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What to Watch Across the USL: Week 17

With most clubs across the half mark, the playoff races are tightening up around the league.

Pacific Division Update

Phoenix leads the race for the Pacific Division title, despite coming off a 2-2 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC that snapped a run of four straight wins. Phoenix will try to get back in the win column in a top-two matchup with Orange County SC on Saturday. LA Galaxy II at 19 points, picked up a crucial three points after a 3-2 win over Orange County, who’ve now won just once in its last six games and will look to turn things around against Rising FC.

Tacoma Defiance are now solely in fourth place with 21 points after a 3-1 win over Oakland Roots SC on Sunday. Including the 1-1 draw with the Indomitable Club last week, Tacoma have now earned a result in six straight matches. The Defiance will look to go level in the table with San Diego on Saturday, as a Tacoma win SD Loyal will give both clubs 24 points. The Indomitable Club is knocking on the door with 18 points, and 11 matches against the three teams ahead in the standings.

With most clubs across the half mark, the playoff races are tightening up around the league.

Pacific Division Update

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Hartford Athletic

Hartford have lost three of their last five – including a 4-2 defeat to Colorado Springs – while Tampa Bay enters the weekend winners of two of their last three after a three-game losing streak.

Friday’s matchup from Florida will see two likely playoff teams try to get back on track, while it’s another chance for Hartford to distance itself from the rest of the Atlantic Division. Three points from the Connecticut club would keep them in fourth ahead of Charleston, who faces Loudon United on Friday while sitting just two points out of the playoffs.

Tampa Bay and Hartford have already traded 1-0 victories this season, with the visiting club taking the points on both occasions.

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Hartford Athletic

Hartford have lost three of their last five – including a 4-2 defeat to Colorado Springs – while Tampa Bay enters the weekend winners of two of their last three after a three-game losing streak.

Tampa Bay and Hartford have already traded 1-0 victories this season, with the visiting club taking the points on both occasions.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Charlotte Independence

Staying in the Atlantic Division, Pittsburgh looks to keep its hold on the division crown with the Charlotte Independence standing in their way. Three points for the west Pennsylvania side would be a fifth win in six matches after a 3-2 loss to Miami FC on Wednesday, as well as a stronger grasp on the top spot. Three points for Charlotte bumps them ahead of Hartford for fourth place.

Depending on how these first two matches shake out, we could be seeing a different top four in the Atlantic Division come Monday morning.

Memphis 901 FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Memphis 901 FC and Birmingham Legion FC face off Saturday in a Central Division fixture with major playoff implications for Memphis. Currently sitting two points out of fourth place in the Central Division, 901 FC faces a golden opportunity to leapfrog several playoff contenders in the division. The club sits in sixth currently, two points out of a three-way tie for third. Meanwhile, Birmingham Legion FC has nothing to lose with 36 points in hand and a firm grasp on second in the Central Division. The two clubs have already traded 1-0 victories this season and are two of the most defensively sound sides in the Eastern Conference.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Charlotte Independence

Depending on how these first two matches shake out, we could be seeing a different top four in the Atlantic Division come Monday morning.

Memphis 901 FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Three Takeaways from #OAKvSAC

Republic FC came away with points in their fifth straight contest on Wednesday, a 0-0 draw with Oakland Roots SC. Their 16th match this season puts the Indomitable club at the half-way mark of the 2021 campaign, and in the middle of a pack of opponents chasing playoff position in the Pacific Division.

Gomez With the Save

Tomas Gomez had an excellent night for the Boys in Old Glory Red. The veteran goalkeeper tallied three saves on the night, all of which neutralized excellent scoring chances for the hosts. A 12th minute save stopped a close range shot from Jesus Enriquez, who managed put a difficult look from the end line on frame. Six minutes later, Gomez stopped an attempt from Yohannes Harish, who found space inside the penalty box after an Oakland corner.

