Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC claimed three points in Texas on Saturday night, scoring two unanswered goals in a come-from-behind victory against Rio Grande Valley FC. Sacramento claims the Western Conference Regular Season title with the victory – and the number 1 seed in the West bracket of the USL Championship playoffs. The honor marks the club’s second time securing the top spot in the conference in club history.
A Toros team in search of points to keep its playoff hopes alive put Sacramento at a deficit early, but scores from Russell Cicerone, Luis Felipe, and Luther Archimède earned the club its 17th win in the regular season in comeback fashion. Republic FC moves to its final regular season match on October 14th on 61 points in the table – second all-time in club history.
A four-goal first half saw the Toros find the net first, scoring in the 10th minute after a direct ball forward was put into the net with a one-touch finish. Sacramento would fight back for the first of two equalizers in the ensuing 20 minutes. After Sebastian Herrera saw an opportunity saved off the line near the midway point of the first half, Russell Cicerone netted his 14th goal of the year after fielding a ball over the top from Keko. The score was Cicerone’s 14th this season, and Keko’s 8th assist – good for third in the league.
Rio Grande Valley took the lead back just before the 45-minute mark, with a bouncing ball ending at the feet of Michael Knapp. Sacramento’s indomitable spirit pulled them level once again in first half stoppage time as a Jack Gurr cross was headed in by Luis Felipe – the Brazilian’s seventh this season and first since his game-winner on September 16 vs. El Paso Locomotive FC.
A stellar effort in goal from Danny Vitiello kept away dangerous chances from the Toros throughout the night. After tallying the 21st clean sheet of his Republic FC career last week – tying him for the all-time club lead – the New York native tallied four saves. Vitiello entered the match atop the USL Championship golden glove standings with 0.82 Goals Against Average.
For the second time in as many contests, Luther Archimède found the net – putting in the go-ahead score in the 68th minute. The score marked the club’s 50th goal this season – tying the all-time record for goals in a single season by the club set in 2019.
Republic FC closes out the 2023 regular season next week as Eastern Conference club Miami FC visits Heart Health Park on Fan Appreciation Night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, and streaming on ESPN+. The following week, Republic FC will host a first-round playoff match as the number 1 seed at Heart Health Park. Tickets and more information are available at SacRepublicFC.com/playoffs.
Sacramento Republic FC 3 – 2 Rio Grande Valley FC
USL Championship
H-E-B Park, Edinburg, Texas
October 7, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Russell Cicerone (Keko Gontán) 36’, Luis Felipe (Jack Gurr) 45+3’, Luther Archimède (Jack Gurr) 68’; RGV – Frank Lopez (Frank Nodarse) 10’, Michael Knapp 44’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Jared Timmer (caution), Luis Felipe (caution) 49’, Danny Vitiello (caution) 80’, Luther Archimède (caution) 90+5′; RGV – Jonathan Ricketts (caution) 61’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jared Timmer, Conor Donovan (C), Shane Wiedt, Jack Gurr, Aldair Sanchez, Luis Felipe (Arnold Lopez 65’), Nick Ross (Rodrigo Lopez 75’), Russell Cicerone (Johnny Fenwick 90’), Sebastian Herrera (Luther Archimède 66’), Keko Gontán (Cristian Parano 75’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Zeiko Lewis
Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 7, Saves: 4, Fouls: 19, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 3
Rio Grande Valley FC: Tyler Deric, Ricky Ruiz (Tomás Ritondale 41’), Frank Nodarse, Juan Cabezas (C), Jonathan Ricketts (Robert Coronado 66’), Taylor Davila, Michael Knapp, Christiano François (Jose Torres 83′), Christian Pinzon, Alex Monis (Ian Cerro 82′), Frank Lopez (Juan Galindrez 83′)
Unused Substitutes: Carlos Merancio, Érik Pimentel
Stats – Shots: 14, Shots on Goal: 8, Saves: 6, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 9, Offsides: 2
