Republic FC Clinches Dramatic 1-0 Victory Over El Paso, Remains First in the West
Sacramento, CA - In an otherwise nerve-wracking encounter at Heart Health Park, Sacramento Republic FC emerged victorious with a late, dramatic 1-0 win over the El Paso Locomotive on September 16, 2023. The game had fans on the edge of their seats as it remained locked at nil until Sacramento's Luis Felipe delivered a stunning header into the back of the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy. This thrilling victory not only showcased the tenacity of the Republic FC but also solidified their position at the top of the USL Championship western division.
The match began with both teams displaying their prowess, engaging in a back-and-forth battle that kept supporters on their toes. The first half of the game was marked by excellent defensive efforts and some impressive saves from both goalkeepers. Sacramento's attack relentlessly pressured El Paso's defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Despite their best efforts, Sacramento found themselves continually thwarted by the brilliance of El Paso's Mexican goalkeeper, Benny Diaz. Showcasing his remarkable reflexes and positioning, Diaz kept a clean sheet during regulation time, denying Sacramento's attackers on a half dozen occasions.
As the clock ticked away and the match seemed destined to end in a goalless draw, the fans at Heart Health Park held their collective breath. Sacramento had dominated possession and generated a half-dozen incredible shots on goal throughout the match, but Diaz remained an impenetrable wall. The tension reached its peak in the 90th minute, as the referee signaled six minutes of stoppage time.
In those dying moments of the game, at 90+4’, Sacramento's Luis Felipe emerged as the hero. A well-placed cross found the midfielder perfectly positioned in the box, and with exquisite precision, he rose above the defense and connected with the ball using his head. The power behind the header left Diaz with no chance as the ball sailed into the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the players and fans alike.
The 1-0 victory was a testament to Republic FC's resilience and determination. They had dominated the match, constantly pressuring El Paso's defense, and were finally rewarded for their efforts. Luis Felipe's late-game heroics secured all three points for the boys in old glory red and sent Heart Health Park into euphoria.
This crucial win not only added to the Republic FC's points tally but also allowed them to create critically important separation at the top of the table. With this victory, they now sit alone in first place, setting themselves up as strong contenders for a deep playoff run.
As Republic FC continues their quest for USL Championship glory, their fans can look back at this thrilling 1-0 victory over El Paso as a defining moment in their season. The relentless pursuit of victory exemplified by the team on that fateful night in September 2023 serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to success. Sacramento fans can undoubtedly expect more heart-stopping moments and memorable victories as the team marches forward in pursuit of greatness.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, and has been covering professional soccer, including MLS and the San Jose Earthquakes, since 2014. All images taken for American Presswire and subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. Ahsan Awan can be found on X as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
Republic Returns to Hughes, Capacity Crowd Proves Club Remains Built For MLS
Sacramento, CA - In celebration of a decade of soccer excellence, Sacramento Republic FC returned to where it all began at Hughes Stadium on August 26, 2023 in a fiercely competitive USL Championship western conference match versus Orange County SC. The 10-year anniversary match marked a significant milestone in the history of the club and provided the 20,231 fans on site with an unforgettable evening of soccer action that once again proved that Sacramento is indeed capable of delivering crowds that keep up with nearly anything domestic rival league Major League Soccer has to offer.
The boys in old glory red have been a cornerstone of professional soccer in Northern California for a decade. During that span, the club has made significant strides both on and off the pitch, including the inaugural season championship for which they have a star on the kit. Hughes Stadium, their original home, holds a special place in the hearts of supporters, and the 10-year anniversary match was an emotional reunion between the team and its dedicated fanbase.
The festivities began hours before the kickoff as fans arrived wearing scarves and jerseys. Tailgates filled the air with a variety of sounds and smells, and chants of "Glory, Glory, Sacramento!" echoed through the parking lots and across the bridge as the Tower Bridge Battalion supporters group approached. The excitement was palpable, and it was clear that this night would be one to remember.
As the players took to the field, the energy in Hughes Stadium reached a feverish pitch. SRFC came out determined and fought hard. OCSC, however, proved to be formidable opponents, creating an intense match that did not go the way the home team had hoped. Orange County won the contest 2-0. Sacramento’s legendary midfielder, iconic captain and final founding roster member, Rodrigo Lopez, said, “the result was not ideal... we will bounce back.” Returning after a 4-month injury recovery period, having Lopez return to the pitch was an incredible victory; indeed, he has bounced back.
Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs expressed his gratitude to the fans, saying, "This victory is not just for us, but for the amazing supporters who have been with us since day one. The energy in Hughes Stadium was incredible, and it's a testament to the incredible bond between this team and our city."
The 10-year anniversary match at Hughes Stadium was more than just a soccer game; it was a celebration of the passion, dedication, and success of the Sacramento Republic FC over the past decade. As the club continues to grow and evolve, this milestone reminds everyone that their roots run deep, and their future remains as promising as ever. Sacramento can be proud of the Republic FC and the incredible journey they've embarked upon since that inaugural season in 2014.
Following the match at Hughes, Sacramento suffered a loss on the road in Phoenix, but then managed to capture a road win at rival Oakland this past Saturday. They currently remain in first place in the western conference by two points over San Antonio. The club returns to the pitch September 16 at Heart Health Park, where they will host El Paso. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM PST, and the match will be televised on ESPN+.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, and has been covering professional soccer, including USL and Sacramento Republic FC, since their debut in 2014. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2023 Ahsan Awan for American Presswire subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. He can be found on Twitter as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
Keep calm and power on, Sacramento balances cup and league play
SACRAMENTO – Republic FC currently sits alone in fourth place in the west. They could move up to third with the combination of a win on Saturday versus Oakland Roots SC and a loss or tie by the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, whom they defeated 3-0 at home just over a week ago.
After beating MLS side Sporting KC in the semifinals of the US Open Cup, Sacramento channeled their energy forward, traveled to Charleston, SC and logged an impressive 4-2 victory on the road. Then they beat New Mexico on the road 2-1. Then they tied Rio Grande Valley 1-1 at home, and fatigue began to set in.
What happened next was a surprising 1-0 road loss to Monterey Bay. With starters resting, however, it’s difficult to point to this as being a moment of breakdown. No team wants to lose, but perhaps the boys in old glory red had one worth sacrificing to pace themselves.
Pace themselves for what, you may wonder. The obvious! Sacramento will travel to play MLS side Orlando City SC on the road, in Orlando, in the US Open Cup final scheduled for September 7, and that match is SOLD OUT. Perhaps feeling the pressure and exhibiting both respect and concern for their opponent, Orlando successfully petitioned MLS to postpone their originally scheduled match against in-state rival Inter-Miami CF just a few days before.
In contrast, Sacramento has taken a different approach. After the strong showing against Colorado Springs just over a week ago, the club fell 2-1 to Las Vegas on the road. Again, resting parts of the starter rotation likely in preparation for Orlando, but also perhaps realizing that once again, there was room to absorb a road loss without jeopardizing the USL playoffs.
So here we are, fierce rival Oakland coming to Heart Health Park on Saturday, August 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 PM Pacific. A win, coupled with a Switchbacks loss, would elevate Republic FC into third place in the west. Moving into third would be good. Getting above that may be a bit more complicated. Leave that conversation for another time. The Roots are up next, and then something interesting happens.
Before Sacramento travels to Orlando for their September 7 contest, the club faces Louisville City FC, the leader of USL’s east division, on the road. That match will take place on Saturday, September 3 at 4:30 PM Pacific. A win there would be fantastic, but its certainly not expected. What is likely is for Sacramento to field reserves and keep the starters out. Unlike Orlando, Sacramento is choosing to play on and play through. They may surprise everyone, but odds favor a road loss.
That said, a win this Saturday versus Oakland could be strategically critical to Republic FC positioning to secure home field for a first-round playoff match later this Fall. After Orlando, the club has only seven matches remaining in USL play. Five of those are at home. Two are on the road, and two are versus the clubs sitting above them, San Antonio, and San Diego. To say fans must hang on to their seats until the very end this season is an understatement.
