Match Previews

The last game of the 2020 USL Championship regular season for the Indomitable Club sure was a good one. 

Republic FC slammed four scores by the visiting Portland Timbers 2 goalkeeper in the opening 25 minutes to cruise to a 4-0 win on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park. Dariusz Formella bagged a brace four minutes into the match and assisted his sides’ third goal – a perfectly placed header by Jaime Villarreal – before Villyan Bijev netted a stunning curler to lift his side to a 4-0 advantage. 

Goalkeeper Rafael Diaz made eight saves on the night to preserve the shutout, Republic FC’s fifth this season and fourth with Rafa in net. It was an all-around complete performance from every one of Mark Briggs’ men to close out the regular season campaign and before the boys in Old Glory Red start to look ahead to its opening round playoff opponent – Phoenix Rising FC – it’s time to see what the squad had to say following the resounding win over the weekend. 

The last game of the 2020 USL Championship regular season for the Indomitable Club sure was a good one. 

Republic FC slammed four scores by the visiting Portland Timbers 2 goalkeeper in the opening 25 minutes to cruise to a 4-0 win on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park. Dariusz Formella bagged a brace four minutes into the match and assisted his sides’ third goal – a perfectly placed header by Jaime Villarreal – before Villyan Bijev netted a stunning curler to lift his side to a 4-0 advantage. 

Goalkeeper Rafael Diaz made eight saves on the night to preserve the shutout, Republic FC’s fifth this season and fourth with Rafa in net. It was an all-around complete performance from every one of Mark Briggs’ men to close out the regular season campaign and before the boys in Old Glory Red start to look ahead to its opening round playoff opponent – Phoenix Rising FC – it’s time to see what the squad had to say following the resounding win over the weekend. 

Head Coach Mark Briggs

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the result against T2…
“It's pleasing, a four-nil result. I was happy with the intensity showed in the first half, especially the first 30 minutes where we moved the ball quickly. We scored four goals and we put the game to bed. The other pleasing thing was we didn't concede, didn't concede inside the first few minutes. We actually scored, and we didn't concede the whole game over 90 minutes so, it puts the guys in a confident mood. It puts everybody in a good frame of mine going into a massive game next weekend against Phoenix.”

On how pleasing Saturday night’s performance was…
“I think now it's been pleasing. I think the last few games we haven't conceded early goals and we changed a few things up and we spoke as a group and we decided to do things slightly different in those first few minutes and I think it's paying dividends for us. We just have to keep doing what we have been doing over the past few games. But to score in the first few minutes was nice. It was refreshing and it's pleasing because it's what this group is capable of and I'm thankful that it came. It's a good moment to hopefully give us good momentum and a good frame of mind going into Phoenix next week.”

On focusing on T2 and not looking ahead to the playoffs…
“You start to look at the bigger picture and for this group, I didn't want them to take the foot off the gas. I didn't want them to start to take it easy, so to speak. The mindset has to stay the same, and we have to keep the same intensity and the same speed of play with the ball and continue to break lines whenever the opportunity presents itself. So, I didn't want us to lose that momentum. I didn't want us to take our foot off the gas, because next week's going to be a game that's foot on the gas for 90 minutes, 95 minutes. We've got to play like our lives depend on it, because they do.”

On Rafael Diaz’s fantastic form this season…
“Rafa as you said has been fantastic. I think he's been one of our most consistent performers, which is credit to him. And as a goalkeeper you have to stay focused, you have to stay engaged, and Rafa does that and he's made big saves in big moments. So, for us going into a playoff game, knowing that we have a keeper of Rafa's caliber behind us who's going to turn up and make big saves when we need him to make big saves, it only gives everyone confidence as we move forward.”

On the result against T2…
“It’s pleasing, a four-nil result. I was happy with the intensity showed in the first half, especially the first 30 minutes where we moved the ball quickly. We scored four goals and we put the game to bed. The other pleasing thing was we didn’t concede, didn’t concede inside the first few minutes. We actually scored, and we didn’t concede the whole game over 90 minutes so, it puts the guys in a confident mood. It puts everybody in a good frame of mine going into a massive game next weekend against Phoenix.”

On how pleasing Saturday night’s performance was…
“I think now it’s been pleasing. I think the last few games we haven’t conceded early goals and we changed a few things up and we spoke as a group and we decided to do things slightly different in those first few minutes and I think it’s paying dividends for us. We just have to keep doing what we have been doing over the past few games. But to score in the first few minutes was nice. It was refreshing and it’s pleasing because it’s what this group is capable of and I’m thankful that it came. It’s a good moment to hopefully give us good momentum and a good frame of mind going into Phoenix next week.”

On focusing on T2 and not looking ahead to the playoffs…
“You start to look at the bigger picture and for this group, I didn’t want them to take the foot off the gas. I didn’t want them to start to take it easy, so to speak. The mindset has to stay the same, and we have to keep the same intensity and the same speed of play with the ball and continue to break lines whenever the opportunity presents itself. So, I didn’t want us to lose that momentum. I didn’t want us to take our foot off the gas, because next week’s going to be a game that’s foot on the gas for 90 minutes, 95 minutes. We’ve got to play like our lives depend on it, because they do.”

On Rafael Diaz’s fantastic form this season…
“Rafa as you said has been fantastic. I think he’s been one of our most consistent performers, which is credit to him. And as a goalkeeper you have to stay focused, you have to stay engaged, and Rafa does that and he’s made big saves in big moments. So, for us going into a playoff game, knowing that we have a keeper of Rafa’s caliber behind us who’s going to turn up and make big saves when we need him to make big saves, it only gives everyone confidence as we move forward.”

Dariusz Formella

Dariusz Formella

On the team’s performance against T2…
“I think the first seven or ten minutes was great. We scored three goals and these three goals made this this game easier for us. In the second half, we knew that we have a good result, it was four nil, and we didn't play our best football but the most important thing was to keep a clean sheet and we did it so we are happy.”

On how pleasing it was for the team to score four goals…
“It’s always good to score four goals. We didn't score [four] this season and it's good that happened in the last game because we’re going into the most important games right now. So, we are happy that these four goals came today and not three or four weeks ago because the most important games are coming. So, we are happy in that we scored four today.”

On the team’s performance against T2…
“I think the first seven or ten minutes was great. We scored three goals and these three goals made this this game easier for us. In the second half, we knew that we have a good result, it was four nil, and we didn’t play our best football but the most important thing was to keep a clean sheet and we did it so we are happy.”

On how pleasing it was for the team to score four goals…
“It’s always good to score four goals. We didn’t score [four] this season and it’s good that happened in the last game because we’re going into the most important games right now. So, we are happy that these four goals came today and not three or four weeks ago because the most important games are coming. So, we are happy in that we scored four today.”

Rodrigo Lopez

Rodrigo Lopez

On his overall impression of the match…
“I think the team came out how we should come out every game. We made a commitment before the game to go out and just leave it all out on the field and to put them under pressure the first few minutes. I think we're a really fit team, we have the players to do so, and it showed. We definitely needed to go up in the game, early and then from there, try to control the game.”

