Match Previews

Match Preview: Republic FC v Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Republic FC wraps a busy stretch of three games in eight days this Saturday, when the club closes out the season series with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Sacramento enters the contest on three straight clean sheet results including Wednesday’s scoreless draw against New Mexico United at Heart Health Park.

At a Glance: #SACvCOS

5:00 PM PT Kickoff
Weidner Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

Sacramento’s latest performance saw the club tally its third straight game unbeaten. Excellent backline play kept the contest tight through all 90 minutes. Republic FC nearly broke the deadlock on a few occasions and was very active in the attacking half – the club recorded 26 crosses into the box and had the edge in possession. In the end Sacramento claimed its 12^th clean sheet of the season, tied for the league’s best mark.

Mark Briggs’ Men sets out for their penultimate road match of the regular season. Away from Heart Health Park in 2023, the club has been strong, posting a record of six wins, three losses, and six draws. Earlier this season, the club went eight straight road games without a loss from May 26 to August 19.

Know Your Opponent

Colorado Springs is part of a grouping of squads tied in the table – Switchbacks FC, Monterey Bay F.C., and Oakland Roots each sit on 40 points. With El Paso and New Mexico not far behind on 39 and 37, respectively, every game is important for the club.

Entering Saturday, they’ll be confident after getting results over two of the West’s toughest teams. On September 9, Colorado Springs split points with San Antonio in a 1-1 draw, and last weekend ended Orange County SC’s nine game unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory in enemy territory. In each contest, they’ve been efficient, scoring in each despite a combined five shots on target.

Players to Watch

Goalkeeper Christian Herrera put in a big performance for his club in Colorado Springs’ 1-0 victory last week over Orange County. He tallied eight saves and did well amidst a ton of pressure by the SoCal club, who posted 19 total shots, ten of which came from inside the penalty area. The shutout earned him Player of the Week honors for Week 28.

Cristian Parano stood out for Sacramento during Wednesday’s contest. He gave opposing defenders fits all evening, creating three scoring chances and completing nearly 85% of his passing attempts in the final third. He nearly found the net on a couple of occasions, but stout defending neutralized each chance.

Head-to-Head

Saturday marks the 14^th all-time contest between the two clubs. Sacramento’s holds a slight advantage, with a record of 6 wins, 5 losses and two draws. When the two sides met on April 15 earlier this year, Republic FC put in a dominating performance, scoring four goals in a shutout victory. At Weidner Field, Switchbacks FC has won four of seven contests, outscoring Sacramento 10-6.

Match Preview: Republic FC v New Mexico United

After a thrilling last-second victory Saturday, Republic FC is back on the pitch for a mid-week contest. New Mexico United visits Heart Health Park, continuing Sacramento’s stretch of three games in eight days.

At a Glance: #SACvNM

7:00 PM PT Kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
Theme Night: Superhero Night presented by UC Davis Health
- Giveaway: UC Davis Health x Republic FC Superhero Cape

Republic FC – The Latest

Sacramento dominated on the ball Saturday – but their persistent efforts weren’t rewarded until the final moments. In the final minute of second half stoppage time, Keko served an out-swinging cross to Luis Felipe at edge of the six-yard box, who headed it over the line to secure the Quails all three points. Leading up to the score, the club pinned its West Texas foes in their own half for a majority of the match, entering the attacking third 90 times to El Paso’s 46 and holding nearly 60% possession.

The victory – Sacramento’s 15^th on the year in league play – secured the Indomitable Club its 11^th clean sheet and a playoff berth for the ninth time in ten seasons. The club maintains its lead in the Western Conference standings with 54 points with five games to play in the regular season.

Know Your Opponent

United is in a tight race to reach the playoff line as one of six teams within five points of one another in the standings. Currently, they sit in 10^th on 36 points, making every game important for them should they hope to secure a postseason berth. Wednesday, they’ll be without midfielder Justin Portillo as he serves a disciplinary suspension for yellow card accumulation.

New Mexico comes to the River City following an eventful victory on Friday against Indy Eleven. After going down a score nine minutes after the start of the match, a penalty save by new acquisition Andrew Thomas gave the hosts momentum. The club equalized before the break and put in two more in the second half to take all three points.