Sacramento's next match is August 27 versus USL Championship side Oakland Roots SC. The match will be played at Sacramento’s Heart health Park at 8:00 PM PST. The club plays MLS side Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final on Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM PST. Broadcast details are pending.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, and has been covering professional soccer, including USL and Sacramento Republic FC, since their debut in 2014. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2022 Ahsan Awan for American Presswire subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. He can be found on Twitter as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
Indomitable Club
SACRAMENTO – With the California State Fair lighting up the sky in the background, neither triple digit heat, wildfire smoke in the air, nor the relentless attack of the presumably more talented roster of the MLS-side Sporting Kansas City team they hosted as their opponent, was capable of stopping the men in old glory red from achieving victory in U.S. Soccer's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal match. Through full time plus stoppage, two extra time periods and a thrilling penalty kick shootout, Republic FC fought hard and played well. Sacramento's incredible captain, Rodrigo Lopez, sealed the victory with a successful penalty kick to win the shootout 5-4 over Sporting Kansas City.
With a sell out announced last week, Republic FC stepped onto the pitch surrounded by a full house. There wasn't an empty seat in Heart Health Park. Despite multiple advances, shots on goal, and miraculous saves, the first half ended 0-0. The second half of regulation play was no different. Fans were riveted to their seats as extra time began. First, 15 minutes one way. Then, 15 minutes the other way. It was the same story. There were shots, there were saves, and the score remained tied 0-0. Then came the shootout.
throughout it all, club majority owner Kevin Nagle stood tall and watched. He never had any doubt. He never showede any concern. He was confident the team could win, and they did. The back-and-forth pentalty kicks took place right in front of him. At one point, Sacramento appaered to make a stop that would give them the lead, but it was called back. The second attempt by Sporting KC kept things even.
Then came KC's legedary Graham Zusi. He failed to convert. It all came down to Sacramento's great captain, Rodrigo Lopez. A wall of crowd noise, surrounded him as he prepared to shoot. The moment he kicked the ball, there was no doubt. It was going in. It went in. The crowd erupted in cheers. The team went wild. The players from Sporting KC looked stunned. Sacramento did it. They pulled off the unimaginable. The indomitable club won the 2022 U.S. Open Cup semifinal.
Sacramento now advances to play MLS side Orlando City SC on the road, in Orlando, in the Open Cup final scheduled for September 7. Further details about the next match will be coming soon. For now, let the celebration begin. For Sacramento, For Nagle, Lopez, all the players, staff and fans, the dream remains very much alive.
Sacramento's next match is July 30 at USL Championship side Charleston Battery. The match will be played at the Battery's Patriots Point Stadium at 4:30 PM PST. The club then plays a slate of six USL Championship league matches in August before heading Louisville for a USL side match on September 3. Then they are off to Orlando to face MLS side Orlando City in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final on Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM PST. Within league play, Republic FC won't return home to host a USL opponent until Saturday, August 6, when they face Rio Grande Valley FC at Heart Health Park at 8:00 PM. Broadcast details are pending.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, and has been covering professional soccer, including USL and Sacramento Republic FC, since their debut in 2014. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2022 Ahsan Awan for American Presswire subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. He can be found on Twitter as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
The only way forward is to win
SACRAMENTO – At the conclusion of the USL Championship regular season on October 15, the top seven teams in the western conference will advance into the single-elimination playoffs. Sacramento Republic FC currently sits in seventh place. Only one point separates the boys in old glory red from being above the line in sixth place or below the line in either eighth or ninth place. The pressure is on.
Sacramento has lost two of its last three matches and hasn't won since June 25. The next three matches present significant challenges: a road match vs Phoenix Rising on July 23; a road match all the way east in Charleston on July 30; and then a midweek road match just a few days later on August 3 in New Mexico. The club doesn't return home to Heart Health Park until Saturday, August 6 vs. Rio Grande Valley. Odds favor going 2-2 during this stretch, and while that may seem reasonable, only one thing is true when you're riding the line: it's not enough that you win, everyone else must lose.
Meanwhile, Sacramento looks to continue its historic US Open Cup run. The club faces MLS side Sporting Kansas City in the semifinal round on July 27. That match will be played at Heart Health Park, and it's already sold out. Having defeated the MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles Galaxy already, the club should be confident in their ability to compete.
Of course, not winning in nearly one month raises questions and concerns. The short turn-around time between matches raises the likelihood of fatigue, the risk of yellow card accumulation, and the very real possibility that the club could return home having fallen below the line. Given the proven talent and many incredible results, surviving this midsummer stretch will take focus, discipline, and care. It can be done.