None were more impressive, however, than his 64th minute effort. After a missed clearance, Gomez stopped Jeremy Bokila’s strike from point blank range before diving to save the ball from trickling in on the rebound.

Defensive Resilience

Republic FC’s defense stayed strong in the draw, handling a late push from Oakland’s attacking unit well to record their third clean sheet of the season. Sacramento combined for 20 clearances on the night, five of which came from 19-year-old defender Hayden Sargis, while surrendering just seven shots to their Bay Area foes.

The club’s fifth straight match without a loss also marked their third straight contest conceding one score or less. Since the start of July, Republic FC has conceded multiple goals just twice in eight matches.

Pacific Division Race

Claiming at least a point in their fifth straight match moved Republic FC up one spot in the standings. At the season’s halfway mark, the Pacific Division race remains extraordinarily tight, as just seven points separate five clubs in the battle for playoff position. Through the remainder of the season, Mark Briggs’ men will face LA Galaxy II, Tacoma Defiance, and Las Vegas Lights a combined eight times – in 16 remaining games, making the goal of an 8thconsecutive playoff berth more than attainable.

Recap: Republic FC 0 – 0 Oakland Roots SC

LIVERMORE, California (August 11, 2021)- Building on a strong close out of July, Republic FC played to a 0-0 draw Wednesday in their third meeting of the season with their Northern California rivals. The Boys in Old Glory Red grow their unbeaten streak to five, and climb one spot up the Pacific Division table with the result.

An excellent performance in the goal from Tomas Gomez kept Republic FC’s unbeaten streak alive. The veteran goalkeeper notched his third clean sheet of the season, two of which have come against Oakland Roots SC.

Oakland would come close to pulling ahead twice in the first half. An attempt from Jesus Enriquez would sail high in the 12th minute, and Yohannes Harish’s 17th minute shot from close range would be deflected out by Gomez.

Gomez again would keep Oakland from breaking the tie in the 64th minute, when a Jeremy Bokila strike from point blank range went off his chest before Gomez would snap it off the line.

Republic FC did well to mitigate pressure from Roots SC throughout the night. The Sacramento back line would surrender just seven shots for the evening, five of which would come from close range. Duke Lacroix would lead Sacramento’s defensive unit with seven tackles, while Hayden Sargis paced with five clearances.

Mark Briggs men have a quick turnaround when they return home to face Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, August 14. Tickets can be purchased here, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Sacramento Republic 0 – 0 Oakland Roots SC
USL Championship
Las Positas College, Livermore, California
August 11, 2021

Scoring Summary: SAC – None, OAK– None

Misconduct Summary: SAC– FataiAlashe (caution) 88’, Julian Chavez (caution) 90+4’

Sacramento Republic FC: Tomas Gomez, Jordan McCrary, Duke Lacroix, Dan Casey, Hayden Sargis, Fatai Alashe, Kharlton Belmar, Pete Pennanen, Darek Formella (Mario Penagos, 73’) Luis Felipe, Cameron Iwasa (Julian Chavez, 80’)

Unused substitutes: Rafael Diaz, Shannon Gomez, Mitch Taintor, Rafael Jauregui, Jaime Villarreal

Stats – Shots: 4, Shots on Goal: 0, Saves: 3, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 0

Oakland Roots SC: Ariel Mbumba (Wal Fall, 63’) Soya Takahashi, Matias Fissore, Jesus Enriquez, Pul Blanchette, EmrahKlimenta, Danny Flores (Lindo Mfeka, 78’), Memo Diaz, Brandon Allen (Jeremy Bolika, 63’) Kai Greene, Yohannes Harish (Quincy Amarikwa, 59’)

Unused substitutes: Taylor Bailey, Saalih Muhammad, Akeem Ward,

Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 0, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 1

Scoring Summary: SAC – None, OAK– None

Misconduct Summary: SAC– FataiAlashe (caution) 88’, Julian Chavez (caution) 90+4’

