With only a few weeks left in the regular season, Republic FC returns to Heart Health Park for a Sunday matinee against Las Vegas Lights FC. The Quails are at the top of the Western Conference Standings with three fixtures remaining. Important points are on the line Sunday and in each match on the road to the USL Championship playoffs.
At a Glance: #SACvLV
- 4:00 PM PT Kickoff
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
- Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
- Promotion: Youth Soccer Day presented by Western Health Advantage
- Giveaways: Free Ice Cream voucher for the first 100 youth players wearing their youth club jersey to the Mission Tiger Kids Zone, Team Poster Presented by Western Health Advantage after the match
Republic FC – The Latest
Republic FC claimed four points of nine from a three-game stretch last week. After an exciting victory claimed late in stoppage time on September 16 against El Paso, the club played to a scoreless draw with New Mexico United on Wednesday. This past weekend, the club showed well in Colorado Springs, but two highlight-reel strikes from the hosts issued the Quails a 2-0 defeat.
Throughout the season, Sacramento’s defense has performed well. September saw the club record three straight clean sheets from September 2 to 20 – the second stretch of its kind this season. The squad still sits tied for the fewest goals conceded since the start of the month with two alongside Phoenix and Rio Grande Valley, and as the top defense in the league with only 24 scores allowed on the season.
Know Your Opponent
Las Vegas has been a tough opponent to face in recent weeks. Since August 30, the club has collected three multi-goal games in six outings. Last week, Lights FC split points with San Diego Loyal SC in a 1-1 draw. The club was incredibly disruptive throughout the match despite conceding the possession balance. After an early score put them ahead, a low block neutralized San Diego’s near-constant pressure to keep the contest close. When they did get opportunities, they were dangerous, putting six of eight shots on target. It marked the second straight contest in which they’ve scored first.
Players to Watch
Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello enters the match leading the USL Championship Golden Glove race – allowing just 0.85 goals against average for the season. In Week 29, he posted a clean sheet in the club’s scoreless draw over New Mexico and was nominated for Save of the Week for a double-save effort against Colorado Springs. Against Las Vegas for his career, Vitiello has conceded two scores in two appearances.
Since August 26, only the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Cal Jennings has more goals than Las Vegas’ Daniel Rios, who has broken out with five scores and three assists while starting every match. In that span, the Houston Dynamo loanee has also ranked among the league’s leaders in chances created (10) and conversion rate (41%).
Head to Head
Sacramento has claimed six wins in 11 matches all-time against the Southern Nevada side, including one earlier this season. At Heart Health Park, Republic FC is unbeaten, recording three wins and two draws while outscoring Las Vegas 7-3.
Mark Briggs’ men claimed a 2-1 victory over Lights FC on July 29, its first of four straight unbeaten on the road from July 29 to August 19. Russell Cicerone scored the opening goal just after the half hour mark with a spectacular diving header, before assisting the game-winner from Zeiko Lewis in the second half.
