NEW recruit Adam Matthews made his first start for Sunderland overnight, but that did not prevent defeat in the first game of a pre-season tour of North America.
Cameron Iwasa's 58th minute strike was the difference between the two sides as Sacramento Republic won at Bonney Field.
Steven Fletcher hit the crossbar in the first half for Sunderland, who named a strong side for their second pre-season outing.
Matthews made his first Sunderland start after coming off the bench in last week's win over Darlington, while Jack Rodwell made his first pre-season appearance after his wife gave birth last week.
Sacramento: McLain, Klimenta, Daly, Vukovic, Kiffe, Mirkovic, Barrera, Guzman, Alvarez, Kaleemullah, Stewart.
Sunderland: Mannone, Matthews (Buckley 46), Beadling, Brown, O’Shea (Bridcutt 46), Cattermole, Rodwell, Larsson, Giaccherini (Wickham 46), Defoe (Watmore 66), Fletcher (Graham 46). Sub not used: Pickford.
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