Overview: SAC vs. SA
- Date: Sunday, September 20
- Kickoff: 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Heart Health Park
- Tickets: Purchase here
- Theme: Superhero Day presented by UC Davis Health
- Free superhero mask for the first 1,500 kids through the gates
- Superhero appearances
- Limited-edition merchandise benefiting Mama Bears Fighting Cancer
- Watch at Home: ESPN2
Know Your Club – Republic FC
Fresh off a win in its final interconference match of the regular season, Republic FC is now set to host longtime rival San Antonio FC in a national TV matchup.
In front of a home crowd of over 10,000 fans last weekend, The Quails picked up a valuable three points in a 1-0 victory against Detroit City FC. Up against the stingiest defense in the league, Sacramento set the tone early with a goal in the 14th minute. A corner kick from Memo Rodriguez was sent to Jack Gurr on the far side of the field. Gurr controlled the ball and chipped a cross to Jared Timmer, who flicked the ball over the goal line.
After picking up the early lead, Republic FC continued to press, forcing Detroit’s keeper to come up with five saves to keep the scoreline close. The intensity made it difficult for the visitors to get anything going on offense, and Detroit City was held to just a single shot on target throughout the match.
Sacramento’s undefeated run stretches six games, and the team now sits on 36 points – level with three other Western Conference teams currently ranging from fourth to seventh place in the table. A positive result on Sunday would give Republic FC some welcome separation from the crowd of teams that are still locked in a tight battle for playoff positions.
Know Your Opponent – San Antonio FC
One of the four teams currently sitting on 36 points, San Antonio FC will surely be looking to return to its early-season form as the finish line nears. The 2022 USL Champions last played on the road against Colorado Springs on September 11. San Antonio started off the match in solid form, holding its opponent scoreless in the first half for the 17th time this season (2nd best in the league), but on the other side of the break, they would concede two goals in quick succession.
San Antonio got one back in the 82nd minute as Emil Cuello found the pocket and slipped in a low shot from the top of the box. The play would mark SAFC’s only shot on target for the night.
Cuello is among a notable list of former Republic FC players currently featuring for San Antonio. He’s joined by fellow SRFC alumni Mitch Taintor, Cristian Parano, and academy grad Santiago Suarez. Parano – who was with Sacramento from 2023-2025 – is currently tied for the SAFC lead with five goals, as well as four assists. The team’s other scoring leader is Jorge Hernandez, who once again has put together a strong campaign. He also leads the team with seven assists and has consistently been the team’s leader in goal contributions, including 11 goals and six assists in 2025.
Head-to-Head
If history repeats itself, Sunday’s match is sure to be one filled with passion and intensity. Consistently considered two of the top clubs in the Western Conference, these two clubs have faced off 18 times before. Republic FC leads the series with eight wins to San Antonio’s six, while the points have been split four times.
They last met in San Antonio this May, with the hosts claiming a 2-1 win after finding the back of the net twice in the first half. But Republic FC has gone undefeated against San Antonio at Heart Health Park since 2022.
