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Republic FC Takes Late Victory Against Liverpool U21s

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 05/22/16, 2:03AM EDT

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Kiffe scores with four minutes to go to earn 2-1 win in international exhibition


Photo courtesy Sacramento Republic FC

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC got a late goal by James Kiffe to earn a 2-1 win against Liverpool Football Club U21s on Saturday night at Bonney Field in an international exhibition. Agustin Cazarez had given Republic FC the lead before Liverpool hit back with 15 minutes to go through Ryan Kent, but Kiffe found the winner with four minutes to go.

The two teams will meet again on Wednesday night at Greater Nevada Field, home of 2017 USL expansion club Reno 1868 FC.

“I think we all needed this game“, said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “I thought it was a thoroughly entertaining game. We knew we’d have to be solid, but I think we’ve been solid all season. We looked dangerous“

After an uneventful first half-hour, Republic FC opened the scoring in the 30th minute. Kiffe got a cross off from the left that sailed over the penalty area, but found midfielder Danny Barrera, who collected the cross, took a touch and sent a left-footed curling shot at the net. The shot deflected off a Liverpool FC U21s defender to forward Harry Williams, who sent a perfectly timed header to Cazarez, who hit a first-time rocket into the top-right corner for the 1-0 lead which held until halftime.

Liverpool found an equalizer in the 75th minute when second-half substitute Herbie Kane found space in the middle of the pitch. Kane drew the Republic FC defense and sent a well-timed through-ball to forward Kent, who was in behind the Republic FC defense and calmly curled a right-footed shot around Republic FC keeper Dominik Jakubek.

Republic FC found the winner with four minutes to go on a great individual goal by Kiffe. The left back attacked up the wing and cut inside, then wove through four Liverpool defenders and promptly slotted a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Lawrence Vigoroux and inside the far post. 

“The defenders were kind of frozen and I was moving with speed so when I took my touch I was by them”, said defender James Kiffe after his superb winner. “It’s starting to click. Every day we train together, things get better.”

Republic FC had numerous chances go begging throughout the match, due in large part to the play of Vigoroux. The young keeper made five saves on the night keeping Liverpool in the match. Cazarez and Republic FC newcomer Daniel Trickett-Smith were among those stifled by Vigoroux.

Both clubs will travel to Reno, Nev. to play a second friendly match on Wednesday night. Kickoff is 7 p.m. PT at Greater Nevada Field. Republic FC will return to USL action next Saturday when they take on the Swope Park Rangers at Bonney Field.