The Indomitable Club will look for a second straight victory on Sunday as it welcomes defending champion Orange County SC to Heart Health Park. The match is sure to have all the feel of a playoff atmosphere, as the club readies for a rowdy home crowd on Youth Soccer Day in front of a national audience on ESPN2.
At a Glance: #SACvOC
- Sunday, September 18
- 2:00 PM kickoff
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, CA
- How to watch: ESPN2
- Tickets
- Match Day Guide
- Pre and Post-Match Party: 5:30PM at Pete’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – 2100 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95825
The Latest – Republic FC
Sacramento could have returned from a tough defeat in the Open Cup final and let the emotion spill over into the next match – but instead, they stood tall and turned the page. Republic FC put down Loudoun United FC 4-0 for their largest victory of the season in league play. Two players – Jack Gurr and Deshorn Brown – found the net for the first time in a Sacramento shirt as the club saw its magic number for playoff qualification fall into the single-digits at 9.
A crucial regeneration period was welcomed by the squad to start the week. But since, the club has gotten right back to it to build on the positives from their last match. With all but one of the club’s remaining matches coming against Western Conference foes in the thick of the playoff race, they’ll need to fire on all cylinders to finish strong and claim the top-4 finish they desire. A win over the first – Orange County – would set the tone in a big way, and every player knows it.
Opponent Report
Like Sacramento’s last foe, Orange County is looking to stave off elimination from contention – but that doesn’t mean they’ll be easy pickings. The club is coming off a great result in a cross-town derby with Galaxy II last weekend, and still has a chance to make noise, or play spoiler, if they rattle off a few more wins.
Forward and USL Golden Boot leader Milan Iloski has remained nearly unstoppable this season for the SoCal club, with 20 scores entering the contest. He’s scored twice in as many matches for his career against Sacramento. Alongside a defensive unit that’s conceded just twice in its last three contests, history suggests they’ll continue to make things difficult for the Quails on all fronts.
Head to Head
Behind LA Galaxy II, Orange County SC has been Sacramento’s most frequent historical foe – they’ve faced off 23 times in league play, including a postseason meeting in 2016 decided at the penalty spot. The fixture is dead even with each side claiming nine wins and five draws. The all time scoring balance (SAC 37, OC 33) favors Republic FC, but by a slim margin of just four goals.
Earlier this season, the two clubs split points in Irvine. Since the start of 2021, Sacramento’s yet to claim three points in five contests.
