The Indomitable City has experienced several historical moments at Heart Health Park throughout Republic FC’s 10-year history. Last season’s Open Cup Semifinal, visits by Premier League clubs for friendly matches, the sharing of powerful community stories, and more memorable moments than can be counted litter the list of happenings at the club’s long-time home.
On this day in 2014, Republic FC played its first game at what was then named Bonney Field, making the grounds of Cal Expo its home mid-way through the club’s inaugural season. With the momentum of the club’s strong start to the season and coming off the memorable matches played at Hughes Stadium, 8,000 fans packed the newly constructed stands for a league matchup with Colorado Rapids Reserves. A 4-3 thriller that included a Rodrigo Lopez brace and a 84th minute winner by Mike Fucito was the result.
Starting XI: Jake Gleeson, Emrah Klimenta, Mickey Daly, Harrison Delbridge (Jack Avesyan 66’), Nemanja Vukovic; Steven Evans (Mike Fucito 45’), George Fochive, Max Alvarez (Octavio Guzman 63’), Rodrigo Lopez, Adam Jahn (Chad Bartlomé 70’), Justin Braun
Scoring Summary: SAC – Justin Braun (Rodrigo Lopez) 20’, Rodrigo Lopez 39’, Rodrigo Lopez (Nemanja Vukovic) 42’, Mike Fucito 84’ COL – Danny Mwanga 14’, Gabriel Torres (Marlon Hairston) 50’, Charles Eloundo (Kortne Ford) 55’
Sacramento fell behind early in the match, when Colorado’s Danny Mwanga found the net in the 14th minute. But just six minutes later, Justin Braun headed through a cross whipped in by Rodrigo Lopez to even the scoreline. Before the half, Sacramento’s captain netted two scores, taking advantage of an empty net in the 39th, and putting a long-distance curler past the opposing goalkeeper in the 42nd.
“From a fan’s perspective, it was a great evening”, said Republic FC Head Coach Preki after the match. “Seven goals scored and we came out on top. It was great we found a way to get three points, an important three points.”
Colorado pulled even ten minutes into the second half, netting a pair of scores by the 55th minute mark. But Sacramento controlled the match from that point forward, putting constant pressure on the visitors. Mike Fucito rattled the left post in the 65th minute, and 20 minutes later turned around a tight angle for the match winner – the club’s fourth straight home win.
Republic FC returns to Heart Health Park this Saturday on Pride Night against Western Conference foe San Antonio FC. Tickets for the match are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