Players to Watch

Nicky Hernandez put in a strong showing for his club on Friday night, netting a go-ahead score in the 64th minute while also tallying three chances created. Alongside Hernandez, forward Santi Moar is likely to return to the starting XI after going unused on the bench against Indy Eleven.

Luis Felipe’s score on Saturday night was his sixth of the season – setting a new single-season career high for the Brazilian. The match marked his first 90-minute outing since returning from injury. On the season, he has six scores and two assists.

Head to Head

All-time, Sacramento and New Mexico have faced off seven times, including two meetings in the postseason. Republic FC has won four times, and the two clubs have split points just once. New Mexico won the last meeting on July 22 – a 3-0 result favoring the hosts in Albuquerque. At Heart Health Park, Sacramento has recorded two wins, one loss and one draw.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Phoenix Rising FC

Republic FC sets back out on the road this week for the second of three matches in eight days. Wednesday night from the desert, The Quails take on Phoenix Rising FC for the last of their two regular season matchups. In a tight battle for the top spot in the West, it’s another important contest for Mark Briggs’ Men.

At a Glance: #SACvPHX

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

Republic FC – The Latest

20,231 packed Hughes Stadium for the club’s 10^th anniversary celebration match last Saturday as the club hosted Orange County SC. Sacramento did well to generate opportunities, outshooting their SoCal foes 19-5, but was unable to find the net, snapping their five-game unbeaten streak. For only the second time this season, Sacramento conceded more than one goal in a 2-0 defeat to Orange County SC. Some silver linings came from the game, however, as Rodrigo Lopez and Sebastian Herrera each made a long-awaited return from injury.

The quick turnaround provides an opportunity to bounce back from the defeat – something Sacramento has done before. Sacramento suffered a 3-0 loss on the road on July 22, and in their next match posted four scores against Rising FC to kick off their five-match run.

Know Your Opponent

With so many club’s in the mix for the playoffs in the Western Conference, every match is a big one for the Arizona side. Currently, they sit in 7^th, but are only five points from Oakland Roots in fourth place. Having a game in hand entering this week gives them an opportunity to make a jump in the standings.

The club’s attack has led the way in recent weeks, posting three multi-goal games in its past five. Over the weekend, they overcame a 2-1 deficit against Las Vegas Lights to claim three points with two scores inside the final ten minutes, and two weeks ago, they posted five goals in a shutout victory against El Paso.

Players to Watch

Forward Danny Trejo has been on a tear in recent weeks, netting five goals in his last five games. He was crowned Player of the Week in Week 23 for a two score, two assist outing against El Paso on August 12. Since June 21, he’s been one of the league’s most dangerous attackers, scoring nine times and tallying three assists.

Cristian Parano has shown well in his first taste of action for Sacramento. He put his name on the scoresheet with an assist of Luther Archimède in his first match with the club, and on Saturday was a threat off the bench once again. With Rodrigo Lopez, Luis Felipe, and Sebastian Herrera all back in the fray, the Argentine will have plenty of support to help him make an impact. Against Phoenix Rising for his career, Parano has one goal in three appearances.

Head-to-Head

For the second straight week, Sacramento faces off with a longtime foe. Republic FC and Rising FC have faced off 23 times before. Sacramento has claimed eight wins to Phoenix’s seven, and the two sides have split points eight times. Republic FC has the scoring advantage with 24 goals to Phoenix’s 18.

The two sides matchup earlier this season ended in a 4-0 result favoring Sacramento. A fast start provided Mark Briggs’ Men early control of the contest to kick off a five-match unbeaten run. Four different players – Keko, Jack Gurr, Russell Cicerone, and Zeiko Lewis – found the back of the net in the clean sheet win.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Orange County SC

After four straight road matches and five straight Saturdays away from Heart Health Park, Republic FC returns home for a momentous occasion. Saturday, the club takes the pitch from the site of its first-ever home match – Hughes Stadium – for its 10^th season celebration with an expected sellout crowd of over 20,000 fans in attendance. It’s set to be a historic night at Sacramento City College as the Indomitable Club reflects on its 10 seasons of history from 2014 to now.

