San Diego, Calif. – Republic FC closed out its three-match road trip with a point on Friday night, playing to a 1-1 draw against San Diego Loyal SC at Torero Stadium. Sacramento extends its unbeaten run to four matches, and takes its third straight road result as the club returns home for three games at Heart Health Park.
Damia Viader netted his second goal on the season to give Sacramento an advantage going into the break. Both sides pressured throughout the match, with the hosts converting from the spot in the second half to decide the contest.
Strong build-up play from Sacramento resulted in the club’s 29th minute opener. The strike from Viader marked the 11th time Republic FC has scored first this season. Sebastian Herrera and Luis Felipe worked the ball around the hosts’ defensive structure to find the feet of the Spaniard for his second of the season. The assist also marked Luis Felipe’s second in three matches after being credited two weeks ago at Hartford Athletic.
A stellar effort between the sticks from Danny Vitiello kept pressure from San Diego out of the net through the first half. The New York’ native made four big stops in the early goings as the hosts pressured, keeping his pace in the league’s Golden Glove race. For the match, Vitiello recorded six saves on 15 shots faced.
San Diego pulled level in the 68th minute after a harsh decision awarded the SoCal club a kick from the spot. Ronaldo Damus converted the attempt – San Diego’s only opportunity in the second half. Sacramento wouldn’t be able to find the go ahead goal, and would split the points at the final whistle.
Republic FC returns home next Saturday to face regional foe Monterey Bay F.C. for the first time this season. Kickoff for the match is set for 8:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+. Alongside the contest, the club will hold its inaugural Brewfest at Heart Health Park, celebrating the region’s robust brewing history and community. For more information, visit SacRepublicFC.com/brewfest.
Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 1 San Diego Loyal SC
USL Championship
Torero Stadium, San Diego, California
June 9, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Damia Viader (Luis Felipe) 29’ SD – Ronaldo Damus (penalty) 69’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Arnold Lopez (caution) 39’, Conor Donovan (caution) 68’, Ross Cain (ejection) 69’, Keko Gontán (caution) 90+2’, SD – Alejandro Guido (caution) 79’, Kyle Adams (caution) 90+4’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond (C), Conor Donovan, Jared Timmer, Damia Viader, Jack Gurr, Nick Ross, Arnold Lopez (Keko Gontán 45’), Luis Felipe, Sebastian Herrera (Luther Archimède 86’), Russell Cicerone (Zeiko Lewis 86’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Shane Wiedt, Ferrety Sousa, Aldair Sanchez
Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 6, Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 3
San Diego Loyal SC: Koke Vegas, Kyle Adams, Camden Riley (Grant Stoneman 60’), Elijah Martin, Blake Bodily, Adrien Perez, Collin Martin, Tumi Moshobane (Elliot Collier 60’), Alejandro Guido (C), Ronaldo Damus (Morgan Hackworth 86’), Evan Conway
Unused Substitutes: Duran Ferree, Jackson Kasanzu, Simon Sagal, Xavi Gnaulati
Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 7, Saves: 2, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 1
