FENTON, MO (August 13, 2016) – Despite a second half comeback, Saint Louis FC lost on Saturday night to Sacramento Republic FC, 4-3. Tommy Thompson had two assists in the game, while Cameron Iwasa had a brace. This loss puts a large dent in Saint Louis’s hopes to make the 2016 USL playoffs.
Saint Louis FC Lose 4-3 To Sacramento, Denting Playoff Hopes
The game got off to a horrible start for Saint Louis FC. Sacramento got a free kick opportunity in the 5th minute. San Jose Earthquakes homegrown Tommy Thompson took the free kick short and ran down the sideline. He sent in a low cross. Jeffrey Koval got between defenders and headed it into the back of the net.
Things would only get worse from there. James Musa and Richard Dixon both make mistakes on a long ball that led to a turnover in the midfield. Matt LaGrassa pounced on the ball and started a quick counter. He delivered a pass to Cameron Iwasa, who made the slightest touch on the ball to score.
Republic would make it 3-0 in the 17th minute. The away side created a very good build up into the Saint Louis box. LaGrassa got the ball with defenders around him and chipped it far post. Musa did not pick up the on running Octavio Guzman. The midfielder headed the ball in from six yards out with ease.
Saint Louis FC found life in the 26th minute. The home side played a goal kick very quickly. Irvin Herrera found Mike Ambersley on the run, who fired the ball into the far corner to make it 3-1.
Saint Louis appeared to score again right before half. In the 44th minute, Herrera chipped a free kick over the wall and Musa headed it in. The play was ruled off-sides and the replay showed that Musa’s head was just off.
The half ended 3-1.
The second half started with the Tommy Thompson show. The play maker was all over the field, challenging Saint Louis’s back line and creating chances for his teammates.
He got his second assist in the 57th minute. Thompson ran onto a long ball and got behind the defense. He chipped the ball far post to a wide open Iwasa who headed it past goalkeeper Ryan Johnson.
Super sub Jordan Roberts scored in the 74th minute what an absolute pile driver to make it 4-2.
Herrera won a free kick opportunity just outside the box in the 89th minute. Midfielder Chad Bond stepped up to take it and bent the ball upper 90 into the corner to make it 4-3.
The match ended 4-3, after a frantic extra time in which both sides had chances.
Saint Louis FC are still below the red line in the hunt for the USL playoffs. They have only seven games remaining. Once again, their play in the opening 15 minutes dug them in a hole they could not get out of. That needs to change if this team wants to make the playoffs.