At a Glance: #SACvOC

7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Hughes Stadium, Sacramento, California
Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
Pre-match festivities: Track 7 Brewing in Curtis Park from 5:00-6:30PM
Giveaway: Commemorative T-Shirt to the first 10,000 fans presented by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

Republic FC – The Latest

While away from home, Republic FC claimed 10 of 12 available points, posting three wins and one draw. Sacramento claimed its fifth straight unbeaten result last Saturday to come out of the stretch on top of the league table with 48 points.

A 3-1 win over Loudoun United on August 19 extended the club’s unbeaten run to five matches. Three different players found the back of the net, and recently-acquired winger Cristian Parano assisted the final score in his club debut. For his performance, Matt LaGrassa was named to the league’s Best 18 for Week 24, and Luis Felipe returned from injury, entering off the bench for his first appearance since June 24 against San Antonio FC.

Know Your Opponent

Orange County SC enters the match red hot – the club has won its past six games and nine of its last ten contests. The SoCal Club’s wins shutout Eastern Conference heavyweights Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Charleston Battery. Since the start of June OC has only lost when held scoreless, a span of 12 games.

The club will be without its top attacking threat when they make the trip north. Striker Milan Iloski will miss the contest serving a disciplinary suspension. In the club’s winning streak, the 24-year-old had scored four times in six games.

Players to Watch

Acquired just last week on loan from MLS side Minnesota United, midfielder Cameron Dunbar figures to have an increased role in Iloski’s absence. The 20-year-old Southern California native has history against Sacramento from his time with LA Galaxy II, scoring one goal in four appearances.

Luis Felipe’s return from injury last week provides Republic FC a new threat both offensively and defensively. Before going out with an injury, the Brazilian had tied his career high for goals in a season and contributed to a score in three of five games dating to May 26.

Head-to-Head

Going along with the theme of the night, Saturday’s match continues a historical series between the two squads dating to each club’s inaugural season. Orange County SC – then under the name Orange County Blues – was one of the four opponents to visit Hughes Stadium back in 2014. Sacramento claimed a 2-1 victory before a crowd of 17,000 fans as a goal each from Thommy Stewart and Adam Jahn propelled Republic FC to its first-ever home victory.

Sacramento and Orange County have faced off 25 times in the past. Each have claimed ten wins, and the two have split points on five occasions. Sacramento has the edge in all-time scoring, 41-34, with Cameron Iwasa leading among individual players with five goals in the fixture. Orange County claimed the last,1-0, in first meeting of the clubs this season on May 17.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Loudoun United FC

Sacramento makes its final trip to the East Coast this weekend in for an inter-conference matchup with Loudoun United FC. It’s the second-ever match between the two clubs. Important points are on the table entering the final ten games of the regular season with tight races in each conference for playoff position.

At a Glance: #SACvLDN

4:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Segra Field, Leesburg, Virginia
Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+
After the Match: Stay tuned on FOX40 for Home at Hughes – A Republic FC Special for a preview of the club’s 10^th Anniversary match at Hughes Stadium on August 26

Republic FC – The Latest

Sacramento makes its first trip to the DMV on a four-match unbeaten streak. After three consecutive wins to close July and open August, last weekend’s 1-1 draw added another point to the Indomitable Club’s Western Conference lead. Late heroics drew the club level in the 83^rd minute, marking the squad’s fourth come-from-behind effort this season.

The Quails added reinforcements on the attacking end on Wednesday. Winger Cristian Parano joined the club after signing a multi-year contract. His addition fortifies Mark Briggs’ front line with another creative presence that can distribute and strike with precision from anywhere on the pitch. Parano is available for selection to the matchday roster this weekend.

Know Your Opponent

Loudoun welcomes Sacramento following a strong victory last Saturday in Las Vegas. A 3-0 clean sheet win marked one of the club’s finest outings of the season, and its second shutout in three games. They have performed well of late, playing San Diego and Memphis tough in the previous two weeks to open the month of August.

The Virginia club is within striking distance of the playoff line in the Eastern Conference, with eight games remaining in a tight race. Loudoun is among six clubs separated by only seven points in the table heading into the season’s stretch run.

