Today, USL Championship announced that Republic FC striker Kieran Phillips has been named to the Week 8 Team of the Week for his performance in the club’s 3-1 home win over Loudoun United FC on April 27. In just his second appearance for the club, the loanee from Huddersfield Town scored the game winner in the 87th minute before adding another goal in second half stoppage time. The victory closed out an undefeated April that saw Republic FC claim three wins and gain 10 points in the standings to grow its lead atop the Western Conference table.
Phillips connected with fellow striker Trevor Amann for his first score of the night. After collecting the ball at midfield, Phillips passed the ball to Amann before putting his head down to sprint up the center of the pitch. Amann slotted the ball back to Phillips who split two defenders before chipping the ball over Loudoun’s goalkeeper.
With eight minutes of stoppage time added to the second half, Republic FC continued to put the pressure on Loudoun and push for another goal as goalkeeper Danny Vitiello sent a dropkick down the field. Phillips controlled the ball with a cheeky spin before sending a left footed shot into the back of the net.
The Englishman’s brace is the second in his career and first in USL Championship. He is also the second Republic FC player to score twice in his home debut this year, following Trevor Amann in Week 1. Including Phillips, Republic FC has now been represented on Team of the Week eight times this season.
Phillips was acquired on loan from EFL Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town earlier in the month. A product of youth systems at hometown club Huddersfield and later Everton, he has featured in four professional seasons in his native England, where he tallied 91 appearances and 14 goals.
Republic FC is back in action this Saturday, visiting Phoenix Rising FC in a re-match of the 2023 Western Conference Final. Kickoff from Phoenix Rising Stadium is at 7:30 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live on FOX40 and Antenna TV 40.2, as well as streaming live on FOX40.com, through the FOX40 News mobile app, and ESPN+.
On May 7, the club will play its first match in the 2024 Open Cup, hosting Monterey Bay F.C. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
