Match Previews

Match Preview: Republic FC @ Lexington Sporting Club

by Dominic Vann-Castaneda

Overview: SAC @ LSC

Date: Friday, October 17
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Lexington Sporting Club Stadium (Lexington, Kentucky)
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40+ Smart TV app, CBS Sports Golazo Network

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Indomitable Club hits the road for the final away match of the regular season, travelling to Kentucky to face Lexington SC. With three matches remaining, Republic FC have secured a spot at home in the playoffs. In its penultimate road match, Republic FC visited Hartford Athletic in an instant rematch of the USL Jägermeister Cup final.

Despite a strong performance and spirited comeback, the Quails failed to claim a point as Hartford capitalized on a restart and found a stoppage time winner. Even without a point, the match was punctuated by the team’s resilience and depth featuring goals from Jack Gurr and Dominic Wanner.

Sitting second in the Western Conference, Republic FC own tiebreakers over the next three teams in the table. The Indomitable Club can close out a strong road campaign that has already created eight wins away from home.

With a post-season spot locked in, the final matches of the Regular Season will lock in the playoff picutre and seeding. In just over a week’s time, Sacramento will know its first opponent and the path was to lifting its second Championship trophy.

Know Your Opponent – Lexington Sporting Club

The Kentucky side continues a tough stretch of matches against the top four sides in the Western Conference, failing to earn a point in any of them. Their last three outings were against first place Tulsa, third place New Mexico, and fourth place El Paso leaving Lexington in a tricky position placed just one point above the playoff line. With only two matches remaining and four points separating fifth and eighth place, each match for Lexington will feel like a final for the league debutant.

Despite this being Lexington’s inaugural season in the USL Championship, the club has bolstered its squad with emboldened leadership and experience. Veteran midfielder Latif Blessing, a long-time MLS standout, has made over 150 top-flight appearances well as winning an MLS Cup with LAFC and the U.S Open Cup with Sporting Kansas. Since signing in August, Blessing has made three appearances as he works his way into the line-up, but his composure and his ability to dictate tempo make him an important player for the side.

Head-to-Head

Republic FC and Lexington have met just once, a tense hard-fought 0-0 earlier this July. Sacramento dominated the match, holding the majority of possession and recording 19. Despite going down to 10 men in the first half, the Kentucky side held firm to escape with a point. This weekend’s matchup offers a chance to finish the season strong building momentum while Lexington will be fighting to stay above the playoff line in front of their home fans.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ Hartford Athletic

Overview: SAC @ HFD

Date: Saturday, October 11
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Trinity Health Stadium
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40+ Smart TV app, ESPN+

Know Your Club – Republic FC

With the USL Jägermeister Cup now in the rear-view mirror, Republic FC heads into the final stretch of the season with an opportunity to lock in a home playoff seed with four games to left to play.

Last week in league play, the Indomitable Club claimed its first home win over Orange County SC in three years in a thrilling 2-1 showdown. With the full strength of its roster on display, the Indomitable Club came out hot and challenged OC’s backline early with three of its seven shots on target coming in the first seven minutes.

The continued pressure paid off in the seventh minute when Dominik Wanner took advantage of a soft save from the goalkeeper and the German winger slotted home his second shot of the season. He finished the night with three of three shots on target, securing him his second Team of the Week selection.

Orange County equalized from the penalty spot in the 52^nd minute, but Sacramento would not be denied the win. With every substitute, Republic FC continued to look more and more dangerous. The fresh legs of Jack Gurr proved to be the difference maker in the 87^th minute. Gurr beat his defender in a foot race before sliding a low cross to Khori Bennett in front of goal.

This week, Neill Collins’ squad heads back out on the road to face off with the same team that narrowly defeated them in Saturday’s USL Jägermeister Cup Final. Sacramento will have an opportunity to continue its road success and close the gap with Western Conference leader FC Tulsa who is six points ahead with one less game to play.

Know Your Opponent – Hartford Athletic

Hartford is closing out a busy week. After a visit to Sacramento last weekend, they made a quick stop in Oakland for a Tuesday night match against the Roots. Oakland took the lead in the 31^st minute, but Hartford charged back in the second half to score three unanswered goals and claim its sixth straight league win on the road.

