Following a tough loss in the club’s first road match of 2022, the Boys in Old Glory Red return to Heart Health Park this Sunday. They’ll face off with their first Eastern Conference foe of the season in FC Tulsa – the eleventh all-time fixture between the two clubs.
The visitors come in with some momentum, defeating two excellent sides in Birmingham and San Diego. But Sacramento’s ready, because even if last week’s result wasn’t what they wanted they’re still confident after putting in a tremendous effort in the second half to the tune of 13 shots and a 64% possession edge.
“We know we have a good team and we know what we’re capable of,” said Rodrigo Lopez. “We just need to start hot every game – we can’t afford to go down early.”
“I don’t think we’ve hit our best yet,” said Lee Desmond. “But we’re going to try to do that this week.”
Being back at home – and in front of home fans especially – is a major reason Sacramento is ready to take the pitch on Sunday. Coming into this season, utilizing the electric atmosphere at Heart Health Park to turn their home ground into a fortress is a major goal of the squad. Opening night was a step in the right direction, and getting a win against Tulsa will keep the journey to achieving that goal on track.
“To come out onto our home stadium gets everyone excited, it gets everyone built up and ready to go,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “Nothing compares to the atmosphere that we create here. When this place gets loud and rocking, there’s no other place like it. It’s our job to get the fans behind us.”
“It’s part of the reason I came here,” Desmond continued. “I couldn’t believe how loud it was on opening night. We notice it as players, and it is a big help to us. I’m glad I don’t have to deal with it here as an opposing player.”
Going into week three, the squad isn’t worried about rebounding from their first loss. Spirits are high as the club has proven ready to go at every turn. “The message to the group has been that we’ve played two strong teams,” Briggs continued. “Let’s go out there and play, focus on ourselves and we’ll be fine.”