On his attacking role against T2…
“One thing about Mark [Briggs], about our coaching staff, is that they give us freedom, especially in the attack. I'm playing somewhat a different role in that I haven't played it in a long time, playing higher up the field, and it's different for me but it's something that I need to do for my team. If that's where a coach wants me to play, that's where I play. All the attacking players, we have that freedom to switch up the roles and as long as we're defensively in good shapes, we should be fine.”

On his overall impression of the match…
“I think the team came out how we should come out every game. We made a commitment before the game to go out and just leave it all out on the field and to put them under pressure the first few minutes. I think we’re a really fit team, we have the players to do so, and it showed. We definitely needed to go up in the game, early and then from there, try to control the game.”

On his attacking role against T2…
“One thing about Mark [Briggs], about our coaching staff, is that they give us freedom, especially in the attack. I’m playing somewhat a different role in that I haven’t played it in a long time, playing higher up the field, and it’s different for me but it’s something that I need to do for my team. If that’s where a coach wants me to play, that’s where I play. All the attacking players, we have that freedom to switch up the roles and as long as we’re defensively in good shapes, we should be fine.”

Rafael Diaz

Rafael Diaz

On Republic FC’s overall performance…
“That was a good performance from the guys who came up pretty strong. It was great to get those three goals early in the first 10 minutes, it gave us a lot of confidence and the [offense] gave us a lot of confidence. We were talking about coming out strong and we were able to do that. We also talked about getting a clean sheet and we were able to do that so we're really happy with that performance going into the playoffs, to give us a lot of confidence going down in Phoenix and hopefully we can replicate that performance down there.”

On three early goals from the Republic FC offense…
“It's a great confidence boost, but it also makes me lock in a little bit more [to the match] because I'm like, ‘Listen, now it's my turn, it's my turn to make sure the guys in front of me are organized’ and now, defensively, it's our job to kind of lock things down so we can secure the win and tonight we're able to do that. So, credit to those guys, they've really put in the work in training but we’ve been doing a lot of finishing and a lot of pattern play and it's great that these guys now can get the recognition and a few goals going into the playoffs and hopefully they have a lot of confidence. When that happens, the defense just turns on and we need to turn on a little bit more because they did their job now it's our time to do ours.”

On Republic FC’s overall performance…
“That was a good performance from the guys who came up pretty strong. It was great to get those three goals early in the first 10 minutes, it gave us a lot of confidence and the [offense] gave us a lot of confidence. We were talking about coming out strong and we were able to do that. We also talked about getting a clean sheet and we were able to do that so we’re really happy with that performance going into the playoffs, to give us a lot of confidence going down in Phoenix and hopefully we can replicate that performance down there.”

On three early goals from the Republic FC offense…
“It’s a great confidence boost, but it also makes me lock in a little bit more [to the match] because I’m like, ‘Listen, now it’s my turn, it’s my turn to make sure the guys in front of me are organized’ and now, defensively, it’s our job to kind of lock things down so we can secure the win and tonight we’re able to do that. So, credit to those guys, they’ve really put in the work in training but we’ve been doing a lot of finishing and a lot of pattern play and it’s great that these guys now can get the recognition and a few goals going into the playoffs and hopefully they have a lot of confidence. When that happens, the defense just turns on and we need to turn on a little bit more because they did their job now it’s our time to do ours.”

Republic FC were handed just its second loss all season on Wednesday – a 1-0 result in Tacoma against Defiance – but Mark Briggs’ men are fully focused on bouncing back before their upcoming playoff push next week. 

Before embarking on the Indomitable Club’s seventh consecutive trip to the postseason, the squad hosts Portland Timbers 2 this Saturday night in the regular season finale for both sides. Even though T2 will not be participating in the playoffs next week, the Pacific Northwest club has hit some solid form and has been victorious in three of its last five games. 

Prior to Saturday’s match at Papa Murphy’s Park, it’s time to take a look and see what the boss and his defender Jordan McCrary had to say about this weekend’s opponent. 

Republic FC were handed just its second loss all season on Wednesday – a 1-0 result in Tacoma against Defiance – but Mark Briggs’ men are fully focused on bouncing back before their upcoming playoff push next week. 

Before embarking on the Indomitable Club’s seventh consecutive trip to the postseason, the squad hosts Portland Timbers 2 this Saturday night in the regular season finale for both sides. Even though T2 will not be participating in the playoffs next week, the Pacific Northwest club has hit some solid form and has been victorious in three of its last five games. 

Prior to Saturday’s match at Papa Murphy’s Park, it’s time to take a look and see what the boss and his defender Jordan McCrary had to say about this weekend’s opponent. 

Head Coach Mark Briggs

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On Saturday’s match…
“I’m looking forward to a good performance, a complete performance, a professional performance – one that puts us in a good frame of mind leading into a huge week next week with the playoffs at the end of the week.”

On Timbers 2…
“They’re a good side. They’re going to cause us problems, they have some good individual talents. They’re a younger group that’s hit a little bit of form in the last few games, got a few good results, so we’ve got to show up and we’ve got to do what we need to.”

On momentum heading into the postseason…
“It’s very important. There’s no better thing in football than winning. That’s what we all love the sport for, that’s why we love sports in general. We want to win and we’re no different this week. We want to win and put ourselves in a good frame of mind.”

On next week’s playoff game…
“Ultimately, Phoenix has become the goal for us now. But we still have to finish the regular season and we need to finish the regular season on a positive note. This is a big week. And when I say a big week, our week is tomorrow and next Saturday. That’s all in one week and it’s important that every single day within that week is utilized and we get the maximum out of what we’re trying to get out of each day.”

On Saturday’s match…
“I’m looking forward to a good performance, a complete performance, a professional performance – one that puts us in a good frame of mind leading into a huge week next week with the playoffs at the end of the week.”

On Timbers 2…
“They’re a good side. They’re going to cause us problems, they have some good individual talents. They’re a younger group that’s hit a little bit of form in the last few games, got a few good results, so we’ve got to show up and we’ve got to do what we need to.”

On momentum heading into the postseason…
“It’s very important. There’s no better thing in football than winning. That’s what we all love the sport for, that’s why we love sports in general. We want to win and we’re no different this week. We want to win and put ourselves in a good frame of mind.”

On next week’s playoff game…
“Ultimately, Phoenix has become the goal for us now. But we still have to finish the regular season and we need to finish the regular season on a positive note. This is a big week. And when I say a big week, our week is tomorrow and next Saturday. That’s all in one week and it’s important that every single day within that week is utilized and we get the maximum out of what we’re trying to get out of each day.”

Jordan McCrary

Jordan McCrary

On this weekend’s matchup…
“Just another day to come out and play our game. No matter who it really is, we have to come out and play our game, we have to come out and compete and we have to win.”

On Timbers 2…
“So far we’ve done pretty well against them. We just need to make sure we play our game and put in a 90-minute performance.”

On not having fans in attendance for the regular season finale…
“We always wish we could have TBB and some fans here but right now we just need to stay locked in and do what we have to do and win for them.”

On what the playoff-bound boys in Old Glory Red can improve on…
“There’s always something we can clean up. We just need to keep the ball moving with pace, shifting from side to side and when we have an opportunity, we need to take it.”

On this weekend’s matchup…
“Just another day to come out and play our game. No matter who it really is, we have to come out and play our game, we have to come out and compete and we have to win.”

On Timbers 2…
“So far we’ve done pretty well against them. We just need to make sure we play our game and put in a 90-minute performance.”

