Republic FC returns to the win column and extends its lead in the Western Conference table with a 4-0 win over longtime rival Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday night at Heart Health Park. Four first half goals and another fantastic team defensive performance earned the club its seventh multi-goal victory of the season and Head Coach Mark Briggs’ 50th club win.
The Indomitable Club would get off to another quick start, netting its first goal of the night in the 20th minute. In his first start after a month due to injury, team assist leader Jack Gurr would pick up right where he left off, whipping a ball into the box for Keko. The Spaniard would head the ball past Rising FC’s keeper for his third goal of the season.
Striker Russell Cicerone would double Sacramento’s lead minutes later, picking up a loose ball in front of goal to convert his 11th goal of the season and pushing him into first place in the league’s Golden Boot race. Zeiko Lewis would add his first goal of the season in the 38th minute. After receiving a ball from Panzani Ferrety Sousa, Lewis shook off two defenders to send a left-footed shot off the back of a Phoenix defender for another Sacramento goal.
Keko would return the favor to Gurr for Republic FC’s fourth goal in the first 45. A big switch from Shane Wiedt set up a one-two sequence between Gurr and Keko. After finding space between two defenders, Gurr would find his fifth goal on the year. The club’s four first half goals would equal the club’s all-time record for goals scored in a half and the first time the team has reached the milestone this season.
Another outstanding defensive performance would hold Phoenix to just one two shots on target, earning the Indomitable Club its eighth clean sheet of the season and first for goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña. This year, Sacramento has held its opponent to no more than one goal in all but one match.
Sacramento now embarks on a stretch of four away matches, beginning this Saturday against Las Vegas Lights FC. Kickoff from Cashman Field is at 7:30 p.m. and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+.
Republic FC will next play in front of its home fans on August 26, when the club hosts its 10th Season Celebration Match at Hughes Stadium. For more information or to purchase tickets starting at just $10, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Hughes.
Sacramento Republic FC 4-0 Phoenix Rising FC
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
July 26, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Keko (Jack Gurr) 20’, Russell Cicerone 28’, Zeiko Lewis (Panzani Ferrety Sousa) 38’, Jack Gurr (Keko) 43’; PHX – none
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Russell Cicerone (caution) 58’, Luther Archimede (caution) 17’ ; PHX – Daniel Krutzen (caution) 58’, Alejandro Fuenmayor (caution) 90’
Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Lee Desmond (C), Jared Timmer (Rafael Jauregui 74’), Shane Wiedt, Panzani Ferrety Sousa (Conor Donovan 46’), Jack Gurr (Luther Archimede 65’), Arnold Lopez, Matt LaGrassa (Johnny Fenwick), Keko Gontan, Zeiko Lewis (Ezekiel Padilla 65’), Russell Cicerone
Unused substitutes: Danny Vitiello, Mario Penagos
Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 9, Saves: 2, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 0, Offsides: 1
New Mexico United: Patrick Rakovsky, Daniel Krutzen, Mohamed Traore (Jose Hernandez 46’), Alejandro Fuenmayor, Kevon Lambert (C), Carlos Harvey, Federico Varela (Henry Uzochukwu 46’), Edwin Minjoma (Darnell King 84’), Panos Armenakas (Erickson Gallardo 62’), Danny Trejo (Emil Cuello 62’), Manuel Arteaga
Unused Substitutes: Rocco Rios Novo, Gabriel Torres
Stats – Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 5, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 1
