Earlier today, the USL Championship announced the Week 34 Team of the Week. For their contributions in Saturday night’s win over Oakland Roots, Republic FC’s Memo Rodriguez and Lee Desmond have earned a spot on the league’s top weekly squad.
Memo helped Republic FC get on the board early, posting his first assist of the night on Alfredo Midence’s second-minute goal. After Oakland took a 2-1 lead before halftime, Memo later connected with Desmond for Sacramento’s equalizer in the 81st minute. The midfielder delivered a curling ball from a set piece near the sideline, and Desmond rose above the defense to flick the ball past the goalkeeper. The Indomitable Club went on to win the game, with Kyle Edwards delivering the decisive goal in the 90th minute.
In addition to his two assists, Memo finished the night with four chances created, five duels won, and five possessions won. Rodriguez has had a stellar first season with Republic FC, closing out the regular season with seven goals and a team-best nine assists, including nine goal contributions in the club’s final six matches. He leads the team with six Team of the Week selections.
Desmond put in a strong two-way performance against Oakland. In addition to the late goal – his second of the season – he posted eight clearances, six of six duels won, and an 87% passing accuracy. A member of the Republic FC squad since 2022, the Team Captain recorded new single season highs across several categories this year – 2,655 minutes, 150 clearances, and 159 duels won.
Saturday’s come-from-behind win – the club’s 13th consecutive unbeaten result – clinched the second seed in the Western Conference for the second year in a row. Republic FC will host FC Tulsa for opening round of the playoffs this Sunday, November 1. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is slated for 6:00 p.m. and tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com.