Unused substitutes: Rafael Diaz, Shannon Gomez, Mitch Taintor, Rafael Jauregui, Jaime Villarreal

Stats – Shots: 4, Shots on Goal: 0, Saves: 3, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 0

Unused substitutes: Taylor Bailey, Saalih Muhammad, Akeem Ward,

Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 0, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 1

In Their Own Words: We Have to Go There With the Right Mentality

After a 1-1 draw at Tacoma Defiance last week, the Indomitable Club faces another midweek divisional matchup in Bay Area rival Oakland Roots SC. Wednesday’s rematch marks the mid-point in the season, with Republic FC in the middle of the pack pushing for a playoff spot. With eight points from the last four games, the Boys in Old Glory Red are one of four teams within 4 points of each other in the highly competitive Pacific Division.

Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs

On training ahead of the second of three matches in seven days…

“We’re getting people back from injury, which is nice. Overall, the week’s been good, recovering from Thursday and getting the players as fresh as we can for tomorrow’s game.”

On the Pacific Division table heating up…

“We’ve continued to work on the things we need to work on. We’ve continued to have the right mentality and the right attitude, which always bodes well. Now we’re starting to pick up points and we need to turn those ties into three points.”

On facing another week with multiple matches…

“I don’t care who we play against. We go in there with a game plan and we’ve got to execute the game plan. If we execute it, we have the quality to get three points. We have to go there with the right mentality and the right attitudes. It’s as simple as that.”

On training ahead of the second of three matches in seven days…

“We’re getting people back from injury, which is nice. Overall, the week’s been good, recovering from Thursday and getting the players as fresh as we can for tomorrow’s game.”

On the Pacific Division table heating up…

On facing another week with multiple matches…

Republic FC Jordan McCrary

On the team’s approach in a tight Pacific Division race…

“We’re grinding. We always go for those three points. It’s good that we haven’t given up any, but at the same time, it’s the same approach, same mindset. Keep grinding, keep working, try and play for each other and find these points.”

On the team overcoming early challenges …

“It shows the resilience that we have. It’s what we represent, Indomitable. We started off struggling a little bit, but we stayed together, stayed as a team, everybody fought for each other and we’re still going. We’re starting to pick the points up and we’re starting to find that tread.”

On the focus for this week…

“Never take anybody lightly. At every opportunity there is, you want to go in and put a fight in. We don’t care who or how it’s going to be. We understand that our level needs to be the best we can. Whoever it is, is whoever it is. But it’s on us to be who we are. We know we have a lot of potential on this team, we have quality players left and right, and we know what we can do.”

On the team’s approach in a tight Pacific Division race…

On the team overcoming early challenges …

On the focus for this week…

Republic FC Pete Pennanen

On preparing for Wednesday’s match and the full week …

“We’ve had three trainings to prepare for the Oakland game. It’s been a lot of work, like we’re used to. It’s a massive week for us – two games in four days. The guys are looking sharp. We have to improve a lot, but now, we’re still getting points so that’s very important for the future.”

On the dynamic changes implemented in the season…

“We changed the formation after the beginning of the season. There’s been a lot of new faces, and sometimes it takes more time than we want to. We’re getting used to each other more, every game and every week. The confidence is growing in the group. We just have to keep improving. We’re moving in the right direction.”

Republic FC Pete Pennanen

On preparing for Wednesday’s match and the full week …

On the dynamic changes implemented in the season…

Match Preview: Oakland Roots SC v Republic FC

On Wednesday, Sacramento Republic FC head to the Bay Area for the first of two remaining matches against Oakland Roots SC. On the heels of a 1-1 draw in Tacoma, Republic FC look to claim more points on the road in pursuit of the playoffs.

