Leesburg, Va. – Republic FC earned its fifth straight unbeaten result Saturday evening, besting Loudoun United FC at Segra Field by a score of 3-1. The result closes out an unbeaten stretch of four consecutive road games since July 29 that saw the club record three wins and one draw. Sacramento comes home with 48 points in the Western Conference table.
Contributions from across the squad fought off a Loudoun team pesky for all 90 minutes. Luis Felipe returned from injury, marking his first appearance since June 24 against San Antonio FC, while recently-acquired Cristian Parano put his name on the score sheet in his club debut with the assist on Luther Archimède’s late game-sealing score.
Sacramento put regular pressure on the hosts throughout the match, posting a season high 11 shots on target for the match. The club got off to a fast start in the 11th minute, after an intercepted pass put Keko in inside the penalty area with the ball at his feet, a cross directed at Jack Gurr was sent away by an opposing defender. Just after the half hour mark, a corner kick put the ball at Russell Cicerone’s feet from point blank range, but a diving save denied the forward’s chance.
Matt LaGrassa found the net for the opening score in the 35th minute. After an excellent effort from Russell Cicerone kept the ball in play, LaGrassa challenged the goalkeeper with a strong header from point-blank range and scored his first goal of the 2023 season on his follow-up attempt. The Elk Grove native was lifted in the 65th minute for Luis Felipe in his first appearance back from injury.
United threatened on the counter throughout the evening, trying to put Sacramento’s defense at a numbers disadvantage. Danny Vitiello saved a long-distance shot in the 17th minute after the hosts went forward with a numbers advantage. Moments later in the 24th, Houssou Landry had a shot at goal but sailed it high of the bar. The hosts evened the match after halftime following another opportunity on the break by Kalil ElMedkhar.
Sacramento answered back in the 71st minute. After back-to-back opportunities, Zeiko Lewis netted his third of the season from outside the penalty area with a precision strike off an assist from Arnold Lopez – the Venezuelan’s first assist since 2017 while a member of Aragua FC.
Forward Cristian Parano made his club debut in the contest, entering for Keko with ten minutes remaining. Five minutes after coming on the pitch, the Argentinian threaded a perfect pass to Luther Archimede who put it in with a one-touch finish, his second score in as many games.
Republic FC is back in action next Saturday, returning to the site of the club’s first-ever home game – Hughes Stadium – for a 10th Season Celebration Match against Orange County SC. Throughout the night, the club will celebrate its proud history and connection to the Sacramento community, while also recognizing and thanking those that have made it all possible – from players and coaches to fans and partners.
Beginning at 5:00 p.m., fans are invited to gather at nearby brewery Track 7 for pre-game festivities – including special appearances from former Republic FC players before joining Tower Bridge Battalion for the March to the Match at 6:00 p.m. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and limited tickets are still available at SacRepublicFC.com/Hughes. The match will also be broadcast live in English and Spanish on FOX40, FOX40.com, and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+.
Sacramento Republic FC 3 – 1 Loudoun United FC
USL Championship
Segra Field, Leesburg, Virginia
August 19, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Matt LaGrassa 35’ Zeiko Lewis (Arnold Lopez) 71’, Luther Archimede (Cristian Parano) 83’ LDN – Kalil ElMedkhar 55’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Keko Gontán (caution) 40’, Jack Gurr (caution) 86’ LDN – Bryce Washington (caution) 45’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Shane Wiedt (Conor Donovan 60’), Lee Desmond (C), Jared Timmer, Jack Gurr, Damia Viader (Aldair Sanchez 60’), Matt LaGrassa (Luis Felipe 64’), Arnold Lopez, Keko Gontán (Cristian Parano 78’), Russell Cicerone (Luther Archimède 78’), Zeiko Lewis
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Johnny Fenwick
Stats – Shots: 19, Shots on Goal: 11, Saves: 4, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 11, Offsides: 2
Loudoun United FC: Hugo Fauroux, Abdoul Koanda (Abdoul Zanne 83’, Nelson Martinez 89’), Jace Clark (Jeremy Garay 45’), Bryce Washington, Yanis Leerman (Matai Akinmboni 86’), Cole Turner (C), Houssou Landry, Aidan Rocha, Kalil ElMedkhar, Zach Ryan, Wesley Leggett (Tommy Williamson 45’)
Unused Substitutes: Dane Jacomen, Juan Ramirez
Stats – Shots: 16, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 7, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 1, Offsides: 1
