Sunderland suffered a shock loss to third-tier Sacramento Republic in a friendly.

Third-tier American club Sacramento Republic stunned Sunderland 1-0 in a preseason friendly Tuesday.

Cameron Iwasa struck a 58th-minute winner for the United Soccer League club at Bonney Field in California.

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat started the likes of John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Lee Cattermole, Jack Rodwell, Sebastian Larsson, Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher. But his side was only able to break even throughout the first half, although it was perhaps unlucky not to be ahead.

The host put the pressure on after the break. Max Alvarez curled an effort just over in the 52nd minute, but Republic was ahead soon after.

Just after coming on, Iwasa opened the scoring — driving a left-footed effort from just outside the area into the bottom corner. The celebration was just as impressive as the goal, as Iwasa delivered a backflip in front of the happy home fans.

Adnan Gabeljic struck the crossbar late as Sacramento held on for the most unlikely of wins.

Sunderland, which beat Darlington 1883 4-2 to start its preseason, faces Pachuca on Friday.