On not having fans in attendance for the regular season finale…
“We always wish we could have TBB and some fans here but right now we just need to stay locked in and do what we have to do and win for them.”

On what the playoff-bound boys in Old Glory Red can improve on…
“There’s always something we can clean up. We just need to keep the ball moving with pace, shifting from side to side and when we have an opportunity, we need to take it.”

At a Glance: #SACvPOR

• Saturday, October 3
• 7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
• Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California
• How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)
• RSVP Virtual Watch Party

At a Glance: #SACvPOR

• Saturday, October 3
• 7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
• Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California
• How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)
• RSVP Virtual Watch Party

What's the latest on the team?

Republic FC (7-2-6, 27 pts) were handed just its second loss in all of 2020 after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tacoma Defiance in Washington on Wednesday night, but remain near the top of the league’s playoff bound teams with a potential 30 season points. 

What’s the latest on the team?

Republic FC (7-2-6, 27 pts) were handed just its second loss in all of 2020 after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tacoma Defiance in Washington on Wednesday night, but remain near the top of the league’s playoff bound teams with a potential 30 season points. 

But before the boys in Old Glory Red look ahead to the postseason, the squad still has one final home game left on its regular season docket as Portland Timbers 2 come to town for a fourth and final bout against T2 this campaign. 

The Indomitable Club’s last match – a 1-0 loss to Defiance in Tacoma – saw four players that developed their skills in the Republic FC youth academy system earn priceless playing time in the contest. Named to the starting eleven were Hayden Sargis, Rafael Jauregui and Julian Chavez, while Mario Penagos entered the match in the second half. The start was JuJu and Rafa’s first of their first-team Republic FC careers. 

Rafa is now the youngest-ever player in Republic FC history to be named in the starting eleven, surpassing Roberto Hategan’s mark by 15 months. 

But before the boys in Old Glory Red look ahead to the postseason, the squad still has one final home game left on its regular season docket as Portland Timbers 2 come to town for a fourth and final bout against T2 this campaign. 

The Indomitable Club’s last match – a 1-0 loss to Defiance in Tacoma – saw four players that developed their skills in the Republic FC youth academy system earn priceless playing time in the contest. Named to the starting eleven were Hayden Sargis, Rafael Jauregui and Julian Chavez, while Mario Penagos entered the match in the second half. The start was JuJu and Rafa’s first of their first-team Republic FC careers. 

Rafa is now the youngest-ever player in Republic FC history to be named in the starting eleven, surpassing Roberto Hategan’s mark by 15 months. 

What about the visitors?

Portland Timbers 2 (3-12-0, 9 pts) will finish the regular season bottom of Group A but the Pacific Northwest club has earned victories in three of its last five matches.  

What about the visitors?

Portland Timbers 2 (3-12-0, 9 pts) will finish the regular season bottom of Group A but the Pacific Northwest club has earned victories in three of its last five matches.  

After opening the campaign having scored just two goals in its first five games, T2’s offense has erupted and netted 11 times in its last five fixtures. Specifically, Jorge Gonzalez and Marcus Epps as the former has racked up six goals in five games and the latter has bagged three strikes in the last four games. 

After opening the campaign having scored just two goals in its first five games, T2’s offense has erupted and netted 11 times in its last five fixtures. Specifically, Jorge Gonzalez and Marcus Epps as the former has racked up six goals in five games and the latter has bagged three strikes in the last four games. 

Head-to-Head

The Indomitable Club broke T2’s heart last outing with Julian Chavez’s curling effort at the death to snag a late victory and return to Sacramento with all three points in the Group A standings. 

Head-to-Head

The Indomitable Club broke T2’s heart last outing with Julian Chavez’s curling effort at the death to snag a late victory and return to Sacramento with all three points in the Group A standings. 

JuJu entered the match in the second half and with the last kick of the game, bested his Academy teammate — becoming the youngest goal scorer in club history, delivering a 2-1 win to the visitors. 

Republic FC has been victorious in all three regular season clashes this season and not once in 14 previous meetings have these two Western Conference clubs played to a stalemate.  

• Overall (USL Championship Regular Season):  9-5-0
• Home:  5-1-0  (GF: 11, GA: 3)
• Away:  4-4-0 (GF: 8, 7)

JuJu entered the match in the second half and with the last kick of the game, bested his Academy teammate — becoming the youngest goal scorer in club history, delivering a 2-1 win to the visitors. 

Republic FC has been victorious in all three regular season clashes this season and not once in 14 previous meetings have these two Western Conference clubs played to a stalemate.  

• Overall (USL Championship Regular Season):  9-5-0
• Home:  5-1-0  (GF: 11, GA: 3)
• Away:  4-4-0 (GF: 8, 7)

Virtual Watch Party

Watch the match with fellow Republic FC supporters during the Virtual Watch Party simulcast during the club’s final home game of the 2020 USL Championship regular season. During the match, fans can join the club’s virtual watch party simulcast where they can interact with other fans, participate in games and contests, and be features in the club’s match telecast while cheering for the boys in Old Glory Red. 

To join a watch party, fans can RSVP at SacRepublic.com/virtual-watch-parties. 

Virtual Watch Party

Watch the match with fellow Republic FC supporters during the Virtual Watch Party simulcast during the club’s final home game of the 2020 USL Championship regular season. During the match, fans can join the club’s virtual watch party simulcast where they can interact with other fans, participate in games and contests, and be features in the club’s match telecast while cheering for the boys in Old Glory Red. 

To join a watch party, fans can RSVP at SacRepublic.com/virtual-watch-parties. 

At a Glance:  #TACvSAC

• Wednesday, September 30
• 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
• Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Washington
• How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)

At a Glance:  #TACvSAC

• Wednesday, September 30
• 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
• Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Washington
• How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)

What's the latest on the team?

Republic FC (7-1-6, 27 pts) are a lock for the 2020 USL Championship playoffs but the squad is still in search of trying to capture the top spot in Group A. 

What’s the latest on the team?

Republic FC (7-1-6, 27 pts) are a lock for the 2020 USL Championship playoffs but the squad is still in search of trying to capture the top spot in Group A. 

Republic FC’s most recent match was a 1-1 draw on Saturday night in Nevada against Reno 1868 FC where the hosts managed to grab a 1-0 lead late in the first half, but it did not take long for Sacramento to respond in the second half when defender Dekel Keinan steered home a header to equalize in the 51stminute. Fellow defender Juan Barahona rifled in a dangerous cross from a corner kick that met the experienced CB as he leapt above the opposition and guided his effort into the top corner for his first career goal for Sacramento.   

The result was the Indomitable Club’s tenth straight match without a loss which is now tied for the second longest undefeated streak in club history. Mark Briggs’ men are just one win or draw away from tying the club’s all-time record of 11 straight games unbeaten – a feat that was set during the 2016 campaign. 

Republic FC’s most recent match was a 1-1 draw on Saturday night in Nevada against Reno 1868 FC where the hosts managed to grab a 1-0 lead late in the first half, but it did not take long for Sacramento to respond in the second half when defender Dekel Keinan steered home a header to equalize in the 51stminute. Fellow defender Juan Barahona rifled in a dangerous cross from a corner kick that met the experienced CB as he leapt above the opposition and guided his effort into the top corner for his first career goal for Sacramento.   

