Republic FC took another big point against one of the league’s top teams, drawing Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, 0-0, on the road on Saturday.
Unsurprisingly, each club was held to just one shot on target in the scoreless first half as the league’s top two defenses squared off in Pittsburgh.
The best opportunity for both teams came in the first 45 from the corner. In the 11th minute, Republic FC’s Russell Cicerone nearly found the opening goal, using his head to redirect a Nick Ross corner kick, but the chance was blocked by the Pittsburgh keeper. Hounds would have their first shot in the 27th minute in similar fashion as Kenardo Forbes’ service from the corner reached the head of Joey Farrell who sent the ball just inches wide of the left goal post.
The second half saw a better offensive performance from both sides as they continued to trade opportunities. After missing over a month due to injury, Pittsburgh’s leading scorer Albert Dikwa would come on as a halftime sub. A 50th minute chance on a cross from Forbes nearly broke the stalemate, but Dikwa would send it well over the cross bar.
Republic FC would answer 9 minutes later as a big switch from Luther Archimède reached Russell Cicerone on the left flank. Cicerone shook off his defender and laid the ball off for Damia Viader at the top of the penalty box, but his shot missed the far post.
Republic FC keeper Danny Vitiello would come off his line in the 65th minute to neutralize a threat from Dikwa, turning a shot away and keeping the clean sheet intact. Vitiello came up big again for his club as the game moved into the second half stoppage time. Finding the ball at his feet at the top of the box, Pittsburgh’s Luke Biasi put a strong strike on frame, but a diving Vitiello denied the late opportunity. In his first return to face off with his former club, Man of the Match Vitiello had 4 saves and got his 7th clean sheet of the season – tied for second-most in the league with two others.
Republic FC returns home to host Eastern Conference side Memphis 901 FC for the first time in club history. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is set for 8:00 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets and all fans with a ticket will receive complimentary entrance for the California State Fair & Food Expo on matchday.
Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
USL Championship
Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
July 8, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – none; PIT – none
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Conor Donovan (caution) 34’, Johnny Fenwick (caution) 81’, Luther Archimède (caution) 86’, Keko Gontán (caution) 90’+6; PIT – Marc Ybarra (caution) 19’, Albert Dikwa (caution) 78’, Luke Biasi (caution) 88’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond (Johnny Fenwick 76’), Conor Donovan (C), Jared Timmer, Damia Viader, Nick Ross, Shane Wiedt (Panzani Ferrety Sousa 67’), Aldair Sanchez, Russell Cicerone Zeiko Lewis 86’), Luther Archimède (Ezekiel Padilla 86’), Matt LaGrassa (Keko Gontán 67’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Rafael Jauregui
Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 4, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 1
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Luis Zamudio, ArturoOsuna, Joseph Farrell, Illal Osumanu, Langston Blackstock (Luke Biasi 82’), DZ Harmon (Daniel Rovira 46’), Junior Etou, Marc Ybarra (Robbie Mertz 71’), Danny Griffin, Kenardo Forbes (C) (Edward Kizza 71’), Tola Showunmi (Albert Dikwa 46’)
Unused Substitutes: Christian Garner, Patrick Hogan
Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 1, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 0
