After tallying the club’s 10th straight home match without a loss, Republic FC will take to Michigan on Saturday against USL newcomer Detroit City FC. With a chance to upset a club that has taken the Eastern Conference by storm in its inaugural season, Mark Briggs’ Men will look for just their second road win of the year, and consecutive victories in league play for the first time in two months.
At a Glance: #SACvDET
- Saturday, June 11
- 4:30 p.m. PT kickoff
- Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, Michigan
- How to watch: English and Spanish broadcasts available on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, streaming on ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
Coming into Saturday’s match, Mark Briggs will have a full squad to pick from for his match day roster. Every player has been at full strength this week, and what’s resulted is an uptick in intensity as the club prepares. All members of the squad are pushing to have their name called for the trip, bettering competition on the training field.
Since the club’s Open Cup win over Phoenix Rising FC on May 11, Sacramento has scored four of six goals from set piece opportunities, a great improvement from the season’s early goings. Aiding that efficiency has been excellent play on the wings from Jack Gurr and Rodrigo Lopez, who last week combined to serve in 12 crosses. If they continue to play shutdown defense – the club has conceded just three times in its last eight matches – and stay efficient up top like they’ve done recently they’ll have a great chance to claim a win.
Opponent Report
Detroit City FC has surprised many in their inaugural season so far. Even while shorthanded in recent weeks, they’ve managed to keep up with heavyweights in Louisville City FC and Memphis 901 FC.
They’ll likely be closer to full strength Saturday welcoming back forward Antoine Hoppenot, who missed last week’s match. With their leading scorer back in the fray, they’ll be looking for any way to put pressure on Sacramento’s air-tight backline. Joining Hoppenot up top is the dangerous Maxi Rodriguez, who has scored in three of the club’s last four matches and was responsible for four chances against Pittsburgh last week.
Head to Head
Saturday’s Motor City matchup will be the first ever between Sacramento and the Michigan club. While they haven’t played before, they share some similarities. Detroit’s been just as stingy as Sacramento defensively, conceding only one more goal on the season. They’ve faced off with two similar opponents – San Antonio FC and FC Tulsa – squads Detroit was unable to beat, but Sacramento bested. Just like Republic FC, Detroit is unbeaten at home this season.
