Republic soccer blanked Kickapoo 3-0 Saturday, scoring all three goals in the second half.
Elijah Phiri broke the scoreless tie with 34:27 left. Diego Zuniga threaded a pass through three defenders, finding Phiri on the back side. Phiri beat the advancing Kickapoo goalkeeper for the score.
Mason Tackett doubled Republic’s lead on a set piece with 7:47 remaining. His 25-yard free kick curled around a two-man wall and tucked inside the right post, beyond the diving keeper’s reach.
Caleb Miclea capped the scoring in the final minute, chasing down a loose ball behind Kickapoo’s defense for a breakaway goal.
Koal Williams anchored the Tiger defense with seven saves, preserving the clean sheet despite Kickapoo’s 9-2 advantage in corner kicks. Republic also had two goals negated by offside calls.
Kickapoo finished the match with nine players after three red cards.
Republic (8-14) has now won two straight against Kickapoo (10-11) after dropping the first five meetings between the schools.
