At long last, the Indomitable Club closes out its four-game road stretch. This weekend, Republic FC visits Loudoun United FC for the very first time in the second-ever match between the two clubs. In a tight battle for the top spot in the Western Conference, three big points are on the line for Sacramento from the DMV.
Last Week’s Results: #LVvLDN
United claimed a strong victory last weekend from the desert against Las Vegas Lights. Rounding out a two-game week on the West Coast, the club went ahead early and never looked back even as a pesky Las Vegas team provided regular pressure. Goalkeeper Dane Jacomen came up with a strong performance to secure the clean sheet, saving a 51st minute penalty that would have drawn the hosts level and earning Team of the Week Honors.
Loudoun This Season
One of many in the East battling for playoff position, Loudoun sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference but only five points back of the playoff line. Lately, the club has shown flashes of excellence, claiming a strong 3-0 win against Las Vegas Lights FC last week. The club was moments from three points against San Diego Loyal SC on August 9 before a late comeback by the SoCal club, and on August 2, held Memphis 901 FC scoreless in a 0-0 draw.
Players to Watch
Two players up top lead the way for Loudoun. Forward Zach Ryan got off to a blistering start to the 2023 season and enters this week with nine goals and two assists. Lately, Kalil ElMedkhar has jolted the club, scoring in consecutive games to bring his total to five on the year. The Philadelphia Union academy product notched the opening score Saturday in Sin City. He’s currently tied for the club lead in chances created with 30 alongside Koa Santos and leads in assists with four.
Head-to-Head
Sacramento and Loudoun have just one previous head-to-head match. United visited Heart Health Park on the heels of Sacramento’s trip to the Open Cup Final last September 10, in a match won 4-0 by the Quails. Four different players found the back of the net in the shutout victory.
