Sacramento, Calif. (May 9, 2023) – Republic FC’s 2023 U.S. Open Cup campaign came to an close on Tuesday night at Heart Health Park, as the Quails fell 4-2 to Colorado Rapids in the Round of 32.
A valiant effort to fight back in the second half fell just short as some tough luck resulted in the eventual winner by the visitors. Sebastian Herrera netted both of the club’s goals for his first brace as a member of Republic FC and his second and third this season across all competitions.
The visitors found the net early on. Forward Jonathan Lewis opened the scoring in the 4th minute after Colorado drew Danny Vitiello off his line. The visitors doubled their advantage 11 minutes later in the 15th, after heading through a corner kick into the back of the net.
With the pressure on, Sacramento answered back at the half-hour mark after building up the right flank. A perfectly placed cross from the feet of Keko found the head of Sebastian Herrera crashing the goal – the Columbian’s second score in as many games after opening his 2023 account in the club’s last contest at FC Tulsa in league play.
Herrera’s second score of the night pulled the club level just after the break. Another headed service brought the scoreline to 2-2, but tough luck put the visitors back ahead moments later when a shot rattled off the post right to a Rapids attacker for the finish.
The Quails played the final half hour down to ten men after Shane Wiedt was shown two cautions and a subsequent ejection in the 61st and 62nd minute.
Republic FC returns to league play this Saturday, May 13 when Indy Eleven visits Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 7:00PM, and the match will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+.
Sacramento Republic FC 2 – 4 Colorado Rapids
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
May 9, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Sebastian Herrera (Keko Gontán) 30’, Sebastian Herrera (Jack Gurr) 52’, COL – Jonathan Lewis (Daniel Leyva) 4’, Michael Edwards (Alex Gersbach) 15’, Sam Nicholson 56’, Michael Barrios 81′
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Shane Wiedt (caution) 61’, Shane Wiedt (second caution, ejection) 62′, Mark Briggs (caution) 82’, Ross Cain (caution) 82’ COL – Daniel Leyva (caution) 20’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr, Conor Donovan (C) (Lee Desmond 78’), Shane Wiedt, Jared Timmer, Aldair Sanchez, Arnold Lopez (Matt LaGrassa 86’), Luis Felipe (Nick Ross 86’), Keko Gontán, Russell Cicerone (Zeiko Lewis 78’), Sebastian Herrera (Luther Archimède 86’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Panzani Ferrety Sousa
Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 0, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 4
Colorado Rapids: Marko Ilic, Sebastian Anderson, Michael Edwards (Daniel Wilson 45’), Andreas Maxsø (C), Alexander Gersbach (Keegan Rosenberry 45’), Anthony Markanich, Ralph Priso-Mbongue, Max Alves Da Silva (Sam Nicholson 45’), Daniel Leyva, Jonathan Lewis, Michael Barrios (Kevin Cabral 83’)
Unused Substitutes: William Yarbrough, Braian Galvan, Oliver Larraz
Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 3, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1
