One last regional derby match with Oakland Roots SC awaits Republic FC this season. After their last contest ended in thrilling fashion, Saturday is expected to be much of the same as Sacramento looks for a jumpstart to a big two weeks ahead. Oakland has played the club tough in two contests this season, and comes in confident after a big road win.
Leading up to the match, the club’s been focusing heavily on the little details. Even if they suffered the defeat against Las Vegas, it wasn’t necessarily a bad performance – just a handful of key moments went the wrong way. A full week of training for just the second time since July has allowed every last piece to be ironed out ahead of what’s expected to be a high-intensity game.
“The actual performances [lately] haven’t necessarily been poor,” said Mark Briggs on Thursday. It’s the little details that have had a big impact. So there’s been a lot of focus on the little details in preparation for Saturday and beyond.”
“We try not to dwell on doing things too well or doing things badly,” said Nick Ross. “We have a chance to turn it right on Saturday, so we’re trying to do that.”
Sacramento’s last contest with Oakland ended up as quite the evening – a rowdy crowd caught an exciting match not decided until the final moments. Both clubs threw all they had on the line, and Saturday is going to be a very similar kind of night.
“These matches have a playoff atmosphere, said Duke Lacroix. “It’s always a good rivalry with Oakland, they always bring the energy. We know the fans will be there in full volume, so we want to come out eager, hungry, and ready to perform.”
“The games [with Oakland] are normally very intense, and very feisty,” Briggs continued. “Their new coach has galvanized the group, and they’ve got something to fight for now.”
Starting now, the team is putting a big focus on their mentality as well. Saturday’s the final time they’ll be at home before a big two-game road trip to Louisville and Orlando – and making sure they’re ready to perform in each contest both physically, mentally, and emotionally starts now.
“No matter what game you play in, the mentality and the attitude has to be spot on, it has to be right,” Briggs said. “We’re giving the guys an understanding of that mentality, an understanding of what’s needed to manage what’s ahead.”
