Playing their second regional derby match in four days on Saturday, Republic FC split points with Oakland Roots SC in the two clubs’ first of three meetings this season. While the result was not what the club wanted after a strong first half, it still bumped Sacramento over the playoff line ahead of an important stretch of league contests in June.
Luis Felipe at it Again
For the third time in four matches, including U.S. Open Cup play, it was Luis Felipe who got the Indomitable club on the board first. Behind him, Sacramento’s midfield unit had a strong first half, creating four opportunities from close range and serving in 12 crosses. The midfielder completed the night with nine final third entries, good for second on the club, and was one of five Sacramento starters to complete over 80% of his passing attempts. For his efforts, he was named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for Week 12.
Young Rafa Shows Strong
Making his second start of the season, youngster Rafa Jauregui was excellent against the Bay Area side; In fact, his play led Sacramento’s attack on a number of occasions. Just two days removed from his high school graduation, Jauregui led his club with four shots and took full advantage of the space provided by defenders focused on Luther Archimede. He came inches away from his first career score on more than one occasion, nearly punching through a Jack Gurr corner kick in the 16th minute and taking a great look at an open net in the 48th, but both attempts were blocked.
Tale of Two Halves
Sacramento showed the same intensity and strong discipline in the first half as they did last week against San Jose Earthquakes, allowing them to overcome a lopsided 55%-45% possession difference and outshoot Oakland 10-4. However, the match was a tale of two halves. In the second, Sacramento struggled to connect passes and the possession advantage for Oakland grew, providing more chances for the hosts. A pair of close range set pieces, and a critical conceded penalty allowed the hosts to push the envelope and eventually equalize with ten minutes to go. Against a strong San Antonio squad this upcoming week – one that’s first in the Western Conference table and tied for the most points in all of USL– Sacramento will need to piece together a full 90-minute effort to take all three points.
