Resilience has defined the squad over the past few weeks, coming off of a 0-0 draw with NCFC to conclude the four-game homestand. Now entering the second half of the season, the Boys in Old Glory Red will pack their bags and head on the road to face notorious Norcal rivals, Oakland Roots SC.
The two clubs 11th all-time matchup has some extra energy to it. On Sunday, one of American soccer’s fastest growing rivalries will reach televisions all over the country. “I think it’s awesome to be on a national broadcast. The opportunity to showcase the USL, to showcase individual players, to showcase two teams that are going to be competing to get the win,” says Republic FC gaffer Mark Briggs. “I think it shows where the league has come, it shows where the league’s going. And it’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.”
The Quails head into Sunday’s derby undefeated on the road this season with a 4-0-4 away performance – the best in the league. The Indomitable Club is no stranger to confidently entering the den of its opponents, and Pioneer Stadium is certainly no exception. “We’re excited to go away…it’s a big game, and the rivalry adds a bit more spice to the game, which we like, and we’re looking forward to it,” says Republic FC forward Nick Ross.
Since the beginning of their passionate matchups in 2021, the two clubs never seem to fail to put on a show whenever they meet. Currently, Sacramento holds the all-time series lead with 3-2-5 record against Roots. The meeting between the two clubs earlier this June marked Oakland’s first win against Republic FC in three years.
Scoring both Republic FC’s near equalizer two goals at the most recent matchup, forward Trevor Amann explains that, “There’s a different intensity about it. There’s a different willingness, a different desire, and I think that we owe them one.”
The rivalry guarantees an exciting performance, and one not to be missed. “It’s a real rivalry. If you look at all the games in the club’s history, they’ve all been exciting games. They’ve all got passion from the players, from the staff, and the supporters,” says Briggs.
This matchup also serves as an opportunity for the squad to solidify their position in the conference and showcase “the real Sacramento Republic” as Briggs notes, “We’ve got to make sure that we do the basics and have confidence and courage to play our style. And if we do that, the quality of our group will come out.”
