Match Previews

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.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Loudoun United FC

After another strong road victory, Republic FC returns home in sole possession of first place in the Western Conference and unbeaten through seven games. In Week 8, the club welcomes Virginia side Loudoun United FC to Heart Health Park for an inter-conference matchup. It’s the third contest between the two teams all-time and Loudoun’s first visit to Sacramento since 2022.

At a Glance: #SACvLDN

7:00 PM PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News Mobile App,
Streaming: CBS Sports Golazo

Republic FC – The Latest

A historic score and career first vaulted Sacramento to three points last week in Irvine against Orange County SC. The club made its mark instantly, scoring in 15 seconds for the fastest goal in club history to take a 1-0 lead. Twenty-five minutes later, Aldair Sanchez netted his first career goal on an assist from Jack Gurr – who received Team of the Week honors for his performance. Republic FC secured the season series against Orange County with the victory.

Republic FC now sits as the last unbeaten team in the Western Conference. The club’s backline is again performing as the best in the league, conceding a league-low four goals and tallying a league-best four shutouts. Sacramento is still the only team yet to trail this season over 630 minutes of play, and is part of a small group of just eight clubs to net double-digit goals in its first seven games.

Know Your Opponent

United comes to Sacramento off a tough 1-0 defeat to Eastern Conference heavyweight Louisville City. The club played well throughout the match but surrendered a tough luck own goal mid-way through the second half. On the defensive end, Loudoun kept LouCity’s strong attack without a shot on target until the 85^th minute. They nearly found a pair of scores in the first half, but both attempts were denied by the goalkeeper.

Loudoun has played a tight contest nearly every week, with all but two of its seven games being decided by one score or less. They’ve been efficient on the attacking end, recording the second-highest conversion rate in the league behind only Louisville City, and tied with unbeaten Detroit. The club has scored more than once in three of six contests to open 2024.

Match Notes

In two all-time contests against the Virginia side, Sacramento has dominated on the score sheet. Republic FC has recorded seven goals and conceded just one, with six different players finding the back of the net.

Forward Russell Cicerone has had success against Loudoun United throughout his career, netting five goals and tallying two assists in nine league matches.

Squad connections – Republic FC and Loudoun United may share little history on the pitch, however, midfielder Drew Skundrich featured for Republic FC for two seasons from 2019-2020. He played at Heart Health Park in 2023, as a member of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Orange County SC

Republic FC faces Orange County SC on the road this Saturday in a clash between the top two squads in the Western Conference standings. Each enters the contest off a draw in Week 6, keeping them tied atop the table. It’s the final regular season meeting between the two clubs, who met in Week 1 and have since recorded the same results each week thus far in 2024.

At a Glance: #SACvOC

7:00 PM PT kickoff
Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News Mobile App
Streaming: ESPN+

Republic FC – The Latest

Republic FC extended its unbeaten run to six games last Saturday with a draw at FC Tulsa. The visitors went down to ten men early, and shortly afterward, Rodrigo Lopez found the net for his first goal of 2024. Alongside five total shots and 9 of 14 duels won the score helped Lopez earn a second selection to Team of the Week. Republic FC recorded 23 shots for the match – the club’s highest total since 2022, and now remains the last team in the league not to trail at any point this season.

The club’s newest addition to the squad – striker Kieran Phillips from EFL Championship side Huddersfield Town – will be available for selection for his USL Championship debut. Phillips joined the Indomitable Club last Friday on loan from the English side. The 24-year-old has played four pro seasons, scoring 14 goals in 91 appearances. He’s a product of both the Terriers’ and Everton’s academy systems.

Know Your Opponent

Orange County hosts Sacramento coming off a draw on the road. In Week 6, the club split points with San Antonio FC in a scoreless contest dominated by backline play. The match continued a strong run of form for the club, which hasn’t conceded a goal in 315 minutes dating to its Week 3 contest vs. Miami FC. Orange County has recorded three straight clean sheets in that span and tallied a shutout in four of six to open the season.

Through six contests, midfielder Brian Illoski and forward Thomas Amang have led the club, each scoring twice. Amang’s two goals have come in his last four appearances. He netted an insurance score vs. Memphis 901 FC on April 6, and a late equalizer vs. Miami on March 23. He enters the contest second on his club in total shots (10), and first in attempts on target (5).

Match Notes

Saturday’s match marks the 28th between Sacramento and Orange County, officially making the SoCal club Republic FC’s most frequent opponent all-time, passing Tacoma Defiance and LA Galaxy II. Republic FC has a record of 11 wins, 10 losses, and six draws against Orange County SC.

Republic FC’s 39 goals against Orange County in league play is the 10th most for any team against any opponent in league history. Cameron Iwasa leads the all-time fixture with five scores.

Rodrigo Lopez has been stellar against Orange County in his career, netting three goals and tallying two assists all-time. Since returning to Republic FC in 2022, the captain has been key to the club earning results – Sacramento has won or drawn in 20 of 22 games where he’s scored or assisted in that span.