At a Glance: #OAKvSAC

Wednesday, August 11
7:00 p.m. PT
Las Positas College, Livermore, California
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+

The Latest on the Team

Republic FC comes into the midweek divisional fixture after a 1-1 draw at Tacoma Defiance on August 5. Jerome Kiesewetter opened his SRFC scoring account in the 18th minute thanks to Duke Lacroix’s third assist of the season. Dan Casey’s continued command of the back line has helped the Indomitable Club grab a result in four consecutive matches.

At a Glance: #OAKvSAC

Wednesday, August 11
7:00 p.m. PT
Las Positas College, Livermore, California
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+

The Latest on the Team

How about Roots SC?

The hosts for Wednesday’s match enter with a 1-8-3 record after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to the same Defiance side SRFC faced on Thursday. After a scoreless draw with Republic FC on July 7, Oakland Roots SC has since dropped five straight entering Wednesday while conceding three goals in three of those five outings.

Roots SC’s struggles in its inaugural USL Championship year continue, as the side is last in the league in goals (8) and shots (98). They are the only club in the USL Championship this season yet to record 10 goals and 100 shots.

How about Roots SC?

Head to Head

Republic FC and Roots SC have played to draws in each of two previous matchups this season. The two sides last faced off at Heart Health Park on July 7, playing to a scoreless draw.

Contrary to the most recent meeting, the clubs’ first-ever meeting on June 2 in Sacramento saw an offensive outburst with three goals apiece. Darek Formella opened the scoring, and the Indomitable Club twice fought back from down a goal to grab a point in the newly-established fixture. Cam Iwasa and Jordan McCrary also found the back of the net for the boys in Old Glory Red.

Head to Head

Republic FC and Roots SC have played to draws in each of two previous matchups this season. The two sides last faced off at Heart Health Park on July 7, playing to a scoreless draw.

Around the Leagues: Brazil and Canada Claim Olympic Gold

More exciting play across all levels over the weekend continued, as Major League Soccer yielded another week of great competition and the USL Championship maintained tight races in every division here at home. Abroad, two Gold Medals were awarded in Tokyo as Olympic play wrapped up, and the worlds’ most-watch league is just about ready to return to action for its 30th year.

USL Championship

A number of teams remained hot over the weekend in USL Championship play, while a few others had impressive streaks snapped against division rivals. Every division is seeing a competitive race as the season reaches the halfway mark.

In the Atlantic Division, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC notched their fourth straight victory with a win over Charleston Battery. The result keeps them three points ahead of Tampa Bay Rowdies, who took a 2-1 result from New York Red Bulls II.

Louisville City FC won their third straight in a 4-1 win over Sporting KC II. The Kentucky club has now won five of their last six and will take on FC Tulsa this weekend in their third straight home contest.

After impressive stretches throughout the month of July, two clubs had unbeaten streaks snapped over the weekend. Memphis 901 FC lost for the first time since June after earning points in five straight matches, falling 4-1 to OKC energy. Phoenix, who entered the weekend as possibly the hottest team in the league, drew Las Vegas Lights FC 2-2, ending their four match win streak.

With the halfway point of the season just around the corner, nearly every division is seeing a tight race for playoff position. Following Las Vegas’ 2-2 draw, Lights FC and Republic FC are both just four points back of Tacoma for fourth place in the Pacific Division. The Mountain and Central Divisions both have four clubs all within two points of each other, while the Atlantic has two clubs within four points of fourth place.

Major League Soccer

It was a week of close matches across Major League Soccer, as only five of the league’s 25 fixtures last week were decided by more than one score.

In the Western Conference, San Jose took their second victory in their last three matches, taking down LAFC 2-1 after drawing with Portland on Wednesday. The Bay Area side now sits just two points outside of the final playoff spot at the 2021 season’s halfway point.

FC Dallas faced off with Austin FC in a meeting between Texas Rivals. Behind scores from Ryan Hollingstead and 20 year old Academy product Jesus Ferreira, the first ever contest between the two clubs went the way of Dallas in a 2-0 result at Toyota Stadium.