Jack Panayotou led the way with two assists, while the game winner came from Kyle Edwards, who now holds the USL Championship record with eight substitute goals in 2025.

Now with just three regular season games remaining, Hartford is on the brink of clinching its first playoff appearance since 2025. It’s likely a spot that not many thought they would be back in April. After the first two months of the season, Brendan Burke’s side found itself at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table with just two goals scored through five games. But similar to Republic FC, Hartford found its footing and began to see success over the summer, posting a record of 11-3-1 in league play since July.

Head-to-Head

The series between Republic FC and Hartford Athletic is still young. Sacramento has taken all three points in the two previous regular season meetings. Just last week, the clubs met in the USL Jägermeister Cup Final with Hartford claiming a 1-0 victory.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Hartford Athletic (USL Jägermeister Cup Final)

by Dominic Vann-Castaneda

Overview: SAC vs HFD

Date: Saturday, October 4th
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Heart Health Park (Sacramento, California)
Tickets: Buy before they’re gone!
Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network, FOX40 (join in progress), FOX40+

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Indomitable Club enters the USL Jägermeister Cup Final ready for a shot at glory. Neill Collins’ squad has paved their path to the final through defensive stability, conceding just one goal from six games. That defensively sound foundation has paired with a timely attack, as Republic FC has shown balance and depth on both ends of the pitch.

With a midweek contest before the Final, Sacramento Republic FC secured its 12^th win of the season with a 2-1 victory over California rivals Orange County SC and clinched a 2025 playoff berth. The Indomitable Club struck early when Dominik Wanner pounced on a rebound to open the goalscoring in the 7^th minute. After Orange County equalized from a penalty early in the second half, Sacramento showed the quality of its depth. The substitutes proved decisive as it was Jack Gurr whose pinpoint service found Khori Bennett in front of goal for the match winner. With just four regular season games remaining, Republic FC sits just three points off first place FC Tulsa in the Western Conference.

The energy at Heart Health Park will be at max capacity on Saturday night when the club has its first chance to win its first silverware since winning the 2014 USL Championship. Republic FC is the only team in the league to reach the final of three different competitions involving USL clubs.

Know Your Opponent – Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic arrive in Sacramento after a historic USL Jägermeister semi-final win over Greenville Triumph. A thrilling match that saw the action saved for the end. Hartford Athletic held control of the game for the majority of the night but the match didn’t open for either side until centerback Joe Farrell found the back in the 70th minute. Greenville responded promptly with an equalizer just four minutes later.

In the 85^th minute, play was halted for a potential head injury, leading to a drop ball restart. Hartford capitalized quickly with Marlon Hairston scoring the winner. In the 93rd minute, Hartford forward Michee Ngalina took the ball from the halfway line with blistering pace, charging past the Greenville defenders and tucking it in to the back of the net.

Just before the Final, Hartford snagged a 2-0 win league win at Colorado Springs. Over their past four games, they’ve scored 11 goals, conceding just twice. Hartford winger Michee Ngalina has been at the center of that attack, contributing two goals and an assist in the competition, including his goal in the semi-finals.

Head-to-Head

Sacramento and Hartford Athletic have met just twice before with Republic FC winning both contests, on home field in 2024 and in the Nutmeg state in 2023.

USL Jägermeister Cup – Final

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are 90 minutes away from lifting the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup trophy. For Sacramento, it’s an opportunity to cap a season of grit and defensive excellence with silverware in front of the home fans. For Hartford Athletic, it’s a chance to etch their name into club history with the club’s first trophy.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Orange County SC

Overview: SAC vs. OC

Date: Wednesday, October 1
Kickoff: 7:15 p.m.
Venue: Heart Health Park
Theme: Noche Latina powered by SMUD
Tickets: Get the Noche Latina Ticket + Scarf Package
Watch: CBS Sports Network

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Indomitable Club has an opportunity to quickly bounce back from an uncharacteristic loss over the weekend as the team fell 1-0 to Monterey Bay FC at Cardinale Stadium. Sacramento had a solid first half and for the ninth time this season, the squad held its opponent without a a shot on target through the first 45 minutes. The Quails continued to hold onto their defensive stronghold and forced Monterey Bay to string together a near-perfect play to find the breakthrough in the 71^st minute.

