Sac Republic wins fourth game in a row behind second-half goals from Iwasa and Skundrich

Cameron Iwasa and Drew Skundrich both scored in the second half to help Sac Republic rally for a 2-1 win over Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night. Not bad for a game that almost wasn’t played due to poor air quality.

Sac Republic trailed 1-0 at halftime after allowing a goal in the 23rd minute to Portland’s Jorge Gonzalez. After the goal was scored, Sac Republic captain Drew Skundrich was visibly upset with his back line. His talk with the defense inspired the group to play technically sound the rest of the match.

“I was kinda in that holding midfield role (on that play),” Skundrich said. “I saw in front of me some guys that in my opinion weren’t working hard enough defensively. We weren’t shifting side to side and we weren’t on the same page. That was frustrating for me and I had to put that on myself as well because I wasn’t talking to them at that moment. That’s something I need to improve on and something that we need to improve on as a group.

“Once (Portland) scored, I was furious. I don’t like conceding. I just tried to try to hold people accountable, but then it got better from there.”

Skundrich tied the game in the 60th minute off a beautiful cross by Ashkanov Apollon. Eight minutes later, Iwasa scored the go-ahead goal off an assist by Jordan McCrary. Both teams finished the night with 12 total shots and five shots on goal.

Saturday’s game almost wasn’t played due to the air quality

Leading up to game time it was questionable whether the game would be played due to the poor air quality in Sacramento caused by the devastating LNU Lightning Complex wildfires that burned down homes across Northern California.

Coach Mark Briggs spoke from the heart when talking about LNU Lightning Complex wildfires.

“I think 2020 is throwing a lot at everyone,” Briggs said. “It’s pushing everyone to be stronger and it’s pushing everyone to adapt so everyone can stick together. We as a community, we’re known as the Indomitable city right so right now we have to be indomitable. We have to help our neighbors and help people when they need help. Hopefully, the fire service and the people handling the fires can get it under control and keep as many people save as possible.”

A league source told The Sacramento Bee that prior to the game Sacramento and Portland met and were in contact with local health officials leading up to the game After the meetings took place, the United Soccer League and teams agreed to play. The Air Quality Index in Sacramento at kickoff according to sparetheair.com was 163. The USL’s policy is to postpone games if the AQI reaches 200 or above.

Briggs sticks with the same lineup

Briggs hinted at training earlier this month that he was working toward finding a consistent starting 11 after tinkering with the lineup earlier in the season.

For the second consecutive game, Sac Republic started the same 11 players and had the same seven players available for substitution.

Briggs made a notable substitution in the 84th minute Saturday. He subbed in Shannon Gomez, who made his first appearance since July 28, 2019, who suffered ACL and meniscus injuries on that day.

When Gomez was subbed on, he had a big smile on his face.

“It was a moment that shocked me because I heard (Briggs) call my name and ‘I was like he’s definitely not talking to me’,” Gomez said. “Briggs told me ‘Yeah I’m talking to you, get ready to go.’ (When he said that) my heart started beating really fast and I thought to myself, the moment’s finally here. Right away, I went into defensive mode and I was ready to attack on somebody. I’m thankful that he trusted me in that moment to return to the pitch.”

Also in the 84th minute, Briggs subbed on midfielder Mario Penagos. He made his first appearance since starting the team’s season opener against FC Tulsa on March 7. Penagos was signed directly from the team’s academy program in January.

What’s next for Sac Republic?

Sac Republic will play the same Portland Timbers 2 team on the road next Wednesday. The 10-day break between games is the longest amount of rest the team will have all season. Sacramento remains tied atop the Group A standings with Reno 1868, who beat San Diego Loyal SC 3-1 on Saturday.

Sac Republic FC Upcoming Schedule

Sept. 2 at Portland Timbers 2, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 vs Reno 1868, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs Tacoma Defiance, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Reno 1868, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Tacoma Defiance, 7 p.m.