Albuquerque, New Mexico (Aug. 3 2022) – In their first trip to Albuquerque since 2019, Republic FC defeated New Mexico United 2-1 on Wednesday night. After going down a goal early in the second half, Sacramento found the back of the net twice in four minutes to end New Mexico’s seven game unbeaten streak. Both goals were assisted by Rodrigo Lopez, who is now the all-time club leader in assists.
The hosts controlled most of the first half, maintaining a majority of the possession and outshooting Sacramento. One of their best scoring opportunities in the 39th minute, when a Chris Wehan cross nearly found the feet of Harry Swartz who came charging in on the far side. Wehan’s cross narrowly missed the head of Tabort-Ekata Preston before falling to Swartz, but Sacramento’s co-captain Lee Desmond was nearby to make the 50-50 challenge before the two players collided. Preston continued to threaten as halftime neared, beating his defender one on one inside the box in the 42nd minute before sending his shot wide, sending the two clubs into halftime scoreless.
Just as Republic FC seemed to be gaining some momentum following a couple of good chances early in the second half, Preston took advantage of a misplaced back heel in front of goal and scored the opening goal in the 54th minute.
But Sacramento was quick to respond just three minutes later in a fantastic sequence of team play. After carrying the ball across the field, Jack Gurr laid the ball off for Damia Viader who skillfully shook off his defender before passing to Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez whipped the ball through the box where Keko was waiting on the back post to score his third goal of the season.
Minutes later, the Indomitable Club took a play out of their opponents’ book and took advantage of a misplaced pass out of the back. RoRo Lopez laid the ball off for Douglas Martinez, who found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season and first since June 4. With his two assists on the night – his fourth and fifth on the season, Lopez has surpassed Cameron Iwasa in all-time club assists (21).
New Mexico looked to answer in the 72nd minute, when Chris Wehan found the ball at his feet right in front of goal. After spinning his way out of traffic, Wehan looked to put the ball on frame, but Republic FC’s goalkeeper Danny Vitiello was quick to come off his line to make the save.
Republic FC will return home Saturday to face Rio Grande Valley FC Toros for the second time this season. Alongside the annual, Honor Our Educator’s Night, the club will host a special group of women from STEM fields to speak to fans about their professional journeys and stories from their careers. Tickets for the special event are available at SacRepublicFC.com/stem, while standard single match tickets can be purchased at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets. Additionally, all fans in attendance will receive a limited-edition poster commemorating Republic FC’s Open Cup win on July 27.
The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. from Heart Health Park, and will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on FOX40, AntennaTV 40.2, FOX40.com, and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+.
Sacramento Republic FC 2 – 1 New Mexico United
USL Championship
Isotopes Park – Albuquerque, New Mexico
August 3, 2022
Scoring Summary: SAC – Keko 57’, Martinez 61’; NM – Preston 54’
Misconduct Summary: SAC– Keko (caution) 3’, Damia Viader (caution) 34’, Ross (caution) 90+2’;
NM – Tabort Preston 12’, Moreno 90+3’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr, Damia Viader (Duke Lacroix 80’), Lee Desmond (Josh Bauer 51’), Dan Casey, Conor Donovan, Nick Ross, Luis Felipe, Keko (Luther Archimede 90’), Rodrigo Lopez (C) (Emil Cuello 89’), Douglas Martinez (Maalique Foster 80’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldana, Matt LaGrassa
Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 2, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 0
New Mexico United: Alexander Tambakis, Will Seymore (Michael Azira 74’), Kalen Ryden, Alexis Souahy, Josh Suggs (Daniel Bruce 87’), Justin Portillo, Chris Wehan, Sam Hamilton (Armando Moreno 87’), Harry Swartz, Neco Brett, Tabort Preston (Romario Williams 54’)
Unused substitutes: Austin Yearwood, Rashid Tetteh, Ford Parker
Stats – Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 4, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1
