Match Recaps

Sacramento, California (April 20, 2022) – A stoppage time penalty score at the death advanced Republic FC to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night. Tied into the final moments of stoppage time in the second half, Rodrigo Lopez netted the decider after Matt LaGrassa drew a foul in the penalty area.

After a slow start for each club, Sacramento pressure turned into constant opportunity in the first half. Good defensive work inside from Fuego deflected away two chances before 20 minutes went by, chasing away a 13^th minute chance for Luis Felipe and a save that sent away a shot from Keko in the 19^th.

The visitors threatened shortly afterward, but good defensive work kept Fuego’s lone shot of the entire half out of net.

Repeated set piece opportunities in the first half put Sacramento on the front foot, however, it wasn’t until the 10^th attempt that Republic FC found the net. Dan Casey nearly headed one through in 32nd, and another moments later nearly saw Sacramento score on a recycled ball.  Casey would eventually put in the opener just before half time, flicking through a ball played in from Rodrigo Lopez – Sacramento’s second set piece score of this year’s Open Cup.

Sacramento nearly doubled their advantage as rain started to fall in the second half. Moments after entering for Douglas Martinez, Luther Archimede put Republic FC in a great position to score by beating the goalkeeper and centering in a great cross on the ground. But after Sacramento was unable to find net, a Fuego FC score in the 78^th minute by Renato Bustamante equalized, knotting things at one apiece.

Both squads threatened as time ticked down and extra time seemed imminent, but Sacramento’s score in the 94^th – Rodrigo Lopez’s 50^th career goal across all competitions and 30^th with the club all-time – ended things before extra time could arrive.

Sacramento will learn their fourth round opponent on Thursday morning, when U.S. Soccer conducts the fourth round draw at 9:00 a.m. PT on the U.S. Soccer YouTube page. The club will be back in action again on Saturday, April 23 when they head to Texas to face off with Rio Grande Valley FC. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT from Edinburgh, and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+

Sacramento Republic FC 2 – 1 Central Valley Fuego FC

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

April 20, 2022

Scoring Summary: SAC– Dan Casey (Rodrigo Lopez) 44’, Rodrigo Lopez (penalty) 90+4’ CVF – Renato Bustamante 78’

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Matt LaGrassa (caution) 54’ CVF – Nathan Smith (caution) 56’, Francios Dulysse (caution) 80’, Ozzie Ramos (caution) 89’

Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Duke Lacroix (Damia Viader 66’) , Lee Desmond, Dan Casey, Jack Gurr, Luis Felipe, Matt LaGrassa, Rodrigo Lopez (C), Keko Gontan, Zeiko Lewis (Emil Cuello 80’), Douglas Martinez Jr. (Luther Archimede 66’)

Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldana, Conor Donovan, Rafael Jauregui, Ferrety Sousa

Stats – Shots: 23, Shots on Goal: 11, Saves: 0, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 15, Offsides: 2

Central Valley Fuego FC: Ofek Antman, Nathan Smith, Francios Dulysse, Jordan Chavez, Tunde Akinlousotu, Maxi Schenfeld, Villyan Bijev, Mouhamed Dabo (Anthony Velarde 75’), Ozzie Ramos, Diego Casillas (Renato Bustamante 75’), Christian Chaney

Unused substitutes: Mitchell North, William Gillingham, Julian Chavez, Marco Torralva, Micheal Hornsby

Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 7, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 1

IRVINE, California (April 16, 2022) –Republic FC split the points with Orange County SC in the two clubs first meeting of the season, playing to a 1-1 result at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine Saturday night.

Sacramento got things moving quickly – 90 seconds into the match, a Dan Casey long ball found Damia Viader streaking down the left flank. The 2021 League One Defender of the Year put a quick move on Patrick Rakovsky coming out to cut off his angle, before putting the ball in the back of the net for his first score in league play with the Indomitable Club.

