Match Previews

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. New Mexico United

USL Championship is back in the Capital City as Republic FC hosts New Mexico United on Saturday night. With a new head coach on each bench, the two Western Conference teams will be looking to open their campaign in the win column.

Overview: SAC v NM

Date: Saturday, March 8
Time: Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Purchase here
Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and ESPN+
Giveaways: Thunder sticks & schedule magnets

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Neill Collins era in Sacramento will officially begin on Saturday night as the 2021 USL Championship Coach of the Year leads his team into competition for the first time. Republic FC’s 2025 roster features a slew of familiar faces with 15 returning players, including the club’s all-time shutout leader Danny Vitiello, single-season scoring record holder Russell Cicerone, and 2024 breakout midfielder Nick Ross.

And while Republic FC fans may know what to expect from the returners, there are seven recently acquired players who will be looking to make an instant impact for their new team. Ryan Spaulding is back in USL Championship after four seasons with MLS side New England Revolution. The left winger featured for Neill Collins at Tampa Bay Rowdies on a short loan stint in 2023, and had his best game against New Mexico United, scoring his first career brace. Spaulding and the others will have the opportunity to add to the list of Republic FC players to score in their club debut – 17 in total, including a debut goal in each of the last four season openers.

“The ultimate goal for us this year is that we want to bring trophies to Sacramento, but we have to take it one game at a time,” said Head Coach Neill Collins. “[New Mexico] was the best team in the West last year and they’ve brought in an excellent coach so we know they have a lot of quality, but we’re also trying to build our own style of play.”

“We’ve got lots of competition within the squad, and everyone’s itching to play and start on Saturday,” he continued. “They all want to win, they’re all here to win, and they all know what the expectations are with at this club.”

The energy at Heart Health Park on opening night is unmatched across the league. With limited tickets remaining, the club is nearing its sixth consecutive home opener sellout, an experience that the entire team is anticipating.

“We’re all very excited for the season and we’re happy to be playing in front of the fans again,” said midfielder Luis Felipe. “We know the atmosphere at Heart Health Park is going to be incredible.”

“I can’t wait to see all the fans and feel the atmosphere,” said defender Dominik Wanner, who is set to make his first appearance for the club on Saturday night. “I’ve heard from my teammates how many fans we get, but at the end of the day, everybody is going to feel the energy differently, and I just want to make my own experience.”

Know Your Opponent – New Mexico United

New Mexico United also finds itself entering a new chapter as Dennis Sanchez takes the reins as Head Coach. Last season, Sanchez was a finalist for the USL Championship Coach of the Year after leading his Las Vegas side to a historic turnaround campaign and its first-ever postseason appearance. Sanchez previously spent time with Republic FC as its Academy Director from 2020-2022.

Sanchez is taking over for Eric Quill, who was named the Head Coach of FC Dallas after leading New Mexico United to its best-ever season in 2024. Thirteen players are back from that squad, which finished the regular first in the Western Conference and hosted its first-ever home playoff match. This list includes New Mexico’s top offensive contributors – Greg Hurst (12 goals) and Mukwelle Akale (5 assists) – as well as goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, who recorded eight clean sheets last year.

Several new players will don black and yellow this year. Most recently, the club announced the addition of forward Thomas Amang, who has scored 17 goals for Orange County SC over the last two seasons. He is joined by former MLS defender Jaylin Lindsey, Gedion Zelalem, a product of Arsenal FC, and USL Championship veteran Luiz Fernando, who has recorded 23 goals and 20 assists in nearly 200 league appearances.

Head-to-Head

The budding rivalry between these two Western Conference teams continues to grow each year. In 11 previous meetings, Republic FC has taken six wins to New Mexico’s three, and they have played to two draws.

Each side has remained strong at home. Heading into Saturday’s contest, Sacramento has gone undefeated in the last six matches against New Mexico United at Heart Health Park, including a five-match shutout streak that dates back to 2019.

