Republic FC extends its undefeated streak to eight with a 3-2 win over New Mexico United in Albuquerque. Republic FC jumped to fourth in the table, three points behind New Mexico United. Memo Rodriguez led the way with two goals and an assist, while super sub Kyle Edwards added Republic FC’s third goal and added his name to the USL Championship’s record book.
Republic FC caught New Mexico off guard in transition and would make them pay. Ryan Spaulding intercepted a pass near center pitch and got the ball to Memo Rodriguez who carried the ball up the left flank before laying off a ball for Blake Willey near the top of the box. New Mexico’s Ousman Jabang went to ground to make a tackle on the ball, but instead clipped Willey and was called for a foul inside the box. Memo Rodriguez finished off the play with a well-struck penalty to put Sacramento up in the 12th minute.
A set piece gave New Mexico a chance in the 21st minute. The ball was delivered short to Niko Hamalainen, who floated a cross to Kipp Keller on the far post. Keller got enough of a touch on the ball to redirect it towards the target, but Danny Vitiello went low to scoop the ball up for the save.
The Indomitable Club doubled its lead on the other side of the break. Again, it was turning defense into offense as Blake Willey intercepted a New Mexico clearance and got the ball wide for Jack Gurr. Gurr’s defender was closing in, but the Englishman was able to get off a cross that connected with the head of Memo Rodriguez. The header bounced off the ground before getting past the keeper for Memo’s first brace since 2023.
Gurr would have a go for it himself in the 62nd minute. He drove the ball forward and put a pass into the box for Cal Jennings, who delivered a one-touch backheel to Gurr who hit a low shot in stride. But unfortunately, the shot went right to the New Mexico keeper.
Danny Vitiello came up big with a pair of saves in the 72nd and 73rd minute. First, Ousman Jabang got a touch on a through ball from Greg Hurst, but Danny quickly closed down to kick the ball away. Just seconds later, Jabang tried his luck from the top of the box, but this time was denied by a diving, outstretched Vitiello. Moments later, however, New Mexico found the back of the net as the ball fell for Greg Hurst, who connected with a quick shot to the back of the net.
Just as it looked like New Mexico was getting momentum in the game, Kyle Edwards put the lead back up to two in historic fashion. Memo Rodriguez won possession in Republic FC’s defensive third and sent a long ball forward for Edwards who outran two defenders and fired off an outside-of-the-foot shot past goalkeeper Kris Shakes. Edwards has now set a new all-time league record with his 19th career goal as a substitute.
New Mexico snuck in another goal in the 85th minute as Luther Archimede got on the end of a long cross and tapped the ball over the line. Archimede went for goal again in the final seconds of stoppage time, this time from outside the box, but this time Danny Vitiello was there to make the save and seal the win.
Republic FC’s busy week continues on Wednesday with a home contest against Las Vegas Lights FC. The match kicks off from Heart Health Park at 7:00 p.m. and features a $5 craft beer special until the 30th minute. Tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com.
Sacramento Republic FC 3 – 2 New Mexico United
USL Championship
Isotopes Park (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
September 26, 2026
Scoring Summary: SAC – Memo Rodriguez 12’, Memo Rodriguez (Jack Gurr) 49’, Kyle Edwards (Memo Rodriguez) 78’; NM – Greg Hurst 73’, Luther Archimede 82’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – Memo Rodriguez (caution) 71’, Danny Crisostomo (caution) 86’, Freddy Kleeman (caution) 90+3’; NM – Greg Hurst (caution) 45+3’, Cristian Nava (caution) 45+4’, Luther Archimede (caution) 82’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Ryan Spaulding (Tyler Wolff 67’), Lee Desmond (C), Jared Timmer (Freddy Kleemann 57’), Jack Gurr, Blake Willey, Danny Crisostomo, Pep Casas (Arturo Rodriguez 86’), Alfredo Midence (Aaron Essel 67’), Cal Jennings (Kyle Edwards 67’), Memo Rodriguez
Unused substitutes: Forster Ajago, Jacob Randolph
Stats: Shots: 16, Shots on Goal: 7, Saves: 4, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 4
New Mexico United: Kris Shakes, Chris Gloster, Niko Hamalainen, Kipp Kepper, Maliek Howell (Luther Archimede 74’), Charlie Dennis (Marlon Vargas 86’), Ousman Jabang, Joseph Quiah (Cullen Wilkerson 45’), Valentin Noel (Justin Rennicks 45’), Cristian Nava (Gedion Zelalem 74’), Greg Hurst (C)
Unused substitutes: Tyler Blackett, Andrew Pannenberg
Stats: Shots: 17, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 4, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 3