New England maintained its commanding lead in the Supporters Shield standings, with Bruce Arena’s squad defeating Philadelphia Union. They now sit six points ahead of Western Conference leader Kansas City and 10 points ahead of Orlando, who holds second place in the Eastern Conference.

Tokyo Olympics

The Tokyo Olympics wrapped up over the weekend after two weeks of excellent competitions.

On the Women’s side, Canada came away with gold after a penalty shootout with Sweden. After going down 1-0 in the opening half, Canada pulled even with a 67th minute penalty score. The two teams would remain tied through extra time before proceeding to penalties, where Canada would outshoot their opponents 3-2.

The Tokyo Olympics wrapped up over the weekend after two weeks of excellent competitions.

On the Men’s Side, Brazil overtook Spain 2-1 in the final to secure their second straight Gold in football at the Olympic Games. A 108th minute score would decide the contest after the two teams finished 90 minutes tied 1-1.

The US women secured Bronze with their 4-3 defeat of Australia in the match for third place, while Mexico took Bronze after defeating Japan by a score of 3-1 on the Men’s side.

Premier League

On Friday, the English Premier League kicks off the 2021-22 season when Brentford- making their first appearance in England’s top flight since 1947- plays host to Arsenal. A full slate of matches follow on Saturday and Sunday as the league celebrates its 30th official season.

Joining Brentford in promotion to the Premier League this season are Norwich City and Watford, who both return after one season of play in the EFL. Watford most recently spent five seasons in the League between 2015 and 2020, but was relegated for the 2020-21 season, while 2021-22 will mark Norwich City’s 10th Premier League campaign and sixth since 2011. They replace Fulham, Sheffield United, and West Bromwich Albion, who were all relegated to the EFL following bottom-three finishes in 2020-21.

College Soccer Awaits Nine From U19 Academy Team

Nine players from the Sacramento Republic FC Academy will take their talents to college soccer this coming year and join the ranks of 40+ former SRFC Academy players to show at the collegiate level. These nine players will showcase for elite college all across the country and carry on Republic FC’s tradition of sending Academy players to the next level of college and professional soccer.

All nine players in this year’s class are members of the U19 squad that advanced to the semifinals of July’s MLS NEXT Playoffs in Dallas, Texas.

“We could not be prouder of the work these young men have put in to develop themselves and represent our club both on and off the field,” SRFC Academy Director Dennis Sanchez said. “Their commitment and desire to continually grow as a group culminated at last month’s fantastic showing at the MLS NEXT Cup. The strength and reputation of this Academy that precedes itself continues to hold true, and we look forward to seeing these young men carry on our proud tradition of representing Sacramento Republic FC at the next level.”

Republic FC has built a name for itself in producing homegrown talent as a result of our developmental process led by our technical staff, as well as the rich pool of talent in the region and valuable competition model created in and outside of our environment. The Academy continues to support all individual pathways – professional and collegiate – to help each player reach their full potential.

Current first team teammates and SRFC Academy products Mario Penagos, Hayden Sargis and Rafa Jauregui are a testament to the Academy’s ability to provide a pathway to the professional ranks. The nine members of this year’s U19 squad are set to showcase for top-tier colleges across the country beginning this fall.

All nine players in this year’s class are members of the U19 squad that advanced to the semifinals of July’s MLS NEXT Playoffs in Dallas, Texas.

Meet the Signees

Amjot Narang, a tactically gifted first-team call up from El Dorado Hills with high intelligence and decision-making skills, will head south and compete in the soccer tradition-rich Pac-12 for UCLA. One of two Pac-12-bound Academy products this year, Narang signed a USL Academy contract and was selected for every match of division play in Dallas as well as the MLS NEXT Cup. Narang is joined in the Pac-12 by 2020 conference runner up Washington-bound Ulises Esquivel, who also signed a USL Academy contract earlier this year and wore the captain’s armband at MLS NEXT. Esquivel and Narang will reunite on the pitch as opponents when the Bruins travel to the Pacific Northwest on October 3.

