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GALLERY: TRAINING – Oct. 21

What to Watch Across the USL Championship: Week 27

Even with just two weeks remaining in the 2021 season, a lot still needs to be decided before the regular season comes to a close. One division remains up for grabs while the number of squads looking to stave off playoff elimination has grown with every passing match day. This week, a number of key matchups could further solidify the playoff picture across USL Championship.

Pacific Division Update

Results across the league on Saturday made San Diego Loyal SC the second club to clinch a playoff spot in the Pacific Division. However, Landon Donovan’s squad will need two more positive results to keep ahead of Orange County SC, who could take over the second spot in the table with a victory over last-place Las Vegas on Saturday evening.

LA Galaxy II’s loss to Charleston and a scoreless draw between Oakland Roots SC and Tacoma Defiance in the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday tightened the screws even more on the Pacific Division postseason race. With Orange County securing the division’s third playoff spot and Los Dos, Sacramento, Oakland and Tacoma now all having two games left, the last two match weeks of the regular season will be must-see soccer as the division completes its playoff picture.

New Mexico United v Rio Grande Valley FC

A pair of matchups in the Mountain Division this weekend will likely determine who goes and who doesn’t.

It’s do-or-die for Rio Grande Valley, who following a loss to Colorado Springs sits two points back of fourth in the table with two matches to play. A victory would give them the tiebreaker in head-to-head points should things not be decided after their final contest on October 30. A loss would eliminate the Toros, leaving them five points back going into their final contest.

New Mexico could clinch a playoff spot with a win, but the results of Austin Bold FC’s matches this week could have a major impact on their chances. United currently sits in a tie for fourth, but has the tiebreaker over the Texas club. With no games in hand, however, three points every time they take the field is a must-have.

A pair of matchups in the Mountain Division this weekend will likely determine who goes and who doesn’t.

FC Tulsa v Indy Eleven

With just one spot left in the Central Division, three clubs are all grappling for the last postseason berth.

Tulsa has not just one, but two games in hand on Indy, giving the Oklahoma side control over their foes’ playoff destiny. A victory will eliminate Indy Eleven, as well as set Tulsa up well for what could be a winner-take-all contest with in-state rival OKC Energy during the season’s final weekend. To get there, they’ll need to turn things around on the defensive end, where they have conceded eight scores in a six-match winless streak.

Indy Eleven, much like RGV in the Mountain Division, is in a win-or-go-home scenario. Six points back of Tulsa in the table, they’ll need to win out and see their foes drop each of their remaining contests to have a chance to qualify by tiebreaker. They have momentum on their side after taking three points from Louisville City FC, knocking the Kentucky side another point back of first-place Birmingham.

With just one spot left in the Central Division, three clubs are all grappling for the last postseason berth.

Louisville City FC v Memphis 901 FC

The final contest between the two clubs this season could very well dictate who raises the Central Division crown.

After dropping three points to Indy Eleven last week, Louisville City fell another point behind of Birmingham Legion FC in the table, where just one point had kept them from a share of first place. With a win needed to keep their division title hopes alive, Louisville will be looking for their high flying offense to get back on track after being shut out for just the third time this season.

Memphis has everything to gain from a win over Louisville on Saturday. Just four points up on a FC Tulsa side who plays an extra match next week, keeping their standing in third place will be difficult. Issuing Louisville their season-high third straight defeat and stripping them of their Division title chances gives them a lot to play for, even though they’ve already solidified a playoff berth. They have been one of the league’s hottest teams in October, claiming four wins while netting 14 scores in five matches.

The final contest between the two clubs this season could very well dictate who raises the Central Division crown.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC

SACRAMENTO, California (October 21, 2021) – Sacramento Republic FC will close out 2021 regular season road schedule on Saturday, October 23 with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against Phoenix Rising FC from Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Chandler, Arizona.

Last time the two clubs faced off, the Boys in Old Glory took a stout defensive effort into the desert that snapped a longstanding scoring streak from the Arizona side.