The result was the Indomitable Club’s tenth straight match without a loss which is now tied for the second longest undefeated streak in club history. Mark Briggs’ men are just one win or draw away from tying the club’s all-time record of 11 straight games unbeaten – a feat that was set during the 2016 campaign. 

What about the hosts?

Tacoma Defiance (3-9-2, 11 pts) were hoping for a late-season surge into the playoffs but the Pacific Northwest club was eliminated from postseason contention following a September 17 3-2 loss in Reno at the hands of 1868 FC. 

On Sunday, Defiance downed Portland Timbers 2 at home – 2-1 – bringing an end to an eight-game run without a victory. Tacoma took an early lead against its regional rival when Ethan Dobbelaere lifted his side to a 1-0 advantage in the first half. With just five minutes remaining in the fixture, Azriel Gonzalez grabbed his second goal this season to double Defiance’s lead but managed to net an own goal of his own just two minutes later to gift T2 its lone goal of the game. 

What about the hosts?

Tacoma Defiance (3-9-2, 11 pts) were hoping for a late-season surge into the playoffs but the Pacific Northwest club was eliminated from postseason contention following a September 17 3-2 loss in Reno at the hands of 1868 FC. 

On Sunday, Defiance downed Portland Timbers 2 at home – 2-1 – bringing an end to an eight-game run without a victory. Tacoma took an early lead against its regional rival when Ethan Dobbelaere lifted his side to a 1-0 advantage in the first half. With just five minutes remaining in the fixture, Azriel Gonzalez grabbed his second goal this season to double Defiance’s lead but managed to net an own goal of his own just two minutes later to gift T2 its lone goal of the game. 

Head-to-Head

The last time these two clubs clashed the match ended in a six-goal thriller with Rodrigo Lopez netting a late leveler in the 90th minute to seal a 3-3 final score in Sacramento on September 20. 

Head-to-Head

The last time these two clubs clashed the match ended in a six-goal thriller with Rodrigo Lopez netting a late leveler in the 90th minute to seal a 3-3 final score in Sacramento on September 20. 

Wednesday’s meeting will be the fourth and final team these Group A opponents play against one another in 2020 but it will be the Indomitable Club’s first trip to Washington this season. The last time Republic FC traveled to Tacoma was on April 1, 2019 – a match that ended 2-1 in favor of the hosts who fielded a number of players from its MLS-side, Seattle Sounders FC. Sacramento has not lost to Defiance since that meeting and is unbeaten in its last four straight fixtures against Tacoma while finding the back of the net three times in all four contests. 

• Overall: 12-2-3  (GF: 37; GA: 18) 
• Home: 9-0-2
• Away: 3-2-1

Wednesday’s meeting will be the fourth and final team these Group A opponents play against one another in 2020 but it will be the Indomitable Club’s first trip to Washington this season. The last time Republic FC traveled to Tacoma was on April 1, 2019 – a match that ended 2-1 in favor of the hosts who fielded a number of players from its MLS-side, Seattle Sounders FC. Sacramento has not lost to Defiance since that meeting and is unbeaten in its last four straight fixtures against Tacoma while finding the back of the net three times in all four contests. 

• Overall: 12-2-3  (GF: 37; GA: 18) 
• Home: 9-0-2
• Away: 3-2-1

At a Glance:  #RNOvSAC

• Saturday, September 26
• 6:30 p.m. PT kickoff
• Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada
• How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)

At a Glance:  #RNOvSAC

• Saturday, September 26
• 6:30 p.m. PT kickoff
• Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada
• How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)

What's the latest on the team?

Republic FC (7-1-5, 26 pts) solidified its spot in the 2020 USL Championship postseason last week – a seventh straight trip to the playoffs for the boys in Old Glory Red – but the squad is still in search of capturing the top spot in Group A and can take a massive leap towards doing so this coming weekend. 

This Saturday, Mark Briggs’ men take their nine-game unbeaten run into Reno to clash with first place 1868 FC and try to cut the gap at the top down to two points. The match – set for a 6:30 p.m. PT kickoff – is not a must-win for the team but if Sacramento and Reno play to a draw then all the Nevadan club would need is one point in its last two matches to secure first.

What’s the latest on the team?

Republic FC (7-1-5, 26 pts) solidified its spot in the 2020 USL Championship postseason last week – a seventh straight trip to the playoffs for the boys in Old Glory Red – but the squad is still in search of capturing the top spot in Group A and can take a massive leap towards doing so this coming weekend. 

This Saturday, Mark Briggs’ men take their nine-game unbeaten run into Reno to clash with first place 1868 FC and try to cut the gap at the top down to two points. The match – set for a 6:30 p.m. PT kickoff – is not a must-win for the team but if Sacramento and Reno play to a draw then all the Nevadan club would need is one point in its last two matches to secure first.

SRFC’s most recent match – a dramatic 3-3 draw against Tacoma Defiance at Papa Murphy’s Park last weekend – was headlined by Rodrigo Lopez finding a late equalizer in the 90th minute to help his side claim a point in the push for first place. 

The visitors took an early lead before the offensive eruption began that included three second half strikes from Sacramento. Villyan Bijev bagged his third goal of the season before Kharlton Belmar netted an attempt from the penalty spot on the hour mark to give the hosts a 2-1 lead. Defiance responded with two goals to grab a late advantage but a resilient Republic FC side stormed back on the cusp of stoppage time when RoRo leveled the match to ensure both sides would share the spoils last Sunday night. 

SRFC’s most recent match – a dramatic 3-3 draw against Tacoma Defiance at Papa Murphy’s Park last weekend – was headlined by Rodrigo Lopez finding a late equalizer in the 90th minute to help his side claim a point in the push for first place. 

The visitors took an early lead before the offensive eruption began that included three second half strikes from Sacramento. Villyan Bijev bagged his third goal of the season before Kharlton Belmar netted an attempt from the penalty spot on the hour mark to give the hosts a 2-1 lead. Defiance responded with two goals to grab a late advantage but a resilient Republic FC side stormed back on the cusp of stoppage time when RoRo leveled the match to ensure both sides would share the spoils last Sunday night. 

What about the hosts?

Reno 1868 FC (10-2-1, 31 pts) have been one of the league’s top teams all season and as of late, the Nevadan club’s offense has been simply unstoppable.

What about the hosts?

Reno 1868 FC (10-2-1, 31 pts) have been one of the league’s top teams all season and as of late, the Nevadan club’s offense has been simply unstoppable.

Most recently, 1868 FC downed Portland Timbers 2 in Oregon 5-2 with Christiano Francois bagging a brace for his side on the road. Two weeks prior to the victory over the weekend in the Pacific Northwest was a 7-1 thrashing of T2 in Reno on September 5. 

With the exception of the first three matches against Republic FC – two 1-0 victories for Sacramento and a 3-3 draw last game – Reno has been flawless and racked up 10 wins in 10 matches and are on course for the best record in the Championship this season.

Most recently, 1868 FC downed Portland Timbers 2 in Oregon 5-2 with Christiano Francois bagging a brace for his side on the road. Two weeks prior to the victory over the weekend in the Pacific Northwest was a 7-1 thrashing of T2 in Reno on September 5. 

