SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Saturday, May 17, 2014) – The LA Galaxy II dropped a 2-1 decision to Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday evening as Los Dos saw their six-game unbeaten run in USL PRO snapped in front of 20,231 fans at Hughes Stadium.
In one of the more exciting first halves of the USL PRO season, Republic FC tallied the first goal of the half in the seventh minute. Harrison Delbridge sent a lofted through ball into the attacking third that found Thomas Stewart’s chest, who then controlled the ball to on his right foot and sent a chipped shot from outside of the box over the Galaxy II goalkeeper Cody Laurendi.
LA Galaxy II found an equalizer in the 16th minute. After two saves in succession from Republic FC goalkeeper Jake Gleeson in the ninth minute, Galaxy II found an opening. Los Dos defender Kyle Venter headed a cross from captain Rafael Garcia into the goal past a fully stretched Gleeson, in what was Venter’s first professional goal. The two teams shared a few chances in the rest of the half that ultimately ended with 1-1 score.
Shortly after the halftime break, Galaxy II midfielder Garcia fouled Sacramento midfielder Ivan Mirković causing both sides to exchange words. Garcia was ultimately sent off in the 51st minute, reducing Los Dos to 10 men.
Sacramento would capitalize on the one-man advantage in the 67th minute when Galaxy II defender Bradley Diallo committed a foul, resulting in a free kick less than a yard outside the box. Republic FC’s Rodrigo Lopez stepped up and curled a right-footed strike under the wall and past the diving Laurendi. The free kick goal was Lopez’s second goal of the season.
Galaxy II had a few chances in the waning moments of the match including a corner kick four minutes into stoppage time but were unable to find an equalizer.
With the loss, Galaxy II move to a 5-2-3 record in USL PRO play. LA Galaxy II will play two matches over the next week as they host Oklahoma City Energy FC on Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 p.m. PT at StubHub Center in USL PRO action. Los Dos will then play PSA Elite in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 28 at StubHub Center's Track and Field Stadium at 7:30 PM PT.
LA Galaxy II Season Ticket Memberships begin at just $6 per game. For more information on LA Galaxy, LA Galaxy II memberships, or group and single tickets, visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 877-3GALAXY (342-5299).