At a Glance: #PHXvSAC

Saturday, October 23, 2021
7:30 p.m. PT
Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, Chandler, Arizona
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+

Saturday, October 23, 2021
7:30 p.m. PT
Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, Chandler, Arizona
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+

The Latest on the Team

Republic FC is coming off its sixth clean sheet of the season in a 0-0 draw with Tacoma Defiance on Sunday afternoon at Heart Health Park. Carlos Saldaña made his fifth start on the afternoon and recorded his first shutout in Old Glory Red.

SRFC turned up the intensity on the attack in the second half against the Defiance. Republic FC logged 12 of their 15 open play crosses, both shots on target and six of their eight shots from inside the box in the latter 45 minutes of play.

Jaime Villarreal made his 100th appearance for the Indomitable Club on Sunday, becoming the fourth player in club history to reach the mark. The midfielder went for 87 minutes against Tacoma and was one of five Republic FC players to complete at least 85% of his passes while logging two shots and one chance created.

Opponent Report

Phoenix Rising FC dropped a season-high six goals on Las Vegas Lights FC over the weekend for the ninth win in their last 11 games. The high-scoring 6-3 affair at Cashman Field saw Rising FC reach at least 10 shots on target for the fifth time this season.

Rising FC jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after 16 minutes with both goals assisted by Aodhan Quinn in a game that saw a 3-2 score line at the intermission. Quinn went on to log one more assist before subbing off in the 62nd minute.

Club scoring leader Santi Moar increased his 2021 total to 16 goals over the weekend with his first multi-goal game of the season. Moar scored twice against Lights FC on five shots, including three on target.

Head-to-Head

Republic FC is 6-5-7 all-time against Rising FC, including 3-3-2 in Arizona during the regular season. Last time the clubs met, SRFC snapped Phoenix’s 32-match scoring streak in a 0-0 draw in Chandler on August 21. The Indomitable Club held Rising FC to 11 shots, its second lowest of the season. Two shots on goal for Phoenix was a season-low for the club.

Offensively, SRFC created 15 opportunities on the night and 15 shots (nine on goal), forcing nine saves from Phoenix. 11 of 15 shots, eight of nine shots on target and eight of 10 shots from inside the box all came in the second half for the Boys in Old Glory Red. Cam Iwasa led all Republic FC players with five shots, including four on frame. Jaime Villarreal led the way with three chances created while Duke Lacroix and Darek Formella followed with two each to help SRFC secure a point.

GALLERY: Training – Oct. 20

Republic FC & SMUD Partner to Create STEM-Based Board Game to Launch in 10 Sacramento Region Schools

Today, Republic FC and SMUD are growing their partnership to develop a tool for teachers that will create excitement around math and science and launch a competition for students in the region. With the assistance of Learn Fresh, a non-profit dedicated to providing innovative STEM learning experiences, “STEM Goals” – a soccer-based math game, has been designed exclusively for Republic FC and SMUD to provide educators with a resource that links sports and science in a fun and engaging way.

STEM Goals brings the world’s most popular game directly into the hands of students. The board game is a simulated soccer game where 5th and 6th graders answer age-appropriate, standards-aligned questions across science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines, working up and down the field to score goals using stats from Republic FC players. Chance and action cards give students the opportunity to learn more about soccer.

“With more kids falling in love with soccer, creating a connection with math and science will inspire them to focus on building skills that will help them grow,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “With the support of our partners at SMUD and Learn Fresh, teachers now have a new, exciting tool to help students discover more about science, technology, math, engineering, and innovation.”

“SMUD is thrilled to partner once again with Sacramento Republic FC on bringing sports and STEM-driven learning experiences into Sacramento-area classrooms,” said Gary King, SMUD’s Chief Diversity Officer. “With SMUD’s goal of creating a zero carbon future for our region, our priority is to support early education in science, technology, engineering, and math for youth of all backgrounds. This partnership will equip the next generation of difference-makers with the tools to innovate, inspire, and lead the way to a cleaner future.”