With the exception of the first three matches against Republic FC – two 1-0 victories for Sacramento and a 3-3 draw last game – Reno has been flawless and racked up 10 wins in 10 matches and are on course for the best record in the Championship this season.

Head-to-Head

It’s fitting that these two regional rivals are racing for the top spot in Group A with so few fixtures remaining during the regular season. 

Reno has the current advantage with the first tiebreaker being total wins as 1868 FC (10) has a three-game lead on Republic FC’s seven victories so Sacramento has to finish strong and hope its Donner Pass Derby rival can slip up sometime before the postseason. 

Head-to-Head

It’s fitting that these two regional rivals are racing for the top spot in Group A with so few fixtures remaining during the regular season. 

Reno has the current advantage with the first tiebreaker being total wins as 1868 FC (10) has a three-game lead on Republic FC’s seven victories so Sacramento has to finish strong and hope its Donner Pass Derby rival can slip up sometime before the postseason. 

Across all competitions, he boys in Old Glory Red have been victorious in four of their last five trips to Reno.  

• Overall (all competitions): 7-5-2  (GF: 20; GA: 20) 
• Home: 3-3-1 
• Away: 4-2-1

Across all competitions, he boys in Old Glory Red have been victorious in four of their last five trips to Reno.  

• Overall (all competitions): 7-5-2  (GF: 20; GA: 20) 
• Home: 3-3-1 
• Away: 4-2-1

The playoff-bound boys in Old Glory Red are now unbeaten in nine straight fixtures following Sunday night's six goal thriller at Papa Murphy's Park against Tacoma Defiance. 

Late game heroics from Rodrigo Lopez helped Mark Briggs' men collect a point in the standings after the 3-3 result. RoRo's equalizer on the cusp of extra time completed another comeback for the Indomitable Club – trailing first place Reno 1868 FC by five points with three regular season fixtures remaining. 

But before the squad starts to look ahead to Saturday night's showdown against Reno in Nevada, it's time to take a look at what the team had on their minds following the result last night. 

The playoff-bound boys in Old Glory Red are now unbeaten in nine straight fixtures following Sunday night’s six goal thriller at Papa Murphy’s Park against Tacoma Defiance. 

Late game heroics from Rodrigo Lopez helped Mark Briggs’ men collect a point in the standings after the 3-3 result. RoRo’s equalizer on the cusp of extra time completed another comeback for the Indomitable Club – trailing first place Reno 1868 FC by five points with three regular season fixtures remaining. 

But before the squad starts to look ahead to Saturday night’s showdown against Reno in Nevada, it’s time to take a look at what the team had on their minds following the result last night. 

Head Coach Mark Briggs

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On accountability…
"It's on all of us. It's on myself. It’s on the players. We're all in it together. If it continues to happen, I'm the head coach, I take full responsibility and I take full blame. We need to figure it out because it happens every single game. What we talk about in training and what we work on just isn't going in, we are just not starting."

On players’ interactions with officials…
"The game is supposed to be about the players. It's supposed to be about Tacoma’s players, the Republic players, good football is scoring goals. But we somehow end up talking about other things. We should be enjoying good football, enjoying good players and enjoying what they can do on the field."

On starting Brady Scott…
"It's a switch for Rafa tonight, we just decided to give him a break, let his body heal a little bit and give Brady some minutes. I thought Brady did well for his first professional game. I thought he handled himself well, he communicated well and couldn't really do much about any of the three goals that were against us."

On Juan Barahona’s return…
"I thought Juan was one of our better players. I was extremely pleased to have Juan back on the field. And for him to be back and put in a performance like that and also play 90 minutes, it's credit to Katie and Luke at Results, credit to Betty for getting him back so quickly and getting him back so fit, which enabled him to perform at the level he did on his first day back."

On Kharlton Belmar’s performance…
"Kharlton's in a good run of form, he’s in a good vein of form, he's bringing in a lot for the team. He's a constant threat for the opposition to deal with. And he's strong, he's quick, he's getting assists, he's getting goals. He does everything that you want your #9 to do. And I thought again tonight he was a threat and he stepped up and took the penalty and took it with confidence."

On changing the formation during the game…
"It was just to give us a bit more of a threat higher up the field and play with two center forwards. And allow Juan to get higher up the field and allow Jordan and later Shannon to get higher on the field in wide areas. And obviously young Rafa at the end, Jaime and Roro in the middle of the park. Just to give us another look and allow us to get more bodies forward to try and win the game."

On brining on Frank Lopez…
"Frankie came in last time and had an effect on the game and showed some energy, got himself into dangerous areas. Just a decision. I felt Frankie looked like more of a threat than what I felt Cameron did at the last game and that's why I made that decision tonight."

On accountability…
“It’s on all of us. It’s on myself. It’s on the players. We’re all in it together. If it continues to happen, I’m the head coach, I take full responsibility and I take full blame. We need to figure it out because it happens every single game. What we talk about in training and what we work on just isn’t going in, we are just not starting.”

On players’ interactions with officials…
“The game is supposed to be about the players. It’s supposed to be about Tacoma’s players, the Republic players, good football is scoring goals. But we somehow end up talking about other things. We should be enjoying good football, enjoying good players and enjoying what they can do on the field.”

On starting Brady Scott…
“It’s a switch for Rafa tonight, we just decided to give him a break, let his body heal a little bit and give Brady some minutes. I thought Brady did well for his first professional game. I thought he handled himself well, he communicated well and couldn’t really do much about any of the three goals that were against us.”

On Juan Barahona’s return…
“I thought Juan was one of our better players. I was extremely pleased to have Juan back on the field. And for him to be back and put in a performance like that and also play 90 minutes, it’s credit to Katie and Luke at Results, credit to Betty for getting him back so quickly and getting him back so fit, which enabled him to perform at the level he did on his first day back.”

On Kharlton Belmar’s performance…
“Kharlton’s in a good run of form, he’s in a good vein of form, he’s bringing in a lot for the team. He’s a constant threat for the opposition to deal with. And he’s strong, he’s quick, he’s getting assists, he’s getting goals. He does everything that you want your #9 to do. And I thought again tonight he was a threat and he stepped up and took the penalty and took it with confidence.”

On changing the formation during the game…
“It was just to give us a bit more of a threat higher up the field and play with two center forwards. And allow Juan to get higher up the field and allow Jordan and later Shannon to get higher on the field in wide areas. And obviously young Rafa at the end, Jaime and Roro in the middle of the park. Just to give us another look and allow us to get more bodies forward to try and win the game.”

On brining on Frank Lopez…
“Frankie came in last time and had an effect on the game and showed some energy, got himself into dangerous areas. Just a decision. I felt Frankie looked like more of a threat than what I felt Cameron did at the last game and that’s why I made that decision tonight.”

Kharlton Belmar

Kharlton Belmar

On tonight’s match…
"I don’t have too many words to describe it, it’s extremely disappointing. I hold myself to a higher standard I think this group as a whole holds itself to a higher standard and to come out there and allow three goals, again, and give away another crucial three points. It's one of those things you just have to continue to learn from and continue to keep our eyes on the playoffs because that's quickly approaching and we got to get things right to go in on the sharp foot."

On taking the penalty..
"I saw Darek going for it and I asked him if I could take it and he kindly enough allowed me to. It was good to get off the mark here for Sac and I am looking forward to many more."