They last faced off in September 2024, which resulted in a 4-0 victory for the Indomitable Club, its largest win of the year. Russell Cicerone got the scoring started early in the sixth minute with an assist from Luis Felipe, and the midfielder would double the lead in the 25^th minute from a perfect layoff from Sebastian Herrera. Aldair Sanchez and Kieran Phillips both found the back of the net in the second half, while Jack Gurr set a new career high with his eighth assist of the campaign.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Ventura County FC (Preseason)

This Saturday, Republic FC fans will get their first chance to see the 2025 squad in action.

Overview: SAC v VCFC

Date: Saturday, Feb. 22
Time: Kickoff at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Purchase here
Pregame: Strive for 45 3K Fun Run & Walk (11:30 a.m.) – Register now (includes entry to match)
Postgame: Meet the Team – included with admission

“Preseason is a really important time. We need to get the players physically ready, we need to get them tactically ready,” said Head Coach Neill Collins. “The work the players have put in on the training ground and in the scrimmages has been very, very positive, so I’m really excited about the coming weeks and months ahead.”

While the first few weeks of training camp were focused on fitness, Collins and the technical staff have begun turning up the dial to get prepared for opening night. Last week, the team traveled to the Bay Area to take on Oakland Roots put in a strong performance highlighted by goals from Russell Cicerone and Jack Gurr.

“The attitude’s been great, the intensity and training has been great,” continued Collins. “There are going to be specific things we’re focusing on this Saturday. Of course we’ll be playing at home, so we want to show what we can do in front of our fans, but we still have to remind ourselves that we’ll constantly be evolving and improving during the season.”

Saturday will be the first time that Collins gets to coach in front of the Indomitable Fans, something that he’s been looking forward to since he joined the club. “I’m excited to be in our stadium and meeting our supporters. That’s what we’re here for – we’re here for the fans.”

Match Preview: Republic FC @ El Paso Locomotive FC

Republic FC is on the road for the second week in a row, visiting El Paso Locomotive FC for the final away match of the season. Western Conference teams continue to battle for positions in the table, and now the Indomitable Club will have an opportunity to lock-in a top-four spot and host a playoff game.

At a Glance: #ELPvSAC

Date: Saturday, October 19
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Southwest University Park (El Paso, Texas)
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

The squad closed last week’s stretch of three games in eight days by picking up a valuable point against Memphis 901 FC. The scoreless draw ended the club’s four-game losing streak on the road, and set a new club record for regular season clean sheets (15).

“A great point on the road,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs following the game. “I’m really proud of the guys. We were resolute, we were solid, and we had chances to win it. It gives everyone confidence to know that we can still go on the road and get the job done.”

The defensive line will be getting some reinforcements as Chibi Ukaegbu and Shane Wiedt prepare to return to the gameday roster. Ukaegbu missed the last two games to participate in a training camp with the U.S. U-19 Men’s Youth National Team. Wiedt has been out since August 3 after sustaining a broken clavicle against Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Republic FC is on the brink of clinching a top-four seed and hosting rights for a Western Conference Quarterfinal match. To get there, it will need a win against El Paso, or a Phoenix win over Memphis 901 FC.

Know Your Opponent – El Paso Locomotive FC

Heading into the weekend, El Paso is one of two Western Conference teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention. However despite missing out on the postseason for just the second time in club history, Los Locos have been in good form as of late, going undefeated in four of its last five matches.

Last weekend, the squad rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn a draw against San Antonio FC and claim its first Copa Tejas since 2021. The comeback started with a San Antonio own goal before Miles Lyons got his first score of the season on a fantastic chest-to-volley sequence from the top of the 18-yard box.

Los Locos are led by Amando Moreno, who has found the back of the next six times this year. Against Sacramento, he’s recorded a goal and an assist. The squad will also welcome back goalkeeper Jahmali Waite who recently completed a stint with the Jamaican National Team to advance to the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals.

