The Indomitable Club tallied their third consecutive win on Saturday evening, taking down LA Galaxy II in the two clubs’ 26th all-time contest. After a slow start, the club found their form as the second half progressed – leading to a 63rd minute penalty, Rafa Jauregui’s first career goal, and yet another shutout performance on defense.
Home Grown Contribution
Just as Keko stepped up to the line to enter for the youngster, midfielder Rafa Jauregui put his stamp on the game and delivered a special moment. The 17-year-old intercepted a clearance from LA’s backline, carried forward with incredible poise, and drilled a shot into the lower left corner for his first career score before running to the sideline to celebrate with his family – a cherished moment for the kid who signed his first pro contract at the tender age of 16.
Jauregui’s goal made him the youngest goal-scorer in club history, a mark last held by the midfielder’s former academy teammate Julian Chavez, who netted his first career goal at 18 in 2020. It also continues what’s been a remarkable run for him of late; after an electric showing off the bench to close April, he earned his first career home start, led the club on the offensive end in a regional derby match at Oakland Roots, and been selected to the matchday 18 in all but one contest.
Impact off the Bench
The first 60 minutes of the contest were a grind for the club. Sacramento tallied just a pair of opportunities, both from Maalique Foster, and the midfield struggled to connect with the front line.
The tides turned immediately after Luis Felipe and Zeiko Lewis entered at the hour mark. Just three minutes after coming on for Maalique Foster, Lewis received a pass from the back, made an incredible turn around a defender and sent a ball through to Luther Archimede, who drew and converted on a penalty to open the scoring. Luis Felipe was excellent one-on-one, stabilizing the Sacramento defense by winning 5 of 7 duels – tied for the match high.
Clean Sheets Continue
For the third straight match, Sacramento failed to concede a score, continuing the defensive excellence that’s dominated talk of the club since the
start of June. Only one other club in the league has yet to concede in that same timeframe – Birmingham Legion FC – and they’ve done so in one fewer contest. The club’s streak of three consecutive shutouts is also their second of that length this year, after logging shutouts on May 4, May 8, and May 11.
The victory also showed off the club’s depth. Sacramento stayed strong even as Mark Briggs made a few changes, most notably inserting Ferrety Sousa for Jack Gurr and Duke Lacroix in place of Damia Viader. A change at goalkeeper didn’t faze the club either, as Carlos Saldana was called upon for the first time since May 8 and logged his third shutout in as many appearances dating to April 7.
