Overview: SAC vs. OAK
- Date: Saturday, October 24
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Heart Health Park
- Tickets: Purchase now
- Giveaways: Pink rally towels (courtesy of UC Davis Health)
- Watch at Home: FOX40+, FOX40.com, ESPN+
Know Your Club – Republic FC
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the regular season. After eight months of competition, Republic FC has one final chance to climb the table and gain momentum heading into the postseason. The Indomitable Club is one of three teams within reach of the top spot in the Western Conference and with a regional rival coming to town, there’s still plenty at stake this weekend.
The Quails officially clinched a first-round home playoff match after last week’s statement win over conference leader El Paso Locomotive. After a fairly-even first half, Republic FC took control of the match after the break and found the game-winner in the 87th minute as Mark-Anthony Kaye set up an upper 90 finish from Memo Rodriguez. In between the sticks, Danny Vitiello posted a four-save performance to earn the team’s 10th clean sheet of the season. Already the league’s all-time regular season clean sheets leader, Vitiello is also now the first goalkeeper in USL Championship history to record 10+ shutouts in four seasons.
The win extended Sacramento’s undefeated streak to 12 matches, setting a new single-season club record.
Republic FC enters Saturday’s match sitting in third place on 48 points – just one behind New Mexico United and two behind El Paso Locomotive, who are set to face off on Saturday night.
Know Your Opponent – Oakland Roots SC
It’s a must-win situation for the Roots if they want to have a chance at reaching the postseason as the eight seed. Down twice in the game, Oakland continued to match Tulsa’s score count before netting two late goals to claim all three points.
Wolfgang Prentice led the way with a brace, while Bertin Jacquesson and Peter Wilson added a goal and an assist apiece. It was Wilson’s 14th goal of the season, putting him two back from claiming the league’s Golden Boot for the second straight year.
Head-to-Head
In league play, Republic FC holds an all-time record of six wins, two losses, and six draws against Oakland. The Indomitable Club is unbeaten in the last five head-to-heads – including a 1-0 win in the USL Cup in May and a 3-1 win at the Coliseum in July.
The Battle for NorCal bragging rights is on. With a win or draw on Saturday, Republic FC claims the Hella Cup for the second year in a row.
