Republic notched three goals in the second half to pull away from Sedalia Smith-Cotton Friday for its first win of the season, 4-0.
Santino Stiglianese put Republic on top in the first half with an assist from Diego Zuniga.
Freshman Koal Williams scored his first career varsity goal in the second half. Williams knocked in a rebound from the right side of the box to make it 2-0.
Diego Zuniga added two more goals to go with his first-half assist to account for the final 4-0 margin.
“Felt good, but there were glimpses in our first two games that showed these boys were capable of this,” coach Jesus Zuniga said. “The shutout was impressive in such a hostile environment.”
Republic used a mix of experience and fresh talent. “We had several people step up in that first win and actually used four freshman, but had maybe five new players earn varsity minutes, in all positions. True team effort, and that’s what makes me most excited about that first win,” said Zuniga.
The JV squad lost 3-0 at Sedalia, but picked up its first win Friday at Kickapoo.
Zuniga said the Tigers play three opponents this week that beat them last year by a combined score of 11-1, so “finishing chances will be the difference for us this week.”
Republic is home for matches against Joplin Tuesday, Springfield Catholic Wednesday, and Camdenton Friday.
