CINCINNATI, Ohio (March 10, 2018) — Sacramento Republic FC wrapped up the preseason with a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Cameron Iwasa and Villyan Bijev on either side of halftime gave Sacramento the win in what was the second-ever matchup between the two USL clubs.

Iwasa opened the scoring for the visitors in the 34th minute after link-up play outside Cincinnati’s box led to an initial shot on goal that was saved by Evan Newton. However, the former Republic FC goalkeeper was unable to prevent Iwasa from knocking the rebound into the back of the net.

Cincinnati nearly equalized in the 44th minute, but Republic FC keeper Josh Cohen stepped up to make a one-on-one save at his near post and keep the score level heading into the half.

Sacramento extended its lead in the 72nd minute after the Cincinnati defense was unable to clear a threat from Josh Turnley's ball into the box. Bijev raced onto the loose ball to strike home from the near post.

Cincinnati pulled a goal back in the 84th through Dekel Keinan’s header from a corner kick to cut the deficit down to a goal, but was unable to keep Sacramento from becoming the first winner in the budding rivalry.

Republic FC will return to Sacramento to kick off the 2018 USL season at home on Saturday, March 17, against San Antonio FC. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park and tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.