Overview: SAC vs. ELP
- Date: Saturday, November 7
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Heart Health Park
- Tickets: Purchase now
- Giveaways: SRFC Cowbells
- Drink Specials: $5 Modelos (at select locations)
- Watch at Home: FOX40+, FOX40.com, ESPN+
How They Got Here: Republic FC
Sacramento is back in the Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2023 after taking down defending Western Conference Champion FC Tulsa in the opening round.
It was a physical match with frequent whistles, but once the Indomitable Club adjusted and had room to play, they built pressure and put one of the league’s stingiest defenses on the back foot. Fresh legs off the bench drove Sacramento’s attack and after coming close several times – including a disallowed goal from Kyle Edwards, homegrown midfielder Blake Willey became the hero in the 88th minute. Pep Casas curled in a cross that was headed away, but only as far as Willey at the top of the box. The 19-year-old kept his composure as the ball bounced toward him and connected on a one-touch shot that hit the back of the net. With the goal, Willey now holds the title as the youngest player to score a game-winner in the USL Championship Playoffs.
Throughout the match, the club was anchored by the incredible crowd at Heart Health Park. Over 10,000 fans stood behind their team, pumping noise and energy into the stadium.
“This is unique. Sacramento is amazing. I feel like we have the best fan base in the entire USL Championship,” said defender Jared Timmer. “I’ve played in some big games, but when you come here, I feel like the other team… they get swamped. I feel like we have that energy, and I think sometimes that confidence, that belief, comes from them, it comes from the fans and that atmosphere. You can start to feel the goal coming on, and that the fans are starting to get in it, and like that just instills us to keep running and keep pushing and keep going.”
How They Got Here: El Paso Locomotive FC
After holding the top spot in the Western Conference for much of the second half of the season, El Paso came into playoffs as the third seed after dropping its final two matches of the regular season. But that form was quickly erased with a rivalry win over San Antonio FC in the Quarterfinals. Golden Boot runner up Rubio Rubin opened the scoring in the 14th minute, and Tony Alfaro doubled the tally in the 54th. San Antonio would get one back in the 84th minute, but ultimately, it would prove to be too little to late as El Paso claimed its first playoff win since 2020.
2026 Head-to-Head
Sacramento and El Paso split the points this season, with each team earning a win on the road. In their first meeting on March 28, El Paso claimed a 2-1 win as Amando Moreno and Alex Mendez found the back of the net before Michel Benitez cut the lead in half in the 92nd minute.
In El Paso on October 17, The Indomitable Club controlled the flow of match to set up a Memo Rodriguez game-winner in the 87th minute.
