Republic FC kicks off a three-match road trip on the East Coast this Friday, as Sacramento travels to Connecticut’s capital for the first-ever meeting with Hartford Athletic. Each side will be looking to extend its winning streak to two games, with Sacramento searching for its second road victory on the season.
At a Glance: #SACvHFD
- 4:30 p.m. PT kickoff
- Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut
- Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
Sacramento got right back to winning ways last Saturday, besting Oakland Roots SC in the second derby match between the clubs this season. Another fast start, headlined by a 12th minute curler from Keko to open the scoring, gave the Quails the first strike advantage for the tenth time this season.
Know Your Opponent – Hartford
The New England club is coming off a big win of their own. Against Loudoun United on a wet and rainy night, Hartford secured its second win and first clean sheet of the season last Saturday. The club was very efficient on the offensive end, overcoming a lopsided possession balance in favor of Loudoun by taking advantage of each of their best chances.
As a result, they’ll be confident as they go up against league-leading Sacramento and looking to continue what secured three points in their last match. Friday marks their second straight home match – only the second time this season the club has played two consecutive games in friendly territory.
Players to Watch
Forward Prince Saydee has been one of the Eastern Conference’s best offensive performers this season, tallying four goals and three assists in league play. Alongside the Liberian, former Colorado Springs striker Elvis Amoh returned last week from injury, and got on the stat sheet with a second half penalty score.
A pair of Quails come into Friday’s contest with extensive career history against the hosting side. Russell Cicerone and Shane Wiedt have each faced Hartford frequently in the past while with Eastern Conference sides. Cicerone has scored four goals in his career against the club. Wiedt has been stellar of late against top attackers one-on-one and will see a tough assignment against the likes of Antoine Hoppenot, Saydee and Amoh.
Head to Head
Friday will mark the first all-time meeting between Sacramento and Hartford. The two sides have faced a trio of similar opponents this season in Oakland Roots, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and Orange County SC. In those matches, Sacramento has claimed three wins to Hartford’s one, besting Colorado Springs on April 15 and Oakland twice on April 26 and May 20. Hartford bested Oakland 2-1 back on April 15.
