This Saturday, Republic FC takes the pitch with the California State Fair in the background at Heart Health Park. Memphis 901 FC comes to Sacramento for the two clubs first ever meeting. The Quails and their league-leading defense remain atop the Western Conference entering the match, and come home on a three-game unbeaten streak.
At a Glance: #SACvMEM
- 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 – Match Tickets also allow access to the California State Fair
- Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
The Latest – Republic FC
A contest between two of the top sides in the league ended in a 0-0 draw last Saturday as Sacramento took on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The two clubs each showed their defensive muscle, keeping their foes opportunities to a minimum. Republic FC welcomed back Luther Archimede from international duty for his first start of the season, and a few key contributors – Matt LaGrassa, Lee Desmond, and Shane Wiedt – back from injury to help the club secure a point. The result marked the club’s first clean sheet since April 26 and seventh on the year – good for second league-wide and keeping goalkeeper Danny Vitiello atop the Golden Glove leaderboard.
Know Your Opponent
Memphis comes to the River City for the second leg of a NorCal trip. Wednesday, they faced off with Oakland Roots in the East Bay, playing to a 1-1 draw. The club fought back from a first-half deficit, equalizing at the hour mark to secure a point for the first time since June 24. Before coming west, they suffered a pair of tough results to Phoenix Rising and San Antonio FC.
The club has been one of the best in the league throughout the season. From April through June, Head Coach Stephen Glass’ side went unbeaten in 12 straight contests – winning the Scottish manager the league’s Coach of the Month honor for June. Reinforcements through transfer – forward Rodrigo da Costa via transfer from FC Tulsa and goalkeeper Bill Hamid, formerly at D.C. United by free agent signing – have strengthened the squad since the season began.
Players to Watch
Rodrigo da Costa has tallied three goals and an assist for his club since joining Memphis at the start of June. His pairing with midfielder Aaron Molloy, who enters the week as the league’s leading chance creator, has bolstered the Tennessee side’s attack.
Midfielder Arnold Lopez returns after a yellow card accumulation suspension. Through the season’s first half, Lopez has ranked among the league-leaders in successful tackles – allowing him to break up plays at an impressive rate.
Head-to-Head
Saturday marks the first ever match between the two clubs since Memphis debuted in the league in 2019. Against nine shared opponents this season – Pittsburgh, Rio Grande Valley, Louisville, Hartford, Colorado Springs, Tulsa, Detroit, Charleston, and San Antonio – Memphis has recorded 7 wins, two draws and two losses, and Sacramento has recorded five wins and five draws.
