Following a dominating performance in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup, Republic FC now turns their eyes ahead to a three-in-seven-day stretch that includes two road matches. The clubs first stop takes them south to Irvine, where they’ll face off with 2021 USL Champion Orange County SC for the first time since last July.
At a Glance: SACvOC
- Saturday, April 16
- 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
- Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, California
- How to watch: English and Spanish broadcasts available on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, streaming on ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
Even entering one of their busiest stretches of the year, another fast start from the Boys in Old Glory seems imminent. Sacramento’s gotten off on the front foot in each of the past two matches, manufacturing 29 close range opportunities and log an expected goals tally of at least 2.5 both times as a result. It will need to continue this week, as their opponent has been the most dangerous early, but with Zeiko Lewis now 90 minutes fit and Luther Archimede proving to be a force, that trend should continue no matter who lines up on the other side.
In addition, Saturday could see a pair of Republic FC players check off significant career milestones. Entering this week, Keko sits just one appearance away from 300 for his professional career, and one goal from Rodrigo Lopez would mark his 50th all time.
Opponent Report
Orange County will enter the contest with confidence despite falling to San Antonio FC 1-0 last week. The club has been among the leagues’ best when it’s mattered most; if not for a six-save, Team of the Week-worthy performance from San Antonio goalkeeper Jordan Farr, they may have bagged more than one in the first half and equalized in stoppage time at the death.
Sacramento will need to keep tabs on forward Milan Illoski, as well as midfielders Mikko Kuningas and Seth Casiple throughout the contest. The trio has shown tremendous form to open the year, with Kuningas and Casiple combining to create just three less chances than the rest of the squad combined. They helped Orange County to an explosive offensive performance in Open Cup play on April 6, one where their club scored five times.
Head to Head
Saturday’s match will be the 23rd all-time between Republic FC and Orange County. Nearly every meeting has been tight – only four matches have been decided by multiple scores. The score sheet is near even as well, with Sacramento scoring 32 goals to Orange County’s 28, and Republic FC amassing a 9-9-4 record.
On the road in Irvine, things have been even tougher, with Sacramento winning just three contests and splitting points four times. Last season, Mark Briggs’ men claimed just a single point in four matches, a tally they’ll look to surpass in the first of two the clubs will play this season.
