Sacramento, Calif. (August 6, 2022)– Republic FC split the points Saturday night against Rio Grande Valley FC, extending the club’s unbeaten streak to five matches over the last 15days. The Indomitable Club lives up to its name sake with another come from behind result — the second this week — to take another point and rise up the Western Conference table.
A tough night on the attacking end would finish with a stoppage time connection to bring the crowd to its feet. Rodrigo Lopez, fresh off becoming the club’s all time assist leader this past Wednesday, headed through the equalizer in the final moments before stoppage time to salvage a point for Sacramento at Heart Health Park.
Sacramento started the match strong and nearly opened the scoring on multiple occasions in the first 15 minutes. Luther Archimede found two opportunities early, putting a shot just over the bar in the 7th minute. The Guadeloupe international found another chance not five minutes later, but was called for offside pursuing a ball over the top from Luis Felipe.
The Toros would threaten throughout the first half, keeping Sacramento’s back line on their heels. But even with the first-half possession edge, the visitors couldn’t break through, and were dealt a blow just before the break when forward Frank Lopez had to exit with an injury.
Rio Grande Valley opened the scoring just after the break, taking advantage of space atop the penalty box. Jonathan Ricketts would find the net for the first goal of the contest after receiving the ball from the left.
Mark Briggs brought in reinforcements just after the hour mark to bolster the Indomitable Club’s attack. Sacramento found a great chance in the 73rd minute, but wasn’t given benefit of the doubt when Maalique Foster was taken down in the box looking to finish a Jack Gurr cross. Rodrigo Lopez nearly evened the match with a chip shot that went just high in the 75th minute.
After five matches in 15 days, Republic FC will return to action from the road next Saturday, August 13 against local rival Monterey Bay F.C. Kickoff from Cardinale Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 App, and streaming on ESPN+. Sacramento will return home the following Wednesday, August 17 to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Heart Health Park.
Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 1 Rio Grande Valley FC
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
August 6, 2022
Scoring Summary: SAC–Rodrigo Lopez (Jack Gurr) 90’ RGV – Jonathan Ricketts (Wahab Ackwei) 53’,
Misconduct Summary: SAC–Emil Cuello (caution) 51’, Maalique Foster (caution) 61’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 67’, Douglas Martinez (caution) 79’, Mark Briggs (caution) 90+1’, KekoGontan(caution) 90+5’, RGV – Erik Pimentel (caution) 26’, Frank Nodarse (caution) 90+4’
Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Josh Bauer, Conor Donovan, Ferrety Sousa (Jack Gurr 65’), Tiago Suarez (Rodrigo Lopez 65’), Duke Lacroix, Matt LaGrassa, Luis Felipe, Maalique Foster (KekoGontan 75’), Luther Archimede (Douglas Martinez 75’), Emil Cuello (Zeiko Lewis 65’)
Unused substitutes: Danny Vitiello, Nick Ross
Stats – Shots:11, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1,Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 2,Offsides: 1
Rio Grande Valley FC: John Tyler Deric, Wahab Ackwei, Erik Pimentel, Jonathan Ricketts, Ricky Ruiz (Isidro Martinez 90+4’), Jose Torres (C) (Adolfo Hernandez 90+4’), Juan Pablo Torres (Frank Nodarse 84’), Akeem Ward, Emilio Ycaza, Christian Pinzon (Robert Coronado 84’), Frank Lopez (Dylan Borczak 41’)
Unused substitutes: Javier Garcia, Luka Malesevic
Stats – Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 2,Saves: 2,Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 4,Offsides: 2
