Republic FC faces one of its biggest challenges of the year this week, welcoming a San Antonio FC squad to Heart Health Park that’s first in total wins and tied for the league lead in points. After two regional derby games to close out May, Saturday’s matchup provides the club a chance to prove they can rise to the occasion no matter where their opponent comes from.
San Antonio has been defeated by only one club in league play this season – Phoenix Rising FC – and against every opponent they’ve been clinical, efficient, and performed at a high level collectively. What they bring to the pitch every single night has, and will, create for another gritty contest where they challenge their opponents at every turn.
“It’s going to be a battle,” said Conor Donovan on Thursday. “San Antonio’s [at] the top of the table for a reason.”
“We’re not going to take them lightly,” said Matt LaGrassa. “…We have some ways that we think we can exploit them but at the end of the day, we feel like it’s going to come down to millimeters on the weekend and we have to be at our best to win.”
To take all three points this week, the club knows a full 90 minute performance will be needed. The second half in Oakland last Saturday left some to be desired, leaving behind a chance for a win. If the club can piece together a complete 90-minute effort they know they can beat anyone, so this week, consistency and keeping the little things tight have been a big focus at training – and they like where they are positioned going in.
“The atmosphere is good, the environment is good. Everyone’s in a good frame of mind,” said Mark Briggs. “We go into Saturday against the number one team at home in front of our fans, which is where we like to be.”
Playing another big game won’t faze the indomitable club either. They’ve proven at every turn this season that they’re more than capable of rising to the occasion, battling hard with good teams, and delivering when the moment demands it.
“We like to be up for big games, and I think we’ll be up for this one,” LaGrassa continued.
