Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC got back into the win column on Saturday night, besting regional rival Oakland Roots SC 1-0 from Pioneer Stadium in Hayward. The result returns the Quails to the top spot in the Western Conference standings on 51 points heading into a bye week. The win seals the season series for the Indomitable Club, as well as awards the visitors the first road win by either side in the 10-match history of the derby.
An early penalty gave Sacramento the first score of the match just two minutes after the opening whistle. Making his first start since returning from injury last Saturday, Sebastian Herrera converted from the spot after Keko was cut down pursuing a loose ball. The score marked the league-leading 16th time Sacramento has netted the opening goal. The Indomitable Club is an unbeaten 13-0-3 this season when scoring first.
Oakland threatened to equalize just before the half hour mark in the first half. But a diving effort by goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña denied a mis-struck ball by Oakland from close range. The Vallejo native finished the match with six saves and recorded his second clean sheet performance of the season.
The match opened up in the second half, with each club threatening throughout the final 45 minutes. A pair of chances for Oakland tested Sacramento’s backline just before the hour mark, but were both sent away by defender Shane Wiedt. On the counter, Dami Viader threatened to double Republic FC’s advantage in the 58th minute, but a diving save sent away his shot. Another chance for Oakland nearly evened the scoreline in the 64th minute, when a close-range opportunity was sent over the bar after a cross in from the left.
Viader continued to look for the net with 20 minutes to go. After the ball was played into traffic for Zeiko Lewis crashing the net, the Bermudan laid the ball off for Viader for a shot on goal.
Sacramento’s backline stood tall late to claim its 10th clean sheet on the year. Shots from Oakland in the second half brought the best out of the Quails. Strong work from the entire squad kept Oakland out of net for the second time in three matchups this season.
Republic FC will have a bye week before its next match. Sacramento returns to Heart Health Park on Saturday, September 16 to face off against El Paso Locomotive FC at 7:00 p.m. In addition to the match, the Indomitable Club will be celebrating Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month with its annual Noche Latina. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 0 Oakland Roots SC
USL Championship
Pioneer Stadium, Hayward, California
September 2, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Sebastian Herrera (penalty) 3’; OAK – None
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Matt LaGrassa (caution) 45+6’, Damia Viader (caution) 68’, Arnold Lopez (caution) 67’; OAK – Napo Matsoso (caution) 33’, Lindo Mfeka (caution) 90+1’
Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Lee Desmond (C) (Jared Timmer 64’), Conor Donovan, Shane Wiedt, Damia Viader, Jack Gurr, Arnold Lopez (Nick Ross 90+2’), Matt LaGrassa (Luis Felipe 45’), Russell Cicerone, Keko Gontán (Rodrigo Lopez 71’), Sebastian Herrera (Zeiko Lewis 45’)
Unused substitutes: Danny Vitiello, Cristian Parano
Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 6, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 2
Oakland Roots SC: Paul Blanchette, Daniel Barbir, Neveal Hackshaw, Emrah Klimenta, Guillermo Diaz, Napo Matsoso, Tarek Morad (C) (Irakoze Donasiyano 88’), Bryan Tamacas (Trayvone Reid 84’), Lindo Mfeka, Johnny Rodriguez (Anuar Pelaez 73’), Jeciel Cedeño
Unused Substitutes: Timothy Syrel, Ryan Her, Wolfgang Prentice, Kieran Bracken
Stats – Shots: 19, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 11, Offsides: 1
