After a win in the opening round of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs, the conference semifinal awaits Republic FC this weekend. Defending champion San Antonio FC visits Heart Health Park for the second time this season – and for the first time in the postseason after 12 all-time meetings.
At a Glance: #SACvSA
- 7:30 PM PT kickoff – Friday, October 27
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
- USL Championship Playoffs – Western Conference Semifinal
- Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
- Giveaway: Cheer cards to the first 3,000 fans
Republic FC – The Latest
Last week, Sacramento advanced past New Mexico United with a 1-0 victory in the Conference Quarterfinals. In front of a sellout crowd at Heart Health Park, the club nabbed an early advantage behind a 13th minute goal from Conor Donovan – the defender’s first on the season and first of his career in the playoffs. The goal marked the 24th time this season the club has scored first across all competitions. A stellar defensive performance saw out the match as New Mexico pushed to equalize, securing Republic FC its 100th home win all-time.
Know Your Opponent
San Antonio enters the match following a 1-0 victory of its own. The Texas club hosted Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinal round, where after a tight first half, the hosts jumped all over a costly mistake by the Colorado club in the 53rd minute. Jorge Hernandez dispossessed an opposing defender in space and slotted in the goal that would stand as the decider in West Texas, and stellar defensive efforts denied chances from each club down the stretch.
Players to Watch
Attackers Tani Oluwaseyi, Rida Zouhir, and Santiago Patiño are each a focal point of San Antonio’s direct attacking style. For the season, the trio combined for half of their club’s 64 goals on the season, with Oluwaseyi finishing fourth in the Golden Boot race. Zouhir finished the season with 12 scoring contributions – tied with teammate and league assists leader Jorge Hernandez.
Jack Gurr was stellar each time Sacramento and San Antonio faced off in the regular season. He contributed to two of Republic FC’s three scores in the most recent matchup, drawing the penalty that Sebastian Herrera went on to convert for the opener and doubling the club’s advantage with a goal of his own before the break. Friday’s match may also mark the first appearance for Cristian Parano against his former club – since joining Republic FC, the Argentinian has appeared in eight games and tallied ten chances created.
Head-to-Head
Republic FC and San Antonio have faced off 12 times previously, including two meetings earlier this season. All time, it’s been a near-even fixture, with Republic FC claiming five wins to San Antonio’s four and the two sides splitting points on three occasions. Sacramento earned four points from this season’s contests, claiming one in a scoreless draw April 8 and taking all three in a home win on June 24.