But despite the loss – just the first on the road in over a month – Republic FC remains in second place in the Western Conference and is within reach of claiming a position in the post-season. Clinching a spot will lock in the club’s 11^th postseason appearance in 12 years.

The good news: the team has already proven that it can quickly bounce back from disappointing results. The Indomitable Club has yet to lose back-to-back games and after its last two losses has responded with 2-0 wins.

Know Your Opponent – Orange County SC

Orange County SC enters the midweek clash just under the Western Conference playoff line. With two games in hand on most of the conference, they’ll have some extra opportunities to pick up points over the last month of the regular season.

The County Boys recently picked up a point in a 2-2 draw against Eastern Conference contender Charleston Battery. They only registered two shots on goal to Charleston’s nine, but that was all OC needed to get on the scoreboard. Ethan Zubak led the way with his second brace of the year, first slotting home a cross from Bryce Jamison and later converting from the penalty spot. But an onslaught of late goals just two minutes apart pulled Charleston even to split the points.

Zubak has been a standout player for OC this year. For the second straight season, he leads the team in scoring (10 goals, 2 assists across all competitions) and played a role in both goals against Republic FC in April.

Head-to-Head

Wednesday’s matchup continues one of the most familiar rivalries in the USL Championship. Sacramento and Orange County have faced off 28 times in regular season play, producing competitive battles with tight margins. This includes the two head-to-heads already played this year – April 12 (SAC 1-2 OC) and June 29 (USL Jägermeister Cup: SAC 0-1 OC)

The record leans slightly in Orange County’s favor, with Republic FC holding 11 wins, 10 draws and 12 losses against their Southern California rival.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

by: Dominic Vann-Castaneda

Overview: SAC vs. COS

Date: Saturday, September 20
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. P.T
Venue: Weidner Field
Watch: FOX40+, Smart TV app, ESPN+, Antenna TV 40.2

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Indomitable Club are on the road again to face reigning USL champions Colorado Springs Switchbacks at Weidner Field.

Last Saturday, Republic FC made a much-anticipated return to Heart Health Park after a grueling stretch of five games on the road. In front of a sold-out crowd, the Quails battled hard to a 2-2 result against playoff contenders Phoenix Rising FC. Russell Cicerone opened the scoring with clinical finishing, followed by an own goal by Phoenix midfielder Noble Okello. Momentum began to shift when Khori Bennett was sent off with a second yellow card reducing the team to ten men. Despite a determined effort, a late push from Phoenix allowed the visitors to pull level and share the points.

Sacramento remains on the tail of first place FC Tulsa, sitting 8 points behind with a game in hand and firmly above the playoff line.

Know Your Opponent – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

The Switchbacks are one of seven teams separated by four points fighting for the final six playoff spots and sit 8^th.

After a slow start to the season, Colorado Springs has begun to turn up the dial as of late, hoping to emulate the late-season form that propelled them to lift last year’s championship trophy.

Last Saturday, Colorado Springs played away at Al Lang Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies where they fought back from behind in a back-and-forth contest which finished 3-3. Switchbacks forward Juan Tejada scored a brace before Marco Micaletto scored the equalizer in the 58’ minute. Tejada was named to the Team of The Week last week following his impressive performance on the weekend.

The Switchbacks are currently on a three-game undefeated streak and will surely be happy to return home to Weidner Field on Saturday, where they have posted a 5-3-2 record this season.

Head-to-Head

In 17 previous matches, Sacramento and Colorado Springs have displayed an evenly matched rivalry with both teams securing seven wins and three draws. The most recent clash between the two sides was in March. Sacramento dominated for the majority of the match. With just 15 minutes to play the Switchbacks were awarded two penalties in the 86’ and 90+7th’ minute to steal a point. The stage is set for another compelling clash as both teams fight for crucial points in the closing stretch of the season.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC

Overview: SAC vs. PHX

Date: Saturday, September 13
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Heart Health Park
Tickets: Buy Here!
Theme: Superhero Night presented by UC Davis Health
- Rep your favorite superhero.The first 1,000 kids through the gates will get a custom superhero cape.
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40+ Smart TV app, CBS Sports Golazo Network

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Indomitable Club finally returns home after a five-game road stretch. Last weekend, the squad gained ground on first place FC Tulsa with a 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Sacramento came out with an aggressive press and put its first impression on the match when Rodrigo Lopez struck in the 29^th minute. Lee Desmond stepped up to intercept a clearance before Russell Cicerone slotted a pass to Lopez for a shot from 30 yards. With the goal, Lopez has now added a scoring contribution in his last five appearances.