Players to Watch

Russell Cicerone has outstanding career numbers against United, tallying five goals and two assists in eight career appearances. His five scores are tied for the most by any player against the club all-time, and his seven scoring contributions ranks third.

Goalkeeper Dane Jacomen made his name known across the league last week. In his first action since July 15, he earned Team of the Week Honors with a five save shutout, including a penalty stop in the 51^st minute to deny Las Vegas an equalizer.

Head to Head

The only previous meeting between the two sides took place last September 10 – Republic FC’s first match after the U.S. Open Cup Final in Orlando. Four different players found the net after the halftime break in a 4-0 win for Sacramento; Jack Gurr netted his first score with the club in the 56^th minute, and Luther found the back of the net off an assist from Keko in the 83^rd.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Birmingham Legion FC

Republic FC heads to the Magic City this week as the club prepares to face off with Birmingham Legion FC. It’s just the second meeting between the two after the Alabama side visited Heart Health Park last July. For the first time, Sacramento travels to Protective Stadium in the third of four straight road contests.

At a Glance: #SACvBHM

4:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

Republic FC enters the match on a three-game unbeaten run. Coming off a two-win week, the club claimed its eighth clean sheet of the year against regional rival Monterey Bay F.C. last Saturday. Russell Cicerone found the net for the third straight game, and for the fourth time in five games dating to July 15. Keko earned Team of the Week honors for his performance, which included the assist on Cicerone’s winner in the 35^th minute.

Know Your Opponent

Legion FC has been in good form throughout the summer, bouncing back from a challenging May with four wins in its last eight games. Late scores by opponents issued the club two losses on July 29 and August 4, two matches in which they threatened constantly but were kept out of net by tough luck or excellent play from their opponents. At home, Birmingham has claimed five of its nine victories and has yet to be shut out.

The club made an addition to its roster last week, acquiring former Sporting Kansas City academy product Tyler Freeman on loan from Nashville SC. He’s yet to start for his new club, logging six minutes in two appearances off the bench.

Players to Watch

A few of Sacramento’s key contributors have a lot of history against the Eastern Conference club. Russell Cicerone has faced Birmingham five times in his career, and Jared Timmer six times in his career. Against a largely unchanged roster, their experience at Protective Stadium could play a factor in the match.

For Birmingham, the attacking trio of Enzo Martinez, Neco Brett, and former U.S. Men’s National-teamer Juan Agudelo has propelled the squad all season, combining for 17 goals and nine assists. Agudelo netted the winner in the last match between Birmingham and Sacramento, assisted by Martinez.

Head-to-Head

The only all-time meeting between the two sides took place last July, with Legion FC taking a 1-0 victory. Visiting Heart Health Park for the first time, Birmingham found the net two minutes into the match. Republic FC played well for the remainder of the evening but wasn’t able to find an equalizer before the final whistle sounded.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Monterey Bay F.C.

League-leading Republic FC sets out for the second of four straight road matches this week. Saturday, the club takes the pitch in a regional derby against Monterey Bay F.C. in Seaside, California. It’s the two clubs’ final regular season contest of 2023. The club enters the match on consecutive victories after a six-point week from wins over Phoenix and Las Vegas.

At a Glance: #SACvMB

7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Cardinale Stadium, Seaside, California
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

The Indomitable Club took three points for the second straight match on Saturday night, besting Las Vegas Lights FC 2-1 at Cashman field. The result closed an impressive week for the club with two victories and six points. Three players – Russell Cicerone, Keko, and Jack Gurr were rewarded for their efforts with selections to the USL Championship Team of the Week after combining for four of the club’s six goals and three assists in the two fixtures. Zeiko Lews netted the winner, scoring in his second straight match.

Know Your Opponent

Monterey Bay has experienced some tough luck of late, going without a victory since June 24 and being held scoreless in each of its last two games. Last week against Phoenix Rising, the club performed well and dominated on the stat sheet but was unable to overcome an early two-score deficit. However, prior to that streak, the club had won four straight games including a 1-0 win in Sacramento on June 17 in the two sides’ first contest of the year.

