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Republic FC Grabs Late Equalizer vs. Liverpool U21s

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 05/26/16, 1:19AM EDT

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More than 6,000 fans on hand at Greater Nevada Field in Reno for exhibition

RENO, Nev. – A crowd of 6,287 fans were in attendance at the first soccer match played at Greater Nevada Field on Wednesday night as the USL’s Sacramento Republic FC grabbed a late equalizer to earn a 2-2 draw against Liverpool FC U21s.

Harry Williams provided late-game heroics for Republic FC, which also got a brilliant free kick by Daniel Trickett-Smith in the first half in a thrilling introduction to professional soccer for Reno’s soccer community, which also saw 2017 USL expansion club Reno 1868 FC unveil its logo in a special halftime ceremony.  

LFC U21s midfielder Cameron Brannagan provided fireworks with a top shelf, go-ahead finish in the 77th minute, giving Liverpool a short-lived 2-1 lead. Moments before stoppage time, Williams powered a left-footed shot past a diving Shamal George, leveling the score for Republic FC.

With the majority of the 6,000-plus in attendance supporting Liverpool, the state-side visitors gave the crowd plenty of excitement from first whistle. Just five minutes in, LFC U21s took a 1-0 lead as forward Ryan Kent ran onto a ball sent over the top from Kevin Stewart and finished in dynamic fashion with a left-footed volley over Republic FC goalkeeper Evan Newton.

In the 16th minute, Republic FC’s Daniel Trickett-Smith fired an ambitious shot from 25 yards, but George handled neatly with a flick over the crossbar.

Trickett-Smith gave Republic FC another scoring chance eight minutes later when he found an open Cameron Iwasa inside the penalty area. Iwasa’s shot slid wide right, however, keeping Republic FC from glory. 

Liverpool remained on top until the 38th minute, when Republic FC forward Adam Jahn was taken down from behind by LFC’s Lloyd Jones, resulting in a yellow card and free kick. From 30 yards out, Trickett-Smith calmly handled the free kick and slotted it into the top-right corner of the net past an outstretched George, pulling Republic FC level.

Brannagan’s effort with 13 minutes to go again placed LFC U21s with a lead, but Williams’ late dramatics kept the Reds from a friendly split.

Republic FC will return to Nevada in just over two weeks as it faces Real Monarchs SLC in a USL regular-season contest at Greater Nevada Field. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m. PT, with tickets currently available online.

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