On playoff preparations…
"You can only really hope so because the games are coming quick and playoffs are less than 20 days away and we don't really have time to dwell on this, but it's terribly disappointing to give up a game again. We really have to get back to training tomorrow and try to correct these mistakes and come back better next Saturday. Extremely disappointed and just eager to get back out there because I really badly want to put this right."

On opponent’s quick goals…
"It's something that we've been talking about for the past couple of weeks and for whatever reason it keeps happening. It's extremely disappointing because it’s something we focus on so much before the game, to make sure we start on the right foot and we keep having mental lapses in. If we don't give up these goals in the early stages of the game, wewin these games. It's honestly just devastating and extremely frustrating to continue to let this happen. I am frustrated to the point where I just want to get back on the field and make sure we get this thing right. I want to win and I know this group does too but it's time to stop talking about it and just go out there and do it."

On tonight’s match…
“I don’t have too many words to describe it, it’s extremely disappointing. I hold myself to a higher standard I think this group as a whole holds itself to a higher standard and to come out there and allow three goals, again, and give away another crucial three points. It’s one of those things you just have to continue to learn from and continue to keep our eyes on the playoffs because that’s quickly approaching and we got to get things right to go in on the sharp foot.”

On taking the penalty..
“I saw Darek going for it and I asked him if I could take it and he kindly enough allowed me to. It was good to get off the mark here for Sac and I am looking forward to many more.”

On playoff preparations…
“You can only really hope so because the games are coming quick and playoffs are less than 20 days away and we don’t really have time to dwell on this, but it’s terribly disappointing to give up a game again. We really have to get back to training tomorrow and try to correct these mistakes and come back better next Saturday. Extremely disappointed and just eager to get back out there because I really badly want to put this right.”

On opponent’s quick goals…
“It’s something that we’ve been talking about for the past couple of weeks and for whatever reason it keeps happening. It’s extremely disappointing because it’s something we focus on so much before the game, to make sure we start on the right foot and we keep having mental lapses in. If we don’t give up these goals in the early stages of the game, wewin these games. It’s honestly just devastating and extremely frustrating to continue to let this happen. I am frustrated to the point where I just want to get back on the field and make sure we get this thing right. I want to win and I know this group does too but it’s time to stop talking about it and just go out there and do it.”

Hayden Sargis

Hayden Sargis

On tonight’s match…
"Yeah, frustrating to give up three goals as a team, obviously we have a higher standard for us, and especially to give up an early one. It's been three games in a row. So, I mean it can't happen again and overall it has to be better. There were good moments, but more than less it needs to be better from the team, all of us."

On remaining opponents…
"I think every team is going to come after us because of who we are, so either the opponent or whatever it is, it needs to be sharper from us, and like I said earlier, three times in a row and in the beginning of the game, it can't happen."

On accountability…
"I think we all take the blame, just as much as one person it's all of us. It's a whole team, so the whole team could do better and each situation to maybe prevent the goal, but it's upsetting."

On facing off against Tacoma…
"Like Kharlton said, starting the game early, and not going off with the right foot, it costs us giving up the lead early. Now we're chasing from behind, and that happened two times this season, so maybe come in with a better mindset, but be sharper."

On playing next to Dekel…
"It's a great playing with him, you know. I said in a conversation with you before that I look up to him so much from where he's come from so to play alongside him. It was great I learned so much and he helped me out and I helped him out."

On the comfort with the back line…
"I feel comfortable with playing with any of them. They're all great players and I learned from every single one of them so anyone that I'm putting next to or any how it goes. It's, it's always a learning experience for me and I, I try to push them and they, they certainly push me."

On tonight’s match…
“Yeah, frustrating to give up three goals as a team, obviously we have a higher standard for us, and especially to give up an early one. It’s been three games in a row. So, I mean it can’t happen again and overall it has to be better. There were good moments, but more than less it needs to be better from the team, all of us.”

On remaining opponents…
“I think every team is going to come after us because of who we are, so either the opponent or whatever it is, it needs to be sharper from us, and like I said earlier, three times in a row and in the beginning of the game, it can’t happen.”

On accountability…
“I think we all take the blame, just as much as one person it’s all of us. It’s a whole team, so the whole team could do better and each situation to maybe prevent the goal, but it’s upsetting.”

On facing off against Tacoma…
“Like Kharlton said, starting the game early, and not going off with the right foot, it costs us giving up the lead early. Now we’re chasing from behind, and that happened two times this season, so maybe come in with a better mindset, but be sharper.”

On playing next to Dekel…
“It’s a great playing with him, you know. I said in a conversation with you before that I look up to him so much from where he’s come from so to play alongside him. It was great I learned so much and he helped me out and I helped him out.”

On the comfort with the back line…
“I feel comfortable with playing with any of them. They’re all great players and I learned from every single one of them so anyone that I’m putting next to or any how it goes. It’s, it’s always a learning experience for me and I, I try to push them and they, they certainly push me.”

Mark Briggs’ men solidified a spot in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs without even taking the pitch on Thursday night. 

Thanks to the midweek result in Reno – a 3-2 win in favor of 1868 FC – Tacoma’s loss mathematically eliminated the Pacific Northwest club from clinching a place in the postseason and ensured Reno and Sacramento would represent Group A in the playoffs come October. 

Even though the Indomitable Club is a lock for a seventh straight trip to the postseason, Republic FC is still fully focused on catching first place Reno for the top spot in the group. But before the squad starts to look ahead to next weekend’s heavyweight bout in Nevada against SRFC’s regional rival, it’s time to see what the squad had on their minds heading into this weekend’s contest. 

Mark Briggs’ men solidified a spot in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs without even taking the pitch on Thursday night. 

Thanks to the midweek result in Reno – a 3-2 win in favor of 1868 FC – Tacoma’s loss mathematically eliminated the Pacific Northwest club from clinching a place in the postseason and ensured Reno and Sacramento would represent Group A in the playoffs come October. 

Even though the Indomitable Club is a lock for a seventh straight trip to the postseason, Republic FC is still fully focused on catching first place Reno for the top spot in the group. But before the squad starts to look ahead to next weekend’s heavyweight bout in Nevada against SRFC’s regional rival, it’s time to see what the squad had on their minds heading into this weekend’s contest. 

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On how the squad feels heading into Sunday’s game against Tacoma…
“We’re in a decent spot. We clinched the playoffs last night which was a goal that we all wanted but honestly, I can’t let go of last weekend and I can’t let go of last Saturday night and I want a reaction on Sunday. I want a performance, I want a reaction, I want to see how much it hurt them.”

On how it feels to have secured a spot in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs…
“It’s nice to make the postseason but that was an expectation from me, that wasn’t something that I thought we would struggle with. It was an expectation and we’ve met that expectation, but we have four games to really fine tune and really perform. We have four playoff games then another four playoff games, hopefully.”

On the race for the top spot in Group A…
“We just have to focus. We have four games left, that’s 12 points, we better get 12 points. And then we have to hope Reno slips up somewhere. The beauty of this game is now these games mean a little more, right? There’s a little more pressure, there’s a little more expectation on these games and certain things happen that you wouldn’t necessarily expect so we just have to take care of ourselves. We need to continue to put points on the board and continue to grow and get better, so we arrive at the playoffs in the right form.”

