Republic FC’s 4-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday as the club fell to New Mexico United 3-0 in Albuquerque. The result marked just the third loss on the season, while Sacramento’s strong start to the season keeps the club in the top spot in the Western Conference table. A tough task in the desert became harder with lineup changes due to lingering injuries and New Mexico’s climb up the table after a rocky start.
Sacramento’s first opportunity of the night would come in the 13th minute as Russell Cicerone moved the ball forward. After driving the ball past his defender, Cicerone crossed the ball to Luther Archiméde in front of goal, but his header would go wide. Sacramento would maintain pressure throughout the first half, putting up 8 shots, but it was the hosts that netted the opening score just before the half as Harry Swartz directed a cross from Amando Moreno into the back of the net.
New Mexico would find two more goals on the other side of halftime – the first time that Republic FC has given up more than one goal in a game this season. Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello gave his best effort to keep his team in the game with back-to-back saves in the 59th minute as Amando Moreno tried for his second goal of the night. After blocking Moreno’s first shot on a dive, Vitiello would bounce straight up to deflect the rebound attempt over the crossbar for a corner.
Sacramento would have a chance to cut the lead later in the half as Jack Gurr’s cross from the right set up Keko for a bicycle kick, but the Spaniard’s shot was collected by New Mexico’s goalkeeper. The night marked Keko’s 350th career appearance and the first appearance for Gurr since June 24.
Republic FC returns home on Wednesday to face Phoenix Rising FC in the club’s final home match before a four-game road trip. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets and all fans with a ticket to the game will also receive complimentary entry to the fair on matchday.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to cheer on the U.S. Women’s National Team as they take on the Netherlands in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Starting at 6:00 p.m., fans can catch the women’s game on a giant video wall in the marketplace before Republic FC kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Republic FC’s match will also 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+.
Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 3 New Mexico United
USL Championship
Isotopes Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico
July 22, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – none ; NM – Harry Swartz (Amando Moreno) 45’, Amando Moreno (Sergio Rivas) 57’, Nicky Hernandez 60’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Shane Wiedt (caution) 39’, Luther Archiméde (caution) 50’, Head Coach Mark Briggs (caution) 85’; NM – Sergio Rivas (caution) 23’, Amando Moreno (caution) 79’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond (C), Conor Donovan (Matt LaGrassa 63’), Jared Timmer, Aldair Sanchez (Johnny Fenwick 75’), Panzani Ferrety Sousa (Jack Gurr 63’), Shane Wiedt, Arnold Lopez, Keko Gontán, Russell Cicerone (Rafael Jauregui 81’), Luther Archimède (Zeiko Lewis 62’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Ezekiel Padilla
Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 3, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 2
New Mexico United: Alexander Tambakis, Josh Suggs, Kalen Ryden, Will Seymore, Harry Swartz (Milo Garvanian 90’), Justin Portillo, Sam Hamilton (C), Nicky Hernandez (Greg Hurst 72’), Sergio Rivas, Amando Moreno (Santi Moar 79’), Daniel Bruce
Unused Substitutes: Ford Parker, Austin Yearwood, Kyle Colonna, Michael Wyparlo
Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 4, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 3
