Sacramento, Calif. – Earlier today, the USL Championship announced Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello’s 73rd minute save against Rio Grande Valley FC on October 7 has been nominated for Fan’s Choice Save of the Week for Week 31. Voting is open now at USLChampionship.com and on the league’s social channels through Friday, October 13 at 9:00 a.m. PT.
After a score from Luther Archimède put Sacramento ahead moments earlier, Vitiello’s save kept the club’s advantage intact heading into the final ten minutes of the match. With space in the middle of the pitch, RGV’s Frank Lopez let loose a strong shot from distance headed for the top corner, but Vitiello’s leaping effort denied the chance. Republic FC held on to secure a 3-2 victory, claiming all three points and the Western Conference regular season title.
The nomination marks the third straight week Vitiello has been nominated for the honor. In Week 29, he was nominated for a double save in the 34th minute of the club’s match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Last week, a diving effort from Vitiello against Las Vegas Lights FC was voted Save of the Week by the fans – the New York native’s first win of the honor this season. Republic FC goalkeepers have won the Save of the Week vote twice this season, with Carlos Saldaña taking home the Week 26 honor in addition to Vitiello’s Week 30 win.
Republic FC returns to Heart Health Park for the regular season finale this Saturday, hosting Miami FC 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.
