Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC secured three points over Memphis 901 FC on Saturday night at Heart Health Park, besting the Tennessee side 1-0 behind a late goal from Jonathan Ricketts. The win keeps Republic FC tied at the top of the Western Conference table on eight points through the first four weeks of the season.
In the first half, Republic FC dominated possession and was stingy in its defensive half, allowing just one shot from the visitors. Sacramento threatened on a pair of occasions, but a 9th-minute attempt from Jack Gurr nearly missed the target right, and Nick Ross’ long-distance attempt in the 14th minute was blocked by a defender.
Danny Vitiello stood tall in goal to keep the match level in the 80th minute. After Memphis took possession on the counter, the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year put in a leaping effort to deny the visitors with numbers forward. The Indomitable Club was dominant on the defensive end throughout the night, allowing just four shots for the match and securing its second clean sheet of the campaign.
Late heroics on a set-piece opportunity allowed substitute Jonathan Ricketts to challenge from close range and put in the winner in the 87th minute. Trevor Amann won a foul in the attacking third, allowing Rodrigo Lopez to serve in a dangerous ball from the set piece. Ricketts put the ball over the line following a save by the goalkeeper for the game’s only score, and his first goal as a member of Republic FC.
Republic FC is back on the road next week, heading to the Rockies to face off with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field. Kickoff is set for 5:00 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.
Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 0 Memphis 901 FC
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
March 30, 2024
Scoring Summary: SAC – Jonathan Ricketts 87’ MEM – None
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Luis Felipe (caution) 45+1’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 52’, Conor Donovan (caution) 64’ MEM – Zach Duncan (caution) 13’, Lucas Turci (caution) 16’, Nighte Pickering (caution) 55’, Carson vom Steeg (caution) 65’, Marlon Santos (caution) 72’, Samuel Careaga (caution) 73’, Noe Meza (caution) 90’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Conor Donovan, Jared Timmer, Jack Gurr, Aldair Sanchez (Damia Viader 81’), Rodrigo Lopez (C), Nick Ross, Luis Felipe (Jonathan Ricketts 62’), Russell Cicerone (Rafael Jauregui 81’), Trevor Amann (Cristian Parano 88’)
Unused substitutes: Jared Mazzola, Shane Wiedt, Chibi Ukaegbu, Blake Willey, Luis Gomez
Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 1, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 8, Offsides: 2
Memphis 901 FC: Tyler Deric, Tulu, Carson Vom Steeg, Zachary Duncan (Noe Meza 89’), Lucas Turci (Marlon Santos 43’), Luiz Fernando, Bruno Lapa, Neco Brett (Dylan Borczak 66’), Nighte Pickering, Leston Paul, Abdoulaye Cissoko (Samuel Careaga 66’)
Unused Substitutes: Aren Seeger, Taylor Bailey
Stats – Shots: 5, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 3, Fouls: 24, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 0
