Springfield Catholic scored three goals in a 14-minute stretch of the first half and never let Republic back in the game, beating the Tigers 7-0 Monday night.
Republic created chances of its own — the Tigers put six shots on goal — but Catholic’s goalkeeper saved every one of them. The Irish put nine shots on goal and finished seven.
Republic actually had the first good look of the night. Micah Wright forced a save in the ninth minute. But Catholic broke through in the 12th minute, added a second goal in the 19th, and made it 3-0 in the 26th. A header just before the halftime whistle sent Republic to the break down 4-0.
The Tigers swapped goalkeepers at half, with Ben Roe taking over for Koal Williams. Roe made two saves in the second half.
Republic opened the second half with its best sustained push of the night. The Tigers earned their only corner kick in the 42nd minute, and between the 53rd and 59th minutes, Max Aton, Isaiah Redman, and Williams each put a shot on goal. Catholic’s keeper turned all three away, and an Irish goal in the 44th minute had already stretched the lead to 5-0.
Catholic added its final two goals in the 72nd and 73rd minutes, both on second chances — Roe made the initial save each time, but Catholic put the rebound in the net.
Coach Jesus Zuniga said Republic had chances but failed to finish them.
Maddox Aldridge and Angel Urquiza also put shots on goal for Republic, and Logan Renkoski took two shots.
The loss drops Republic to 2-2. The Tigers are back home Thursday at 6 p.m. against Farmington, which is 2-0.
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