The Rowdies held the upper hand throughout much of the second half, but Republic FC’s full team defensive effort kept them off the scoreboard. With fresh legs, Sebastian Herrera got in behind Tampa Bay’s backline to set up an easy tap-in for Russell Cicerone in the first minute of stoppage time, putting an exclamation point on the night. The clean sheet was the 10^th for Sacramento this year, and the 49^th club shutout for Danny Vitiello.

“The whole team deserves credit for how well we’ve been defending,” said defender Lee Desmond. “We’re pressing from the front and the strikers have been brilliant there. The work rate from the midfield has been excellent. The backline hasn’t given up much, and then the last line of defense is Danny [Vitiello]. So when we’re talking about defense, it’s really the whole team and that’s the base for a successful team.”

It was that defensive identity that took center stage in Wednesday’s USL Jägermeister Cup Semifinal match against Rhode Island. Republic FC secured its fifth clean sheet of the tournament before advancing to the Final with a 3-0 showing in the penalty shootout. The club will host Hartford Athletic for the Final on Saturday, October 4.

Know Your Opponent – Phoenix Rising FC

Sixth place Phoenix finds itself in an extremely tight battle for playoff positions. Including Rising FC, seven Western Conference teams are separated by just five total points with less than two months remaining in the regular season.

Last Friday, Phoenix closed out a three-game homestand with its third undefeated result, picking up a point in a nil-nil draw against Las Vegas Lights. Rising FC held the edge in possession and had double the touches in the opponent’s box, but couldn’t cash in on their opportunities. It was an expected change of pace for the team which had scored seven goals in the two matches prior.

With just seven matches remaining – one less than most of the teams they are battling in the table – Phoenix will need to pick things up and close out the season strong. The attacking duo of Hope Avayevu and Ihsan Sacko have proven that they can lead their squad to success, combining for 12 goals and 14 assists this year.

Head-to-Head

One of the Western Conference’s most-established rivalries, Republic FC and Rising FC will face off for the 27^th time on Saturday. Phoenix holds the slight edge with nine wins to Sacramento’s eight, while the two clubs have split the points 10 times, including their contest at Phoenix Rising Stadium back in April.

The Indomitable Club came out strong and took a two-goal lead courtesy of Sebastian Herrera and Dominik Wanner, but Phoenix would chip away at the lead and equalize in the second half.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ Hartford Athletic (USL Jägermeister Cup Final)

by Dominic Vann-Castaneda

Overview: SAC @ HFD

Date: Saturday, October 4th
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Heart Health Park (Sacramento, California)
Watch: Antenna 40.2, FOX40+ Smart TV app, ESPN+

Know Your Club – Republic FC

With a midweek contest before the Final, Sacramento Republic FC secured its 12^th win of the season with a 2-1 victory over California rivals Orange County SC and clinched a 2025 playoff berth. The Indomitable Club struck early when Dominic Wanner pounced on a rebound to open the goalscoring in the 7^th minute. After Orange County equalized from a penalty early in the second half, Sacramento showed the quality of its depth. The substitutes proved decisive as it was Jack Gurr whose pinpoint service found Khori Bennett in front of goal for the match winner. With just four regular season games remaining, Republic FC sits just three points off first place FC Tulsa in the Western Conference.

Know Your Opponent – Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic arrive in Sacramento after a historic USL Jägermeister semi-final win over Greenville Triumph. A thrilling match that saw the action saved for the end. Hartford Athletic held control of the game for the majority of the 90 but it wasn’t until center-back Joe Farrell’s goal opened the scoring in the 70th minute that saw the match open. Greenville responded promptly with an equalizer from midfielder Evan Lee, just four minutes later.

Just before the Final, Hartford snagged a 2-0 win league win at Colorado Springs. Over their past four games, they’ve scored 11 goals conceding just twice. Hartford winger Michee Ngalina has been at the center of that attack, contributing two goals and an assist in the competition, including his goal in the semi-finals.