With just six points separating 11^th place from third in the Western Conference, Union remains a threat to jump back over the playoff line. Through the season’s first half, they were among the league’s best attacking sides, ranking fifth in scores and posting an 18% conversion rate. Excellent individual performances made the club a potent foe every time out as forward Alex Dixon threatened for the Golden Boot and James Murphy showed well in the middle of the park.

Players to Watch

Dixon and fellow forward Christian Volesky have combined for 16 goals this season, helping the club post the league’s top conversion rate through the season’s first half. The pair has been especially dangerous at home in Cardinale Stadium, where Dixon has netted seven of his nine goals on the year, and Volesky finishing off five of his seven goals. Since July 1, the pair has scored just one goal between them, with Dixon finding net against Oakland Roots SC on July 15.

Forwards Keko, Russell Cicerone, and Zeiko Lewis have shined since being joined as a group at the top of Sacramento’s formation. The three attackers have combined for six scores and four assists since July 15 against Memphis 901 FC. Cicerone and Keko were each recognized for their efforts last week, being named to the league’s Best 18 for Week 21.

Head-to-Head

Saturday marks the fifth all-time matchup between Sacramento and Monterey Bay. Each club has claimed two wins, one home and one away. The all-time scoring differential is also even, with both sides netting four goals. Monterey Bay has won each of the last two contests by a 1-0 score line, claiming three points last August 14 and again this past June.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Las Vegas Lights FC

After a resounding bounce-back win Wednesday night, Republic FC heads to Southern Nevada to kick off a month-long road trip. The Indomitable Club faces off with Las Vegas Lights FC for the first time this season, making its first trip to Cashman Field since last August.

At a Glance: #SACvLV

7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Cashman Field, Las Vegas, Nevada
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

Sacramento came out with fire Wednesday against Phoenix Rising FC, claiming their first league win over the Arizona side since 2018. It was a strong performance, with a full-squad effort keeping the visitors off the scoresheet in the second half. Jack Gurr returned to the starting XI with a goal and assist apiece, while Russell Cicerone took control over the league’s golden boot with his 11^th on the season. The victory also was Head Coach Mark Briggs’ 50^th as manager of the Indomitable Club since taking his post before the 2020 season.

Know Your Opponent

Las Vegas has continually been one of the league’s tougher teams to face this season. While the club initially struggled, it refuses to go down without a fight even against some of the tougher teams on their schedule. Wednesday, they visited Oakland Roots SC and went toe-to-toe with the East Bay club. If not for a great save by Oakland’s Paul Blanchette and an offside flag that took away a stoppage time equalizer, Lights FC may have come away with points.

Players to Watch

Vegas’ leading scorer Pato Botello suffered an injury earlier this month. In his place, Lights FC is likely to rely on a committee of attackers, including Preston Tabor Etaka, who Sacramento is familiar with from his stops at previous clubs, most recently New Mexico United, and midfielder Issa Rayyan, who was a key member of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in 2022. The club acquired forward Josh Dolling on loan from New Mexico just over a week ago; the Englishman has assisted three times this season and featured mainly as a substitute since joining Las Vegas.

Russell Cicerone has surged in recent weeks, scoring twice in his last three matches since the club’s July 15 match vs. Memphis. Following his goal on Wednesday night, he now leads the league’s Golden Boot race with 11 goals – which also moved him into sixth place, on Sacramento’s all-time single season scoring leaderboard.

Head-to-Head

Sacramento and Las Vegas faced off ten times in the past. Lights FC took the season fixture in 2022, securing a win on August 20 after the two sides drew 1-1 on April 30. Republic FC leads the all-time series with five wins, two losses, and three draws.

At Cashman Field, things are dead even with each side winning twice and the two splitting points once. Sacramento claimed six straight unbeaten results against the Southern Nevada club from 2019 to 2022.

Notes and Quotes: “We have a good culture”

Two clubs are looking to extend their four-game unbeaten streak as Republic FC and New Mexico United face off in Albuquerque on Saturday night. The match marks the first meeting between the two sides this season, and the first match since Sacramento eliminated The Black & Yellow in the 2022 playoffs.

In the all-time series, the Indomitable Club has picked up two wins in as many matches at Isotopes Park, but Head Coach Mark Briggs knows that it’s anyone’s game to win: “We’re trying to get a result in a difficult place to play because of their crowd and the atmosphere they bring.”

