Seaside, Calif. – Republic FC extended its winning streak to three on Saturday night with a 1-0 victory on the road against regional rival Monterey Bay F.C. The Indomitable Club claims its eighth clean sheet of the season and extends its lead atop the Western Conference standings with 44 points.
A first half score from Russell Cicerone proved to be the winner as the forward moved back into a tie for the league’s Golden Boot. The result returned the favor for Sacramento against Monterey Bay after Union claimed a 1-0 win at Heart Health Park earlier this year on June 17.
Cicerone found the net for the third straight match when he scored the opener in the 35th minute. An assist from Keko set up the forward to slot in his 13th on the season – also marking the Spaniard’s third straight contest assisting the opening score. Cicerone’s game-winner marked the 17th time this season where the Indomitable Club has scored first. Republic remain unbeaten in their last 21 USL Championship matches when leading at half-time (W17, D4) dating back to October 2021. Sacramento continues to pace the league with 24 first half goals.
After the halftime break, Sacramento came out on the front foot. Two more chances in rapid succession in the 53rd and 54th minute by Zeiko Lewis and Keko forced MBFC’s keeper to make difficult saves. Keko was replaced in the 85th minute after tallying a club high three chances created.
A stellar defensive performance kept not just the clean sheet – but held the hosts to just a single shot on target for the entire match. Even after going down to ten men late in the second half after Lee Desmond received a second yellow on a harsh decision from the center official, Republic FC continued its relentless pursuit of the ball, keeping Monterey Bay off their balance, and off the score sheet.
Republic FC heads to Birmingham, Alabama for the third match in a four-game road stretch. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 12th from Protective Stadium. Fans can watch the game in English and Spanish on FOX40.com, the FOX40 News Mobile App, Antenna TV 40.2, and 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 1 – 0 Monterey Bay F.C.
USL Championship
Cardinale Stadium, Seaside, California
August 5, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Russell Cicerone (Keko Gontán) 35’ MB – None
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Lee Desmond (caution) 69’, Arnold Lopez (caution) 72’, Lee Desmond (second caution and ejection) 86’ MB – Chase Boone (caution) 42’, Walmer Martinez (caution) 74’, Jesse Maldonado (caution) 88’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond (C), Shane Wiedt, Conor Donovan, Jack Gurr, Jared Timmer, Matt LaGrassa, Arnold Lopez (Damia Viader 72’), Keko Gontán (Aldair Sanchez 85’), Zeiko Lewis (Luther Archimède 76’), Russell Cicerone
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Johnny Fenwick, Rafael Jauregui, Ezekiel Padilla
Stats – Shots: 10, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 1, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 2
Monterey Bay F.C.: Carlos Herrera, Morey Doner, Grant Robinson, Hugh Roberts (C), Kai Greene, Simon Dawkins (Walmer Martinez 63’), Alex Dixon, James Murphy (Adrian Rebollar 71’), Mobi Fehr, Chase Boone (Christian Volesky 63’), Rafael Baca (Jesse Maldonado 85’)
Unused Substitutes: Antony Siaha, Alex Lara, Nevello Yoseke
Stats – Shots: 5, Shots on Goal: 0, Saves: 2, Fouls: 7, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 4
