Zeiko Lewis and his Sacramento Republic FC teammates stunned MLS side LA Galaxy on the road in the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal 2 - 1, punching the club a ticket to the Semi-Final Round for the first time in club history.
An early 4th minute score from Rodrigo Lopez got the high-heart rate night going for Sacramento, rallying the club to a strong performance despite pressure all night long from a talented upper-division foe. Luis Felipe put the bow on the match in a critical moment, netting the game-winner in the 70th minute after shooting from distance and beating Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann.
Republic FC’s opening score quieted a rowdy home crowd in Carson, coming after Dan Casey took possession on the counter. Sacramento pushed forward and put the ball at the feet of Douglas Martinez on the wing, who put in an excellent cross to Rodrigo Lopez trailing behind to net his fourth goal of this year’s Open Cup.
The hosts pulled even in the 19th minute on an unlucky break for Republic FC. A corner kick played in from the right deflected off the head of a Sacramento defender and into the net for a LA equalizer. Great work in the box seven minutes later from Danny Vitiello kept Galaxy from pulling ahead with numbers in transition, with Sacramento’s keeper making a diving stop to send away a chance from close range.
LA countered Sacramento’s aggression out of the half with a trio of million-dollar men in Chicharito, Victor Vazquez, and Julian Araujo at the hour mark. But the Indomitable Club wasn’t fazed, shutting down a dangerous chance in the 62nd minute and keeping them quiet up top. Moments later, Sacramento retook the lead on Luis Felipe’s 70th minute score, and held their composure well to keep their advantage and punch a ticket to the next round.
|
