Republic FC sets back out on the road this week for the second of three matches in eight days. Wednesday night from the desert, The Quails take on Phoenix Rising FC for the last of their two regular season matchups. In a tight battle for the top spot in the West, it’s another important contest for Mark Briggs’ Men.
At a Glance: #SACvPHX
- 7:30 PM PT Kickoff
- Phoenix Rising Stadium, Phoenix, Arizona
- Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
20,231 packed Hughes Stadium for the club’s 10th anniversary celebration match last Saturday as the club hosted Orange County SC. Sacramento did well to generate opportunities, outshooting their SoCal foes 19-5, but was unable to find the net, snapping their five-game unbeaten streak. For only the second time this season, Sacramento conceded more than one goal in a 2-0 defeat to Orange County SC. Some silver linings came from the game, however, as Rodrigo Lopez and Sebastian Herrera each made a long-awaited return from injury.
The quick turnaround provides an opportunity to bounce back from the defeat – something Sacramento has done before. Sacramento suffered a 3-0 loss on the road on July 22, and in their next match posted four scores against Rising FC to kick off their five-match run.
Know Your Opponent
With so many club’s in the mix for the playoffs in the Western Conference, every match is a big one for the Arizona side. Currently, they sit in 7th, but are only five points from Oakland Roots in fourth place. Having a game in hand entering this week gives them an opportunity to make a jump in the standings.
The club’s attack has led the way in recent weeks, posting three multi-goal games in its past five. Over the weekend, they overcame a 2-1 deficit against Las Vegas Lights to claim three points with two scores inside the final ten minutes, and two weeks ago, they posted five goals in a shutout victory against El Paso.
Players to Watch
Forward Danny Trejo has been on a tear in recent weeks, netting five goals in his last five games. He was crowned Player of the Week in Week 23 for a two score, two assist outing against El Paso on August 12. Since June 21, he’s been one of the league’s most dangerous attackers, scoring nine times and tallying three assists.
Cristian Parano has shown well in his first taste of action for Sacramento. He put his name on the scoresheet with an assist of Luther Archimède in his first match with the club, and on Saturday was a threat off the bench once again. With Rodrigo Lopez, Luis Felipe, and Sebastian Herrera all back in the fray, the Argentine will have plenty of support to help him make an impact. Against Phoenix Rising for his career, Parano has one goal in three appearances.
Head-to-Head
For the second straight week, Sacramento faces off with a longtime foe. Republic FC and Rising FC have faced off 23 times before. Sacramento has claimed eight wins to Phoenix’s seven, and the two sides have split points eight times. Republic FC has the scoring advantage with 24 goals to Phoenix’s 18.
The two sides matchup earlier this season ended in a 4-0 result favoring Sacramento. A fast start provided Mark Briggs’ Men early control of the contest to kick off a five-match unbeaten run. Four different players – Keko, Jack Gurr, Russell Cicerone, and Zeiko Lewis – found the back of the net in the clean sheet win.