Great press for Sacramento kept them on the front foot throughout the match, taking advantage of the host’s formation that left just three on the backline. Keko and Rodrigo Lopez took great advantage of space provided by the hosts, resulting in the club’s fourth straight league contest with at least 10 shots to open the season.

The hosts equalized mid-way through the first half; Orange County’s Erick Torres put one in from the penalty spot after Milan Illoski was taken down in the penalty box by Jack Gurr pursuing from behind. The attempt would be all the SoCal club would generate until late in the second half, when a tremendous save from Danny Vitiello kept the club’s best chance out of net in the 77^th minute.

A great cross from Keko, who made his 300^th career appearance in the fixture, nearly found the back of the net moments later for Sacramento but the attempt went just wide of the left post. The Spaniard was lifted in the 66^th minute for Emil Cuello after tallying two shots and creating two chances.

Strong one-on-one defending kept the hosts from pulling ahead, especially as Orange County upped the pressure on Sacramento’s backline. Lee Desmond and Dan Casey turned in another good performance, keeping pressure off Danny Vitiello in his third appearance with Sacramento.

Republic FC has a quick turnaround this week, as the club welcomes Central Valley Fuego FC in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The two clubs will face off for a spot in the fourth round draw at Heart Health Park Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+. 

Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 1 Orange County SC

USL Championship

Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, California

April 16, 2022

 Scoring Summary: SAC–Damia Viader (Dan Casey) 2’ OC – Erick Torres (penalty) 26’

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Jack Gurr (caution) 25’, Matt LaGrassa (caution) 29’, Lee Desmond (caution) 58’, Emil Cuello (caution) 75’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 87’ OC  –Mikko Kuningas (caution) 30’ Kobi Henry (caution) 31’, Alex Villanueva (caution) 72’, Korede Osundina (caution) 90+3’

Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Duke Lacroix, Lee Desmond, Dan Casey, Jack Gurr, Nick Ross (Luis Felipe 45’), Matt LaGrassa, Damia Viader (Ferrety Sousa 85’), Rodrigo Lopez (C), Keko Gontan (Emil Cuello 66’), Luther Archimede (Zeiko Lewis 71’)

Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldana, Conor Donovan, Rafael Jauregui

Stats – Shots:12, Shots on Goal: 4,Saves: 2,Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 2,Offsides: 1

Orange County SC: Patrick Rakovsky, Hunter Gorskie, Kobi Henry, Albi Skendie, Alex Villanueva (Danilo Acosta 84’), Daniel Pedersen (C), Kevin Partida (Thomas McCabe 81’), Seth Casiple, Milan Illoski, Mikko Kuningas (Korede Osundina 81’), Erick Torres (Sean Okoli 81’)

Unused substitutes: Colin Shutler, Michael Orozco, Tony Rocha

Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 3,Saves: 3, Fouls: 2, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 3

SACRAMENTO, California (April 7, 2022) – A six-score onslaught in the first half propelled Republic FC to a dominating second round victory in the 107^th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Heart Health Park. The result matched the largest margin of victory for the club last achieved in 2019.

The Indomitable Club picked apart the visitors from start to finish. Sacramento held on to 70% possession for the entire match, completed nearly 90% of its passing attempts, and took advantage of every inch of space in the middle of the pitch. Mark Briggs’ Men finished the night with 27 shots, their highest total of the season.

Zeiko Lewis nearly opened the scoring on two occasions, but a shot in the 10^th minute went over the bar, and another off a Duke Lacroix cross moments later went just wide.  Just moments later, however, Republic FC would put in their first when Duke Lacroix netted his first of two on the night, finishing a cross served by Ferrety Sousa on the right flank. Sousa finished with two assists on the night, assisting Damia Viader in his club debut ten minutes later with another well placed cross. Lacroix’s two scores went down as his second career brace.

