Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC reclaimed the top spot in the Western Conference on Saturday night, besting defending USL Championship title holders San Antonio FC 3-1 at Heart Health Park. A fast start got Sacramento going early in the first half as they secured the season fixture over the Texas club and tallied their first win since May 26. A heated contest ended with quality strikes on net from the home side, and two ejections that would leave San Antonio with 9 on the field to finish the game.
Sacramento’s opening score came from the penalty spot. Jack Gurr was taken down by a defender just two and a half minutes after the opening whistle while driving towards the goal. Sebastian Herrera converted after a brief injury stoppage – the Columbian’s second score from the spot this season and first since May 26. Gurr would double the lead before the break, slamming home a one-time volley past three San Antonio player on switch from Damia Viader. The tally marked his fourth of the season.
A huge save from Danny Vitiello as first-half stoppage time began kept the visitors scoreless going into the break. An all-out diving stop denied San Antonio’s Jorge Hernandez from finding net on a free kick just outside Sacramento’s penalty area.
A defensive battle in the second half saw few opportunities materialize for either side. Nick Ross nearly curled one in from the left just after the break, only for the ball to be parried away by the keeper. San Antonio pulled one back with 15 minutes to go, but Sacramento’s back line held on to secure three points. Luis Felipe tied his career high for scores in a season with his 89th minute goal.
San Antonio finished the match with nine men after two ejections before the final whistle. While charging toward goal on a fast break, Sebastian Herrera was taken down by San Antonio keeper Jordan Farr, who was shown red for cutting him down on the break. Defender Mitchell Taintor was shown red moments later after a dangerous tackle to take down Keko in the midfield.
Republic FC returns to action next Saturday on Salute to Service Night at Heart Health Park, presented by FOX40. Kickoff for the match against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros 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 3 – 1 San Antonio FC
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
June 24, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Sebastian Herrera (penalty) 7’, Jack Gurr (Damia Viader) 38’, Luis Felipe 89’ SA – Ignacio Bailone (Tani Oluwaseyi) 74’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Arnold Lopez (caution) 45+6’, Shane Wiedt (caution) 54’, Mark Briggs (caution) 90+2’ SA – Fabien Garcia (caution) 42’, Isiah Parker (caution) 45+2’, Jordan Farr (ejection) 85’, Mitchell Taintor (caution and ejection) 90+1’, Allen Marcina (caution) 90+2’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jared Timmer, Shane Wiedt, Conor Donovan, Jack Gurr (Panzani Ferrety Sousa 57’), Damia Viader (Aldair Sanchez 77’, Arnold Lopez, Luis Felipe, Nick Ross, Sebastian Herrera (Zeiko Lewis 89’), Russell Cicerone (Keko Gontán 77’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Johnny Fenwick, Rafael Jauregui
Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 1
San Antonio FC: Jordan Farr, Zico Bailey (Rida Zouhir Takedam 56’), Fabien Garcia, Mitchell Taintor (C), Carter Manley (Isaiah Parker 7’, Ismaila Jome 66’), Connor Maloney, Mohammed Abu, Juan Azocar Segura, Jorge Hernandez, Tani Oluwaseyi, Justin Dhillon (Ignacio Bailone 56’)
Unused Substitutes: Carlos Mercado, Jacori Hayes, Niko Hansen
Stats – Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 2, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 4
