Seaside, Calif. (February 18, 2023) – Republic FC took the pitch for its fourth preseason friendly of training camp Saturday afternoon, taking on local foe Monterey Bay F.C in a road contest at Cardinale Stadium.
A strong effort in the second half saw Sacramento come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw after two first half scores from the hosts put the club at a deficit. Defender Jack Gurr netted a brace in the final ten minutes to pull his side even – and close the first half of the club’s six-week training camp ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season.
The contest provided Sacramento its first look at a league foe this preseason, as the squad’s previous three exhibition contests put them up against MLS clubs. It also marked the club’s its first test in hostile territory with the match open to fans.
After a quiet start, set piece opportunities throughout the first half provided Republic FC with chances to open the scoring. Two threats were cleared away by the hosts’ defense, while a third just after the half hour mark nearly got over the line. Matt LaGrassa put a foot on a deep corner kick from Zeiko Lewis and challenged Union’s goalkeeper, but the ball went just wide of the left post.
Moments after LaGrassa’s chance, goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña came up with a huge save to keep things scoreless at the 35 minute mark. Monterey Bay’s Simon Dawkins sent a shot from point-blank range at Sacramento’s goal, denied by Saldaña at the near post.
A second half line change brought all but two new faces to the pitch for Republic FC, looking to find a way into the back of the net. After putting pressure on the hosts, Gurr put one over the line with ten minutes to go to bring the club within one, before scoring again at the 90 minute mark to pull even.
Following the match, Republic FC has three weeks remaining in training camp before the start of the 2023 USL Championship on Saturday, March 11 at El Paso Locomotive FC. Fans can get their first look at the Indomitable Club at the final preseason contest on Saturday, March 4 at Heart Health Park, also against Monterey Bay F.C. Tickets are on sale now at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets and also provide access to Fan Fest on the pitch following the match.
Sacramento Republic FC 2 – 2 Monterey Bay F.C.
Preseason Friendly
Cardinale Stadium, Seaside, California
February 18, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Jack Gurr 80’, Jack Gurr 90’ MB – Sam Gleadle (Alex Dixon) 44’, Alex Dixon (Sam Gleadle) 45’
Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña (Danny Vitiello 45’), Ferrety Sousa (Jack Gurr 45’), Conor Donovan (Shane Wiedt 45’), Johnny Fenwick (Luis Felipe 45’), Damia Viader (Arnold Lopez 45’), Matt LaGrassa (Keko Gontan 45’), Mario Penagos, Zeiko Lewis (Russell Cicerone 45’), Rafael Jauregui (Camp Invitee #2 45’), Luther Archimede (Camp Invitee #3 45’), Camp Invitee #1
