Republic capped a dramatic turnaround with a 3–1 win at Kickapoo on Thursday, completing a perfectly symmetrical climb back to .500. After opening the year 1–10, the Tigers have gone 10–1 since, improving their record to 11–11 and establishing themselves as one of the area’s hottest teams heading into the final stretch.
Republic wasted little time setting the tone. In the 12th minute, sophomore forward Will Pinnell buried a shot from close range to give the Tigers an early 1–0 lead. His goal was part of sustained pressure from Republic’s attack, which managed seven shots on goal and 13 total in the match. The Tigers’ defensive shape held firm through the rest of the first half, with goalkeeper Koal Williams recording four saves to keep Kickapoo off the board.
Kickapoo drew even just over 10 minutes into the second half, capitalizing on one of its seven corner kicks to make it 1–1. But Republic quickly responded. Senior Sieb Kleeven found the back of the net from just outside the box in the 66th minute, reclaiming the lead for the Tigers at 2–1. Republic’s final goal came on an own goal by Kickapoo late in the match, extending the Tigers’ lead to 3–1 and putting the game out of reach.
Williams finished with an 80-percent save rate, and Republic’s defense limited Kickapoo to just five shots on target despite frequent pressure up top.
The three-goal effort marked Republic’s highest scoring output of the season and its fifth straight victory. The Tigers will look to ride their momentum into a huge COC West showdown with Carthage at home on October 21.
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