Saturday, Republic FC caps off its stretch of three games in eight days in the Ocean state against league debutant Rhode Island FC. Republic FC remains unbeaten in ten games across all competitions in 2024 with a Tuesday win in the U.S. Open Cup, and atop the Western Conference table on 18 points.
At a Glance: #SACvRI
- Saturday, May 11 – 4:30 PM PT kickoff
- Beirne Stadium, Smithfield, Rhode Island
- Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and FOX 40 App, ESPN+
Republic FC – The Latest
The Quails head to the Northeast following a stellar performance in the U.S. Open Cup. On Tuesday, Sacramento had the ball in dangerous areas all evening and was rewarded with a pair of early scores – the first coming by an own goal in the 27th minute, and the second four minutes later by Kieran Phillips. Sacramento’s young players shined in the victory, with homegrown defender Chibi Ukaegbu pacing the squad with four tackles won and seven successful duels in his pro debut, and Rafa Jauregui tallying his first pro assist and leading all players with 94% passing accuracy.
Know Your Opponent
Rhode Island has played a tight match nearly every week to kick off its debut season, with six of eight games being decided by one score or less. Last week, the club split points with North Carolina FC in a draw dictated by defense. North Carolina largely had the better chances, but Rhode Island FC held the possession advantage at a near 60% clip. A big save by Koke Vegas in goal for Rhode Island kept the match scoreless in the 70th minute, and the final whistle sounded with a 0-0 score line.
The club welcomed a bevy of big signings over the winter in advance of its league debut. 2023 Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner Albert Dikwa made his way north from Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and currently leads his squad with three goals on the season. Former San Diego Loyal goalkeeper Koke Vegas dons the captain’s armband for the club and has performed well between the sticks to start the campaign. The club is led on the sidelines by former New England Revolution defender and Birmingham Legion assistant Khano Smith.
Match Notes
Against Eastern Conference opponents this season, Republic FC is an unbeaten 2-0-1, besting Miami FC and Loudoun United, and drawing with Indy Eleven. Since the start of 2023, Sacramento has eight wins and six draws in 14 inter-conference matchups.
Sacramento last faced a debut club in 2022, taking on both Detroit City FC and Monterey Bay F.C. in their first campaigns in the league. That season, the club took three points over Detroit, and won two of three meetings over Monterey Bay. Going back to 2020, the Quails have a record of three wins, two losses, and four draws against first-year sides.
