For the first time this season, Republic FC faces off with LA Galaxy II, a club they’ve met more times since the inaugural 2014 season than any other. As always, Los Dos will bring their best to Heart Health Park, especially as they look to get back in the win column and make up ground in a crowded Western Conference.
Last Week’s Drama
Galaxy II fell to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in Week 14. After getting off to a fast start, the club had trouble keeping their foot on the gas and let the visitors back in after missing on a few big chances. After equalizing in the 37th, Colorado Springs found the net just before the hour mark, and after a great defensive play from goalkeeper Christian Herrera, found the net again on a set piece in the 67th. Los Dos did generate 11 close-range opportunities and create 10 chances on the night – attributes their squad will look to repeat against a stingy Sacramento backline.
Galaxy II This Season
The club has had a tough go so far in league play, especially recently. Their troubles have mostly come on the defensive end, where they’ve conceded 28 scores – 4th highest in the entire league. Performing on the road has also been a tough task, as a 1-0 victory over Rio Grande Valley FC in Texas on June 4 currently stands as their only win away from Southern California. They have been strong in possession, completing a second-best 82% of their passes on the year.
Even if they haven’t taken the win, just over half of their matches entering this week have been decided by one score or less – meaning they’ve likely been subject to some poor luck. As a result they remain capable of hanging with just about any team in the league – a claim supported by big wins over the always tough Phoenix Rising FC and Eastern Conference juggernaut Louisville City FC.
Head to Head
Sacramento and Galaxy II have nearly a full season’s worth of history between them. The two sides have faced off 25 times since 2014, two postseason meetings. Republic FC has the historical edge, claiming 40 points on 11 wins, 7 wins and 7 draws. In those 25 contests, however, the score line is nearly even with Sacramento finding net 38 times to LA’s 36, and the visitors have had the upper hand more often than not. Five of Los Dos’ 7 wins over Sacramento have come at Heart Health Park, and 7 of Sacramento’s 11 victories were recorded down south.
