Republic FC wraps up a three-in-seven-day slate this weekend, taking to Texas for their first meeting with Rio Grande Valley FC since September of 2019. It’ll be a tough match for Sacramento, but coming off a thrilling win in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, spirits are high as ever.
The trip is certainly a change of scenery for Sacramento, who prior to the match will have played every contest this year in their home state. Hitting the road for their longest trip of the season’s first two months could add to the care needed as a result of the schedule, especially since this week’s travel itinerary is well known to be more hectic than most others. How that impacts the squad, and what changes need to be made as a result, will be looked at constantly as the clock ticks down to kickoff.
“It’s difficult to go on the road, especially this trip,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “Saturday morning we’ll make a decision on the lineup and nagging injuries, and try and keep everyone as fresh as possible.”
However, on the flipside, it is possible that tough travel schedule and reduced time to regenerate could be rendered a non-issue because of Wednesday night’s result. The most dangerous team is a confident one, and after a late game-winner to avoid extra time against a regional rival – possibly the best feeling in sport – every member of the squad is expecting three points.
“I think we’re very confident right now [as a team],” said Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello. “As long as we keep doing what we’re doing I think we’ll be confident we can win on Saturday.”
“The group’s in confident spirits and is feeling good,” Briggs continued. “There’s no reason we can’t go down there and get three points.”
The Toros do pose a threat, however, and even with the confidence Sacramento has they won’t be taking their opponent lightly. Rio Grande Valley hung with MLS side Houston Dynamo in their own Open Cup match Tuesday, and each of their contests has been a tight and well fought battle. Regardless of what the table says, they’ve performed well against a few strong sides this season.
“We’re facing a very strong team,” Briggs continued. “They are very strong defensively, have very good players in the middle of the part and they have dangerous forwards.”
“They’re in good form right now,” said Vitiello. “I think we’ve just got to focus on ourselves, try to score and try to get a result.”