To kick off the first season of STEM Goals, Republic FC and SMUD are launching a ten-school pilot tournament, where teachers will utilize the board game as a tool in their lesson plans and

instruction, leading up to a final tournament. Each school will send its champions to the STEM Goals Cup Final, to be held next year when the Republic FC season kicks off at Heart Health Park. Through a partnership with the PEAR Institute at Harvard, all of the STEM Goals participants will have an opportunity to participate in a skills assessment to see their growth through the game.

The competition kicks off today, Wednesday, October 20, when Taylor Street Elementary School will host their first competition for 5th and 6th graders in the Robla Unified School District. The top two players will face off against two members from Republic FC’s first team. SMUD Board of Directors Rosanna Herber and Rob Kerth will also be in attendance.

“Through this special partnership with Republic FC and SMUD, our students have an exciting new way to explore math and science, and our teachers and families will have a new resource to inspire learning,” said Robla School District Superintendent Ruben Reyes. “We’re looking forward to watching our kids grow and spark their interest in STEM and clean energy, which will hopefully turn into a passion beyond the classroom.”

The fast-paced board game can be played in classroom settings, as an extracurricular activity, and with families to instill a rich connection with learning. Played in two, 10-minute halves, students will aim to drive their favorite Republic FC players up the field by answering questions about science, math, technology, renewable energy, and more, to different shooting locations on the game board, with different odds based on player stats, location on the board, and more.

For almost 75 years, SMUD has invested in causes that are important to our customers, community, and the future. SMUD's 2030 Zero Carbon Plan includes the most ambitious carbon reduction goal of any large utility in the nation – to remove all carbon emissions from its power supply by 2030. Equity is central to SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan to ensure all communities benefit from carbon reduction. The Sustainable Communities effort aligns programs, goals, and investments to support healthy, vibrant, and economically sustainable neighborhoods for all. By investing in STEM education, SMUD is providing educational opportunities and partnerships to prepare and inspire students to help build an inclusive clean energy future for all.

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/STEM-Goals.

For almost 75 years, SMUD has invested in causes that are important to our customers, community, and the future. SMUD’s 2030 Zero Carbon Plan includes the most ambitious carbon reduction goal of any large utility in the nation – to remove all carbon emissions from its power supply by 2030. Equity is central to SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan to ensure all communities benefit from carbon reduction. The Sustainable Communities effort aligns programs, goals, and investments to support healthy, vibrant, and economically sustainable neighborhoods for all. By investing in STEM education, SMUD is providing educational opportunities and partnerships to prepare and inspire students to help build an inclusive clean energy future for all.

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/STEM-Goals.

About SMUD

As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for nearly 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD’s power mix is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting. For more information, visit smud.org.

About SMUD

Around the Leagues: International break ends, but drama does not

More playoff tickets were punched in the NWSL and USL Championship this weekend while the Pacific Division remains wide open with two weeks remaining. Across the pond, a giant has fallen from the top mix of the Premier League, while a dark horse has soared up to the top five.

USL Championship

San Diego Loyal SC locked up a spot in the USL Championship postseason and can clinch a home game with three points on Wednesday at Orange County SC. Two hours up the I-5, LA Galaxy II put five goals past El Paso Locomotive FC in a 5-0 win that gave Los Dos its fifth win in its last seven games. With Phoenix and San Diego having postseason tickets in hand, the Pacific Division fight continues to remain exciting. Three clubs directly under the playoff line are tied with 34 points. The last two weeks of play could determine the field of four up to the final Saturday in league play.

Losses from Austin Bold FC and Rio Grande Valley FC left the door cracked open for New Mexico United to gain ground in the playoff race, but United busted that door down on Saturday with a stoppage time equalizer at Loyal SC from Ilija Ilić.