Excellent goalkeeping by Portland’s Quinn McCallion kept things within reach for the visitors’ mid-way through the first half. A rocket from Rodrigo Lopez in the 20^th minute appeared destined to find its way inside the left post, but a diving save from McCallion kept the ball out.

Lopez eventually found his way onto the score sheet in the 26^th minute, serving in a corner that was headed in by Matt LaGrassa. Just five minutes later, Lopez extended his club’s lead to four, burying a shot from just outside the penalty box after finding himself wide open.

Sacramento’s second half effort would take off some of the pressure, but Republic FC would continue manufacturing chances to score. Zeiko Lewis recorded his first 90-minute effort of the season, tallying seven shots. Rafa Jauregui created two scoring chances in his season debut after entering for Rodrigo Lopez, and academy product JP Cortez was excellent applying pressure up top.  

Next week, Republic FC take to Southern California, when they square up with 2021 USL Champion Orange County SC in Irvine. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40 and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+.

Sacramento Republic FC 6 – 0 Portland Timbers U23

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

April 7, 2022

Scoring Summary: SAC– Duke Lacroix (Ferrety Sousa) 13’, Damia Viader (Ferrety Sousa) 21’, Matt LaGrassa (Rodrigo Lopez) 26’, Rodrigo Lopez (Luther Archimede) 30’, Duke Lacroix (Zeiko Lewis)  35’, Zeiko Lewis (Rodrigo Lopez) 41’, PT23 – None

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Damia Viader (caution) 75’ PT23  – None

Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldana, Ferrety Sousa, Lee Desmond (Dan Casey 79’), Conor Donovan, Duke Lacroix (Keko Gontan 59’), Matt Lagrassa, Rodrigo Lopez (Rafael Jauregui 59’), Nick Ross, Damia Viader, Zeiko Lewis, Luther Archimède (J.P. Cortez 79’)

Unused substitutes: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr, Luis Felipe

Stats – Shots: 27, Shots on Goal: 12, Saves: 0,  Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 9, Offsides: 2

Portland Timbers U23: Quinn McCallion (C), Noah Dreves (Anthony Godinez-Orozco 45’), Igor Hubenya, Jesse Martin, Alexis Luna, Andy Latorre (Tyson Nguyen 60’), Carlos Llamosa, Jose Peralta, Thomas Peterson (Andres Labate 45’), Nate Sherwood (Reggie Reyes 79’), Timur Zhividze (Nathan Martinez Sanchez 66’)

Unused substitutes: None

Stats – Shots: 3, Shots on Goal: 0, Saves: 6, Fouls: 5, Corner Kicks: 0, Offsides: 1

SACRAMENTO, California (April 2, 2022) – Two penalty scores late claimed Sacramento all three points on Saturday night against Monterey Bay FC at Heart Health Park.

Persistence up top for the hosts kept Monterey Bay on their heels in their first regular season visit to Sacramento. Continued pressure allowed Republic FC to draw and convert on two penalties – their league-leading third and fourth scores from the spot this season.

Sacramento tried their luck over the top throughout the first half, working to take advantage of space behind a Monterey backline playing high. The strategy did well to generate opportunities – the Quails would find possession 40 times and tally 10 shots. Just two attempts would go on target however, allowing the visitors to keep the score tied entering the break.

A bevy of set piece opportunities early also put pressure on the visitors. An 8^th minute corner played long to Jack Gurr caught Monterey by surprise, but the defender’s attempt was blocked. Six more throughout the first half allowed Keko and RoRo Lopez to rack up chances.

Just after making two changes at the hour mark, Republic FC nearly broke the stalemate. Jack Gurr took a recycled ball from 35 yards out and rocketed it in to the surprise of Dallas Jaye in goal, but the Englishman’s attempt rolled out of bounds after hitting the left post. Moments later, Luther Archimede drew a foul just outside the penalty area for a set piece, but the shot from RoRo Lopez was stopped by the wall.

