SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC moved into fifth position in the USL’s Western Conference standings with a 1-0 victory against Real Monarchs SLC in the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3 in front of a crowd of 10,745 at Bonney Field on Wednesday night. After a scoreless first half, Sacramento (5-3-3, 18pts) struck quickly after the break as James Kiffe’s low cross from the left was tapped home by Adam Jahn for his first goal with Republic FC this season. Cameron Iwasa then hit the crossbar on the hour-mark for the hosts, as Republic FC opened up the Monarchs (4-5-4, 16pts) with some incisive passing. Jahn’s goal stood as the winner, however, as Sacramento’s defense withstood some good pressure from  the Monarchs in the final-half hour to take victory.

Scoring:
47’ – SAC – Adam Jahn (James Kiffe)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. It wasn’t overly flashy, but Republic FC will be very pleased with the performance it put in to get back on a winning track to extend its undefeated streak to five games in its win against the Monarchs on Wednesday night. Adam Jahn provided the goal for the hosts, and Sacramento could have added to its lead if not for another good performance in goal for the Monarchs goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez that saw him keep his side in the game as the second half wore on.

• 2. After letting a lead slip on Saturday night against the LA Galaxy II, Republic FC’s defense looked very solid indeed against a Monarchs attack that probed and prodded on a regular basis with its short passing game outside the penalty area. In particular, fullbacks James Kiffe and Emrah Klimenta did well to play a typically full two-way game, as Kiffe provided the assist on the goal by Jahn that proved the difference.

• 3. While the Monarchs fell for the first time to Republic FC on Wednesday night, this was a very different side than the one that earned draws in their first two visits to Bonney Field in the 2015 season. The confidence on the ball, and ability to create consistent pressure, is an illustration of how much Coach Freddy Juarez’s side has come from Year 1 to Year 2, and why Real should be in the fight for a playoff position for the rest of the season.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Adam Jahn, Sacramento Republic FC – The rangy forward provided an outstanding focal point for Sacramento’s attack throughout the night, and was rewarded for his efforts with the only goal of the game.

Upcoming Games:

June 11: Sacramento Republic FC at Real Monarchs SLC, 10:30 p.m. ET, Greater Nevada Field

June 11: Real Monarchs SLC vs. Sacramento Republic FC, 10:30 p.m. ET, Greater Nevada Field