It’s a busy week ahead for Republic FC, as the club kicks off a stretch of three matches in eight days. First up: 2020 Western Conference Champion Phoenix Rising FC. Although the two clubs met up in May for the U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round, this will be the first time they clash in league play this season.
Despite suffering its first loss at home last Saturday against Birmingham Legion, the Indomitable Club is ready to return to the pitch.
“We lost a game and we lost our record at home, but it’s not the end of the world,” said Mark Briggs. “We’re still a good team. We have very good players, and a good cohesiveness. We just have to stick to our principles and our identity and the results will come.”
A win on the road against Phoenix would surely give Republic FC momentum ahead of Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup Semifinal match against Sporting Kansas City. But that won’t be an easy feat. Despite a less than stellar start to the season, Rising FC is fresh off a 0-0 draw with the league’s top team, Louisville City FC, this past Wednesday.
“They’re a really good team,” said Conor Donovan. “I know they’re struggling a bit in the standings, but they have some really talented players.”
“[Phoenix Rising Stadium] is a difficult place to play with an intimidating atmosphere and environment,” continued Briggs. “Coming away with three points would be massive for us going into Wednesday.”
And while Wednesday’s Open Cup match is certainly in the back of everyone’s minds, the team remains fiercely focused on Saturday’s bout with Phoenix.
“We focus on one game at a time, and we want to get back to our winning ways,” said Maalique Foster. “So right now all of our focus is on Saturday.”
“Wednesday is on the back burner for now,” continued Donovan. “We want to do well in our league, so we treat each game like it’s the most important game ahead of us.”
