Overview: SAC @ NM
- Date: Saturday, September 26
- Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Isotopes Park (Albuquerque, NM)
- Watch at Home: FOX40+, FOX40.com, ESPN+
Know Your Club – Republic FC
With just one month left in the regular season, Republic FC enters an important stretch of three games in eight days. If it’s at all possible, the Western Conference continues to get tighter and tighter each week, setting the stage for a thrilling race to the playoffs that will likely come down to the final weekend of the season. Good news for Republic FC, however – the squad has a game in hand over five of the teams currently above the playoff line, giving them an extra opportunity to pick up points that could have big implications in late October.
Last Sunday, The Quails recorded their seventh consecutive undefeated result in a 0-0 draw against San Antonio FC. Sacramento controlled the game on both ends of the pitch, and continuously threatened San Antonio’s goal. Making his second consecutive start, Alfredo Midence was a force in the attack with a career-high four shots on target, while Memo Rodriguez continued to deliver scoring opportunities with five chances created. But in the end Republic FC was unable to cash in on their chances and would have to settle for the draw.
Republic FC stifled San Antonio’s offense, holding the visitors to a total of just six shots, with only one on target. The Indomitable Club has now posted 9 clean sheets, putting them on the brink of hitting double-digit shutouts for the fifth consecutive season.
Know Your Opponent – New Mexico United
As Republic FC works to climb its way out of the pack, New Mexico is one of the few teams in the West that has a little breathing room. The Black and Yellow sit in second place heading into the weekend with a five-point advantage over third place Colorado Springs.
Led by former Republic FC Academy Director and 2024 USL Championship Coach of the Year finalist Dennis Sanchez, New Mexico spent much of the summer on the top of the table thanks to a six-game winning streak. But despite suffering just one loss since May 23, they will surely be looking to return to peak form as the postseason approaches.
New Mexico comes into the weekend following a busy stretch of three games in 9 days, all of which resulted in draws. Playing in Birmingham on Wednesday, September 16, it appeared that the Black & Yellow were going to run away with all the points as they carried a 4-1 lead into the final 15 minutes, but the Legion would find the back of the net three times in quick succession to split the points. Then on Saturday, they played to a scoreless draw against Colorado Springs. Greg Hurst continues to lead the way for New Mexico’s front line. The Scottish striker is on the way to winning the team’s scoring crown for the third consecutive year. He currently leads with nine goals, three of which have come in four games this month.
Head-to-Head
Republic FC has an all-time record of eight wins, four losses, and three draws against New Mexico. In their first meeting this year, New Mexico claimed the points with a 73rd minute goal from Dayonn Harris.
