The second half saw much of the same for the young Republic FC team. They would find their first good look at goal in the 47th minute after Academy defender Matteo Sorrentino stole the ball near the midline. Sorrentino drove down the middle of the field before laying the ball off to Trickett-Smith who was running parallel on the right side. Trickett-Smith took a few touches before sending a looping shot toward goal, but his shot went over the right corner of the goal.

In the 75th minute Wilson Kneeshaw would create another good look for Republic FC. Kneeshaw showed some fancy footwork, beating multiple defenders as he drove down the right side of the field. The forward then played the ball back to Academy midfielder Roberto Hategan, who sent a perfect left-footed cross toward the middle of the box. Forward Harry Williams fought off his man as he leapt for the cross, connecting with the ball and sending a headed shot toward goal. The shot however was just high and over the ball as the match would end in a scoreless draw.

The match marked a special moment for Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta who returned to action for the first time since injuring the ACL on his left knee on July 2, 2016. Klimenta played 27 minutes against Sac State before being subbed off and greeted to a standing ovation from his teammates on the bench.

“It felt great to get out on the field after such a long time, even if it was just for a few minutes,” said Klimenta about his return. “I have been looking forward to this moment since the day that I got injured and it finally happened. I was happy that all the hard work that myself and the training staff put in has paid off. All in all it was a happy moment for me.”

The match also provided an opportunity for Republic FC Academy players to earn minutes with the first team. Republic FC U-18 Academy members Sorrentino, Giovanni Aguilar and Francis Avoce and U-16 Academy members Hategan and Oscar Govea all saw action against Sac State. All five Academy players were on the field for the final 17 minutes of the match.

Republic FC will return to Bonney Field on Saturday, Mar. 4 when they take on FC Cincinnati in a friendly match that pits two of the top teams in the USL against each other. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. Tickets to the match are still available and may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.