U.S. Open Cup action is back this week for the third round, pitting Republic FC against USL League One side Central Valley Fuego FC in a regional derby. The match will be the second of three this week for Sacramento, and should be as tough as ever with the team coming to town as hot as any.
At a Glance: SACvCVF
- Wednesday, April 20
- 7:30 PM kickoff
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, CA
- How to watch: Streaming on ESPN+
- Tickets and pre-paid parking
The Latest – Republic FC
The club’s draw with Orange County might have marked one of their best performances of the season regardless of what the score sheet says – Republic FC thoroughly out-played the defending champions on their home turf in the first half, before holding strong in the second to stave off a hungry side in the second. It was a great start to a busy stretch for Sacramento – one that will need them to dig deep and pull contributions from every member of the squad each night.
Making his first USL Championship appearance, Damia Viader impressed again, picking up where he left off in his club debut during the second round of Open Cup play. The Spaniard put in his second goal in as many matches, scoring in the 2nd minute after corralling a Dan Casey long ball, and figures to be very involved moving forward.
Opponent Report
Fuego FC comes into Wednesday white-hot – they kicked off their 2022 season with a clean sheet win, upset El Paso Locomotive in Open Cup play, and then came from behind to secure a draw at the death in their most recent league match on April 8. Since, they’ve added a new man at the helm in Martin Vasquez, which could very well amplify their already loud entrance to League One and Open Cup play in their inaugural season. The former Mexico and U.S. national teamer has coached and managed in Major League Soccer and for the USMNT.
A familiar face will require Sacramento’s attention for all 90 minutes in the contest – former Republic FC midfielder Villyan Bijev joined Fuego FC this winter and has gotten off to a blistering start in 2022. Bijev has recorded a brace in each of his last two matches, and claimed USL League One Player of the Week honors in Week 2. He’s formed quite the tandem up top with fellow Republic FC alum Christian Chaney, whose Week 1 brace earned the club its first win on April 2.
So Far in Open Cup
In the second round, Republic FC defeated Portland Timbers U23 6-0, netting six first-half scores and putting up a staggering 26 shots. The victory advanced the club past the second round for the sixth time in seven entries.
Wednesday’s contest will mark the third time Republic FC has faced a Fresno-based squad in Open Cup play. Most recently, the club defeated Fresno FC, then in the USL Championship in the third round in 2019 following extra time. In the third round of the 2014 edition, Fresno Fuego came to town and fell 6-0.
