Sac State ends soccer exhibition against Republic FC in stalemate

The State Hornet


Sacramento State freshman defender Abraham Rosales shields the ball away from Gabe Gissie of Sacramento Republic FC during an exhibition match Wednesday at Hornet Field. (Photo by Matthew Dyer)
After falling to Sacramento Republic FC last season, the Sacramento State men’s soccer team forced a draw (0-0) against the Republic in an exhibition game Wednesday at Hornet Field.
Republic FC, a local United Soccer League professional team, outshot Sac State by a total of 17-4, but was only two shots (4-2) ahead of the Hornets with shots on goal.
“We knew coming into the game that they would have the majority of the ball,” Sac State coach Michael Linenberger said. “The last two days we worked on trying to stay very compact defensively and make it very difficult for them and I thought we did for the most part — especially in the first half.”
Sac State only permitted Republic FC to get one shot on goal in the first 45 minutes of action, while the Republic’s other six shots of the half were from long distance. The Hornets — which played Republic FC for the fourth consecutive year — had one shot on goal in the first half.
Sacramento State sophomore defender Josh Dull challenges a Sacramento Republic FC defender for a header during an exhibition match Wednesday at Hornet Field. (Photo by Matthew Dyer)Of the four shots on goal that Republic FC had, junior goalkeeper James Del Curto had four saves.
“If we want to get better as a team, we have to play the best teams,” Del Curto said. “Playing against a team of this caliber was awesome to see where we have to be — to either be a team that goes deep into the NCAA Tournament next year or play professionally.”
Republic FC had possession of the ball for the majority of the second half, yet the ...

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