For the first time ever, Republic FC will play for a spot in the U.S. Open Cup final. Since the club’s cup run began in April, the moment hasn’t stood in their way, resulting in cupsets over two MLS squads with conviction, and great collective performances each time out to become the best of the west.
The club’s journey through the tournament has been as unique as ever – and as the club prepares for another huge match, take a quick look back at the five contests Sacramento won to get here.
April 7: Republic FC 6 – 0 Portland Timbers U23
Starting XI: Carlos Saldana, Ferrety Sousa, Lee Desmond (Dan Casey 79’), Conor Donovan, 
Duke Lacroix (Keko Gontan 59’), Matt Lagrassa, Rodrigo Lopez (Rafael Jauregui 59’), Nick Ross, Damia Viader, Zeiko Lewis, Luther Archimède (J.P. Cortez 79’)
Scoring Summary: SAC– Duke Lacroix (Ferrety Sousa) 13’, Damia Viader (Ferrety Sousa) 21’, Matt LaGrassa (Rodrigo Lopez) 26’, Rodrigo Lopez (Luther Archimede) 30’, Duke Lacroix (Zeiko Lewis) 35’, Zeiko Lewis (Rodrigo Lopez) 41’ PT23 – None
After taking a few minutes to get settled, Sacramento showed no mercy against the League 2 side. Sacramento bagged all six of their scores in the first half, with Duke Lacroix nabbing his second career brace, Rodrigo Lopez tallying two assists, and Zeiko Lewis and Damia Viader each finding net for the first time in Old Glory Red. Carlos Saldana recorded both his and the club’s first clean sheet of the season.
April 20: Republic FC 2 – 1 Central Valley Fuego FC
Starting XI: Danny Vitiello, Duke Lacroix (Damia Viader 66’) , Lee Desmond, Dan Casey, Jack Gurr, Luis Felipe, Matt LaGrassa, Rodrigo Lopez (C), Keko Gontan, Zeiko Lewis (Emil Cuello 80’), Douglas Martinez Jr. (Luther Archimede 66’)
Scoring Summary: SAC– Dan Casey (Rodrigo Lopez) 44’, Rodrigo Lopez (penalty) 90+4’ CVF – Renato Bustamante 78’
A regional derby with a new foe did not disappoint – Republic FC and Central Valley Fuego both played excellent from the opening whistle to stoppage time, when Rodrigo Lopez converted a penalty to send the hosts home with a win as rain began to fall. Former Sacramento winger Villyan Bijev assisted the equalizer for the visitors, giving them a jolt into the final moments, but, Sacramento took the win in thrilling fashion.
May 11: Republic FC 2 – 0 Phoenix Rising FC
Starting XI: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr, Dan Casey, Lee Desmond, Conor Donovan, 
Duke Lacroix (Damia Viader 90+3’), Matt LaGrassa (Emil Cuello 66’), Luis Felipe, Zeiko Lewis (Luther Archimede 82’), Rodrigo Lopez (C), Douglas Martinez
Scoring Summary: SAC– Luis Felipe (Matt LaGrassa) 30’, Douglas Martinez (Emil Cuello) 88’ PHX – None
The match marked a special occasion for Sacramento, who hadn’t beaten the Arizona side in four years. Luis Felipe began a string of impressive performances, scoring the opener, while Douglas Martinez put in the dagger as time ticked down. But possibly the biggest play came just before halftime, when Danny Vitiello played hero and saved a Greg Hurst penalty to keep the visitors’ momentum from building going into the break.
May 25: Republic FC 2 – 0 San Jose Earthquakes
Starting XI: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Dan Casey, Conor Donovan, Jack Gurr, Duke Lacroix, Nick Ross (Matt LaGrassa 45’), Luis Felipe, Rodrigo Lopez (C) (Damia Viader 90+2’), Zeiko Lewis (Luther Archimede 64’), Douglas Martinez (Keko Gontan 71’)
Scoring Summary: SAC– Luis Felipe (Rodrigo Lopez) 28’, Rodrigo Lopez 84’ SJ – None
Republic FC came in with one thing on their minds – history. Sacramento took control in the first half, with former Earthquake Luis Felipe netting his second score in three contests off a Rodrigo Lopez corner kick. Republic FC kept the MLS side’s chances to a minimum throughout the night, and even after some high-powered substitutes in Christian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobissie, and Cade Cowell entered the contest, San Jose still couldn’t find a score. Rodrigo Lopez put a bow on the evening in the 83rd minute, sending the sellout crowd at Heart Health Park into an absolute frenzy and making for an epic night.
June 21: Republic FC 2 – 1 LA Galaxy
Starting XI: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Conor Donovan, Dan Casey, Damia Viader, Jack Gurr, Luis Felipe, Rodrigo Lopez (C) (Duke Lacroix 62’), Matt LaGrassa, Keko Gontan (Zeiko Lewis 13’, Luther Archimede 86’), Douglas Martinez
Scoring Summary: SAC– Rodrigo Lopez (Douglas Martinez) 4’, Luis Felipe (Lee Desmond) 70’, LA – Conor Donovan (own goal) 18’
A dream start for Republic FC set the tone in front of a rowdy crowd in Carson. Dan Casey 
intercepted the ball and began a run of play resulting in a 4th minute score from Rodrigo Lopez, giving Sacramento an early lead. But Sacramento’s advantage didn’t last long – Galaxy equalized at the 17 minute mark on a tough-luck own goal.
Coming out of the break, Sacramento put their foot on the gas, and nearly broke the tie on two occasions. Galaxy countered that aggression with some highly-paid savant’s off the bench – Chicharito snuck behind Conor Donovan minutes after entering and nearly found a score, but Duke Lacroix and Dan Casey took the Mexican striker down. Luis Felipe gave Sacramento the lead for good from distance in the 70th minute. As time ticked down and the final whistle sounded, Dignity Heath Sports Park grew quiet as home supporters realized the cupset they’d fallen victim to.