Monterey Bay came inches from taking the lead in the 75^th, but Chris Cortez’s attempt to finish a sudden cross from the left went just inches wide. Sacramento found an opportunity on the counter when Duke Lacroix put a move on Morey Doner – who took Lacroix down for a penalty. Rodrigo Lopez buried the attempt to put Sacramento up, and five minutes later, Luther Archimede buried another for his first score of the year.

Next week, Republic FC return to U.S. Open Cup play when the Indomitable Club hosts Portland Timbers U-23 on Thursday, April 7 at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ or U.S. Soccer’s Youtube page. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.

Sacramento Republic FC 2 – 1 Monterey Bay F.C.

USL Championship

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

April 2, 2022

Scoring Summary: SAC– Rodrigo Lopez (penalty) 78’, Luther Archimede (penalty) 87’ MB – Chase Boone (Robert Crawford) 90’

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Matt LaGrassa (caution) 23’ Keko Gontan (caution) 58’ MB  – James Murphy (caution) 54’, Kai Greene (caution) 67’, Morey Doner 77’

Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr, Dan Casey, Lee Desmond, Duke Lacroix (Ferrety Sousa 82’), Matt LaGrassa, Luis Felipe (Zeiko Lewis 72’), Nick Ross, Rodrigo Lopez (C), Keko Gontán (Emil Cuello 61’), Douglas Martínez Jr. (Luther Archimede 61’)

Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldana, Conor Donovan, Rafa Jauregui,

Stats – Shots: 17, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 3, Fouls: 16, Corner Kicks: 9, Offsides: 2

Monterey Bay F.C.: Dallas Jaye, Hugh Roberts (C), Morey Doner, Grant Robinson (Jiro Toyama 53’), Kai Greene, James Murphy, Mobi Fehr, Sam Gleadle (Robert Crawford 54’), Walmer Martinez, Chase Boone, Seku Conneh (Christopher Cortez 31’)

Unused substitutes: Jesse Maldonado, Samuel Strong, Simon Dawkins, Adrian Rebollar

Stats – Shots: 14, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 2, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 5, Offsides: 2

SAN DIEGO, California (March 19, 2022) –Republic FC fell 2-0 to San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday evening, their first road match of the 2022 season. Strong defensive play from both squads kept chances to a minimum, but two lucky breaks for San Diego in the final ten minutes of the first half eventually issued Republic FC their first defeat.

Sacramento was unable to take advantage of seven set-piece opportunities in the first half; however, a handful of chances put pressure on the hosts. Keko nearly got Sacramento on the board just 8 minutes after the opening whistle, getting a head on a cross from Douglas Martinez. Sacramento’s best chance came when Jack Gurr put another long-range rocket on frame, squaring up a perfectly placed corner kick that SD Goalkeeper Koke Vegas had no time to wrangle.

The hosts reacted to the pressure well, finding the net to take a 1-0 advantage in the 35^th minute when Kyle Adams found the net from a set piece. Ten minutes later, an unmarked Charlie Adams doubled San Diego’s lead, punching through loose ball from the top of the penalty area.

Sacramento nearly cut their deficit to one just after the break. After receiving a short ball on another set-piece opportunity, Luis Felipe put an attempt just wide of the right post only to be called offside.

Offensive-minded changes for Republic FC would pay off with more frequent chances at goal throughout the second half. Luther Archimede and Zeiko Lewis aided Mark Briggs’ men in putting more pressure on Koke Vegas in goal. But the duo was unable to get any of their attempts past San Diego’s keeper; Archimede would end his Republic FC debut with three shots, tied for the team lead for the contest with Keko and Douglas Martinez.

Despite manufacturing opportunities with regularity, especially as time winded down in the second half, Mark Briggs men were unable to find the net. Republic FC outshot and out-possessed their foes, posting ten attempts at goal in the final ten minutes. Sacramento tallied 13 shots in the second half, putting four on target.

