After a bounce back win at Heart Health Park, Republic FC welcomes another Texas club to the River City. Rio Grande Valley FC visits Sacramento for the first time since last August in the two sides first meeting of 2023, with each side coming off big in-conference wins.
At a Glance: #SACvRGV
- Pre and Post-Match Party: Rock & Brews
- Gates open at 6:30 p.m., kickoff at 8:00 p.m.
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
- Tickets
- Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
Sacramento bounced back from its first home loss of the season in a big way last Saturday night against defending title-holder San Antonio FC. Mark Briggs’ Men returned to being dangerous early with two first half scores, and Luis Felipe put a stamp on the match with an excellent curler in the final moments. A strong approach kept the defending titleholders from threatening throughout the night, and three from the squad – Luis Felipe, Jack Gurr, and Damia Viader – earned Team of the Week Honors for their performance.
“It says it on my shirt: Indomitable. And I thought that tonight the guys showed that spirit,” said Mark Briggs after last week’s match. “They stuck together. They fought every battle, they won every battle, they got on with a game when decisions went against us. That was a big result, we needed that one.”
Know Your Opponent
RGV FC enters the match with momentum from a recent run of good form. From June 10 to June 21, they claimed three straight results by splitting points with Miami FC and New Mexico United, and besting Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Wednesday action for the Toros in the East Bay saw the club post a second straight shutout win, besting Oakland Roots SC behind a brace from Wilmer Cabrera and a strong defensive performance.
Players to Watch
Forwards Frank Lopez and Wilmer Cabrera have each found the net frequently this month. Wednesday, Cabrera netted a brace, and was assisted by Lopez on both scores. Alongside them, Sacramento’s backline will have to contend with winger Christiano François – formerly of El Paso Locomotive FC and Reno 1868 FC. He’s assisted twice against the Quails in his career, both in 2020.
In addition to his goal last week, Luis Felipe’s work in the midfield to break up plays and help Sacramento build from the back was a significant part of the club’s stopping San Antonio. He recorded 12 successful duels and 10 recoveries in two contests against the Toros last season and has scored and assisted once against the club all time.
Head to Head
Republic FC has recorded five wins, two losses, and four draws against Rio Grande Valley all-time, scoring 20 times to the Toros 14. Last season, Sacramento claimed a point in two contests, falling in a heartbreaker on April 23 before a come-from-behind effort secured a draw on August 6. Cameron Iwasa is the fixture’s all-time leading scorer with four goals.
