This week, Oakland Roots SC comes to town in Republic FC’s sixth regional derby match of the season. The two clubs last faced off in May, with each looking to keep the good times going on the heels of big wins. This time, both are looking to get back in the win column following tough losses against Western Conference foes.
There’s a lot at play in this match for Sacramento. But bigger than anything else for the squad is returning home to Heart Health Park, where they are unbeaten this season. Saturday’s match is their first at home in three weeks – the longest stretch of the season – and hearing the cheers of the home crowd once again could be just what they need to return to the level of dominance they showed in June.
“It’s going to be good to play at home again,” said Mark Briggs on Thursday. “To be able to get back home, get in our home stadium – it’s somewhere where the players have been excited to play and produce.”
“It’s going to be great to be back in front of the fans,” said Dan Casey. “I think they’ve been behind us all year. Hopefully, they can come out in numbers and we can give them something to cheer about.”
The club’s had an intense week of preparation, taking full advantage of their first normal week in almost a month. Bouncing back is paramount for the club as they still have plenty to improve on in league play so they can move up the table; the club sits just three points removed from sole possession of fourth place.
“It wasn’t us in Colorado,” said Briggs. “I feel like June caught up with us, to be honest. That happens when you’re playing on two fronts, but it’s important we bounce back and show what we’re all about.”
“Colorado was a different game for us,” said Luis Felipe. “I think that we have a great opportunity to bounce back this week in front of our fans.”
A local derby match brings a bigger spectacle to the contest. This season, Sacramento’s played every foe in the region at their level and above, taking wins over all but one – Oakland. Since the Bay Area side’s inaugural USL season in 2021, the rivalry matches between them have always been tight and it’s expected Saturday will be no different.
“The games against Oakland are always fiery, there’s always an extra bit of spice and it’s because we’re local rivals,” Briggs continued. “It’s a local derby. We’ve got to make sure we match that tenacity.”
“Oakland is a very good team,” Casey continued. “But we have full confidence [that] if we do what we need to do we can beat anybody on our day.”