Head-to-Head

Sacramento and Hartford Athletic have met just twice before with Sacramento winning both contests, on home field in 2024 and in the Nutmeg state in 2023.

USL Jägermeister Cup – Final

The stakes couldn’t possibly be higher. Both teams are 90 minutes away from lifting the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup trophy. For Sacramento, it’s an opportunity to cap a season of grit and defensive excellence with silverware in front of the home fans. For Hartford Athletic, it’s a chance to etch their name into club history with the club’s first trophy.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ Tampa Bay Rowdies

by Chelsea Reimche

Overview: SAC @ TBR

Date: Saturday, September 6
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m.
Venue: Al Lang Stadium
Watch: FOX40+ Smart TV App, FOX40.com, FOX40 Mobile App, ESPN+, Antenna 40.2

Know Your Club – Republic FC

Saturday’s head-to-head marks the fourth of five for the Indomitable Club’s away-match stretch and another opportunity for Republic FC to return from an opponents home to gain ground in the conference table.

Last weekend, the Boys in Old Glory Red defeated New Mexico in United’s own backyard 2-0 – the first time since 2022. Isotopes Park provided the setting for Republic FC forward Khori Bennett as he notched his fifth career brace and first for the Indomitable Club, assisted by Rodrigo Lopez and Michel Benitez.

Republic FC started the match aggressively, pinning New Mexico United in their own half and creating early chances. Sacramento’s backline had a dominant performance, allowing no shots on target and just three touches in the box during the first half.

Seven minutes into a scoreless second half as New Mexico increased the pressure, Bennett broke the deadlock. After receiving a long pass from Lopez, he finished unmarked with a curling shot from distance. The assist earned the Republic FC captain a spot on USL’s Team of the Week and has now added a goal contribution in his last four appearances (2 goals, 3 assists) and leads the team with five assists on the season. The league has also recognized Lopez’s stellar performance throughout August as RoRo has been nominated for USL’s Player of the Month.

VOTE FOR RORO HERE!

The Jamaican striker didn’t stop there, as he found the back of the net again in the 69th minute. He finished off a quick pass from Michel Benitez after a defensive error by New Mexico. With last Saturday’s brace, Bennett now has three goals since joining the team in July. The striker’s performance against New Mexico also earned him USL’s Player of The Week honors.

Republic FC Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello also delivered another solid performance when he made a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the shutout. The 4th year Quail now leads the league with nine clean sheets so far this season.

The Rowdies will have a sense of familiarity on Saturday, as Republic FC head coach Neill Collins takes on his old club.

“When you’re a coach the sole focus is on the game and what we need to do to win, and the only thing that really matters to me on Saturday is winning…once that whistle blows we will be 100% focused and trying to get another result,” says Collins. After Saturday’s match in Tampa, the Indomitable Club’s three-week away stretch will come to a gripping conclusion with a Jägermister Cup Semifinal in Rhode Island on September 10.

After Saturday’s match in Tampa, the Indomitable Club’s three-week away stretch will come to a gripping conclusion with a Jägermister Cup Semifinal in Rhode Island on September 10.

Know Your Opponent – Tampa Bay Rowdies

Last Saturday, the Rowdies hosted Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC for an exciting come-from-behind 2-1 Tampa Bay victory.

Just over two minutes into the match, a beautiful passing sequence from Pittsburgh infiltrated Tampa’s box. Midfielder Robbie Mertz sent a ball to the feet of Charles Ahl who fired a one-touch finish past Rowdies goalkeeper Ethan Bandré to give the Riverhounds a 1-0 lead.

The Riverhounds looked to double the lead in the 25th minute, when forward Augi Williams beat Bandré in the box. However, the attempt was denied by defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele to prevent another Pittsburgh goal.

Tampa got back in the match in the second half when a set piece corner kick in the 64th minute found the head of Rowdies substitute Joey Skinner. The attempt nailed the top of the cross bar, and Englishman Lewis Hilton was there to tap in the rebound to put Tampa Bay on the scoresheet.

Just ten minutes later, a Pittsburgh clearance from another set piece was chased down by Rowdies forward Manuel Arteaga who sent a 40-yard ball back into the mix. Woobens Pacius then quickly brought down the pass and fired a left-footed shot into the back of Pittsburgh’s net, breaking the tie and allowing Tampa Bay all three points. The MLS loanee from Nashville SC leads the Rowdies in goals with eight so far this season.

