skip navigation

WFC2 Musters Draw against Sacramento

By CHARLIE CORR - charlie.corr@uslsoccer.com, 04/10/16, 7:45PM EDT

Share

Republic FC posts third consecutive clean sheet on road against Vancouver


Photo courtesy of Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

VANCOUVER – Two top sides in the early going in the Western Conference settled for a scoreless draw as Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 played Sacramento Republic FC to a 0-0 tie on Saturday during its home opener at UBC Thunderbird Stadium.

The two sides move to 2-0-1 (7 points) on the season, one point behind the West-leading LA Galaxy II (2-0-2, 8 points). Sacramento posted its third consecutive clean sheet this season while Vancouver earned its second shutout of the campaign.

Vancouver looked strong from the get-go, nearly capitalizing on a second-minute corner kick as Will Seymore’s header on the far right side clipped the crossbar and went over. Then Ben McKendry made a good run that forced Sacramento goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek to leave the 18-yard area and head the ball for the clearance in the fifth minute.

WFC2 thought it had a goal in the 12th minute when Vancouver worked the ball straight up the middle and Daniel Haber slotted into the left of the frame, only to be ruled offside.

One of Sacramento’s best early scoring chances came in the 27th minute, when Republic FC drew a free kick from the left. Barrera connected with Tommy Stewart, who headed the ball just wide right.

Sacramento also thought it got on the score sheet in the 43rd minute. Republic FC had a fluid buildup sequence that led to Tommy Stewart getting a shot from six yards out. He shot into the right of the net, but Stewart was ruled offside on the play as the two sides went into halftime with a 0-0 score line.

In the second half, Vancouver threatened on the offensive end in the 50th minute with a counter attack and Cole Seiler being a key to that push. Haber had some space for a moment and shot left-footed, only to have Sacramento’s defense block his attempt.

Then in the 54th minute, Seymore from midfield provided a perfect through ball to Haber who got in behind Republic FC’s defense. Going one-on-one against Jakubek, Haber shot low and the Sacramento goalkeeper made a clutch lower-body save to keep the match scoreless.

Sacramento had some close moments down the stretch to gain the upper hand. Emrah Klimenta volleyed a right-footed shot just over the crossbar in the 74th minute. Sacramento was close again in the 83rd minute when Cameron Iwasa redirected a cross from the right side. Vancouver goalkeeper Sean Melvin made a diving save to his left to keep Republic FC scoreless.

Upcoming Games:

  • April 17: Sacramento Republic FC at Portland Timbers 2; Merlo Field, 5 p.m. ET

  • April 17: OKC Energy FC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2; UBC Thunderbird Stadium, 6 p.m. ET

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match
TBD