IRVINE, Calif. (March 24, 2018) — Sacramento Republic FC continued its winning start to the new season after defeating Orange County SC 1-0 at Championship Soccer Stadium on Saturday night. Cameron Iwasa’s lone goal in the second half was enough for all three points and extend his side’s record to 2-0-0 in 2018.

Although Republic FC set a high tempo in the opening minutes, it was the home side that had the first chance of the night.

Orange County’s Mark Segbers picked up a loose ball in midfield and linked up with Michael Seaton on the edge of the box. Seaton laid the ball off to an on-rushing Koji Hashimoto who fired a shot on his first touch to force a diving save from Josh Cohen in the fifth minute.

The Sacramento keeper nearly went from hero to villain, however, just a few minutes later. In a move reminiscent of Germany’s sweeper-keeper, Manuel Neuer, Cohen raced off his line all the way toward the sideline to clear a long ball up field to Seaton. Cohen mistimed his challenge and was beat by Seaton, who went around the keeper and crossed the ball into the box. Hashimoto received the ball and fired a shot toward the empty net, but defender Cole Seiler was there to make the block and keep the score level.

The visitors had their first shot on target in the 30th minute following a corner kick on the right wing. Keven Alemán’s cross to the far post was headed back into the center of the box where Villyan Bijev headed it at goal, but the shot lacked power and Andre Rawls made the easy save.

Orange County had another clear scoring opportunity in the 32nd minute after Christian Duke put Thomas Enevoldsen through on goal, but the striker sent his shot wide when it was just him and the keeper.

A minute later, Segbers broke into the penalty area and laid off a diagonal pass back to Hashimoto at the top of the box. The Japanese midfielder placed a shot toward Cohen’s far post, but the keeper was able to make the diving save.