Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Memphis 901 FC

After two consecutive fixtures on the East Coast, an undefeated Republic FC returns home this Saturday to defend home turf. Memphis 901 FC – newcomers to the Western Conference in 2024 – visits Heart Health Park for Week 4 of the USL Championship season.

Republic FC – The Latest

The Indomitable Club enters Week 4 with a share of the top spot in the table. Last Saturday, the club put in another strong performance against Indy Eleven to secure a point in a tough road environment and come away from a two-game road stretch unbeaten. After the two squads traded scores in the first half, Sacramento clamped down defensively in the second, not allowing a single shot on target for the final 45 minutes of the match.

Through three games, Sacramento has performed well and continues to show why the squad was a preseason favorite. Its four goals, 41 total shots, and nearly 60% hold on possession through three matches all exceed the club’s totals through three games in 2023. Trevor Amann continues to lead the Golden Boot race early in the season with three goals, and enters the week leading the USL Championship with eight total shots. The club has also stood out in possession, entering Week 3 tied for the league lead in passing accuracy.

Know Your Opponent

Memphis comes to Sacramento fresh after a bye week in Week 3. To open the campaign, the club has played two tight contests – securing a 2-1 comeback victory vs. Las Vegas on opening day before falling to Indy Eleven by the same score line in Week 2. The club made things difficult for their foes across the pitch in both games, combining for 22 shots from inside the penalty area and 32 crosses served in from the wings. As a team, the club has 23 scoring chances, with 10 different players getting in on the action.

Saturday will be the first road test for Memphis this year after playing its first two contests at home. In 2023, the club posted an away record of 7 wins, 4 losses, and 6 draws.

Nighte Pickering will be a player to watch for the Beale Street Boys. The 19-year-old forward and U.S. Youth International earned Team of the Week recognition in Week 1 vs. Las Vegas, scoring an impressive long-distance strike that ended as the game-winner. In Memphis’ last match, he recorded a game-high three shots, was on the ball six times in the visitors’ penalty area, and was strong in one-on-one situations, winning six of seven duels.

Match Notes

Memphis will be down two of its key contributors on Saturday, as outside backs Oscar Jimenez and Akeem Ward each serve disciplinary suspensions. Both players were shown red cards in the club’s last match against Indy Eleven. Due to the club having a bye week in Week 3, the duo serves their suspensions this week.

With Memphis making the move to the Western Conference for 2024, Saturday’s match is the first of two games that Sacramento will play against 901 FC this season. Republic FC and Memphis have only faced off once all time, playing to a 1-1 draw last July at Heart Health Park. After Sacramento went down just after halftime, Russell Cicerone netted an equalizer in the 87th minute.