Sacramento makes its final trip to the East Coast this weekend in for an inter-conference matchup with Loudoun United FC. It’s the second-ever match between the two clubs. Important points are on the table entering the final ten games of the regular season with tight races in each conference for playoff position.
At a Glance: #SACvLDN
- 4:30 p.m. PT kickoff
- Segra Field, Leesburg, Virginia
- Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
- After the Match: Stay tuned on FOX40 for Home at Hughes – A Republic FC Special for a preview of the club’s 10th Anniversary match at Hughes Stadium on August 26
Republic FC – The Latest
Sacramento makes its first trip to the DMV on a four-match unbeaten streak. After three consecutive wins to close July and open August, last weekend’s 1-1 draw added another point to the Indomitable Club’s Western Conference lead. Late heroics drew the club level in the 83rd minute, marking the squad’s fourth come-from-behind effort this season.
The Quails added reinforcements on the attacking end on Wednesday. Winger Cristian Parano joined the club after signing a multi-year contract. His addition fortifies Mark Briggs’ front line with another creative presence that can distribute and strike with precision from anywhere on the pitch. Parano is available for selection to the matchday roster this weekend.
Know Your Opponent
Loudoun welcomes Sacramento following a strong victory last Saturday in Las Vegas. A 3-0 clean sheet win marked one of the club’s finest outings of the season, and its second shutout in three games. They have performed well of late, playing San Diego and Memphis tough in the previous two weeks to open the month of August.
The Virginia club is within striking distance of the playoff line in the Eastern Conference, with eight games remaining in a tight race. Loudoun is among six clubs separated by only seven points in the table heading into the season’s stretch run.
Players to Watch
Russell Cicerone has outstanding career numbers against United, tallying five goals and two assists in eight career appearances. His five scores are tied for the most by any player against the club all-time, and his seven scoring contributions ranks third.
Goalkeeper Dane Jacomen made his name known across the league last week. In his first action since July 15, he earned Team of the Week Honors with a five save shutout, including a penalty stop in the 51st minute to deny Las Vegas an equalizer.
Head to Head
The only previous meeting between the two sides took place last September 10 – Republic FC’s first match after the U.S. Open Cup Final in Orlando. Four different players found the net after the halftime break in a 4-0 win for Sacramento; Jack Gurr netted his first score with the club in the 56th minute, and Luther found the back of the net off an assist from Keko in the 83rd.
