After 10 home matches in the club’s first 14, Republic FC heads east to kick off a three-match road trip this Friday against Hartford Athletic. It’s the first contest all-time between the two clubs, with each looking for a second straight win after getting home results in Week 11.
Week 11 Rewind
The Connecticut club put an end to a three-match skid Saturday on home turf, besting Loudoun United FC at home 2-0 on a rainy night. An efficient performance saw the Northeastern side make the most of their opportunities en route to its first clean sheet on the season and second victory. An early score off the foot of Juan Torres got the club off and running before a penalty by Elvis Amoh in the second half sealed the game. Stellar defending kept the visitors to just four shots on target of 15 total for the match.
Hartford This Season
The Northeast club has been one of the league’s most efficient this season. A 19% conversion rate ranks fourth league wide and has kept them in nearly every match – just three of 11 contests have been decided by more than once score. While opportunities have sometimes been few, they haven’t missed, making a disciplined approach crucial for those facing off with Tab Ramos’ squad. Further, Friday marks Hartford’s second of three straight at home. They’ll be plenty comfortable after starting the year with a lot of miles logged traveling to road contests.
Players to Watch
The club’s bright spots this season have come from the attack. Opportunities have mainly flowed through forward Prince Saydee, who has tallied four goals and three assists this season. Flanking the Liberian is Amoh, who returned last week after being out since the start of April and scored in his first match back. Sacramento is familiar with the forward from last season’s matchups with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Former Quails Ash Apollon and Danny Barrera also feature for the club.
Head-to-Head
On the stat sheet, Sacramento holds the advantage over Friday’s hosts. The Quails enter on seven wins and 24 points as compared to Hartford’s two wins and eight points. On the defensive end, Athletic has let by 20 scores – the second-highest mark in the league – as compared to Sacramento’s league low of five scores conceded. Friday marks the first-ever match between the two sides.