Jorge Galvan and Erik Centeno (also has USL Academy contract) will remain teammates, as both are headed just down the road to the University of the Pacific. Armando Jimenez (Sacramento State), Maxwell Johnson (UC Santa Barbara) and USL Academy Contract signee Aris Yang (Cal State Fullerton) will all face off against each other at the next level when the trio competes in the Big West Conference.

Jimenez converted a Panenka penalty in the club’s quarterfinal matchup against Cedar Stars, while Yang cemented SRFC’s spot in the semifinal with the winning penalty. Yang, whose winning penalty was his first touch of the game, was subbed on in the 88th minute just so he could be available from the spot – showing U19 head coach Ivan Mirkovic’s confidence in the future Titan.

Mason Pahule is headed to Colgate for the coming season after appearing in 118 matches for the Academy and competing for the first team on multiple occasions. Pahule and Johnson will reconnect in a little over a month’s time on September 10, when Colgate hosts 2019 Big West runner up UC Santa Barbara.

Team captains Pahule and Esquivel have taken different paths throughout their time in the Academy. Esquivel was the only player to see the pitch for every single minute, while an injury forced Pahule to watch the tournament from the sidelines. Nevertheless, Mirkovic notes that the duo’s “leadership, Indomitable characters and love for the club made them unbreakable.”

Ian Reis is the final Academy product in this year’s U19 class to rise to the college game, making his way to Sonoma State. Like Galvan, Reis took the long road to the Academy – literally. The two of them, both Napa natives, commuted to and from Sacramento five times per week just to be a part of the club.

“In such a short period of time,” Mirkovic said, “they showed outstanding commitment and desire to improve and reach the next level. The sky is the limit for those two.”

Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 1-1 Tacoma Defiance

TACOMA, Washington (August 5, 2021) – The first of four meetings with the Tacoma Defiance ended in a 1-1 draw on Thursday evening at Cheney Stadium, as Jerome Kiesewetter opened his Sacramento Republic FC scoring account.

Republic FC have now secured eight points in their last four matches.

Thursday’s matchup with Tacoma took a defensive tone from the opening whistle, starting out with short, conservative passing in each team’s defensive third – the majority of Sacramento’s early offensive production was down the right sideline on the boots of Jordan McCrary and Kharlton Belmar. Aside from the occasional passing into a tight space from a continually developing Mario Penagos, the Indomitable Club felt the full force of Tacoma’s back line early.

Republic FC have now secured eight points in their last four matches.

Republic FC broke the deadlock and struck early again. A failed clearance combined with offensive persistence allowed Jerome Kiesewetter to open his account for the boys in Old Glory Red on a close-range header. Kiesewetter’s score came on an assist from Duke Lacroix, marking Lacroix’s second straight game with an assist and third assist this year.

With a lead in hand near the halftime whistle, Republic FC began to utilize the width of the pitch. Dan Casey led the squad in the first half with 39 completed passes, 15 of which went to Hayden Sargis that opened the left side of the field for Mark Briggs’ offense. Briggs’ men primarily favored the right sideline still, with Casey (51) and McCrary (44) picking up 95 combined first-half touches to lead Sacramento.

In addition to his passing, Casey was key in Republic FC’s defensive effort in the opening 45 minutes. The defender recorded an interception and a team-high four clearances in the first half before ending the night with seven clearances to lead all players.

Republic FC continued utilizing the left side of the pitch in the second half after Cam Iwasa entered for Kiesewetter in the 51st minute. Lacroix ran into wide open space down the left side in the 74th minute and was able to play a ball all the way across the box, but the finish didn’t find the back of the net.

