Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC’s 10-game home unbeaten streak running back to the 2022 season came to a close on Saturday night as the club fell to Monterey Bay F.C. at Heart Health Park, 1-0. The Quails controlled most of the match, leading the visitors in possession, shots, and expected goals, but the Indomitable Club couldn’t find the back of the net – just the third time the club has been held scoreless all season.
An 18th minute score from the visitors ended as the decider as Republic FC suffered its first home defeat since October 9, 2022. Chances were plentiful for the Quails throughout the contest as they dominated the possession balance and put the visitors on their heels for most of the match.
Early pressure from Sacramento had Union chasing the game. Quick action from the kick-off nearly saw Republic FC find the net just 15 seconds in, but a close-range shot by Jack Gurr was stopped at the goal line. A 17th minute attempt by Russell Cicerone met the same fate after the forward combined with Sebastian Herrera in transition.
Monterey Bay made the most of an early opportunity, scoring the lone goal of the evening in the 18th minute. Christian Volesky found the net on an assist from Morey Doner. The visitors nearly found a second in the 70th minute but were denied by the woodwork.
Sacramento held on to 70% of the possession balance in the second half as the club searched for an equalizer. Nick Ross and Zeiko Lewis each came inches from pulling the squad level, but both opportunities narrowly missed the target to the left. Republic FC’s second-half press resulted in 11 total shots, and 15 for the match as they forced the visitors on their heels.
Republic FC returns to action next Saturday on Pride Night at Heart Health Park vs. San Antonio FC. Kickoff for the match is set for 8:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+.
Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 1 Monterey Bay F.C.
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
June 17, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – None MB – Christian Volesky (Morey Doner) 18’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Russell Cicerone (caution) 61’, Mark Briggs (caution) 90’ MB – Mobi Fehr (caution) 11’, James Murphy (caution) 41’, Walmer Martinez (caution) 86’, Atony Siaha (caution) 90+1’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond (C), Jared Timmer, Conor Donovan (Shane Wiedt 86’), Jack Gurr, Damia Viader (Aldair Sanchez 80’), Arnold Lopez, Luis Felipe, Nick Ross (Keko Gontán 65’), Sebastian Herrera (Zeiko Lewis 65’), Russell Cicerone
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Panzani Ferrety Sousa, Rafael Jauregui
Stats – Shots: 22, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 1, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 11, Offsides: 3
Monterey Bay F.C.: Antony Siaha, Hugh Roberts (C), Kai Greene, Morey Doner, Walmer Martinez, James Murphy, Adrian Rebollar (Nevello Yoseke 62’), Mobi Fehr, Sam Gleadle, Chase Boone (Alex Dixon 74’), Christian Volesky
Unused Substitutes: Carlos Herrera, Grant Robinson, Sean Okoli, Jesse Maldonado, Jesus Enriquez
Stats – Shots: 5, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 5, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 0, Offsides: 2