RGV’s setback came against a Colorado Springs side that has been plagued with the injury bug in its attacking third. One of those injury-ridden attackers though, Thomas Amang, returned to the pitch on Saturday and bagged a late winner that pushed Colorado Springs into a tie with San Antonio FC for second in the Mountain Division.

Memphis 901 FC completed its postseason pursuit over the weekend with a little help. After 901 FC’s 4-2 victory over Atlanta United 2, it wasn’t until a scoreless draw between OKC Energy FC and Birmingham Legion FC that Memphis could celebrate its first playoff berth in franchise history.

Charlotte and Miami FC also clinched playoff spots over the weekend, meaning the Central Division’s last playoff spot will complete the Eastern Conference postseason bracket. Struggling OKC and FC Tulsa sides continue to battle for that fourth seed and will face off on the last matchday of the regular season at ONEOK Field.

Premier League

A hat trick from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané’s 100th Premier League goal helped visiting Liverpool put a 5-0 hurt on Watford, while back on Merseyside, Everton dropped points at Goodison Park for the first time this season in a 1-0 defeat to West Ham.

Ben Chilwell’s first half goal was the difference in a West London derby as Chelsea beat Brentford 1-0 to overtake Man City and the Reds for the top of the table.

Manchester United’s struggles continued after a 4-2 defeat to a Leicester City side with their first Premier League win since August 28, while Tottenham’s three first half goals spoiled the ushering in of a new era at Newcastle United. At sixth and without a Premier League win since September 19, United are at their lowest point in the table since matchday two.

At the other end of the scale, it’s all sunshine for Brighton. The Seagulls sit in fourth place following a scoreless affair with Josh Sargent and Norwich City and have now walked away with points in all but one match this season. The club’s ascension up English football’s topflight is in full gear, with fourth being the club’s highest table standing after eight match weeks in their now-five-year run in the Premier League.

Ben Chilwell’s first half goal was the difference in a West London derby as Chelsea beat Brentford 1-0 to overtake Man City and the Reds for the top of the table.

Major League Soccer

LA Galaxy cooled off the Portland Timbers over the weekend with a 2-1 win to move above the playoff line, while Seattle returned to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who squandered a chance to crash the playoff picture.

PTFC has now fallen behind in the race for the top three in the Western Conference, but still separate themselves by four points from both the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. Minnesota United joined the Galaxy above the playoff line with a 1-0 win over Austin FC.

The Red Bulls took bragging rights with a 1-0 win over NYFC to pull level with their Hudson River neighbors at 40 points apiece, but Gyasi Zardes’ brace in a 4-0 win over Inter Miami CF earned him MLS Player of the Week and his reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew three more points and a more realistic chance at the playoffs.

National Women's Soccer League

National Women’s Soccer League

Portland Thorns FC locked up the NWSL Shield for the second time in franchise history after Lindsey Horan’s goal in the 43rd minute sealed a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash.

Washington Spirit were the latest team to clinch a playoff spot and are now on pace to end the season with a top-three league finish for the second consecutive season.

With two weeks left until the conclusion of the regular season, spots four through eight in the NWSL table are separated by three points. Chicago Red Stars leads the way with 35, while Gotham FC, Houston and North Carolina are deadlocked at 32.

Portland Thorns FC locked up the NWSL Shield for the second time in franchise history after Lindsey Horan’s goal in the 43rd minute sealed a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash.

Washington Spirit were the latest team to clinch a playoff spot and are now on pace to end the season with a top-three league finish for the second consecutive season.

El Futuro: Two Students Awarded Scholarships for Service and Involvement Efforts

Last week, Republic FC & the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized two students for their service to the community in the form of a $1,000 scholarship.

Edgar Flores and Evelyn Medina-Gonzalez were selected as the 2021 recipients of the annual El Futuro Scholarship. This annual award recognizes Hispanic and Latinx students in the Sacramento region who show exceptional scholastic leadership and community involvement. In the last three seasons, Republic FC has helped six local students pursue their educational goals through scholarship programs in partnership with local organizations.

