With the mid-way point of training camp now in the rear-view mirror, Republic FC intensified further its preparations in week four of 2022 Training Camp, presented by Western Health Advantage.
Entering week four, the club shifted its priorities from getting the squad familiar with one another, to getting the group ready to generate on-field results. The week’s training sessions featured a lot of small-sided games and intra-squad competition, with the goal of getting every player acquainted with game speed play and getting each piece in place ahead of the season opener.
On Tuesday, the club faced off with another opposing side behind closed doors, their third of the preseason thus far. Taking on NISA club Bay Cities FC Republic FC took a 3-0 victory, with Rodrigo Lopez leading the way with a brace and Rafa Jauregui finding the net early on. Carlos Saldana saved a penalty late in the contest, keeping the club’s shutout intact.
“It was a good outing,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs after the contest. “It was good to get minutes in our legs as we prepare for opening night and keep taking steps forward,” see how our players react to new scenarios and situations, and make positive progress day in and day out. We’re starting to see things come together.”
The club’s challenges this weren’t yet over, however – Saturday, they welcomed League One newcomer Central Valley Fuego FC for another closed door meeting, their third in eight days.
In front of a small group of fans at Cosumnes River College, Sacramento took the lead early, going up 1-0 just moments after the opening whistle on a score from midfielder Rodrigo Lopez. The score set the tone for the Indomitable Club, who controlled the contest until the Fresno club pulled even in the second period. The two sides traded scores late – with three during the additional 30 minute session, and the contest ended with Sacramento claiming a 3-2 win.
“Continuing to build momentum this weekend will be huge,” said Coach Mark Briggs. “We need to keep learning about ourselves as a team, and get better understanding of our traits and tendencies. The closer we get to the season, the more we need to stay focused and get everything as good as it can be before the first game.”
Just two weeks remain before the season opener against El Paso Locomotive FC on March 12. Fans can secure their seats now by purchasing an Indomitable Membership, securing them access to every contest and special member-only perks, or single match tickets, which are on sale now at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets.