Head-to-Head

El Paso is one of the few teams that has the all-time edge over Republic FC, with five wins to Sacramento’s four. In recent meetings though, the Indomitable Club has turned the tide, winning the last three matches, all of which were clean sheets.

The clubs last faced off at Heart Health Park in August and Sacramento took a 2-0 win. After Nick Ross and Kieran Phillips connected for the opening goal in the 31^st minute, it was Jared Timmer who put the exclamation point on the night, scoring his first career goal in the 86^th minute.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ Memphis 901 FC

This Saturday, Republic FC will face its penultimate road test of the regular season with a match against Memphis 901 FC. Playoff positions are on the line for both clubs as they meet at AutoZone Park for the first time.

At a Glance: #MEMvSAC

Date: Saturday, October 12
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. PT
Venue: AutoZone Park (Memphis, TN)
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

It’s been a busy week for the squad following a midweek contest with NorCal rival Monterey Bay F.C., gaining a valuable point in the standings with a 2-2 draw at Heart Health Park on Wednesday. Kieran Phillips extended his scoring contribution streak with an assist on Cristian Parano’s goal in the 15^th minute, while Nick Ross found the back of the net off a fantastic backheel from Russell Cicerone, but Monterey Bay would answer with two goals to split the points.

Phillips has now scored or assisted in the last seven matches (4 goals, 3 assists) and leads the Western Conference with a goal contribution every 89.07 minutes. For Ross, the goal added to a breakout campaign that has already seen him hit new personal bests for assists (6), goals (4), and minutes (2,725) with three games still to play.

Heading into the weekend, the club is back in second place in the Western Conference table and could clinch a home playoff match with a win over Memphis.

Know Your Opponent – Memphis 901 FC

Fifth-place Memphis could secure a postseason berth with a win or draw against Republic FC. The Beale Street Boys have been one of the best home teams this year and have not lost at AutoZone Park in their last 12 matches dating back to April 20. Most recently, they played to 1-1 draw with Oakland Roots as Bruno Lapa added his 11^th goal of the season in the fourth minute.

Lapa is part of a core of four Brazilian players on Memphis’ roster including Marlon, Luiz Fernando, and Lucas Turci. Of the club’s 48 goals scored this year, 30 have been scored or assisted by one of the four. Turci will be sidelined on Saturday due to caution accumulation.

Head-to-Head

This is just the third match between these two clubs who last met on a rainy night at Heart Health Park in March. After putting in a dominant performance that allowed just one shot on target, Sacramento got the game-winner in the 87^th minute as Jonathan Ricketts got on the end of a set piece from Rodrigo Lopez.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ San Antonio FC

Following its largest win of the year, the Indomitable Club can keep the momentum going with a trip to the Lone Star State and a match against San Antonio FC on Saturday. It’s win and we’re in for the squad: three points and Republic FC will secure its 10^th playoff berth in 11 seasons.

At a Glance: #SAvSAC

Date: Saturday, October 5
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, ESPN+
Watch Party: MoJos Local Tap & Kitchen (learn more)

Republic FC – The Latest

Mark Briggs’ squad picked up its fourth straight clean sheet win at home last Sunday, defeating Western Conference leader New Mexico United 4-0. Sacramento hit the ground quickly as Luis Felipe assisted Russell Cicerone for the opening goal in the 6^th minute, before doubling the lead in the 25^th minute. They picked right back up on the other side of the break with goals from Aldair Sanchez and Kieran Phillips, who was assisted by Jack Gurr.

Republic FC has now held opponents scoreless for 407 minutes at Heart Health Park. Danny Vitiello came up big with five saves to earn the club’s 14^th shutout of the year, and reach a new career high with 13 individual clean sheets. The four-goal performance earned Team of the Week selections for Luis Felipe and Danny Vitiello, as well as a Coach of the Week honor for Mark Briggs, his second of the year.