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On how the squad feels heading into Sunday’s game against Tacoma…
“We’re in a decent spot. We clinched the playoffs last night which was a goal that we all wanted but honestly, I can’t let go of last weekend and I can’t let go of last Saturday night and I want a reaction on Sunday. I want a performance, I want a reaction, I want to see how much it hurt them.”

On how it feels to have secured a spot in the 2020 USL Championship playoffs…
“It’s nice to make the postseason but that was an expectation from me, that wasn’t something that I thought we would struggle with. It was an expectation and we’ve met that expectation, but we have four games to really fine tune and really perform. We have four playoff games then another four playoff games, hopefully.”

On the race for the top spot in Group A…
“We just have to focus. We have four games left, that’s 12 points, we better get 12 points. And then we have to hope Reno slips up somewhere. The beauty of this game is now these games mean a little more, right? There’s a little more pressure, there’s a little more expectation on these games and certain things happen that you wouldn’t necessarily expect so we just have to take care of ourselves. We need to continue to put points on the board and continue to grow and get better, so we arrive at the playoffs in the right form.”

Shannon Gomez

On the team responding positively following last week’s result…
“After the game the guys felt it, they definitely felt it. Over these last couple of days have been a period of reflection. What can we do better? How can we manage games better? How can we take three big points we need? In games like that especially. You want to beat the top team in the group and a game like that was the perfect opportunity to snag those three points. The guys definitely felt it and we know we have to give a response and I think guys are working well to respond this week.”

On responding from the penalty call last weekend…
“I feel like when you’re on the field, everyone is a leader on the field and there are young guys on our team that might look up to any player and I think setting that example and the way you take it and the way you respond from it, you feel some type of responsibility. I feel like in moments like that with the experience you have, you should know that moments like that in a hostile environment, you don’t give the referee and inch to make the game. You make the game; you make that decision and ultimately the game comes down to decisions and if we’re smarter with our decisions then we wouldn’t put ourselves in these situations.”

On the race for the summit of Group A…
“We go into every match focusing on us and focusing on the task at hand. Basically [Reno is] winning but we got to do what we got to do and that’s keep winning also. We’re fine tuning for the postseason just like they are too so we’re going to be ready. As long as we keep focusing on what we have to do, I think we’ll be alright.” 

Shannon Gomez

On the team responding positively following last week’s result…
“After the game the guys felt it, they definitely felt it. Over these last couple of days have been a period of reflection. What can we do better? How can we manage games better? How can we take three big points we need? In games like that especially. You want to beat the top team in the group and a game like that was the perfect opportunity to snag those three points. The guys definitely felt it and we know we have to give a response and I think guys are working well to respond this week.”

On responding from the penalty call last weekend…
“I feel like when you’re on the field, everyone is a leader on the field and there are young guys on our team that might look up to any player and I think setting that example and the way you take it and the way you respond from it, you feel some type of responsibility. I feel like in moments like that with the experience you have, you should know that moments like that in a hostile environment, you don’t give the referee and inch to make the game. You make the game; you make that decision and ultimately the game comes down to decisions and if we’re smarter with our decisions then we wouldn’t put ourselves in these situations.”

On the race for the summit of Group A…
“We go into every match focusing on us and focusing on the task at hand. Basically [Reno is] winning but we got to do what we got to do and that’s keep winning also. We’re fine tuning for the postseason just like they are too so we’re going to be ready. As long as we keep focusing on what we have to do, I think we’ll be alright.” 

Republic FC took another positive step closer towards solidifying a playoff spot following Saturday's 3-3 draw at home against Reno 1868 FC. 

Before the squad starts focusing on Tacoma Defiance next weekend, it's time to see what the squad had to say following the result against the Indomitable Club's regional rival. 

Republic FC took another positive step closer towards solidifying a playoff spot following Saturday’s 3-3 draw at home against Reno 1868 FC. 

Before the squad starts focusing on Tacoma Defiance next weekend, it’s time to see what the squad had to say following the result against the Indomitable Club’s regional rival. 

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On Kharlton Belmar's performance…
"I thought he was fantastic for us Wednesday night when he came in the second half and he carried on the momentum from Wednesday into tonight. I thought he was brilliant from start to finish. He did everything that you want out of your number nine. I just wish he could have got that goal in the first half when he had that opportunity and deflected just wide of the goal. I was really pleased for him. He was fantastic."

On the post match speech to the players…
"I told them the schedule and said I would see them in a couple of days. They played well, we were the better team. But we have to learn. It's not good enough to keep saying next time, next time, no there's not a next time. There's that 90 minutes and we should have won the game. But we gave two points away. And instead of walking away with three points we walk away with one point. So I chose not to speak to the guys. They need to learn. This hurts. I'm furious."

On the match atmosphere…
"It’s passionate. It’s two teams that are rivals. It's two teams that are very good teams. It's two teams that play football the correct way. It's two teams that want to win. So, these games are going to be chippier, these games are gonna be aggressive, these games mean a lot to people. So I didn't expect any different to what we saw out there. I thought it could have been managed much better. But I was not surprised by the intensity and the aggression."

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On Kharlton Belmar’s performance…
“I thought he was fantastic for us Wednesday night when he came in the second half and he carried on the momentum from Wednesday into tonight. I thought he was brilliant from start to finish. He did everything that you want out of your number nine. I just wish he could have got that goal in the first half when he had that opportunity and deflected just wide of the goal. I was really pleased for him. He was fantastic.”

On the post match speech to the players…
“I told them the schedule and said I would see them in a couple of days. They played well, we were the better team. But we have to learn. It’s not good enough to keep saying next time, next time, no there’s not a next time. There’s that 90 minutes and we should have won the game. But we gave two points away. And instead of walking away with three points we walk away with one point. So I chose not to speak to the guys. They need to learn. This hurts. I’m furious.”

On the match atmosphere…
“It’s passionate. It’s two teams that are rivals. It’s two teams that are very good teams. It’s two teams that play football the correct way. It’s two teams that want to win. So, these games are going to be chippier, these games are gonna be aggressive, these games mean a lot to people. So I didn’t expect any different to what we saw out there. I thought it could have been managed much better. But I was not surprised by the intensity and the aggression.”

Kharlton Belmar

On tonight’s result… 
“Tough one tonight. I think we played really well. We unfortunately gave up a goal really early, but I think all year we've shown the grit and the attitude to come back when we face adversity and enemies, we showed it again tonight. And we dug deep, just gutted right now because we should have won that game. That game was all ours and just mental lapses and we kind of let it slip but a point is a point and we move on to next week.”

On learning from tonight’s game…
“I think we just had to play out the whole game. We've done very well to make it to the 95th minute and we slip up with a couple of seconds left and give the game away. I think it's about playing all the way through and playing to the final whistle and staying engaged all the way through and make sure we close things out. I think there was a couple mistakes here and there throughout the game where I don't think we should have given up a goal tonight but things happen and like coach has said and we've been saying all year you just got to continue to learn from these things and continue to try and make progress and we will do that.”

On playing up front…
“To be honest I feel comfortable in any of those spots. Tonight was a good night up there and some days it's going to work and then some days it's not but, I feel comfortable with wherever Mark puts me and I trust him and trust the guys around me to try and do my best and help them out and tonight I was able to contribute with a couple assists. I feel comfortable in any one of those spots so wherever they put me I'm going to try and do my best and help the team.”

