Opening night of the 2024 USL Championship season has finally arrived. Republic FC hosts Orange County SC in the first match of 2024 where points are on the line, and the result has an impact on the standings.
The match is set to be a stellar one as the top two teams in last year’s Western Conference standings square off. “I think we’ve had a good training week, preparing for the big game against Orange County,” said Rodrigo Lopez. “The guys are really excited to open up the season, and especially after how we ended last season, I think the guys ready for yet another good run.”
Behind the anticipation of the first game of the year, a rowdy atmosphere is expected as soccer returns to the Capital City.
The club enters with confidence after a strong preseason, going unbeaten vs. a pair of MLS squads, seeing its young players shine and nine different players find the back of the net. Last week, the club closed out training camp with a victory at home vs. local rival Monterey Bay F.C. behind constant pressure, excellent defense, and strong play in possession.
“It’s exciting. It’s the end result of what we’ve been preparing for the last two months,” newcomer Trevor Amann said of the result against Monterey Bay. Saturday will mark Amann’s USL Championship debut, coming after a Player of the Year and Golden Boot-winning campaign in USL League One in 2023.
The home crowd is expected to have a big impact on tomorrow’s match. Last season, Republic FC’s fans came out in record numbers for their squad, leading the league in attendance – including five straight sellouts to close out the season – and pushing the Indomitable Club to post a record-high 13 home wins.
“We love playing at home,” continued Lopez. “For the new guys, I think they’re going to see that atmosphere and see how good our fans are, how electric our stadium is, and how the crowd gets behind us and pushes us to do better.”
“Opening night every year is incredible, and I’m sure this year will be no different,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs on Thursday. “For our new players, I’m sure their eyes are gonna be pulled wide open when they hear our crowd, when they see the atmosphere when they feel the environment. Heart Health Park is a special place and I’m sure tomorrow night will be just as special as always.”
