Saturday is an exciting day for Republic FC as Sacramento visits Oakland Roots SC in what will be the East Bay club’s first-ever home game in USL Championship play.
The two Northern California neighbors have already met once this season – a riveting 3-3 draw that saw SRFC storm back from a goal down twice on the night to earn a point – and this weekend’s game will be the second of four total regular season showdowns.
But before the two sides take the pitch in what will be a historic day in the regional rivalry, the boss and his fullback shared their thoughts heading into the fixture.
Saturday is an exciting day for Republic FC as Sacramento visits Oakland Roots SC in what will be the East Bay club’s first-ever home game in USL Championship play.
The two Northern California neighbors have already met once this season – a riveting 3-3 draw that saw SRFC storm back from a goal down twice on the night to earn a point – and this weekend’s game will be the second of four total regular season showdowns.
But before the two sides take the pitch in what will be a historic day in the regional rivalry, the boss and his fullback shared their thoughts heading into the fixture.
Head Coach Mark Briggs
Head Coach Mark Briggs
On this past week of training…
“It’s been a pretty good week of training. It’s been nice to have all the players are back from international duty – Kharlton, Rafa, Shannon – and a couple players back from injury. So, it’s been nice to have a full group to work with and go over our plans for the weekend. I’m happy with the week and I’m happy with the morale within the group.”
On this past week of training…
“It’s been a pretty good week of training. It’s been nice to have all the players are back from international duty – Kharlton, Rafa, Shannon – and a couple players back from injury. So, it’s been nice to have a full group to work with and go over our plans for the weekend. I’m happy with the week and I’m happy with the morale within the group.”
On how much of this past week was focused on rest and recovery…
“Obviously we have to prepare for Oakland but a lot of it has been recovery. A lot of it has been getting our bodies back, getting our minds back and making sure we’re recovered. It’s been a lot of recovery and then also adding in the right time to implement the tactics and implement what we want to do in Oakland.”
On approaching Saturday’s match…
“We’ve got to be focused. We’ve got to go there, and we have to show an intensity and more than anything, we’ve got to show a desire – a desire to win the game of football. That’s what I’m looking for.”
On how much of this past week was focused on rest and recovery…
“Obviously we have to prepare for Oakland but a lot of it has been recovery. A lot of it has been getting our bodies back, getting our minds back and making sure we’re recovered. It’s been a lot of recovery and then also adding in the right time to implement the tactics and implement what we want to do in Oakland.”
On approaching Saturday’s match…
“We’ve got to be focused. We’ve got to go there, and we have to show an intensity and more than anything, we’ve got to show a desire – a desire to win the game of football. That’s what I’m looking for.”
Duke Lacroix
Duke Lacroix
On how the team is feeling heading into Saturday’s game…
“We’re excited to get back at it. Coming against a rival, we know it’s their home opener and there’s some buzz around the game and we’re just excited to get back on the field and compete again. On the road, this is going to be a stirring competition, we know what they have – it was a back-and-forth game the last time we played them – and I feel like every time we play them, it’s going to be a competitive match. That’s just what you expect from a game like this. So, we’re just excited to get back on the field.”
On how the team is feeling heading into Saturday’s game…
“We’re excited to get back at it. Coming against a rival, we know it’s their home opener and there’s some buzz around the game and we’re just excited to get back on the field and compete again. On the road, this is going to be a stirring competition, we know what they have – it was a back-and-forth game the last time we played them – and I feel like every time we play them, it’s going to be a competitive match. That’s just what you expect from a game like this. So, we’re just excited to get back on the field.”
On handling the early schedule…
On handling the early schedule…
“I think this is our third, 10-day, 12-day period in the season already and it’s early. We had a couple quick games back-to-back so it’s a bit stop and start but from the coaching staff on down, the technical staff, nobody’s making excuses. We take the games as they come, the schedule comes out before the season starts so we know exactly what to expect. We believe we’re prepared to win every single match with the guys we have on this roster.”
“I think this is our third, 10-day, 12-day period in the season already and it’s early. We had a couple quick games back-to-back so it’s a bit stop and start but from the coaching staff on down, the technical staff, nobody’s making excuses. We take the games as they come, the schedule comes out before the season starts so we know exactly what to expect. We believe we’re prepared to win every single match with the guys we have on this roster.”
On approaching the back-to-back matches…
“You just try to take care of your body, on and off the field. We have a really good technical staff that does their best to give us all the access we need to take care of ourselves and prepare before the game, during the game and after the game. I know for myself; I try to utilize all the resources we have at our disposal; I think that’s part of being a professional. We have a group of professionals in this locker room and that’s something I look forward to playing alongside of each and every day.”
On approaching the back-to-back matches…
“You just try to take care of your body, on and off the field. We have a really good technical staff that does their best to give us all the access we need to take care of ourselves and prepare before the game, during the game and after the game. I know for myself; I try to utilize all the resources we have at our disposal; I think that’s part of being a professional. We have a group of professionals in this locker room and that’s something I look forward to playing alongside of each and every day.”