The rest of the month of August doesn't really get any easier. With four more matches split between home and road, the same challenges exist. The club will face Monterey on the road in what oddsmakers would say is a match they should win on August 13, but then they come home to face Colorado Springs just four days later in a match that will likely be much more difficult. They travel to Las Vegas for a match just three days after that; again, one they should win. However, they finish the month one week later at home against a dangerous rival Oakland Roots club that has presented challenges in the past.
Amid triple digit heat in a drought-plagued region where fire danger remains high, and with another COVID pandemic wave extending the health emergency now further complicated by monkeypox and avian flu, health, hydration, and rest remain critical. No one ever said the road to the playoffs was easy, let alone the road to a championship, of which Republic proudly has one star on their kits already. In order to compete for a second star is really going to take something special though, and the only way forward is to win.
Sacramento's next match is July 23 at Phoenix Rising FC. The match will be played at Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass at 7:30 PM. The club returns home to host MLS side Sporting Kansas City in the semifinal round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday, July 27 at 7:30 PM. Within league play, Republic FC won't return to host a USL opponent until Saturday, August 6, when they host Rio Grande Valley FC at Heart Health Park at 8:00 PM. Broadcast details are pending.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, and has been covering professional soccer, including USL and Sacramento Republic FC, since their debut in 2014. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2022 Ahsan Awan for American Presswire subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. He can be found on Twitter as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
Sacramento: From The Outside Looking In
SACRAMENTO – The Pacific division of the United Soccer League’s Championship tier is both competitive and complicated. Currently led by Phoenix Rising, and with Orange County, Tacoma, and San Diego all in a distant 2-3-4 clump that could separate after the next match for any of them, the next club down is Sacramento Republic FC. Sitting in fifth place with 22 points, the boys in old glory red are five points behind fourth place, seven points behind second place, and a very distant sixteen points behind Phoenix.
USL announced the 2021 playoff structure on April 20 of this year. The top four clubs from each division will get in and play single-elimination style with the top two clubs in each division earning hosting rights. Sacramento is currently on the outside looking in. One place back below the line, but also five points back. Getting into the top four will not be easy.
Sacramento hosts division rival San Diego on Saturday, August 28, in what can only be described as a must-win match. The homecoming for former Republic FC owner Warren Smith is certainly exciting; but make no mistake, there will be generosity on the pitch. A win by the Loyal could propel them into second place, thus opening the door to the opportunity to host. They want that.
A Republic FC loss would indeed make things much more difficult for Sacramento. A widening gap to rise above the line is not what you want to see entering a brutal September stretch that includes matches at Tacoma, home-and-home versus LA Galaxy II, at Las Vegas, on the road at Mountain division leader El Paso, and at home hosting a San Antonio squad that, while hovering just off the bottom of the Mountain division, has nearly the same total points as Republic FC does.
Remember when SRFC was “Built 4 MLS” – it was once a trending social media hashtag. Those days appear long gone. The celebration of approval to join MLS was thwarted when billionaire NHL Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle pulled out. The coronavirus pandemic played a role. The sharply escalating cost of to build the new stadium in the railyards was a factor. That went from an estimated $300 million up to $400 million. Infrastructure costs nearly doubled from $27 million to $47 million. The limited partners failed to raise and deliver roughly $60 million needed to continue. Don’t forget the MLS franchise fee. What was once reportedly $50 million went up to $200 million, and that was not paid. However, things didn’t end there. To proceed, Burkle and his partner Matt Alvarez needed acquire the majority stake from SRFC’s majority owner, Kevin Nagle. That too was never completed.
Naturally, to the casual fan, the answer seemed simple enough: just find another deep-pocketed billionaire looking to become a pro sports franchise owner. If only it was that simple. Unfortunately, following the ownership and investment breakdowns in Sacramento, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league had moved forward with vetting several alternatives: Phoenix, Las Vegas and – you guessed it – San Diego! Right about now, if you’re thinking Warren Smith is a genius, you would be correct.
