Republic FC remains unbeaten on the 2024 campaign, picking up three points in a 1-0 road win over Miami FC. Trevor Amann built on his stellar opening week performance to score the game winner as Jack Gurr picked up his first assist on the year. On the other end of the pitch, a season debut for goalkeeper Danny Vitiello helped the club secure its first clean sheet.
One of Sacramento’s best chances in the first half came from Russell Cicerone in the 34th minute, making his first appearance after missing opening week. After receiving the ball on the left flank, Cicerone shook off his defender to send in a shot from distance that was out of reach for the Miami goalkeeper, but the ball sailed just high of the target. Just minutes later, another shot from Cicerone was blocked and after collecting the deflection, the forward sent in a left footed shot from the top of the 18-yard box, but Miami’s keeper made the dive to push the ball just wide.
With Miami making one final push before halftime, Republic FC’s Danny Vitiello proved just why he is the reigning USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Year. After the host’s initial shot was blocked by Conor Donovan, the hosts had another opportunity with Allen Gavilanes sending in a shot from the left. Vitiello made the save, deflecting the ball out to Miami attacker Mattia Gagliardi, who put up the third shot in the sequence. Vitiello once again came up big and denied the shot from the six-yard box before coming further off his line to deflect one final shot from Miami.
Republic FC broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with a good sequence of team play. As he drew the attention of the Miami defense through the middle, Nick Ross sent the ball out wide for an open Jack Gurr on the right flank. Gurr sent in a perfect cross to meet the head of Trevor Amann for the eventual game winner. Building on his historic club debut in Week 1 that earned him USL Championship Player of the Week honors, Amann’s goal against Miami makes him the fifth Republic FC player to score in each of his first two matches for the club.
Sacramento nearly doubled its lead later in the half as Aldair Sanchez set up Rafael Jauregui from the left. Jauregui’s shot slid past the Miami goalkeeper, but the Sacramento native was called offside. Minutes later, another homegrown player made his professional debut as midfielder Blake Willey came on for Russell Cicerone. Willey is the 6th player from the club’s youth development program to debut for Republic FC.
Another cross-country trip awaits Republic FC next Saturday, as the club heads on the road to face Indy Eleven. Kickoff from Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis is set for 4:00 p.m. PT and the match be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2 and streaming on FOX40.com and through the FOX40 News mobile app. Fans looking for a spot to watch the match can head over to Sky River Casino starting at 3:30 p.m. for the first-ever adults-only (ages 21+) watch party at 32 Brews Street.
Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 0 Miami FC
USL Championship
FIU Football Stadium, Miami, Florida
March 16, 2024
Scoring Summary: SAC – Amann (Gurr) 59’, MIA – none
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Desmond (caution) 44’, Gurr (caution) 53’, Parano (caution) 66’; MIA – Biek (caution) 70’, Mines (caution) 82’, Booth (caution) 88’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr, Lee Desmond (C), Jared Timmer, Conor Donovan, Aldair Sanchez, Nick Ross, Luis Felipe (Rodrigo Lopez 45’), Trevor Amann (Jonathan Ricketts 75’), Cristian Parano (Rafael Jauregui 75’), Russell Cicerone (Blake Willey 89’)
Unused substitutes: Jared Mazzola, Shane Wiedt, Chibi Ukaegbu
Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 7, Saves: 3, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 4
Miami FC: Daniel Gadliardi, Nicolas Cardona (C), Daltyn Knutson, Alejandro Mitrano, Andrew Booth, Samuel Biek (Benjamin Ofeimu 75’), Mattia Gagliardi (Gabriel Cabral 60’), Rocco Genzano, Manuel Botta, Allen Gavilanes (Michael Vang 75’), Luis Pedro (Benjamin Mines 60’)
Unused Substitutes: Khadim Ndiaye, Jordan Ayimbila, David Mejia
Stats – Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 6, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 2
