Today, USL Championship announced that Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello has been nominated for Week 30 Fans’ Choice Save of the Week. The reigning goalkeeper of the year put in a stellar performance in the club’s 4-0 win over Western Conference leader New Mexico United on Sunday. Voting is open now through 9:00 a.m. PT on Friday, October 4 at USLChampionship.com. With Vitiello in goal, Republic FC has now held opponents scoreless in four straight home matches.
With seconds to go before the halftime whistle, New Mexico made one final push to cut Republic FC’s 2-0 lead in half and a cross reached an unmarked Greg Hurst six yards in front of goal. Vitiello dove to his right to get a hand to the ball before smothering a second attempt to ensure to deny New Mexico the chance to gain any kind of momentum with a late first half goal. He would finish the match with five saves and his 13th clean sheet of the year. The shutout set a new single-season career high for Vitiello, surpassing the mark he set with Republic FC in 2023.
Vitiello was named to the Week 30 Team of the Week, along with teammate Luis Felipe and Head Coach Mark Briggs. This is Danny’s 10th Save of the Week nomination of the year. He leads the league with six wins thanks to Republic FC’s dedicated fanbase.
With five regular season games remaining, Republic FC sits in second place in the Western Conference and is just three points away from clinching its 10th playoff berth in 11 seasons.
The club will be back in action this Saturday with a road tilt against San Antonio FC. Kickoff from Toyota Field is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, as well as streaming on FOX40.com and ESPN+. Fans looking to cheer on the squad are invited to attend a watch party at MoJo’s Local Tap & Kitchen, featuring giveaways, drink specials, and more. For more information visit SacRepublicFC.com/WatchParty.
Fans will have two more opportunities to support their team at home before the postseason. Republic FC will host Monterey Bay F.C. on $2 Beer Night on Wednesday, October 9 and in partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the club is offering a free ticket for teachers and school employees for the match. The offer is valid until Friday, October 4 at SacRepublicFC.com/Teachers. The Indomitable Club will then close out the regular season with a contest against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on October 26. Kickoff for both matches is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