However, just one week ago, Garber said MLS is “really intrigued” by Las Vegas as a potential market. What’s not to be intrigued by? Las Vegas has proven to be a sustainable home for both the NFL and the NHL. It certainly has long-standing NCAA presence. The NBA has run its summer league there for some time and may very well by eyeing both NBA and WNBA franchise placement there. MLB may be eyeing similarly, and they already have a MiLB AAA franchise there. USL-C has the Las Vegas Lights there. With USA Rugby and World Rugby hosting matches there, it may only be a matter of time before an MLR franchise lands there. Let’s also not forget the recent success of the Gold Cup final. CONCACAF proved it can host a major soccer championship match for a sell out crowd in an NFL stadium, never mind a soccer-specific one at roughly one third the total capacity. The truth is, Las Vegas is the sports capital of the world, and that has nothing to do with gambling. Why wouldn’t MLS want to have a franchise there?
It’s clear that the stakes are rising. In July, it was reported that the billionaire Wilf family, owners of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, bought MLS’s Orlando City SC for $400-450 million. They sold a limited partner minority stake to the billionaire DeVoss family, owners of the NBA’s Orlando Magic.
Meanwhile, NYCFC is majority owned by City Football Group, owners of iconic English Premier League side Manchester City. Their minority owner is Yankee Global Enterprises – think MLB’s New York Yankees and the Steinbrenner family. All billionaires.
Who’s next? Could the billionaire Glazer family, owners of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and EPL side Manchester United, buy into MLS? It wouldn’t be difficult for them to eye the USL Championship side’s Atlantic division co-leader (alongside the Pittsburgh Riverhounds), the Tampa Bay Rowdies. They could just as easily see a fantastic opportunity in Las Vegas.
San Diego doesn’t have its ownership whale yet though. Warren Smith and Landon Donovan have Andrew Vassiliadis on board, but they need more. Rumors have swirled for some time that Taiwanese Canadian billionaire Joe Tsai might be interested. As an Alibaba Group co-founder, he certainly has the finances. He also owns the National Lacrosse League’s San Diego Seals, and he has a 49% stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. In case owning a professional box lacrosse franchise seems weird, make a note, Joe Tsai played lacrosse at Yale University. Furthermore, in case you don’t know what box lacrosse is, and you wonder what NLL is relative to the Professional Lacrosse League (PLL), the difference is simple: PLL is full field, typically outdoors. NLL is played in arena, typically indoors. If you’re thinking NFL versus AFL, you’ve got it! Box lacrosse is like arena football, but it’s lacrosse, and it’s very entertaining.
Obviously, Tsai seems like an instant leading potential to majority own the Loyal and get them to MLS. Of course, don’t count out the Glazers, not that they’ve shown any interest in MLS, Las Vegas, or San Diego at all. Nevertheless, in case that didn’t open the door enough, a wise guidance would be not to count out any billionaire. The operative qualifier, however, remains the same. It is increasingly apparent that MLS ownership is perhaps best suited for billionaires, if not restricted to that class altogether.
That brings things back to Sacramento, on the outside looking in, below the line and looking up, and straining to remain relevant in an environment that appears less friendly to their interests. On the pitch, the boys in old glory red need to win. They need to beat San Diego tomorrow, and they need to win in September. In the front office, Sacramento needs to find a new lead investor. With former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez joining the effort to find a new backer, it’s clear that Sacramento hasn’t given up hope.
There’s an old saying, leadership trickles down from the top. It will take a series of exceptional performances and tremendous focus and discipline for the unit on the pitch to overcome the uncertainty of the unit in the clubhouse. For the fans, there’s only one thing to do: just keep showing up and cheering. On a seven-match streak without a loss, there’s plenty to be excited for and cheer on. The cub has certainly put office issues aside and played well for some time. If that continues, perhaps people the likes of the Glazers, the DeVoss family or others may be open to having a look. Sacramento hosts the San Diego Loyal at Heart Health Park on Saturday, August 28 at 7:00 PM. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, and has been covering professional soccer, including USL and Sacramento Republic FC, since their debut in 2014. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2021 Ahsan Awan for American Presswire subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. He can be found on Twitter as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
SRFC Quails Salty After Seemingly Self-Inflicted Loss
SACRAMENTO – Wearing their new all-white California Quail kits, Republic FC, embracing their unofficial nickname, the Quails, under the leadership of Head Coach Mark Briggs, took to the pitch last night versus division leader Phoenix Rising FC. New jersey, newly branded stadium, a revenge match after last season's playoff-ending goal by Solomon Asante that was clearly a hand ball; but most of all, defense of history -- Phoenix had never beaten Sacramento on the road. Moreover, Phoenix Rising had never scored a goal in Sacramento. Their last one was during Sacramento's inaugural USL season in 2014. Then Arizona United SC, Phoenix Rising FC simply didn't exist. Of course, Sacramento would go on to win the championship that year, and they would begin their quest for elevation to MLS with a star added to the kit.
