For the first time this season, Republic FC matches up with Monterey Bay F.C. with points on the line. The two sides faced off in preseason contests earlier this spring, but have yet to meet in league play since last season. Sacramento enters on four straight unbeaten results, and Monterey Bay three.
Sacramento returns home following three matches on the road to close May and open June. On the road trip, the club claimed five of nine points and showcased the quality that has made the club a strong side all year.
“I was pleased with the performances on the road,” Briggs said at Thursday’s training session. “I was impressed with what I already knew – that these guys stick together. In difficult moments, they may bend, but they don’t snap.”
It’ll be a matchup between two of the league’s top sides offensively Saturday night. Paired with the emotion of a regional derby, a good contest is expected. All three of the previous matches between the Quails and Union have been tight. Sacramento has taken two of three
“Our coaches give us a lot of confidence going into these home games to express ourselves and get after the opponent, and we’ve just got to keep doing it,” said Danny Vitiello on Thursday. “We want to score a lot of goals at home and keep the keep the crowd on their feet.”
“It should be a good matchup,” said Luis Felipe. “We’re expecting a lot of fans as always. It’s good to be back at home, and a tough match. But looking forward to get three points at home.”
Returning home puts Sacramento back on the pitch before its home faithful for the first time in four weeks. This season, Republic FC is unbeaten at home, and hasn’t lost at Heart Health Park in ten matches dating to last season.
“The energy the fans bring every single game is vitally important to the team,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “They get us going, we run that extra little bit that extra bit quicker, we jump that little bit higher, we hit the ball that little bit harder because of them. So we need them on Saturday.” “Just the crowd noise in general gives us a push. They always have our back,” Vitiello said of the fans. “We want to get them going, we want them to be cheering for us. We thrive off the noise and playing in front of them. The bigger the game and the more that come out I think the better
