Two of the league’s top squads meet up in Week 4 at Heart Health Park, as Louisville City FC comes to Sacramento for the first time. The 2022 Eastern Conference Champions are looking to bounce back from a tough loss and remind those around the league of their ability. Republic FC are fighting to maintain a top spot in the Western Conference table in their third match of four in a row at home.
At a Glance: #SACvLOU
- Saturday, April 1
- 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
- Tickets
- Pre and Post Match Party – Rock & Brews
- Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News app, ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
Republic FC showed why they’re off to their best start since the 2019 season in every aspect of play Saturday against San Diego Loyal SC. The clean sheet win was headlined by a full-squad defensive effort to keep the SoCal side to just a single shot on target and a 40th minute winner from Luis Felipe. Smart decisions, a great eye for detail and strong game plan have the Quails tied for most points in the league, and at the top of the league’s weekly power rankings.
The club will welcome back Zeiko Lewis and Luther Archimède this week, who missed the San Diego match on international duty. Both featured in each game their respective nations competed in, so they’ll be in form and ready to contribute immediately after competing against some of Concacaf’s best. With them back, and capable of providing a jolt off the bench or in the starting XI, Mark Briggs will have more tools to deploy in what’s sure to be a tough match.
Know Your Opponent
Louisville was one of two squads perfect after the opening two weeks of the season. But in Week 3, they dropped points at home to El Paso Locomotive – just their third defeat at Lynn Family Stadium since the start of 2022. With top talent on the field, the club will still be able to make things difficult for Sacramento. In the offseason, they kept the squad that reached last year’s championship match together, while adding reinforcements in the center of the pitch. Most notably, former El Paso Locomotive FC midfielder Dylan Mares made the move to Kentucky.
Head to Head
Just one contest between the clubs has been played all time. Last September 3 – in the final league match for Republic FC ahead of the Open Cup Final – City FC bested the Quails 3-1. A lengthy weather delay interrupted the second half of play as Sacramento hung with their foes for a remainder of the contest, but just couldn’t find the net. Carlos Saldaña came up with a spectacular diving save just after halftime that ended up as the September Save of the Month.