Perhaps this season was a star-worthy season. Perhaps it still is. At 2-2 with 6 points in 4 matches, Sacramento isn't out by any means. Sitting fourth in the standings with upcoming matches versus the two teams below them on the board, the boys usually dressed in old glory red have the potential to create real separation between the top and bottom four within the division by the end of the week. Albeit a bit early to be separating with any safety, a pair of wins would certainly ensure Republic doesn't fall too far behind the leaders, if not land them right up there with them.
Heading into Saturday evening though, Republic was 2-1. Six points could've become nine. That was the plan. Unfortunately, that plan never had a chance. Sacramento never got anything going. Phoenix looked every bit in command from the opening kick. Short of calling the match a disaster, it certainly felt like a waste of time. The lineup was off. The energy was off. Despite the physicality (31 total fouls), the intensity was non-existent; that is, it was non-existent on the pitch. Mark Briggs was perturbed, to say the least. He seemed salty and annoyed. He said the night was disappointing, but to be a fly on the wall in the post-match locker room would surely have been a popcorn the crunch of which couldn't mask what must have been a colorful conversation.
The worst part about the loss isn't that Republic lost. It's not even that Phoenix won. The worst part is the sense that Sacramento didn't fight. The match never got aggressive. The disciplinary summary reflects that. Three yellow cards on Phoenix, ZERO on Sacramento. The home team did not fight. While Sacramento notched 16 fouls, Phoenix tallied 15. The physicality of play was essentially even. Sacramento just never pushed the limits. Sacramento also logged half as many shots, and not a one was on target. Despite dominating the corner seven to one, everything else was even.
According to Phoenix Manager Rick Schantz, the key to the match was tempo control. Phoenix demonstrated strength and maturity by balancing tempo on the road. They didn't dominate, they didn't log lopsided minutes in either direction. They maintained possession 48% of the match versus Sacramento's 52%, but their passes were accurate 75% of the time versus Sacramento's 71%. That led to twice as many shots (13), 4 on target (versus Sacramento's 0). Phoenix had a balanced attack, a solid match plan, and they executed like a team on a mission to contend for a championship.
So what went wrong for Sacramento? Phoenix's lone goal cam in the sixty-second minute. They got their third yellow card just five minutes later. Then came the substitutions. Sacramento sent midfielder Tucker Bone in for striker Dariusz Formella. They took out defender Shannon Gomez and replaced him with Jordan McCrary. They also replaced midfielder Fatai Alashe with striker Cameron Iwasa. All of that happened by the 70th minute. In the 87th minute, Republic replaced striker Kharlton Belmar with striker Julian Chavez.
Perhaps the issue is the lineup. Perhaps some of those coming off the bench should be starting on the pitch. Perhaps some of those who are underperforming should be dealt with differently. Many an armchair manager has a theory about what would work better, who would work better, but none of them are on the pitch working with the club day after day. Mark Briggs is a solid leader. His plan is equally worthy of trust. The starting IX simply need to fight harder, draw contact, draw cards, get shots on goal, get shots on target; and of course, they need to find the back of the net.
That last point is perhaps the most important. Republic FC needs to find the back of the net, and they need to do it more than their opponents. They'll get their chance twice this week. Sacramento begins a two match home stand at Heart Health Park welcoming USL's newest championship level club, Oakland Roots SC, on Wednesday, Just 2 at 8:00 PM, and then Orange County SC just three days later on Saturday, June 5 at 8:00 PM. Both matches will be broadcast live on ESPN+, KQCA My58, and Estrella TV. The June 5 match versus OCSC will also be broadcast live on SiriusXM satellite radio.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, and has been covering professional soccer, and Sacramento Republic FC, since their debut in 2014. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2021 American Presswire. He can be found on Twitter as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.