In a hard-fought regional derby match, Republic FC bested Oakland Roots 1-0 at Heart Health Park on Saturday night. The contest closed out the season fixture with the Roots, with Sacramento taking a 1-0-2 record in three matches, as the club’s attack created constantly yet again.
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Although their initial goal was all they would need, Republic FC came inches from increasing their advantage on multiple occasions. Sacramento got right back to work after Conor Donovan’s second score of the season, finishing the match with 17 shots and 11 chances created.
“It’s all about getting chances, that’s what we’re asking, and the good thing is we’re getting guys in the box and creating chances,” said Conor Donovan after the match. “They’ll fall – guys are scoring goals in those situations. But more importantly, we got the three points and that’s all this team cares about.”
On Frame… literally
Moments after the opening score from Donovan, Sacramento was right back to work in the attacking third. Jack Gurr, Rodrigo Lopez, Deshorn Brown were all within inches of doubling, tripling, and quadrupling the Indomitable Club’s lead. The offensive domination would continue through the evening, even if the scoreline remained tight.
Brown’s shot nearly opened his account for Sacramento, but set a new mark for the club. Prior to Saturday, Republic FC had never seen three attempts go off the bar in a league match; In fact, the club only had a ball go off the woodwork more than once on seven occasions dating to 2014. The last time it happened was against Birmingham Legion FC earlier this year, and before then, October 2019 against New Mexico United in the playoffs.
Back to Work on Defense
The 1-0 victory marked Republic FC’s eighth clean sheet of the season in league play as the club returned to its stellar defensive form – tied for sixth league wide. In its last three matches, Sacramento’s recorded two shutouts, last doing so against offensive juggernaut Colorado Springs. In addition, Saturday marked the first time Republic FC had shut out Oakland since last August – a 0-0 draw at Las Positas College.
“It’s always good to keep a clean sheet and we haven’t done it for a while,” said Mark Briggs. “So to be able to keep a clean sheet at home, and perform at the level that we did – I’m really pleased with the guys and really pleased with the overall performance.”