With three of its five remaining games on the road, the club has an opportunity to get back to the strong away form it showed earlier in the year. After going unbeaten in its first 10 away games, the club has lost its last four, despite long stretches of good play in each match.

Heading into the weekend, Sacramento has moved above Colorado Springs Switchbacks to sit in second in the Western Conference table. Three points – either from a Republic FC win or as a result of other games throughout the week – would guarantee a spot in the playoffs.

Know Your Opponent – San Antonio FC

On the heels of two consecutive losses, San Antonio will need a win on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive. Last week against Rhode Island FC, they got off to a rough start and conceded a goal just 18 seconds in, but Juan Agudelo would respond with an equalizer in the 20^th minute. Rhode Island answered with a pair of goals on the other side of the break to take all three points.

Agudelo leads the club with eight goals on the season, while Jorge Hernandez has contributed eight assists. Against Rhode Island, he led all players with four chances created.

San Antonio is currently in 10^th place in the table, four points behind eighth seed Orange County SC. With a loss or draw against Sacramento, they would fail to qualify to reach the postseason for the first time since 2019.

Head-to-Head

Sacramento has an all-time record of seven wins, four losses, and three draws against San Antonio, and has won the last three head-to-head matches. The Western Conference foes last met at Heart Health Park in August, when Sacramento put in a strong defensive performance that was mirrored by an unrelenting press, resulting in 20 shots to San Antonio’s two. Russell Cicerone closed out the performance with a late game-winning penalty. At Toyota Field, however it’s San Antonio that’s held the edge, holding Republic FC scoreless four times to go undefeated in all but one home match.

Match Notes

Both clubs will be without key parts of their roster as Republic FC’s Justin Portillo and San Antonio’s Kevon Lambert serve disciplinary suspensions for caution accumulation.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ New Mexico United

Republic FC and New Mexico United have stood atop the Western Conference table for nine consecutive weeks, and now the two clubs will finally meet head-to-head for the first time this season on Wednesday night.

At a Glance: #NMvSAC

Wednesday, September 18
Kickoff 6:00 p.m. PT
Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park (Albuquerque, NM)
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

Mark Briggs’ squad is heading into Wednesday’s contest on the heels of a 2-0 win over Phoenix Rising FC over the weekend. Phoenix was riding a four-game shutout streak, but Republic FC broke the deadlock early as Jack Gurr’s cross met the head of Sebastian Herrera at the far post. Gurr would set up the second goal of the night in a similar fashion, sending the ball to Kieran Phillips who found the back of the net just 65 seconds after stepping on the pitch.

It was the third straight home shutout victory for the Indomitable Club and the 13^th overall this season. Danny Vitiello earned his 50^th career clean sheet and has now tied his single-season shutout record with his 12^th of the season.

The win helped Republic FC gain ground on New Mexico ahead of Wednesday’s contest. The club is currently tied on points with Colorado Springs, but Switchbacks have played two more games. The clubs will face off in the final regular season game of the year on October 26.

Know Your Opponent

In its last outing, New Mexico dominated possession, but couldn’t find the back of the net on the road against Detroit City FC. After going behind on a first half penalty, the visitors kept the pressure up and forced former Republic FC goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña to come up with some big saves for Le Rouge. Marlon Vargas made his debut after joining the club on loan from Colorado Rapids II and led all players with two shots on target.

Led by Greg Hurst’s nine goals, the squad has seen six three-goal performances this year, tied for the best mark in the Western Conference. Alex Tambakis continues to stand tall between the pipes in his fourth season with the club and on Saturday became the first goalkeeper in league history to record 600 saves.

This has been a breakout season for the Black & Yellow. The club has reached the postseason in four of its first five seasons and is just a couple points away from clinching another, but 2024 is the first year that the squad has been among the conference leaders and for the first time in club history will likely host a playoff match. They also made headlines in the U.S. Open Cup, defeating Real Salt Lake 4-2 in the Round of 32.

