A regional derby is on the docket this week as Republic FC heads to Seaside for their third and final contest of the season with Monterey Bay FC. Sacramento will be searching for a clean sweep of the league newcomers this season, and to extend their unbeaten streak to six straight matches.
At a Glance: #SACvMB
- Saturday, August 13
- 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
- Cardinale Stadium, Seaside, CA
- How to watch: English and Spanish broadcasts available on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, streaming on ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
The late heroics that have grabbed headlines all season for Sacramento showed once again last week, as the Indomitable club scored in the 90th minute to draw with Rio Grande Valley. The man who put in the equalizer – Rodrigo Lopez – was honored for his efforts as the USL Championship’s Player of the Week. His score closed out a two-game stretch that also saw him tally two assists to become Sacramento’s all-time record holder.
Saturday’s match provides the club a couple of opportunities. Even with a regular week of preparation following a tough stretch, things ramp right back up with more congestion. A victory would provide a strong start to a stretch of three matches in eight days against squads all looking to shake up the playoff race. The contest also provides Sacramento yet another opportunity to stay unbeaten in regional derby matches in 2022; they currently hold a 3-0-2 mark in five contests against Monterey Bay, Oakland, and San Jose Earthquakes.
Know Your Opponent
Monterey Bay’s debut season has taken a historic turn in recent weeks. Prior to their Wednesday loss to San Diego Loyal, the club had kept a clean sheet in five straight matches. When San Diego Loyal netted the decider from the spot on Wednesday, it ended a run of 559 minutes without conceding – the third longest shutout stretch for a club in its first USL season. The streak shot them into the top-10 this season in clean sheets league wide with seven, and to fourth in the Western Conference trailing only El Paso, Phoenix, and top of the table San Antonio. Prior to Wednesday, their last loss had come to Sacramento on June 25.
Head to Head
Three contests have been played between the two clubs this season – a March friendly to close the preseason and two league matches. Republic FC has claimed victory in each one, outscoring the Seaside club 7-4. On the stat sheet, Sacramento’s had the edge in league matches, putting over 30 more shots on frame than Union and letting in 15 fewer scores.
The pair’s last match went Sacramento’s way in come-from-behind fashion. After going down a score in the first half, Maalique Foster entered the match and netted two scores off assists from Jack Gurr and Rodrigo Lopez to give Sacramento the lead.
