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STL FC Silences Sacramento at Sold-Out Bonney

By CHARLIE CORR - charlie.corr@uslsoccer.com, 04/24/16, 12:30AM EDT

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Republic FC posts 32nd consecutive sellout with crowd of 11,569 on hand


Photo courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Saint Louis FC’s Mike Ambersley tallied a second-half goal on the counter attack, goalkeeper Patrick McLain led a strong performance in back and the visiting side edged Sacramento Republic FC 1-0 on Saturday in front of a sellout crowd of 11,569 Bonney Field.

Sacramento’s Bonney Field had now seen 32 consecutive sellouts. Unfortunately for the home side, a goal was not meant to be despite a flurry of scoring chances from start to finish.

Saint Louis improved to 2-2-2 (8 points) and increased its unbeaten streak to four games (2-0-2). Sacramento dropped to 2-2-1 (7 points) and suffered its first home loss this year. It also marked just the third time in Republic FC’s USL history that it has dropped back-to-back games.

Sacramento, which entered the game with only two goals offensively for the season, had a tough time finding the frame at the start. Republic FC out-shot Saint Louis 7-4 through the first 45 minutes, but put nothing on goal during that stretch. The club’s first shot on target came in the 47th minute.

In the 58th minute, Saint Louis gained the advantage on the counter. Shortly after clearing a Sacramento corner kick, Irvin Herrera dribbled up-field against several Republic FC defenders. He waited until some assistance sprung forward, and that was in the form of Ambersley down the right side. Herrera dished to him, and Ambersley dribbled into the box. From a difficult angle, he took a shot that deflected off of the left leg of Sacramento defender James Kiffe and snuck into the back of the net for a 1-0 Saint Louis lead.

McLain was a force in the goal throughout the second half as Saint Louis’ defense sustained some frequent attacks. On multiple occasions, the loanee from the Chicago Fire came up with a key stop or stepped off his line to prevent Republic FC from linking on its final touch.

Beyond McLain’s play, the opportunities were still steadfast for Sacramento. Whether it was Alfonso Motagalvan’s rising shot just over the crossbar, Max Alvarez’s promising strike veering just right of the frame, or a number of runs from striker Harry Williams and Cameron Iwasa, Sacramento simply could not break through despite a heavy advantage in chances and possession.

In the final minutes, Williams drew close to a goal with a turn and right-footed shot in the 86th minute, only to see McLain dive to his left for the save.

Upcoming Games:

  • April 30: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at Saint Louis FC; World Wide Technology Soccer Park, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • April 30: Orange County Blues FC at Sacramento Republic FC; Bonney Field, 10:30 p.m. ET

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match
Patrick McLain, Saint Louis FC –
McLain made multiple saves and clearances to withstand a heavy attack by Sacramento as the host side posted a whopping 18 shots on the night but could not find the net against Saint Louis’ defense.