Sacramento, Calif. (March 4, 2023) – Republic FC closed out 2023 Training Camp at Heart Health Park on Saturday, playing to a 4-2 victory against local rival Monterey Bay F.C.
Sacramento showed strong in their final tune up ahead of the March 11 season opener. Forward Russell Cicerone netted a first-half brace, and Sebastian Herrera converted a second half penalty to lead the club’s attack and open their Sacramento scoring accounts. Zeiko Lewis netted a fourth score for the club just before the final whistle sounded.
In his first contest before home fans, Cicerone led the charge up top for the Indomitable Club. The Michigan native nearly helped Sacramento put one over the line just moments after the opening whistle, but Keko’s attempt from close range was denied by Monterey Bay F.C.’s goalkeeper. Strong attacking play on the counter, however, saw Cicerone eventually open the scoring just after the 15-minute mark, heading through a deflected cross from the right. He put through a second score just five minutes later, then giving the Quails a 2-1 advantage.
Union fought back after each of Sacramento’s first-half scores. Chase Boone netted the visitors opening goal in the 19th minute, and Walmer Martinez put through a second goal just before the break, sending each club to the locker room at a 2-2 score line.
Just moments after the start of the second half, Sacramento took a 3-2 advantage on Herrera’s penalty after the Columbian was taken down in the box. The goal was Herrera’s second in as many friendlies this preseason after scoring Wednesday at Oakland Roots SC.
Cicerone kept up his pressure from the first half as the match went on. After Herrera’s go ahead score, he nearly netted a third, only for his shot from the right to be blocked. Just after the hour mark, Cicerone came close to finding net again, but met the same result.
Next week, Republic FC travel to El Paso, Texas for the USL Championship season opener against El Paso Locomotive FC on March 11. Kickoff from Southwest University Park is set for 6:30 PM PT, and the match will be broadcast live on FOX40.com, Antenna TV 40.2 and streaming on ESPN+. Fans around the region are invited to join the club as the 10th season kicks off for a watch party at the El Dorado Hills Town Center. More details are available at SacRepublicFC.com/watchparty.
Sacramento Republic FC 4 – 2 Monterey Bay F.C.
Preseason Friendly
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
March 4, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Russell Cicerone 17’, Russell Cicerone 20’, Sebastian Herrera (penalty) 47’, Zeiko Lewis 89’ MB – Chase Boone 19’, Walmer Martinez 44’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Keko Gontan (caution) 5’, Shane Wiedt (caution) 64’ MB – Chase Boone (caution) 55’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Shane Wiedt, Conor Donovan (C), Jared Timmer, Damia Viader, Luis Felipe, Arnold Lopez (Matt LaGrassa 72’), Jack Gurr, Russell Cicerone (Zeiko Lewis 72’), Keko Gontan (Rodrigo Lopez 34’), Sebastian Herrera (Luther Archimede 72’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldana, Panzani Ferrety Sousa, Johnny Fenwick, Mario Penagos, Rafael Jauregui
Monterey Bay F.C.: Antony Siaha, Hugh Roberts, Kai Greene, Morey Doner, Max Glasser, Adrian Rebollar, Nevello Yoseke, Sam Gleadle, Walmer Martinez, Alex Dixon, Chase Boone
Unused substitutes: Jesus Enriquez, Carlos Herrera, Mobi Fehr, Jason Johnson, Arun Basuljevic, Miguel Guerrero, Garrett Hayes, Rijad Kobiljar, Jesse Maldonado