Tacoma turned up the heat offensively in the second half, logging three shots through the first 25 minutes after recording three for the whole first half. Tactically, the Indomitable Club countered with Mitch Taintor’s entry in the 76th minute to relieve Penagos on the back line. Randy Mendoza entered for Tacoma in the 81st minute, and the substitution paid off as Mendoza leveled the match a minute later.

The Indomitable Club returns to action on Wednesday, August 11 in a rescheduled match at Oakland Roots SC before returning to Heart Health Park on August 14 against Las Vegas Lights FC. Wednesday’s matchup will be broadcast locally on KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento, as well as streaming on ESPN+.

Sacramento Republic FC 1-1 Tacoma Defiance

USL Championship

Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Washington

August 5, 2021

Scoring Summary: SAC – Kiesewetter (Lacroix) 18’; TAC – Mendoza (Serrano) 82’

Misconduct Summary: TAC – Alex Villanueva (caution) 59’; SAC – Fatai Alashe (caution) 65’; SAC – Pennanen (caution) 91’; TAC – Jose Carlos Anguiano (caution) 92’

Sacramento Republic FC: Tomas Gomez, Hayden Sargis, Dan Casey, Shannon Gomez, Duke Lacroix, Mario Penagos (Mitch Taintor 77’), Jordan McCrary, Jerome Kiesewetter (Iwasa 51’), Fatai Alashe, Pete Pennanen, Kharlton Belmar

Unused Substitutes: Jaime Villarreal, Rafael Jauregui, Julian Chavez, Rafael Diaz, Nabi Kibunguchy

Stats – Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1.

Tacoma Defiance: Christian Herrera, Eric Kinzer (Daniel Robles 62’), Taylor Mueller, Tom Brewitt, Alex Villanueva (Randy Mendoza 81’), Jose Carlos Anguiano, Danny Leyva, Ethan Dobbelaere (Ray Serrano 69’), Reed Baker-Whiting, Alec Diaz (Samiel Adeniran 69’), Obed Vargas (Juan Alvarez 81’)

Unused Substitutes: Joe Hafferty, Wyatt Nelson

Stats – Shots: 10, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 0.

Sacramento Republic FC 1-1 Tacoma Defiance

USL Championship

Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Washington

August 5, 2021

Scoring Summary: SAC – Kiesewetter (Lacroix) 18’; TAC – Mendoza (Serrano) 82’

Misconduct Summary: TAC – Alex Villanueva (caution) 59’; SAC – Fatai Alashe (caution) 65’; SAC – Pennanen (caution) 91’; TAC – Jose Carlos Anguiano (caution) 92’

Stats – Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1.

Unused Substitutes: Joe Hafferty, Wyatt Nelson

Stats – Shots: 10, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 2, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 0.

Kibunguchy, Felipe Nominated for USL Goal of the Month

SACRAMENTO, California (August 5, 2021) – The USL Championship announced that two Republic FC strikes have been nominated for the Fans’ Choice Goal of the Month for July. Nabi Kibunguchy’s Week 14 first ever pro goal and Luis Felipe’s game-winner in Week 15 both claimed the weekly prize, and are now on the ballot for the July honor. Voting is open now at USLChampionship.com through Monday, August 9 at 9:00 a.m. PT.

The dynamic duo secured back-to-back Goal of the Week honors for Sacramento Republic FC, and the Indomitable Club’s fans rallied the vote making the boys in Old Glory Red weekly winners to close out the month. Both strikes were not just spectacular aesthetically, but pivotal in the Indomitable Club’s recent run of success and ascent up the Pacific Division table.

Kibunguchy’s header came in the 93rd minute of Republic FC’s 2-2 draw at Orange County SC on July 24, just three minutes after the homegrown player subbed on for Kharlton Belmar. It was Kibunguchy’s first goal with the first team and secured the club’s fourth match in its last five outings with a result.

Felipe made it two straight Goal of the Week honors for SRFC after cementing the first brace of his career in a 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls II on July 31. Felipe found himself on the end of a clinical build up from the boys in Old Glory Red, netting home the game winner in the 22nd minute. The win secured SRFC’s seventh point in its last three games.