Head-to-Head

Republic FC leads the all-time series with four wins to New Mexico’s two, while the clubs have played to two draws. The last time they met at Isotopes Park, however, the Black and Yellow handed Sacramento its largest loss of the 2023 season, 3-0.

Sacramento has knocked the Black & Yellow out of the postseason the last two years. In 2023, it was the head of Conor Donovan that punched Republic FC’s ticket to the Western Conference Semifinals.

Match Notes

This will be the first time that Republic FC midfielder Justin Portillo faces his former club after parting ways with New Mexico United in the offseason. The 11-year pro spent two years with the club, recording 14 goals and 10 assists in 71 appearances en route to back-to-back postseason appearances.

Match Preview: Republic FC @ Charleston Battery

This Saturday, Republic FC heads East to face off with Charleston Battery. It’s the final interconference match for the Indomitable Club this year, featuring two of the top teams in the league that are both looking to rise to the top spot in their respective conferences.

At a Glance: #CHSvSAC

Saturday, September 7
Kickoff 4:30 p.m. PT
Patriots Point (Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina)
Watch in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and on ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

Sacramento is heading into the match from a bye week. The club was last in action against San Antonio FC on August 24, with a dominant defensive performance and unrelenting high press that resulted in 20 shots to San Antonio’s two. Russell Cicerone ensured his squad took all three points in late-dramatic fashion, converting a penalty in the 87^th minute.

Three-quarters of the way through the season, Republic FC continues to get contributions from the entire roster. Substitutes have accounted for one-third of the club’s goals, while 12 have been scored in the final 15 minutes of the match.

Despite seeing no action last week, Republic FC continues to hold onto second place in the Western Conference table – seven points back from New Mexico United and with a game in hand.

Know Your Opponent

Charleston Battery sits in second place in its own battle for the top of the Eastern Conference table and the Players Shield, just three behind Louisville City FC. The Battery recently saw success against San Antonio as well, coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw. After conceding first, Charleston fought back to score the equalizer as Juan David Torres sent his free kick to the upper 90 from 30 yards out.

The club has made league headlines for its high-powered offense, led by Nick Markanich. The 24-year-old has seen a breakout season and is in command of the Golden Boot race with 24 goals, while also adding five assists. Earlier last week, it was announced that Markanich will transfer to CD Castellón of LaLiga2 at the end of the season. Between the sticks, former Republic FC goalkeeper Adam Grinwis has led Charleston to lead the league with 13 clean sheets, and 25 goals conceded, second only to Republic FC with 20.

Charleston will be without captain Leland Archer over the weekend, as the defender joins the Trinidad and Tobago national team for upcoming international window.

Match Notes

This is the first time that Republic FC and Charleston Battery have met at Patriots Point since 2022, when Sacramento earned a 4-0 win. Last season, each team took a point in a 1-1 draw at Heart Health Park.

Charleston has made Patriots Point a fortress in 2024, going unbeaten in all but one match, a 2-1 loss against El Paso in May. Since then the club has won six of seven home games, outscoring opponents 23 to 3. Meanwhile, Republic FC has held strong on the road with six wins, four draws, and just one loss – including four undefeated results in five contests against Eastern Conference teams.

Republic FC midfielder Justin Portillo made his professional debut with Charleston in 2014 where he played four seasons, scoring 19 goals and adding 10 assists in 113 total appearances.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. San Antonio FC

After a 10-day break, Republic FC is back in action this Saturday to host San Antonio FC and if the two clubs’ recent meetings are any indicator, this is sure to be a physical and intense contest. With the end of the regular season just a couple months out, each side has its own challenge ahead as Sacramento fights for the best record in the West for the second straight year and San Antonio pushes to get above the playoff line.