Flores is a senior at Inderkum High School. Passionate about music and soccer, he’s pursued service in the two areas through teaching. When not in the classroom or on the field, he’s spent his free time teaching kids how to play the guitar and drums, and currently gives guitar lessons to two children. He hopes to attend a four-year university after graduation, and aspires to make a career out of his interest in music.

“I am excited to have been given this opportunity,” he said. “It is tremendous, and I can’t wait to apply this to my next chapter in life. Thank you so much to the Republic FC organization and SACHCC.”

Medina-Gonzalez is a student at Sacramento City College, with plans to transfer to Sacramento State University to pursue a degree in social work. A Sacramento native and mother of two, she’s dedicated her career thus far to helping break generational cycles of struggle, something she aims to continue as a Social Worker after finishing a four-year degree.

“I am truly honored and blessed,” said Medina Gonzalez. “I feel highly favored. Thank you to everyone who roots for me- it really means the world!”

The two awards are the second and third scholarships awarded by Republic FC in Partnership with SACHCC. Sacramento native Isabel Gatdula, who has since moved on to the University of California, Berkeley, was awarded Republic FC’s inaugural scholarship for El Futuro during the 2019 season.

RECAP: Republic FC 0 – 0 Tacoma Defiance

SACRAMENTO, California (October 17, 2021) – Republic FC played to a 0-0 draw with Tacoma Defiance on Sunday, the final meeting of the season between divisional foes. Sacramento did well to threaten on the afternoon, but was unable to find the net despite keeping the visitors on their heels for most of the second half.

Good defensive work from Tacoma would keep Sacramento relatively quiet in the first half, but Republic FC was meticulous up top, keeping 55% possession and posting five shots. Good pressure from Maalique Foster in the 15th minute put Tacoma on their heels, but Foster’s would be flagged for a foul after colliding with goalkeeper Christian Herrera.

A big defensive stop from Duke Lacroix would keep things scoreless shortly after a long injury stoppage for Tacoma’s Randy Mendoza in the 36th minute. The defender’s leaping attempt blocked Tacoma’s only shot attempt in the first half, from midfielder Juan Alvarez. Republic FC countered with numbers directly afterward, but after fielding a cross from Cam Iwasa, Darek Formella’s attempt went wide to the left.

Moments later, Emil Cuello nearly put Sacramento up 1-0 heading into the locker room at half, but his rocket from outside the 18 would go just high. Cuello finished the contest with a team high 5 shots while also completing 89% of his pass attempts and creating one scoring chance

“I thought the performance, moving of the ball, playing in between lines, getting into the final third was all what it needed to be,” said Coach Mark Briggs. “But that final piece was missing.”

Tacoma came close to breaking the stalemate just after the break. A great look for Defiance from Ray Serrano challenged Republic FC goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña, but his shot would go just high of the crossbar.

Sacramento continued to knock on the door in the second half. Darek Formella carried in to the penalty box before his shot deflected out of bounds for a corner in the 67th minute, and Kharlton Belmar nearly opened the scoring a minute later after beating two defenders, but his attempt would go just wide.

As time ticked down, Republic FC continued to knock on the door but was unable to break through. A great chance from Jaime Villarreal- who made his 100th career appearance with Sacramento in the contest, tying him for third all-time- in the 72nd minute was undone by good defending form Tacoma, and a Cam Iwasa header in the 86th was be swallowed up by Tacoma’s goalkeeper to keep things tied.

Republic FC will hit the road next week for their final road match of the 2021 season, a meeting with division leader Phoenix Rising FC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. from Chandler, AZ and the match will be broadcast live on KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento, and ESPN+.

Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 0 Tacoma Defiance

USL Championship

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

October 17, 2021

Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 0 Tacoma Defiance

USL Championship

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

October 17, 2021

Scoring Summary: SAC–None TAC– None

Misconduct Summary: SAC –Maalique Foster (caution) 15’, Iwasa (caution) 73’, Luis Felipe (caution) 89’ TAC – Randy Mendoza (caution) 43’

Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Shannon Gomez (JuJu Chavez 80’), Nabi Kibunguchy, Dan Casey (Hayden Sargis 75’), Duke Lacroix (C), Jaime Villarreal (Patrick Weah 88’), Luis Felipe, Darek Formella, Emil Cuello, Maalique Foster (Kharlton Belmar 45’), Cam Iwasa

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Pete Pennanen, Jordan McCrary

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 9, Offsides: 3

Tacoma Defiance: Christian Herrera, Tom Brewitt, Taylor Mueller (C), Jackson Ragen, Randy Mendoza (Alexander Villanueva 44’), Cody Baker (Joe Hafferty 78’), Carlos Anguiano, Oben Vargas (Reed Baker-Whiting 78’), Alec Diaz (Ray Serrano 45’), Samuel Adeniran (Daniel Robles 87’), Juan Alvarez (Marlon Vargas 73’)

Unused substitutes: Cole Kulhanek

Stats – Shots: 14, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 2, Fouls: 8, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 2

Scoring Summary: SAC–None TAC– None

Misconduct Summary: SAC –Maalique Foster (caution) 15’, Iwasa (caution) 73’, Luis Felipe (caution) 89’ TAC – Randy Mendoza (caution) 43’

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Pete Pennanen, Jordan McCrary

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 9, Offsides: 3

Unused substitutes: Cole Kulhanek

Stats – Shots: 14, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 2, Fouls: 8, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 2

In Their Own Words: Everybody understands the pressure within these games

Sacramento Republic FC is heading into Sunday’s fourth and final matchup with Tacoma Defiance looking for a quick turnaround from Wednesday's draw with LA Galaxy II. With three games left, the push for the postseason continues to tighten up, and three points will go a long way.

Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs
On adjustments for Sunday’s match against Tacoma…

“The key is our mentality going into the game… making sure the mentality, focus and attitude is right. If we have that, we’ll be ok, but we’ve got to turn up and we’ve got to have the right attitude and right mentality.”

On keys for success on Sunday…

“We've got to be disciplined from a defensive standpoint and we’ve got to be prepared to be a little bit nasty from an attacking standpoint. We've got to move the ball quickly and we've got to have good movements in the final third. We’ve got to finish the actions in those areas, but the biggest thing is playing with an intensity and a speed of play that's effective.”

On the club’s sense of urgency with three games remaining…

“Everybody understands what's at stake. Everybody understands the pressure within these games. That's part of being a footballer. If you can't handle the pressure of those games, then you should be working in a supermarket or something. This is what we’re paid to do. This is what's enjoyable about it. You're playing football under pressure to win games. We've got to win games.”

Sacramento Republic FC is heading into Sunday’s fourth and final matchup with Tacoma Defiance looking for a quick turnaround from Wednesday’s draw with LA Galaxy II. With three games left, the push for the postseason continues to tighten up, and three points will go a long way.

Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs
On adjustments for Sunday’s match against Tacoma…

On keys for success on Sunday…

“We’ve got to be disciplined from a defensive standpoint and we’ve got to be prepared to be a little bit nasty from an attacking standpoint. We’ve got to move the ball quickly and we’ve got to have good movements in the final third. We’ve got to finish the actions in those areas, but the biggest thing is playing with an intensity and a speed of play that’s effective.”

On the club’s sense of urgency with three games remaining…

“Everybody understands what’s at stake. Everybody understands the pressure within these games. That’s part of being a footballer. If you can’t handle the pressure of those games, then you should be working in a supermarket or something. This is what we’re paid to do. This is what’s enjoyable about it. You’re playing football under pressure to win games. We’ve got to win games.”

Republic FC Midfielder Jordan McCrary

On tactical focuses ahead of Sunday…

“We have to be disciplined to our tactics we already have and stay to it. We have to keep each other responsible and accountable. We’ll do everything we need to do, and really be some dogs and come out with a win.”

