The USL Championship season is finally here as Republic FC hosts Orange County SC for the 2024 season opener. The two long-time foes meet for their 27th contest to open the season. It’s sure to be a raucous night at Heart Health Park as the Indomitable Club welcomes back soccer in 2024.
At a Glance: #SACvOC
- 7:00 PM kickoff
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
- Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News Mobile App,
- Streaming: Golazo Network
- Tickets available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets
Republic FC – The Latest
High expectations follow the club into its 11th season, with league pundits ranking the club #1 ranking in the USL Championship Preseason Power Rankings and projecting a second consecutive top finish in the West. With 17 returning players, it’s expected that Sacramento will return to play right where they left off due to its strong cohesion and resulting excellent defensive play.
The Quails closed out their preseason preparations on a high note. A 2-1 victory over regional rival Monterey Bay F.C. last Saturday was led by a strong showing in possession and an attacking approach that had the visitors on their back foot for the bulk of the afternoon. A goal and assist each from Rodrigo Lopez led the way, while defender Chibi Ukaegbu’s first goal with the first team ended as the winner on his 17th birthday. Forward Trevor Amann, defender Jonathan Ricketts, and goalkeeper Jared Mazzola all suited up for their first match with their new club and performed well.
Know Your Opponent
Manager Morten Karlson returns to the Irvine side after taking over mid-campaign and overseeing a late surge to a second-place Western Conference finish in 2023. While he returned the bulk of his roster from last year, the club added pieces to each unit of its squad to supplement. Former LA Galaxy products Cameron Dunbar and Ethan Zubak return to their hometown, U.S. Youth international goalkeeper Duran Ferree comes north from San Diego on loan, and midfielder Andrew Fox makes the move West after spending last season with El Paso.
Last season, Orange County posted one of the top defenses in USL Championship play, recording 15 shutouts and conceding only 41 times – good for fourth in the league. They were the 11th-best attacking team in the league with 48 goals, and threatened constantly, ranking in the top-10 in total shots.
Match Notes
- Saturday’s contest marks the 27th all-time meeting between Sacramento and Orange County. Sacramento has only faced one other club as many times – previous SoCal rival LA Galaxy II.
- 18 of 26 previous matches between the two clubs have been decided by one score or less. Last season, Orange County bested Sacramento in each of the two sides’ regular-season meetings.
- Republic FC has won each of its last three season openers dating to the 2021 season.
- Forward Russell Cicerone will serve a one-game suspension for discipline incurred in the final match of 2023.