At a Glance: #SACvSA

Saturday, August 24
Kickoff at 8:00 p.m. PT
Heart Health Park
Promotions: Brewfest (Ages 21+), College Night Presented by Sac State
Watch in English & Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and on ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

Sacramento will come into Saturday’s contest well-rested after an extended 10-day break, looking for back-to-back home wins for the first time this year. In its last outing, the club dominated El Paso Locomotive in a 2-0 win.

Kieran Phillips netted his 10^th goal of the year across all competitions. Nick Ross delivered his 6^th assist of the year, setting a new single-season career high. The night’s exclamation point came late in the match as Jared Timmer scored his first professional goal. Ross and Timmer both earned Team of the Week selections for their performance.

With the goal, Phillips now holds the record for the fastest player to reach 10 goals for Republic FC, clocking in at 1,023 minutes. He edges out teammate Russell Cicerone who claimed the record last year in 1,083 minutes.

Republic FC’s defense held tight all night, only allowing four total shots and not a single shot on target to challenge goalkeeper Jared Mazzola who recorded his first clean sheet in USL Championship.

Know Your Opponent – San Antonio FC

San Antonio has reached the postseason in each of the last four seasons – claiming the Championship in 2022 – but finds itself below the playoff line heading into Week 25.

The Texas side is on a two-game undefeated streak, earning a 1-0 win over North Carolina FC over the weekend – the club’s first win since July 6. Making his SAFC debut, Jesús Brígido scored the lone goal of the match, sneaking in a left-footed shot from outside the box on the right flank. The midfielder was added to the club’s roster last week on loan from Chivas.

San Antonio currently sits in 11^th place in the table, but is just three points back from eighth place Monterey Bay F.C.

Longtime Republic FC fans will recognize two familiar faces on the San Antonio sideline as defenders Shannon Gomez and Mitchell Taintor make their return to Heart Health Park. Both featured for the Indomitable Club 2018-2021, combining for 170 appearances, 4 goals, and 10 assists.

Match Notes

Sacramento has an all-time record of six wins, four losses, and three draws against San Antonio, claiming all three points in the last three games at Heart Health Park.

The Indomitable Club was unbeaten against the Texas side last year with a nil-nil draw on the road and a physical 3-1 home win that led to one of the most memorable sequences in recent club history. With no substitutions remaining, San Antonio was forced to put a defender in goal after goalkeeper Jordan Farr was ejected after taking down Sebastian Herrera. Luis Felipe stepped up to take the free kick, sending his left-footed shot over the wall and curling into the upper 90. The score was nominated for USL Championship Goal of the Year and was selected by the Republic FC players and coaches as the 2023 Play of the Year.

The two clubs last met in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinal with first-place Republic FC hosting San Antonio in its quest for back-to-back titles. After a scoreless first half, Sacramento broke out for three second-half goals from Russell Cicerone, Nick Ross, and Damia Viader to punch its ticket to the next round.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC

This Wednesday, Republic FC will play its third straight national TV match, hosting El Paso Locomotive on $2 beer night. As the end of the regular season nears and the postseason picture begins to take shape, the club has continues to hold onto its position near the top of the Western Conference table.

At a Glance: #SACvELP

Wednesday, August 14
Kickoff 7:30 p.m. PT
Heart Health Park (GET TICKETS)
Promotions: $2 Modelo (while supplies last)
Watch on CBS Sports Network

Republic FC – The Latest

The Indomitable Club comes into Wednesday’s match on the heels of a thrilling – yet heartbreaking – loss in Louisville over the weekend. Down two goals early in the second half, Republic FC broke out for three goals in seven minutes with two goals from Nick Ross plus a third from Kieran Phillips, and two assists from Jack Gurr.

LouCity scored an equalizer in the 66^th minute before the referee awarded the hosts an uncontested drop ball in extra time that provided them the opportunity to steal all three points. The defeat ended Republic FC’s 11-game undefeated road streak, tied for the second longest streak in USL Championship history. With 12 regular season games remaining, the club sits in second place in the Western Conference table – six points back from New Mexico United. With just two contests remaining this month, a result against El Paso could provide Republic FC some breathing room as it makes a final push for the West’s #1 seed.