On positives to take from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy II…

“We’re creating chances but at the end of the day we got to keep going. At the end of day we got to start putting it back of the net and then we got to start keeping it out of the net. We have to keep putting our best foot forward.”

Republic FC Midfielder Jordan McCrary

On tactical focuses ahead of Sunday…

On positives to take from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy II…

Republic FC Forward Kharlton Belmar
On the team’s focus during recovery ahead of Sunday…

“We saw in the first half of the game [on Wednesday] we weren't as urgent and we weren't as quick to play. A lot of the times, it's been taking a goal and then something bad happening for us to come back out and play a bit quicker and more intense. That's something that we have to focus on come Sunday, is from the first whistle coming out, giving our all and playing as quick as possible to get on the front foot as early as we can.”

On a season-high 26 shots against Los Dos on Wednesday night…

“We definitely played a lot more attacking football. We really got after them. It's a positive sign at this point that we're creating these opportunities. We just have to put them away now. It’s at the point of the season where these things have to start going in in order for us to go where we want to get to.”

Republic FC Forward Kharlton Belmar
On the team’s focus during recovery ahead of Sunday…

“We saw in the first half of the game [on Wednesday] we weren’t as urgent and we weren’t as quick to play. A lot of the times, it’s been taking a goal and then something bad happening for us to come back out and play a bit quicker and more intense. That’s something that we have to focus on come Sunday, is from the first whistle coming out, giving our all and playing as quick as possible to get on the front foot as early as we can.”

On a season-high 26 shots against Los Dos on Wednesday night…

“We definitely played a lot more attacking football. We really got after them. It’s a positive sign at this point that we’re creating these opportunities. We just have to put them away now. It’s at the point of the season where these things have to start going in in order for us to go where we want to get to.”

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Tacoma Defiance

Sacramento Republic FC remains in the thick of the Pacific Division race ahead of Saturday’s divisional showdown with the Tacoma Defiance at Heart Health Park. The Indomitable Club will salute survivors, families, and medical practitioners on Breast Health Awareness Night and the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a pink SRFC rally towel presented by UC Davis Health.

At a Glance: #SACvTAC

Saturday, October 2, 2021
7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+
Tickets
Tailgate Information

Saturday, October 2, 2021
7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+
Tickets
Tailgate Information

The Latest on the Team

Republic FC is coming off a 2-0 home loss to LA Galaxy II this past Sunday at Heart Health Park. Despite the setback, however, the Indomitable Club still sits a point out of the fourth in the Pacific Division, one of four clubs separated by a point. Saturday will be Republic FC’s second of three games in nine days.

SRFC logged 18 shots against Los Dos on Sunday and have now recorded 10+ shots in eight of their last nine contests. Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu made his first start since the club’s last meeting with Galaxy II on September 1, completing 86% of his passes and winning 83% of his defensive duels on Sunday.

This season has seen 105 selections for SRFC Academy players, including at least one selection in every match and 34 starts. Mario Penagos leads all Academy players in both categories with 19 appearances and 10 starts.

Opponent Report

Defiance’s lone September win came on September 2 against Las Vegas Lights FC. Since, the Washington side has dropped five straight matches while scoring just three times during the slump. They still sit at fifth in the division race, tied with Oakland Roots SC on points with 30.

Tacoma was minutes from snapping the streak last week at Phoenix Rising FC. After falling behind in the 78th minute, Samuel Adeniran leveled two minutes later before Rising FC stole the thunder with a heartbreaking game winner in the 90th minute.

Head-to-Head

SRFC is 13-3-4 all-time against Tacoma, including a 9-0-2 mark in the Indomitable City. Saturday is Sacramento’s third of four contests against the Pacific Northwest side on the season and first at home.

Earlier this season, Jerome Kiesewetter opened his SRFC scoring account in a 1-1 draw at Cheney Stadium on August 5, and Darek Formella’s 78th-minute strike on September 22 gave Republic FC the 1-0 win on the road.