Mount Pleasant, S.C. (July 30, 2022) – Republic FC grabbed three points in league play for the first time since June 25 Saturday, putting together an efficient performance on the attack against Charleston Battery. Sacramento shined in another full squad effort, rising to take control of a challenging assignment after a demanding evening Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup.
Luther Archimede led the way with three shots and a goal and assist apiece, while Emil Cuello, Matt LaGrassa, and Zeiko Lewis all netted their first scores in league play this season. Cuello nabbed an assist on Archimede’s score, and LaGrassa’s 48th minute effort went down as the 10th goal of his professional career. The Quails’ four scores were the most since April 7, and the first time all season long they’ve netted more than three in league play.
Sacramento got the marathon going just 90 seconds in. In his first match against his former club, Zeiko Lewis carried forward and put pressure on Charleston’s backline. After his initial attempt was saved, the ball found the feet of Emil Cuello and Rafa Jauregui, who each put up attempts saved by Charleston’s goalkeeper.
The hosts opened the scoring just before the 5 minute mark, punching through a rebound that bounced out into space. The deficit for Sacramento wouldn’t last long however, as the club equalized on a 16th minute set piece. Emil Cuello got his head on great service from a Nick Ross corner kick, and his attempt deflected off a Charleston defender and into the net.
Just before the first-half hydration break, Luther Archimede found his third goal of the season to put Sacramento ahead. After running onto a ball played over the top by Emil Cuello, his high-powered blast from the right was no match for Charleston’s Hugo Fauroux in goal. The score was his first in open play this season, with his last two each coming from the penalty spot.
Augustine Williams brought Battery back level just before the break. A great save from Carlos Saldaña bounced out into space for the forward to put it in the net. However, the tie wouldn’t stay for long, as Sacramento punched back when Luther Archimede found Zeiko Lewis at the top of the box, who put one through against his former club for his second score of the season.
Changes for Sacramento at the hour mark brought in some defensive reinforcements. With the exception of a trio of chances just after the 75 minute mark, Charleston was kept quiet to the tune of just one attempt on target in the second half.
Republic FC continues a stretch of five matches in 14 days this coming Wednesday, when the club takes to the Southwest to face New Mexico United for the second time this season. The match will kick off at 6:00 p.m. PT, and will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 App, and streaming on ESPN+. Republic FC will return home on August 6 against Rio Grande Valley FC.
Sacramento Republic FC 4 – 2 Charleston Battery
USL Championship
Patriots Point Soccer Stadium, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
July 30, 2022
Scoring Summary: SAC– Emil Cuello (Nick Ross) 16’, Luther Archimede (Emil Cuello) 30’, Zeiko Lewis (Luther Archimede) 44’, Matt LaGrassa 48’ CHS – Enock Kwakwa 4’, Augustine Williams 42’
Misconduct Summary: SAC– Lee Desmond (caution) 68’, Ferrety Sousa (caution) 79’, Danny Dichio (ejection) 90’ CHS – A.J. Paterson (caution) 45+2’
Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Duke Lacroix, Conor Donovan (C) (Lee Desmond 60’), Josh Bauer, Ferrety Sousa, Nick Ross, Emil Cuello (Deshorn Brown 81’), Rafa Jauregui, Matt LaGrassa (Luis Felipe 60’), Zeiko Lewis (Damia Viader 59’), Luther Archimede (Maalique Foster 72’)
Unused substitutes: Danny Vitiello, Douglas Martinez
Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 3, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 2
Charleston Battery: Hugo Fauroux, Preston Kilwien (Robbie Crawford 65’), A.J. Paterson (C), Leland Archer, Charlie Asensio, Joseph Schmidt, Dominic Oduro (Romario Piggot 45’), Alexander Dexter (Dionysius Harmon 66’), Geobel Perez (Kyle Holcomb 66’), Enock Kwakwa (Aidan Apodaca 77’), Augustine Williams
Unused substitutes: Daniel Kuzemka, Matt Sheldon
Stats – Shots: 19, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 2, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 0