After an uncharacteristic campaign, the Rowdies currently sit in the tenth position in the eastern conference. With only nine regular season games left, Tampa will be looking to walk away from this weekend with three points to secure a spot above the playoff line.

Head-to-head

Saturday will mark the third-ever meeting between the two sides, with the first appearance in 2023 having Republic FC gaffer Neill Collins at the helm of the opposing eastern side.

Collins – one of the winningest coaches in USL Championship history – spent six seasons with the Rowdies and led the squad to 94 wins over six seasons, including three straight Eastern Conference Finals. His standout 2021 season earned him USL Coach of the Year after a record-setting run that included a nine-game win streak and the league’s longest-ever shutout stretch.

The two sides last met in 2024, where Heart Health Park hosted a match filled with chances from both sides, but Tampa claimed all three points. Also, joining Collins in the list of familiar faces for the Rowdies are Republic FC defenders Freddy Kleeman and Ryan Spaulding who will now be facing the eastern side in Old Glory Red for the first time.

Republic FC’s Russell Cicerone and Danny Vitiello head into Saturday’s match with their own all-time career success against the eastern side – Cicerone with three goals and three assists and Vitiello with two clean sheets against the Rowdies.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ New Mexico United

by Chelsea Reimche

Overview: SAC @ NM

Date: Saturday, August 30
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Isotopes Park
Watch: FOX40+ Smart TV App, FOX40.com, FOX40 Mobile App, ESPN+, Antenna 40.2

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Indomitable Club continues its five-match away streak this Saturday with a Western Conference clash against New Mexico United. It marks the club’s third match in just 11 days — a stretch that included nearly 8,000 total miles traveled, a thrilling Jägermeister Cup Quarterfinal, and a hard-fought loss to El Paso Locomotive FC, Republic’s first defeat since June.

Last Saturday’s loss marked an end to Republic FC’s seven-game undefeated streak. The two Western sides battled in a tightly contested match marked by early defensive strength from the Indomitable Club and multiple missed opportunities on both sides. Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello provided a stellar performance, with six saves, including a save of the week-nominated moment in the 41st minute, where he punched away a powerful header attempt from El Paso’s Kofi Twumasi. Los Locos opened the scoring shortly after with a left-footed strike from Gabi Torres after sustained pressure. Republic FC nearly equalized before halftime when Lewis Jamieson’s corner kick was sent into the mix for a back-heel flick by Lee Desmond, but the attempt curled above the crossbar.

Despite a strong second-half push led by substitutes Russell Cicerone and Jack Gurr coming onto the pitch, Republic FC wouldn’t find the net. El Paso’s defense held firm in stoppage time to secure the win.

“We had an off night,” says Head Coach Neill Collins. “I don’t think we’ve had very many this year, so we’ll just get ready to dust ourselves off and go again.” The gaffer continues, “The mentality of the group’s been very good and I think we learned a couple of things tonight about ourselves…we’re coming down the final stages of the regular season so we’ll make those reflections and then get ready for New Mexico.”

There’s no schedule slow-down for the Indomitable Club as its next two weeks are filled with four matches – the first three keeping Neill Collins’ squad on the road, including the Jägermister Cup Semifinal in Rhode Island.

“The best teams around the world play the most games, and they travel the most because they’re in multiple competitions towards the end…and that’s where we want to be. So we need to approach it with the right attitude – which we always do,” says Republic FC captain Lee Desmond.

Know Your Opponent – New Mexico United

This weekend, New Mexico United hosts Republic FC after a battling 0-0 draw with league leaders Louisville City FC.

United Goalkeeper, Kris Shakes had a standout performance in Saturday’s match, facing 20 shots from the USL Championship leaders and earning two critical saves. The first came in stoppage time of the first half, and the other came in the dying moments of the match, where Shakes punched away a quick shot by LouCity’s Amadou Dia — securing the clean sheet.

New Mexico’s starting XI featured newly signed defender Kipp Keller, on loan from MLS side Minnesota United FC. Keller made a strong debut on the backline, helping to keep LouCity off the scoresheet.

