Republic FC closed out the first quarter of the 2023 season Saturday, splitting points with FC Tulsa. On the heels of a perfect 3-0 homestand, the club secured another result to tally its 10th straight match unbeaten. The club’s showed its strong start to the year was a result of the bar being set high, now making for consistently strong performances week over week. The Indomitable Club has a 10-day break ahead of them before their next match.
Saturday, Sacramento battled hard to make sure to get something from the game. To go to a difficult place to play and get a point was a positive, resulting from the quality shown thus far and how the club’s grown this season. Sebastian Herrera found the net for his first score in Sacramento colors, as the club closed out a tough stretch on a high note. The top spot in the league standings and power rankings remains in hand after eight games with 18 points – the most the club has ever claimed through eight matches in any season to date.
“Yeah, ultimately another point in the right direction. It’s difficult on the road – our third game in seven days,” Briggs said after the match. “We’re happy to come home with a point.”
“I feel that the team had very good moments in terms of game construction, on a difficult court with a hard ground,” said Sebastian Herrera on the contest. “I think the point is a good result.”
Getting Herrera on the scoresheet for the first time was a big takeaway from the match. After receiving from Shane Wiedt pushing up the left side, he battled through a collision and chipped his shot in to open the scoring. He and his coaches are hoping it provides him a jolt to continue what he’s started this season. The Columbian has performed well even without finding the net, helping the club threaten constantly no matter the opponent.
“To have him lead the line was a boost for the squad, a boost for the roster,” Briggs said of Herrera on Saturday. “He needed that little bit of luck, that little bit of the ball to bounce the right way for him to get off the mark. He’s up and running now and we look forward to many more goals.”
“It is a huge shot of confidence,” Herrera said of his first score. “I have worked hard to get my first goal and I know it is the first of many. I thank all my teammates because they are part of this moment.”
After a busy stretch, the club now has some time to reset and evaluate its start to the season. There are nine days until its next contest, an Open Cup showdown with MLS side Colorado Rapids – a huge match as the club looks to continue the quest for a trophy and best another upper-division side. When they return, all eyes will be on it.
“I think they’ve been fantastic, absolutely top class for the first couple of months, Briggs said of his squad’s start to 2023. “They’ll get some time away and then we’ll come back. And then we’ll make sure the guys are prepared and they understand what they’re about to face in the Open Cup.”
