Republic’s late-season slump came to an end with a dominant performance, resulting in a 5-1 win over state-ranked Bolivar at home Thursday. The Tigers broke a 1-1 halftime tie to pull away with four second-half goals.
Diego Zuniga scored three goals and assisted on a fourth to lead the Tigers. Santino Stiglianese scored twice and assisted on one of Zuniga’s goals.
Bolivar entered the game with a 12-5 record, ranked sixth in Missouri in Class 2. But Republic’s offensive adjustments — including the addition of an extra midfielder in a new formation — helped the Tigers push the attack.
Stiglianese put the Tigers on top 1-0 with 28:54 left in the first half, and Bolivar tied the score with 10:30 remaining before halftime.
Republic regained the lead about eight minutes into the second half, when Zuniga scored his first goal, assisted by Stiglianese. Zuniga scored again with 14 minutes left, Stiglianese made it 4-1 with 9:40 remaining, and Zuniga capped the scoring with 1:24 left on the clock.
Xavier Ulshafer made nine saves in goal. He held the Liberators to one score despite facing seven corner kicks and 10 shots on goal.
Republic’s win ended a five-match losing streak. The Tigers improve to 8-10, and will be home against Glendale on October 16.
