The Indomitable Club takes to the road for the first time in 2024 this weekend. Republic FC heads to South Florida for the first time to face off with Miami FC for the first inter-conference matchup of the campaign.
At a Glance: #SACvMIA
- 4:00 PM PT kickoff
- FIU Football Stadium, Miami, Florida
- Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
The 2024 campaign kicked off in front of another sellout crowd at Heart Health Park. The Indomitable Club extended its league leading, longest active home opener undefeated streak to 10. Debutant Trevor Amann was a threat all-night and earned Player of the Week honors with two strikes that would give Republic the lead in the match. Each goal would be answered by Orange County – including an unfathomable score from a goalkeeper deep in the fifth minute of stoppage time, only the third occurrence in league history. The Quails would split the points on the evening starting the season in the middle of the Western Conference table.
Amann etched his name into the club’s record book in his first 90 minutes. His brace is only the second multi-score game by a Republic FC debutant, with Thomas Enevoldsen logging the first in 2019. Cristian Parano and Nick Ross started 2024 on the score sheet with an assist on Amann’s goals. Even with the draw, Republic FC remained atop the league’s power rankings heading into the second contest of the season.
Know Your Opponent
Miami FC opened the 2024 campaign with a strong victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at home. Stellar defending fought off relentless pressure throughout the night – Colorado Springs tallied 14 shots in the first half and 21 for the match, while owning the possession battle at 61%. An early strike from Andrew Booth gave Miami the lead and the confidence to defend home field. A late penalty and conversion would give the South Florida club the 2-0 advantage and seal the game.
New manager Antonio Nocerino leads a revamped squad filled with young talent with overseas experience and a handful of USL veterans. Midfielder Andrew Booth and defender Jordan Ayimbila each came over from Las Vegas Lights FC, while striker and former Quail Frank Lopez signed on after spending the last two seasons at Rio Grande Valley FC. Midfielders Manuel Botta and Mattia Gagliardi each made the move stateside after featuring in Italy to start their careers.
Match Notes
Saturday’s contest marks the 2nd all-time meeting between Sacramento and Miami. Last season, the two clubs faced off in the regular season finale with the Quails taking a 1-0 victory at Heart Health Park, sealing the Indomitable Club’s spot at the top of the Western Conference table.
Forward Russell Cicerone has outstanding career numbers against the South Florida side. The Michigan native has 8 career appearances against the club with six goals and one assist. He netted the game-winner in the first-ever matchup between Sacramento and Miami.