Despite facing adversity in the past two months, Republic FC has produced results in five games since the start of June and remains on top of the Western Conference table. As Briggs explains, it’s about embracing the ‘next man up’ attitude: “It’s all about the culture on a team. It’s about creating an environment that encourages players to fight for their teammates. And right now, we have a good culture and a good environment with everyone giving everything they have on a daily basis.”

Briggs has continued to utilize his entire roster, with players stepping into new roles and putting in key performances: “I think we’re all confident in each other,” said defender Aldair Sanchez. “It doesn’t matter who’s out, we know that someone else is there to help the team. We’re confident that whoever we put on the field, they can make a difference. That’s what matters.”

The club’s most recent result saw Russell Cicerone net his 10^th goal of the season in a hard-fought come-from-behind draw against Memphis at Heart Health Park, where Republic FC has maintained a league-best record this season (6-1-4). Now with 9 of 15 remaining games on the road, Briggs is preparing his team for a difficult stretch ahead: “We’ve got to show a little bit of humility and understanding that we’re on the road and it’s difficult on the road. But we can’t have any excuses. We’ve got to make sure we turn up and we have the quality to get results on the road.”

“It’s going to take a lot of guts to get results, especially on the road,” continued Sanchez. “We found that fight last weekend, and we want to keep that up.”

Match Preview: Republic FC v New Mexico United

Western Conference leading Republic FC hit the road again this week, traveling to the Southwest for a meeting with New Mexico United. It’s the first contest between the two sides this season, as well as the first since last year’s meeting in the USL Championship playoffs. Each club enters the contest on a four-match unbeaten run.

At a Glance: #SACvNM

6:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Isotopes Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

The Quails extended their unbeaten streak to four matches last Saturday night in a come-from-behind effort against Memphis 901 FC. After a tough first half, the club found a spark in the second half before equalizing with just three minutes remaining. Russell Cicerone put a Keko cross over the line for his tenth score this season, moving him back into a share of the top spot for the league’s golden boot.

Know Your Opponent

In June, New Mexico made a change at the helm, replacing Head Coach Zach Prince with Eric Quill – formerly of Columbus Crew and 2019 USL League One Champion North Texas SC. The club has responded with unbeaten results in five of its last six and enters this week on a four-match unbeaten run that includes two clean sheets. Quill inherited the league’s most efficient side on the attack – entering the match, New Mexico has posted a league-best 21% conversion rate, and ranks in the top-10 in scoring.

The club has been busy on the transaction wire of late. On Monday, the club announced the signing of Colombian forward Isaac Zuleta, and last Friday, brought on midfielder Jacobo Reyes from Liga MX side C.F. Monterrey. Former San Antonio FC man Nicky Hernandez joined the club late in June on a 25-day contract.

Players to Watch

Few active players in the league have faced Sacramento more often than midfielder Santi Moar. In 11 contests against the Quails spanning his stints with New Mexico and Phoenix Rising, the Spaniard has tallied one goal and three assists. Moar has scored and assisted twice so far this season.

Off the bench last week against Memphis, Keko changed the game for Republic FC. The Spaniard scored each time he faced New Mexico last season – netting an equalizer on August 3 in Albuquerque, and the game-sealing score in October in the two sides first-round playoff meeting. Last week, in tandem with Aldair Sanchez on the left flank, he created two chances as Sacramento pushed for the equalizer.

Head to Head

The all-time fixture between Sacramento and New Mexico has been one of the most competitive in the league since the Albuquerque club’s first season. Sacramento has recorded a 4-1-1 record all time and outscored the club 10-4 – but only twice has a match been decided by more than one goal. The club is a perfect 2-0 at Isotopes Park.

Last season, the two sides played three contests, two in Sacramento and one in Albuquerque. In May, points were shared in a scoreless draw. In August, Sacramento took a come-from-behind road win in a 2-1 result as Keko and Douglas Martinez each found the net. Rodrigo Lopez assisted each score – moving him into the top spot on the club’s all-time assists leaderboard. Sacramento and New Mexico met again in the Conference Quarterfinal Round of the USL Championship Playoffs, where Republic FC took a 2-0 victory.