Sacramento, Calif. (April 1, 2023) – Republic FC brought down Eastern Conference heavyweight Louisville City FC Saturday night, netting five scores in another clean sheet win at Heart Health Park. The victory keeps Sacramento’s unbeaten start intact and keep the Quails in a share of first place in the standings.
Sacramento put in a dominant effort on the offensive end while maintaining their defensive excellence. A 5th minute opener from Luis Felipe, Jack Gurr’s second score of the season, Russell Cicerone’s 7th career multi-score performance, and a goal and assist from Keko saw Sacramento press hard from the start and never look back. The result marked the most goals scored in a league match since 2019 and the club’s third clean sheet in four games.
The club’s first score came after a strong effort from Sebastian Herrera was saved by the keeper. The Columbian directed a header on target before the denial bounced to Luis Felipe, who punched it through for his second goal in as many games after last week’s winner against San Diego.
Jack Gurr followed to double Sacramento’s advantage when he netted his second goal of the season in the 24th minute. The goal marked the first time in his career he’s netted two goals in a season – with his first coming in the home opener on March 18. Four minutes later Russell Cicerone extended the club’s advantage again, putting a cross from Keko in the back of the net. Cicerone bagged a second for his sixth career brace and seventh career multi-goal game with another in the 71st minute.
The club’s defensive unit kept their third clean sheet in four matches – keeping Louisville to just one shot on target and four overall scoring chances. The effort left the visitors without a goal for the second straight week – the first time that LouCity has been shut out in consecutive matches since 2019.
Next week, Republic FC opens U.S. Open Cup play in the second round of the 2023 edition of American soccer’s oldest competition. The Indomitable Club takes on amateur side Crossfire at Heart Health Park on Wednesday, April 5. Tickets for the match are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets. The following Saturday, the Quails head to Texas to take on defending league champion San Antonio FC.
Sacramento Republic FC 5 – 0 Louisville City FC
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
April 1, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Luis Felipe 5’, Jack Gurr 24’, Russell Cicerone (Keko Gontan) 28’, Russell Cicerone (Rodrigo Lopez) 71’, Keko Gontan (penalty) 90+1’ LOU – None
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Damia Viader (caution) 40’, Danny Vitiello (caution) 57’ LOU – None
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr, Conor Donovan, Shane Wiedt, Jared Timmer, Damia Viader (Aldair Sanchez 45’), Arnold Lopez, Luis Felipe (Matt LaGrassa 77’), Rodrigo Lopez (C) (Zeiko Lewis 77’), Russell Cicerone (Luther Archiméde 77’), Sebastian Herrera (Keko Gontan 12’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Johnny Fenwick
Stats – Shots: 22, Shots on Goal: 10, Saves: 0, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 5
Louisville City FC: Kyle Morton, Oscar Jimenez, Josh Wynder (Amadou Dia 38’), Sean Totsch, Tyler Gibson, Carlos Moguel (Paolo DelPiccolo 85’), Jorge Gonzales (Rasmus Thellufsen Pedersen 72’), Emanuel “Manny” Perez, Enoch Mushagalusa (Ray Serrano 45’), Brian Ownby (C), Cameron Lancaster (Wilson Harris 45’)
Unused Substitutes: Oliver Semmle, Ramzi Qawasmy
Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 5, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 3