Know Your Opponent

After making the postseason in three of its first four seasons – narrowly missing the cutoff in 2022 – El Paso finds itself in an unfamiliar position at the bottom of the Western Conference table. But the Texas club will head into the midweek contest with momentum after securing its first home win of the season over the weekend, 2-1 against Miami FC. Midseason acquisition Robert Coronado opened up the scoring just before the halftime break before Amando Moreno netted what would prove to be the game winner in the 66^th minute. The two-goal performance snapped El Paso’s six-game scoring drought.

Despite what the results may show, El Paso is a team full of experienced players that with the ability to put in a strong performance on any given night. In between the sticks, Jamaican national team goalkeeper Jahmali Waite recently posted a single-game career high -1.99 Goals Prevented mark. Up top, Amando Moreno leads the team with six goals. The forward joined the squad ahead of the 2024 season following four years with New Mexico United. El Paso’s bench will also feature two familiar faces: Assistant Coach Ray Saari, who made 22 appearances for Republic FC in 2019, and winger Joaquin Rivas, who featured for Sacramento in 2015-16 and made 21 appearances.

Match Notes

This will be the ninth all-time meeting between Sacramento and El Paso. Locomotive kicked off the series with four consecutive wins, but Republic FC has bounced back to win three of the last four contests, including both matches last year. In the most recent head-to-head last September, Luis Felipe headed in the game-winner with just seconds remaining in second half stoppage time to secure Sacramento’s ninth playoff berth.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Phoenix Rising FC

Coming off consecutive wins, first-place Republic FC heads to the desert for a rematch of the 2023 Western Conference final at Phoenix Rising FC – off to its own strong start. The Indomitable Club remains unbeaten on the season entering the match and are winners of four of its last five contests.

At a Glance: #SACvPHX

7:30 PM PT kickoff
Phoenix Rising Stadium, Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News Mobile App,
Streaming: ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

Republic FC secured its second straight win last Saturday in dramatic fashion. After a 1-1 affair with Eastern Conference side Loudoun United through 85 minutes, Huddersfield Town loanee Kieran Phillips found the back of the net twice for the club in his home debut. Sacramento’s substitutes changed the game in the second half, with Jonathan Ricketts and Rafa Jauregui also putting in stellar shifts defensively after entering alongside Phillips with 15 minutes to go. Phillips’ performance earned him a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week in just his second game with Sacramento.

The calendar turns to May after a strong April where the squad recorded three wins and a draw, gained ten points in the standings, and extended its unbeaten run to open the season to eight games. Sacramento was the top club in the league away from home, claiming two victories, and conceded only two scores the entire month. The squad was the top scoring team in the West on the month, with 13 goals.

Know Your Opponent

Phoenix welcomes the Quails as winners in two of its last three matches. Last week, Rising bested league debutant Rhode Island FC 3-1 after an early brace by forward Remi Cabral put them up two by the 35-minute mark. The contest was the club’s second three-goal outing in four weeks, after an eventful 3-3 draw with FC Tulsa on April 5.

Cabral has led a return to form for his club in the last four weeks – tallying two braces and five total scores in April. He’s among the league’s leaders in expected goals (3.46), and his pair of multi-score games rank first in the league this season alongside Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Cal Jennings. The Frenchman has been supported primarily by Panos Armenakas, whose 17 chances created ranks fourth in USL Championship through eight weeks.

Match Notes

Saturday’s match marks the 26^th all-time contest for Sacramento against Phoenix. It’s been a tight all-time series, with Republic FC tallying eight wins, eight draws and nine defeats. The all-time scoring balance favors Sacramento at 13-7.

Forward Russell Cicerone has scored in two of his last three games against Phoenix. Last July 26, he netted the second of four goals for the club in a 4-0 win. He scored the opening goal in the 2023 Western Conference Final at Heart Health Park.