Republic FC returns from its first away game of the season with three points after defeating Miami FC 1-0 on Saturday night. Jack Gurr and Trevor Amann connected for the lone score of the contest and Amann’s third goal of the season, but beyond the score line, Republic FC was dominant across various nearly every statistical category. From an outstanding season debut for goalkeeper Danny Vitiello to an impressive passing performance from the entire squad, here are four stats that made the difference for Sacramento in Saturday’s win.
Passing Accuracy
Republic FC completed 86.09% of its passes on Saturday night, the best single-game performance by a team across USL Championship through the first two weeks of the season. Led by second-half substitute Rafael Jauregui’s perfect passing night (on 6 passes) and Conor Donovan’s 96.6% accuracy (on 58 passes), the club continued to weave the ball through gaps in the Miami defense. In fact, it was Republic FC’s precise passing performance that built up the play for Trevor Amann’s game-winning goal as six players connected for eight consecutive passes to move the ball up the field.
Possession
Sacramento held the edge in ball control on Saturday, maintaining 56% of the possession. The Indomitable Club kept a high, constant pressure that forced the majority of Miami’s possession to be played in its defensive half, significantly limiting any threatening forward attacks. Republic FC’s 134 passes in the final third were more than triple that of Miami’s, paving the way for Russell Cicerone to put up six shots, more than any other player across the league on Saturday.
Danny Vitiello’s 3 Saves
By many standards, a three-save night is a relatively quiet night for goalkeepers. But for Danny Vitiello – who made his first appearance of the 2024 season on Saturday – those three stops were arguably what made the difference in the match. In a final push before halftime, Miami put up a barrage of shots in rapid succession that required Vitiello to come off his line. But the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year knew exactly where to position himself, snuffing Miami’s chances of taking the lead.
“Tonight, Danny won us the game,” said Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs after the match. “We could have been down one-nil at halftime, but he made three fantastic saves. But that’s just what Danny Vitiello does.”
Crosses
With Miami sitting back to defend the attacking duo of Russell Cicerone and Trevor Amann, Republic FC’s wingbacks had plenty of space to move up the flanks and create chances throughout the match. Compared to Miami’s five, Sacramento sent in 21 crosses – including 12 from Jack Gurr. Gurr’s cross from the right found the head of Amann in the 59th minute for the game-winner and Gurr’s first assist of the season.
“I know that Russell and Trevor and other players were making the runs into the box expecting deliveries,” said Gurr. “So it was just about trusting my quality to put dangerous balls in there because I know these guys will finish.”