In the 72nd minute, forward Luther Archimède also made his United debut. A familiar face to Republic FC, as Archimède previously spent two seasons (2022–2023) with the Indomitable Club, and scored 12 goals throughout his campaign in Old Glory Red.

Also on Tuesday, New Mexico announced another new signee with the acquisition of LouCity midfielder Carlos Moguel Jr. – this marks three newly signed faces for United – all three announced in the past week.

Despite New Mexico seeing a six-match winning streak earlier in the spring and holding a top position in the conference for weeks, United has seen a different pattern in the latter half of the 2025 campaign. The western side now sits in the 7th position, having failed to produce a win in their last six games in the USL Championship. United will be looking to break this streak with a win against Republic FC on Saturday and walk away with three points to secure their spot above the playoff line.

Head-to-head

Saturday’s match will mark the 13th all-time meeting between the two Western Conference sides, with the series currently standing a 7-3-2 record. The teams last faced off in the 2025 season opener, where the Indomitable Club staged a thrilling comeback to win in front of a sold-out crowd at Heart Health Park. Highlights from that match included a penalty goal by Russell Cicerone—his first of five this season—and a debut goal by Scottman Lewis Jamieson, making him the 18th Republic FC player to do so.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ El Paso Locomotive FC

by Chelsea Reimche

Overview: SAC @ ELP

Date: Saturday, August 23
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Southwest University Park
Watch: FOX40+ Smart TV App, FOX40.com, FOX40 Mobile App, ESPN+, Antenna 40.2

Know Your Club – Republic FC

It’s a double-road week for the Indomitable Club, as Republic FC heads to the Lone Star State to face El Paso Locomotive FC for another Western Conference showdown.

After a scoreless 90 minutes against Loudoun United FC, the Boys in Old Glory Red went to their first penalty shootout of the tournament. Goalkeeper Jared Mazzola finished regulation with his fourth clean sheet – leading all goalkeepers in tournament play. Loudoun held the edge after the first round of the shootout, but from there Mazzola made back-to-back saves to put the pressure on the hosts. Nick Ross, AJ Edwards, and Michel Benitez converted the next three kicks from the spot for Sacramento, and finally Cristian Parano stepped up to secure Republic FC’s spot in the Semifinals.

“We’ve got a really good togetherness, and it’s showing at a good point in the season where we need to stick together, because we have a lot of games. We have a lot of traveling,”

Republic FC midfielder Nick Ross said.

“We’ve got a big semifinal coming up and we’ve got a big game on Saturday, so we need everyone in the squad to step up,”

Wednesday’s exciting victory makes eight-straight undefeated matches for Neill Collins’s squad – a streak dating back to the beginning of July. With the thrills of the California State Fair in the background, Republic FC delivered a 3-0 over El Paso and claimed the first match in the season series.

Know Your Opponent – El Paso Locomotive FC

Southwest University Park is the stage for this weekend’s match-up against Republic FC. Los Locos will be looking to walk away with three points after drawing Monterey Bay FC last Saturday 2-2 as a result of an extra time equalizer.

Monterey scored first with a finish from midfielder Adrian Rebollar in the 21st minute. However, Los Locos had an immediate response. Just a few minutes after the opening goal, a yellow card on Monterey’s Carlos Guzman set up a dangerous free kick opportunity for newly signed El Paso forward Christian Sorto. His curling effort to the top corner equalized the match and rippled the back of the net.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Los Locos capitalized on costly Monterey turnover in the final third. Sorto smashed home his second goal of the night from the top of the 18 with a kiss off the post. The brace from Sorto in his first regular season start for El Paso both doubled the team’s lead and earned the forward a spot on USL’s Team of the Week.

With victory in sight, chaos struck in the 94th minute. A service into El Paso’s box found Monterey substitute Anton Søjberg who tapped the ball into the lower right corner, denying Los Locos all three points. The late equalizer was the sixth time El Paso allowed an opposition substitute to score. The score also was the ninth goal allowed in the last 15 minutes of the second half – the top mark for late scores across the league.

Head-to-head

Saturday will mark the 12th overall meeting and complete the season series between the two Western sides. The last match-up was held at Heart Health Park earlier this July, where Republic FC came out of the face-off with a 3-0 victory and Head coach Neill Collins added his name to the league’s 100-win club.