orleans, Harris played three seasons (2013-15) for the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, totaling 79 tackles, three interceptions, three sacks and four fumble recoveries in 42 games. Harris was waived by the Saints on Sept. 1, 2017.
Woodson-Luster rejoins the Raiders after being waived by the club on Sept. 2. He originally signed with Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas State in May 2017 and spent training camp with the team. Woodson-Luster appeared in 47 games with 37 starts at Arkansas State, finishing his career as the school's all-time leader with 293 tackles.
In corresponding moves, the Raiders have placed G/T Denver Kirkland and S Obi Melifonwu on the Reserve/Injured List.
Harris Woodson-LusterNew Orleans SaintsNFLOakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders Announce Practice Squad Signings
ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders have signed the following 10 players to their practice squad, the club announced Monday. C James Stone and DE Max Valles are the only practice squad signees that were not with the Raiders in training camp this year.
Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Exp. College
Borders, Breon CB 6-0 189 R Duke
Brown, Fadol DE 6-4 282 R Mississippi
Brown, Pharaoh TE 6-5 246 R Oregon
Calhoun, Shilique LB 6-4 250 2 Michigan State
Hatcher, Keon WR 6-1 212 R Arkansas
Hood, Elijah RB 5-11 230 R North Carolina
Simmons, Jordan G 6-3 339 R USC
Stone, James C 6-3 290 3 Tennessee
Valles, Max DE 6-4 250 1 Virginia
Whitney, Isaac WR 6-2 204 R USC
Stone: Originally signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in May 2014…Spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons with the Falcons…Was waived by Atlanta after 2016 training camp…Signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a reserve/future free agent in January 2017…Waived by Buccaneers on Sept. 2…Career totals include 19 games played with 10 games started.
Valles: Was originally drafted by the Raiders in the sixth round (179th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft…Spent the majority of the 2015 season with the Raiders' practice squad before being signed to the Bills' active roster…Was on the Bills' practice squad for the 2016 season…Waived by Bills on Sept. 2.
NFLOakland Raiders