Indianapolis, Ind. – Republic FC split the points in a 1-1 draw with Indy Eleven on Saturday night. The Indomitable Club returns home undefeated through three matches, and with four more tough points on the road against Eastern Conference opponents. Through three matches, Sacramento has yet to trail and taken command of the ball, dominating the possession metrics.
The Indomitable Club scored first after constant pressure resulted in an own goal from the hosts in the 31st minute. Indy netted the equalizer three minutes later, and the scoreline would hold for the remainder of the match with each club securing a point. Sacramento finished the match with 12 total shots, putting four on target, while again holding the edge in possession at 57%.
From the beginning, Republic FC pressed early. Sacramento thought they had found the net at the seven-minute mark, when Luis Felipe tapped in a Cristian Parano cross from the right but was called offside, negating his score. Russell Cicerone nearly opened his 2024 season scoring account ten minutes later, but his chance was blocked by a defender before reaching goal.
Republic FC took the lead in the 31st minute – its third straight week scoring first this season – on an own goal from the hosts. After Aldair Sanchez served the ball into the penalty area from the left flank, defender Callum Chapman-Page deflected it into the net. But the hosts answered to even the scoreline, when Augustine Williams slotted one over the line in the 34th minute.
The two clubs traded chances in the second half. Russell Cicerone again came close to finding net just after the break as Sacramento put the pressure on. Indy would look to take the lead, with their closest chance denied by the woodwork. Sacramento came close to finding a winner with less than five minutes remaining through combination play between Rafael Jauregui and Trevor Amann, but Indy’s defense held firm for a point.
Saturday’s match marked a notable milestone for two Republic FC players. Midfielder Luis Felipe his 100th career appearance for Republic FC since joining the club in 2021. He is just the sixth player to reach the century mark, joining Cameron Iwasa (174), Rodrigo Lopez (127), Emrah Klimenta, James Kiffe (102), and Jaime Villarreal (101). Upon entering in the 70th minute, Rodrigo Lopez’s appearance in the match marked the 350th of his professional career.
Next week, Republic FC returns home to face Memphis 901 FC at Heart Health Park for Wellness Night presented by UC Davis Health. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets, and the match will be broadcast live on FOX40, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming for free on the CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 1 Indy Eleven
USL Championship
I.U. Michael A. Carroll Stadium
March 23, 2024
Scoring Summary: SAC – Callum Chapman-Page (own goal) 31’ IND – Augustine Williams (Max Schnieder) 34’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Jared Timmer (caution) 83’ IND – Adrian Diz Pe (caution) 71’, Max Schneider (caution) 79’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond (C), Conor Donovan, Jared Timmer, Jack Gurr (Rafael Jauregui 81’), Aldair Sanchez (Shane Wiedt 87’), Luis Felipe (Rodrigo Lopez 70’), Nick Ross, Trevor Amann, Cristian Parano (Jonathan Ricketts 70’), Russell Cicerone
Unused substitutes: Jared Mazzola, Chibuike Ukaegbu, Blake Willey
Stats – Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 0, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 2
Indy Eleven: Yannick Oettl, Aedan Stanley, Daniel Barbir, Callum Chapman-Page (Adrian Diz Pe 60’), Josh O’Brien (Younes Boudadi, 60’) Tyler Gibson (C) (Tega Ikoba 61’), Jack Blake, Sebastian Guenzatti, Cam Lindley, Max Schnieder (Elliott Collier 82’), Augustine Williams
Unused Substitutes: Karsen Henderlong, Nikola Ivetic, Macauley King, Cayden Crawford, Maverick McCoy
Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 3, Fouls: 18, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 2
