After another strong road victory, Republic FC returns home in sole possession of first place in the Western Conference and unbeaten through seven games. In Week 8, the club welcomes Virginia side Loudoun United FC to Heart Health Park for an inter-conference matchup. It’s the third contest between the two teams all-time and Loudoun’s first visit to Sacramento since 2022.
At a Glance: #SACvLDN
- 7:00 PM PT kickoff
- Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
- Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News Mobile App,
- Streaming: CBS Sports Golazo
Republic FC – The Latest
A historic score and career first vaulted Sacramento to three points last week in Irvine against Orange County SC. The club made its mark instantly, scoring in 15 seconds for the fastest goal in club history to take a 1-0 lead. Twenty-five minutes later, Aldair Sanchez netted his first career goal on an assist from Jack Gurr – who received Team of the Week honors for his performance. Republic FC secured the season series against Orange County with the victory.
Republic FC now sits as the last unbeaten team in the Western Conference. The club’s backline is again performing as the best in the league, conceding a league-low four goals and tallying a league-best four shutouts. Sacramento is still the only team yet to trail this season over 630 minutes of play, and is part of a small group of just eight clubs to net double-digit goals in its first seven games.
Know Your Opponent
United comes to Sacramento off a tough 1-0 defeat to Eastern Conference heavyweight Louisville City. The club played well throughout the match but surrendered a tough luck own goal mid-way through the second half. On the defensive end, Loudoun kept LouCity’s strong attack without a shot on target until the 85th minute. They nearly found a pair of scores in the first half, but both attempts were denied by the goalkeeper.
Loudoun has played a tight contest nearly every week, with all but two of its seven games being decided by one score or less. They’ve been efficient on the attacking end, recording the second-highest conversion rate in the league behind only Louisville City, and tied with unbeaten Detroit. The club has scored more than once in three of six contests to open 2024.
Match Notes
In two all-time contests against the Virginia side, Sacramento has dominated on the score sheet. Republic FC has recorded seven goals and conceded just one, with six different players finding the back of the net.
Forward Russell Cicerone has had success against Loudoun United throughout his career, netting five goals and tallying two assists in nine league matches.
Squad connections – Republic FC and Loudoun United may share little history on the pitch, however, midfielder Drew Skundrich featured for Republic FC for two seasons from 2019-2020. He played at Heart Health Park in 2023, as a member of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