Kharlton Belmar

On tonight’s result… 
“Tough one tonight. I think we played really well. We unfortunately gave up a goal really early, but I think all year we’ve shown the grit and the attitude to come back when we face adversity and enemies, we showed it again tonight. And we dug deep, just gutted right now because we should have won that game. That game was all ours and just mental lapses and we kind of let it slip but a point is a point and we move on to next week.”

On learning from tonight’s game…
“I think we just had to play out the whole game. We’ve done very well to make it to the 95th minute and we slip up with a couple of seconds left and give the game away. I think it’s about playing all the way through and playing to the final whistle and staying engaged all the way through and make sure we close things out. I think there was a couple mistakes here and there throughout the game where I don’t think we should have given up a goal tonight but things happen and like coach has said and we’ve been saying all year you just got to continue to learn from these things and continue to try and make progress and we will do that.”

On playing up front…
“To be honest I feel comfortable in any of those spots. Tonight was a good night up there and some days it’s going to work and then some days it’s not but, I feel comfortable with wherever Mark puts me and I trust him and trust the guys around me to try and do my best and help them out and tonight I was able to contribute with a couple assists. I feel comfortable in any one of those spots so wherever they put me I’m going to try and do my best and help the team.”

Wednesday’s win over Orange County SC was a thrilling 2-1 come-from-behind result that ensured Republic FC would be hot on first place Reno 1868 FC’s tail heading into this weekend’s massive matchup between the two regional rivals. 

A win on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park would make it seven straight victories for the boys in Old Glory Red and would be a new all-time record for consecutive wins during regular season play. A win would also propel Mark Briggs’ men into the top spot in Group A ahead of 1868 FC heading into the final stretch of the USL Championship campaign. 

But before both sides square up against each other for the third of four meetings this season, time to check in and see what’s on the minds of the gaffer and a Republic FC defender whose string of recent positive performances have helped to put his side in prime position to potentially claim first place this weekend. 

Wednesday’s win over Orange County SC was a thrilling 2-1 come-from-behind result that ensured Republic FC would be hot on first place Reno 1868 FC’s tail heading into this weekend’s massive matchup between the two regional rivals. 

A win on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park would make it seven straight victories for the boys in Old Glory Red and would be a new all-time record for consecutive wins during regular season play. A win would also propel Mark Briggs’ men into the top spot in Group A ahead of 1868 FC heading into the final stretch of the USL Championship campaign. 

But before both sides square up against each other for the third of four meetings this season, time to check in and see what’s on the minds of the gaffer and a Republic FC defender whose string of recent positive performances have helped to put his side in prime position to potentially claim first place this weekend. 

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the team’s recent win over Orange County…
“It was a pleasing result against a very good team. It was just nice to see the reaction when RoRo was given the red card. It was almost as if the players showed that belief, that courage to still play that style of football that we wanted to play a man down. And then when they came over for the water break, you could see in their eyes there’s a difference. Everyone was focused, everyone was engaged, and it came to fruition. Villyan produced a big play at a big moment. You have to give credit to Jaime Villarreal as well who came on the field and I thought he was exceptional when he came on. He made a huge difference.”

On the feeling of winning games late in dramatic fashion…
“After the fact, it’s a great feeling to win a game like that. I just wish from a coaching perspective, I would love to be three goals up, four goals up and just be able to relax for one game. Just one game! But, at the same time, it’s good that the group is going through adversity. We’re going through difficult periods, difficult moments, which is what you face in playoff games. I’m happy with what we’re going through and I’m happy with the reactions we’re producing.”

On despite the current winning streak if this team can continue improving…
“Yeah, 100%. I was talking to a friend this morning and I told them that it’s great we’re winning, but we still have another 30%, we haven’t touched the levels that this group is capable of which is pleasing but ultimately, we have to get there. If you want to win, you have to reach your peak at the right moments and the right moments are playoffs and on the run-in, now. We can continue this form and go into the playoffs with a good frame of mind then it can only be beneficial for us.”

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the team’s recent win over Orange County…
“It was a pleasing result against a very good team. It was just nice to see the reaction when RoRo was given the red card. It was almost as if the players showed that belief, that courage to still play that style of football that we wanted to play a man down. And then when they came over for the water break, you could see in their eyes there’s a difference. Everyone was focused, everyone was engaged, and it came to fruition. Villyan produced a big play at a big moment. You have to give credit to Jaime Villarreal as well who came on the field and I thought he was exceptional when he came on. He made a huge difference.”

On the feeling of winning games late in dramatic fashion…
“After the fact, it’s a great feeling to win a game like that. I just wish from a coaching perspective, I would love to be three goals up, four goals up and just be able to relax for one game. Just one game! But, at the same time, it’s good that the group is going through adversity. We’re going through difficult periods, difficult moments, which is what you face in playoff games. I’m happy with what we’re going through and I’m happy with the reactions we’re producing.”

On despite the current winning streak if this team can continue improving…
“Yeah, 100%. I was talking to a friend this morning and I told them that it’s great we’re winning, but we still have another 30%, we haven’t touched the levels that this group is capable of which is pleasing but ultimately, we have to get there. If you want to win, you have to reach your peak at the right moments and the right moments are playoffs and on the run-in, now. We can continue this form and go into the playoffs with a good frame of mind then it can only be beneficial for us.”

Matt Mahoney

On the team’s recent performances….
“It speaks volumes to the character of the team that we have this season. The past few results have put us through quite a bit of adversity, coming from behind against Portland and then giving one away late in Portland and then coming back and winning and then last night coming from behind. We’re playing really well and we’re getting the results so now we just need to complete a full 90 [minutes]. So that’s the goal now, just completing a full 90.”

On RoRo not being available for the Reno match…
“It’s definitely a big loss but it’s next man up. We have a deep squad in a lot of positions so next man up. Whoever it is, they’ll be ready, and the team will be ready.”

On if there’s a target on the team’s back having beat Reno twice in 2020…
“We’re the only team to take points off Reno this season so they’re going to come here with a lot of energy. They’re going to know we played midweek and I don’t believe they played last night so yeah, there’s a little bit of a target on our back but we’re ready. We know they’re ahead of us, so I think the target is on their back a little bit too.”

Matt Mahoney

On the team’s recent performances….
“It speaks volumes to the character of the team that we have this season. The past few results have put us through quite a bit of adversity, coming from behind against Portland and then giving one away late in Portland and then coming back and winning and then last night coming from behind. We’re playing really well and we’re getting the results so now we just need to complete a full 90 [minutes]. So that’s the goal now, just completing a full 90.”

On RoRo not being available for the Reno match…
“It’s definitely a big loss but it’s next man up. We have a deep squad in a lot of positions so next man up. Whoever it is, they’ll be ready, and the team will be ready.”

On if there’s a target on the team’s back having beat Reno twice in 2020…
“We’re the only team to take points off Reno this season so they’re going to come here with a lot of energy. They’re going to know we played midweek and I don’t believe they played last night so yeah, there’s a little bit of a target on our back but we’re ready. We know they’re ahead of us, so I think the target is on their back a little bit too.”