Overview: SAC vs. PHX
- Date: Saturday, August 22
- Kickoff: 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Heart Health Park
- Tickets: Purchase now
- Themes & Promotions: First Responders Night presented by Medic Ambulance
- First Aid Kit giveaway at ingress (first 1,500 fans)
- Guest emcee appearance: Sacramento Fire Department Captain and two-time Survivor finalist Joe Hunter
- Watch at Home: FOX40+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
Know Your Club – Republic FC
With two months left in the regular season, Republic FC continues to climb the table and prepare for the end of season sprint.
Last weekend, the squad made the most out of a tight contest against Lexington SC. After a first half that was relatively balanced, Republic FC came out of the break and controlled the pace of the game with nearly 65% of the possession. In the 87th minute, the Indomitable Club’s consistent pressure was rewarded.
Danny Crisostomo and Jack Gurr outhustled Lexington in the corner to set up the match winner. As the defenders were attempting to shield the ball out for a goal kick, the two Republic FC players had other plans – Crisostomo worked his way around the defender to tap the ball back in to Gurr who deflected off the opponent for a corner kick.
From there, Memo Rodriguez lofted a perfect ball to the front post where Jared Timmer flicked it to the far corner. Kyle Edwards put the final touch on the ball, tapping it past the keeper and securing all three points. Edwards is now tied for the USL Championship’s all-time record for regular season goals as a substitute (18).
The win marked Sacramento’s fifth undefeated result in its last six matches and third consecutive home win. The team is now up into fifth place in the Western Conference table, with another opportunity to continue its climb over the weekend.
Newcomer Cal Jennings will be available for selection this Saturday. The two-time Player of the Year finalist and third-highest scorer in league history signed with Republic FC late last week, marking his return to USL Championship following a brief stint in Japan. Last year with Charleston, he finished second in the Golden Boot race with 17 goals.
Know Your Opponent – Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix is coming in on short rest, but will be looking to carry momentum from a big win over Colorado Springs on Wednesday. Rising FC entered the night in 10th place, six points behind the four teams that have been hovering around the postseason cutoff line. Phoenix got on the board first with a 35th minute, transitional strike. Diego Gomez lofted a ball to Ihsan Sacko on the far side, and Sacko calmly controlled the ball and sent off a shot for his team-leading 10th goal of the season.
The Switchbacks would equalize before the break, but a second half own goal, followed by a stoppage time insurance goal from Gunnar Studenhofft, gave Phoenix its first league win in over a month.
Rising FC is now just three points out of the playoff picture, and if history repeats itself, could make another late season run to put itself right back in the mix of a competitive Western Conference bracket.
Head-to-Head
With 30 previous matches in USL play, Phoenix is Republic FC’s second-most frequent opponent. It’s been nearly level series with 11 draws, nine wins for Republic, and 10 for Phoenix.
The two Western Conference sides have already faced off twice this year, with each team claiming a 2-0 win on their home turf.
