PORTLAND, Ore. – An early goal was enough as Sacramento Republic FC rode a 14th-minute goal to a vital 1-0 victory over Portland Timbers 2 at Providence Park on Sunday. A seemingly harmless ball in to the box from Sacramento was poorly cleared by T2, allowing Wilson Kneeshaw to gather the ball and shoot across the face in to the back of the net, for the only goal of the match. Tyler Blackwood nearly sealed the match in the 80th minute as his shot across the face came off the post, but it mattered little as Sacramento could hold on. Things got worse for Portland in the 85th minute when Harold Hanson was shown his second yellow card for an off the ball incident, changing a difficult come back to an impossible task as Sacramento claimed the win.

Scoring:
14’ – SAC – Wilson Kneeshaw (Matthew Wiesenfarth)

• #PORvSAC: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Portland Timbers 2 are still awaiting a win after conceding first, Sacramento clearly took that as a sign, looking to attack Portland early and score an early goal that would set Portland back. Look for more teams to do this taking on Portland.

• 2. Sacramento Republic built their win on their defense, getting an early goal and making sure that Portland didn’t get back in to the match. Their play at the back was calm, and patient, not just hoofing it clear but retaining possession and not allowing Portland the opportunity, despite a high press from the Timbers they refused to give up possession which helped them to the win.

• 3. With this result, Sacramento are now seven matches unbeaten, the Republic are starting to hit strong form just in time for a charge to, and in to, the playoffs. The result also continues Sacramento’s perfect record when they lead at the half now sitting at 6-0-0.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Matthew Weisenfarth, Sacramento Republic FC – After just signing for the club on Friday, Weisenfarth had an incredible debut. Weisenfarth was a constant threat up front and provided the assist on the only goal of the match with a subtle touch that had Portland scrambling.

Upcoming Games:
Portland Timbers 2 vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2 – August 17, 10:30 p.m. ET, Providence Park
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Reno 1868 FC – August 19, 11:00 p.m. ET, Papa Murphy’s Park