The 2022 season is finally here. This weekend, Republic FC will kick off their ninth USL Championship season when they welcome El Paso Locomotive FC to Heart Health Park. Excitement will be at a high as Mark Briggs’ men take the pitch and aim to kick off the new season on a high note.
At a Glance: SACvELP
- Saturday, March 12
- 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, CA
- How to watch: English and Spanish broadcasts available on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 App, also streaming on ESPN+
- Tickets and pre-paid parking
- Tailgate Information
The Latest – Republic FC
Saturday’s season opener will be a tremendous reward. February saw the Boys in Old Glory Red claim four wins in five exhibition contests, with their only defeat coming at the hands of an MLS side. After success in the preseason, the whole squad has been itching to take the field at Heart Health Park, and they’ll get the full experience on Saturday.
Most recently, Sacramento rode a strong first half to a 3-2 victory at Heart Health Park against Monterey Bay FC. A goal and assist apiece from Rodrigo Lopez in the first half set the tone, and a smart penalty kick from Douglas Martinez Jr. gave Indomitable fans more to cheer for just after the break.
Opponent Report – El Paso Locomotive FC
Locomotive FC closed out their preseason slate last weekend as well, defeating San Antonio FC in a 7-0 blowout. It turned around what had been two tough results for the club against New Mexico United and Louisville City FC. Coming off such a dominating performance, they’ve set themselves up nicely for success in the season opener.
Republic FC will need to keep eyes on midfielder Diego Luna, who despite his young age proved he was one of the Championship’s best in 2021, and new acquisition Christiano François. From the outset, the duo should be the club’s main manufacturers this season. They also can’t afford to forget about midfielder Dylan Mares, who led the club in chances created a year ago.
Matchup History
In four contests since the incoming visitors entered USL play three seasons ago, Sacramento has fallen each time. El Paso has issued Republic FC a few heartbreakers in that time, including a stoppage-time game-winner and 3-0 elimination from the postseason in 2019. But Republic FC has always played them tough, and Saturday should be no different.
