Republic FC is now undefeated in three consecutive matches as the club picks up a point in a 2-2 draw against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday night. The Indomitable Club came out hot with two goals in the first 30 minutes, but Phoenix would find the back of the net late in each half to split the points for the 12th time in the all-time series.
Lee Desmond had the first chance on goal of the night in the 11th minute. Following a string of passes, Blake Willey lofted a cross to the far side where Desmond got a head to it and redirected the ball towards goal, but unfortunately Phoenix goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky made the save.
The Quails continued to build from there and took the lead in the 19th minute. Jack Gurr and Mayele Malango connected for a give-and-go on the right flank, allowing Malango to send a cross into the six-yard box, where Tyler Wolff reacted faster than his defender to head the ball past the keeper. Malango gets his first assist of the campaign, while Wolff adds his fourth regular season goal.
The lead doubled not long after. As Republic FC pinned Phoenix down in their defensive third, Danny Crisostomo intercepted an outlet pass from the keeper and put a one-touch ball forward for Memo Rodriguez. Memo finished the play off in style, chipping the keeper to give his team the second goal of the night.
Phoenix would get one back just before half. Dominique Badji split the defense with a forward pass to Diego Gomez, who put a lateral pass to Ihsan Sacko. Danny Vitiello sprinted off his line in an attempt to cut off the angle, but ultimately it trickled over the line. It was the first goal conceded by Republic FC in 249 minutes.
A free kick in the 79th minute almost gave Cal Jennings his first goal for Republic FC. Memo Rodriguez delivered the ball to the back post, where Jared Timmer got a touch to it before Lee Desmond used his head to lay off a pass for Jennings who quickly fired off a shot, but the attempt went over the crossbar.
Phoenix equalized in the 85th minute when Tate Schmitt put a long cross to Ihsan Sacko on the back post. Sacko’s header was low and to the corner, just out of reach for Danny Vitiello.
Republic FC continued to threaten until the final moments as Phoenix’s physicality led to several late foul calls, but ultimately the match ended level.
The Indomitable Club now heads out on the road for a two-game road stretch, starting with next Saturday’s NorCal rivalry match against Monterey Bay FC. That match from Cardinale Stadium in Seaside kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and will be available streaming on FOX40+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Sacramento Republic FC 2 – 2 Phoenix Rising FC
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, Calif.
August 22, 2026
Scoring Summary: SAC – Tyler Wolff (Mayele Malango) 19’, Memo Rodriguez (Danny Crisostomo) 27’ ; PHX – Ihsan Sacko (Diego Gomez) 45’, Ihsan Sacko (Tate Schmitt) 85’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Danny Crisostomo (caution) 48’; PHX – Collin Smith (caution) 76’, Luke Biasi (caution) 90+6’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Tim Leibold, Lee Desmond (C), Jared Timmer, Jack Gurr, Danny Crisostomo (Arturo Rodriguez 72’), Pep Casas (Aaron Essel 90+1’), Mayele Malango (Ryan Spaulding 54’), Memo Rodriguez (Kyle Edwards 90+1’), Blake Willey, Tyler Wolff (Cal Jennings 72’)
Unused substitutes: Freddy Kleemann, Alfredo Midence, Jacob Randolph
Stats: Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 0 , Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 2
Phoenix Rising FC: Patrick Rakovsky, Daniel Flores (Damian Rivera 85’), Adrian Pelayo (Rafael Czichos 64’), Pape Boye, Collin Smith (Gunnar Studdenhofft 76’), JP Scearce (C), Jean Moursou, Ihsan Sacko, Diego Gomez (Tate Schmitt 64’), Charlie Dennis (Luke Biasi 45’), Dominique Badji
Unused substitutes: Chituru Odunze, Gilberto Rivera
Stats: Shots: 9, Shots on Goal: 2 , Saves: 1, Fouls: 19, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 4
