In just their second road contest of 2022, Republic FC split points with the defending USL Champions Orange County SC. A quick score set the tone for the club, while another great defensive effort kept them in control to kick off a three-in-seven-day stretch.
On the Board Immediately
As fans were still settling in, Sacramento surprised everyone in Irvine with a 2nd minute score – their fastest of the season and one of the fastest in club history. Looking to build out of the back following a goal kick, Dan Casey read the field and saw Damia Viader – who was making his first appearance in league play for Sacramento – streaking down the left flank unmarked. Casey perfectly dropped a long-ball to the Barcelona product in stride, leaving him with just one move to make around the goalkeeper before putting one in.
Viader’s goal, officially recorded at 90 seconds after kickoff, was his first in a league match for Sacramento after netting one in U.S. Open Cup play on April 7. Although close, the goal didn’t break the record for fastest goal in club history – Cam Iwasa still holds that honor with his June 2016 tally that went in before 40 seconds had gone by against Rio Grande Valley FC.
Set the Tone
Not only did scoring in the 2nd minute set the tone for the match, it may have set the tone for the next month. Saturday’s contest marked the start of a busy stretch, as Wednesday, Sacramento returns home to host Fuego FC in Open Cup play before getting on a plane to Texas to head to Rio Grande Valley.
To grab a point against the defending champions in their own stadium should do wonders for the club ahead of a slate that could see them take the pitch eight times in the next five weeks. In outperforming another top squad, a draw keeps spirits high as Sacramento returns to Heart Health Park – where they are a perfect 4-0-0 and have outscored their opponents 13-3 this season.
“It’s a really positive start to a big week,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “Coming here to the home of the champions and being the better team, and grinding out a point although we probably should have taken three.”
Danny’s Denial
Although a 26th minute penalty equalized for the hosts, Orange County’s most dangerous chance came with less than 15 minutes to go. The SoCal club came close to pulling ahead in the 77th minute when Milan Illoski snuck in behind the back line playing high, receiving a ball from the right before firing in an uncontested shot.
Danny Vitiello reacted quickly between the sticks, coming out to cut off his angle before sending the attempt away for an Orange County corner to keep things even – his biggest save for the Indomitable club in three appearances this year. Alongside another great effort late from Dan Casey and Lee Desmond, the fended off more late pressure from Orange County, who had made a number of changes to increase the pace up top and put Sacramento on their heels.
