The 2022 season is just about here. For the Indomitable Club, just one more test remains before the season opener. This weekend, Monterey Bay FC comes to town, giving Sacramento its first look at their new regional rivals, and their first action of the season in front of fans at Heart Health Park.
After a stretch of three scrimmages in eight days, Sacramento got right back to work this week, treating the days ahead of Saturday’s friendly just like they would a matchweek during the season. Head Coach Mark Briggs took the opportunity to ramp things up even further, prioritizing fitness, tactics and everything else they want to do on the pitch. Each training session emulated what the club would work on ahead of an important match.
“We’re at that final stage now where we just need to bring everything together,” said Briggs. “It’s been a good week; our guys are in a good spot, and understand what we want to do. We’ve given them a lot of information and they have taken it all in.”
“We’re trying to polish everything up,” said defender Ferrety Sousa. “We’ve been itching to get going and Saturday will be a good start to things.”
Energy was high all week long – every member of the squad emulated the same excitement and competitiveness they did on day one, during their trip to Palm Springs, and in each of their four scrimmages. Small-sided games at Friday’s session saw every member of the team eager to perform at their best, and above all, show that they can win even against their teammates. It was a positive sight to see ahead of what could also be considered an intimidating test.
“It’s been a really good week,” said midfielder Luis Felipe. “We’re adjusting to the final details, and getting more work in with one another. It’s very exciting to have a match coming down the line, see the fans here, and it will be a good challenge for us prior to opening night.”
To the squad, it’s important they focus on themselves Saturday. Even if they get to play in their home stadium for the first time, and go up against a USL Championship opponent, they can’t let anything get in their way of prepping for the real date circled on the calendar – March 12.
“Monterey will be a good team,” Briggs went on to say about their opponent. “But it’s important we focus on what we set out to work on, start off right and take a victory on our home field.”
Tickets are still available for tomorrow’s preseason friendly, which is the first opportunity for fans to get a look at the 2022 squad and see the team in action before the start of the season. Visit SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets to secure your seat ahead of the 1:00PM kickoff.