Heart Health Park Opens Doors to the Public for a Workout Series Led by Sacramento Fitness Experts

–   Republic FC and Western Health Advantage launch Republic FC Fit – a free workout series at the team’s home field open to all ages and fitness levels – beginning August 21
–   Workouts curated by lead instructor Bryan Washington from Sacramento’s The Academy Training and Performance Center
–   Registration is now open

Sacramento, Calif. – Beginning August 21, Republic FC and Western Health Advantage will open Heart Health Park with the support of the expert staff from The Academy Training and Performance Center for a series of open-to-the public workouts to promote community health and wellness. Republic FC Fit will be an ongoing series of workouts at the team’s home field, as well as community health and wellness events, to inspire people to make fitness a priority. Registration for the first-come, first-served event is now open now.

"Our weekly matches provide entertainment and excitement for fans, and we are proud to highlight health and wellness at Heart Health Park,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re thrilled to continue to work with Western Health Advantage to make meaningful, healthy change in the region.”

"When we decided to name the stadium, Heart Health Park, we doubled down on our commitment to invest in the health and wellness of Republic FC fans, supporters, and the Sacramento region,” said Garry Maisel, Western Health Advantage President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited to build on Republic FC Fit and create even more programs for the community.”

“Our weekly matches provide entertainment and excitement for fans, and we are proud to highlight health and wellness at Heart Health Park,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re thrilled to continue to work with Western Health Advantage to make meaningful, healthy change in the region.”

“When we decided to name the stadium, Heart Health Park, we doubled down on our commitment to invest in the health and wellness of Republic FC fans, supporters, and the Sacramento region,” said Garry Maisel, Western Health Advantage President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited to build on Republic FC Fit and create even more programs for the community.”

“I believe in building champions. So, every day I aspire to create an energetic environment to ensure my community feels healthier and more happy by using strength and conditioning for life and sport,” said Academy Training and Performance Center Co-owner and lead instructor Bryan Washington.

The first open-to-the public workout will kick off on August 21 with two sessions – the first at 9:00 a.m. and the second at 10:30 a.m. Participants will be able to pick from six different, 20-minute workout stations – cycling, boxing, medicine balls, bodyweight, stadium stairs, and core fitness – spaced around the field and stadium. Western Health Advantage’s Wellness Manager Alicia Lowe will also work with participants for a warm-up and cool-down zone. All exercises can be modified for different fitness levels and ages.

Registration for the first Republic FC Fit workout is free, but with a $10 donation during registration participants receive a ticket to an upcoming Republic FC match as well as a two-week pass to The Academy Training and Performance Center. Participants who donate $40 during registration will receive a limited-edition Republic FC workout kit with a water bottle, workout towel, and gym bag, as well as two tickets to an upcoming Republic FC match and a two-week pass to The Academy Training and Performance Center. Net proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. The second session on September 25 will open registration later this month.

At the beginning of the season, Republic FC and Western Health Advantage partnered to rename the team’s home field, Heart Health Park, as part of a collaborative effort to call attention to the importance of community health and wellbeing, in place of the health plan’s name. Through workouts at the stadium and several additional initiatives, Heart Health Park is a community program to drive awareness and action around cardiovascular disease and related ailments.

This includes offering heart-healthy concession options, opening the stadium for workouts with local fitness instructors, and engaging with regional non-profits to develop additional resources and programming to put an emphasis on nutrition and an active lifestyle. On Saturday, August 14, Yoga on the Pitch returns to Heart Health Park at 5:30 p.m. before the Indomitable Club hosts Las Vegas Lights FC. Soccer fans, friends, and fitness enthusiasts will take to the field for a for a 60-minute yoga session led by Alicia Lowe, Health and Wellness Manager at Western Health Advantage. All-ages, and experience levels are welcome. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

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