Republic FC extended its unbeaten streak to open the 2024 season to 10 games in league play Saturday night, drawing Rhode Island FC 2-2. Not one, but two equalizing goals secured Sacramento the point, sending the squad into its bye week still atop the Western Conference on 20 points.
Character Shines Through
Saturday’s match showed off the club’s mental toughness, and ability to get a result no matter the circumstances. Sacramento absorbed a lot of pressure from the upstart expansion side early before digging in and taking control late, allowing Rhode Island only five touches in its box in the final 15 minutes. Sacramento won the game’s individual battles throughout the match, tallying 11 of 16 tackles and 61 duels won on the night. After the match, Head Coach Mark Briggs lauded his squad’s character on a difficult night where not everything went their way. The draw marked the club’s first come-from-behind result this season.
“When you don’t play your best [and get results] I think that’s a sign of a very good team,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs after the match. “When you have the mindset and the attitude that you’re never beaten, you’re never down, you always have a chance – tonight, we found a way to get a point and we found a way to keep ourselves unbeaten for the start of the season.”
The Scotsman Shines
Midfielder Nick Ross has been as good as ever for Sacramento to open 2024. Saturday, Ross was involved in each of Sacramento’s scores on the build-up – it was his long switch from right to left that set up Jack Gurr’s cross to Trevor Amann for the club’s first equalizer in the 38th minute. Late in stoppage time, his protection of the top of the penalty area and left-footed strike after a cross was cleared away put the ball at the feet of Jonathan Ricketts for the late equalizer. On the season, Ross has two assists, is one of four players on the roster with double-digit chances created (10), and leads the team with 16 tackles won.
Subs Strike
All season long, Sacramento’s substitutes have made an impact, and they did again Saturday with Ricketts’ 93rd-minute score coming just three minutes after he entered. Ricketts’ goal was his second this season, with both coming off the bench. Dami Viader, Lee Desmond, Rafa Jauregui, Sebastian Herrera, and Kieran Phillips also showed well in reserve, helping the club keep 60% of the second-half possession split, Rhode Island off the scoresheet, and generate chances to win late in stoppage time.
Through a three-match week, Republic FC used 20 players from its roster – flexing its depth. Republic FC’s substitutes have been among the best in the league this season, combining for a league-best four goals.
“Every time, they’ve come on and made a huge impact, said Nick Ross of the contributions off the bench. “It’s important, it’s a team game, it’s a squad game, and we need everyone, especially in moments like this and times like this.”