Republic FC’s 2022 season continues next Sunday, March 27, when the Indomitable Club welcomes FC Tulsa to Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m., and the contest will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets/.

Sacramento Republic FC 0 – 2 San Diego Loyal SC

USL Championship

Torero Stadium, San Diego, California

March 19, 2022

Scoring Summary: SAC– None SD – Kyle Adams 35’, Charlie Adams 45’

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Luis Felipe (caution) 34’, Lee Desmond (caution) 39’, Ferrety Sousa (caution) 66’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 74’ SD – Camden Riley (caution) 41’ Collin Martin (caution) 69’

Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Jack Gurr, Dan Casey, Lee Desmond, Ferrety Sousa (Duke Lacroix 74’), Luis Felipe (Matt LaGrassa 74’), Emil Cuello (Luther Archimède 64’), Nick Ross (Zeiko Lewis 64’), Rodrigo Lopez (C), Keko Gontán (Conor Donovan 80’), Douglas Martínez Jr.

Unused substitutes: Danny Vitiello, Mario Penagos

Stats – Shots: 18, Shots on Goal: 6, Saves: 3, Fouls: 18, Corner Kicks: 11, Offsides: 1

San Diego Loyal SC: Koke Vegas, Jack Metcalf, Elijah Martin, Grant Stoneman (Camden Riley 8’), Kyle Adams, Collin Martin (Thomas Amang 70’), Tumi Moshobane (Morgan Hackworth 84’), Alejandro Guido, Charlie Adams (C), Nick Moon (Evan Conway 84′), Kyle Vassell

Unused substitutes:  Austin Gurrerro, Gerold Ngepi, Calvin Fodrey

Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 6, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 1

SACRAMENTO, California (March 12, 2022) – Late-game heroics sent Sacramento home with three points against El Paso Locomotive FC on opening night at Heart Health Park. An 85^th minute score from Douglas Martinez and a 90^th minute goal from Keko Gontan – their first in a Republic FC uniform – sealed the deal after a physical contest.

“The boys showed great character tonight, and stuck together through a tough first half,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs following the match. “In the second half, we came out and made a few adjustments and showed what this club is all about.”

El Paso came out of the gate firing, putting a ton of pressure on Republic FC’s backline to open the match. The visitors nearly found the net just after the seven-minute mark, when midfielder Diego Luna corralled a save from Carlos Saldana, but put his attempt just wide of the target. Not a minute later, the visitors were given a chance from the penalty spot after a foul from Dan Casey brought down Richie Ryan. The 8^th minute attempt was stopped by Carlos Saldana to keep things scoreless.  

Republic FC would begin to manufacture chances as the first half went on. Defender Jack Gurr came inches from giving Sacramento the lead in the 20^th minute; after receiving a pass from the left, the Englishman let loose a rocket that went just a hair high, deflecting off the crossbar just out of reach of Evan Newton. However, Locomotive FC broke the draw in the 28^th when Emmanuel Sonupe punched one through off an assist by Diego Luna.  

Sacramento wouldn’t go into the break without a score. After the referee signaled for three minutes of stoppage time, Rodrigo Lopez was called to the penalty spot after being taken down by goalkeeper Evan Newton. The veteran buried the attempt, pulling the hosts even and securing his 30^th career score in USL Championship play.  

After each squad made some adjustments at the break, the second half went back and forth. El Paso nearly pulled ahead in the 65^th minute, but a phenomenal save by Carlos Saldana rejected the visitors most dangerous opportunity of the entire match – a close range poke kicked away by Sacramento’s keeper. The stop helped build momentum, allowing Mark Briggs’ men to keep chipping away.  

Sacramento got closer and closer to finding net as time ticked away. As Mark Briggs made changes, putting on Keko Gontan and Zeiko Lewis, more chances came. On the heels of Douglas Martinez’s go ahead score, Keko would also find the net for Republic FC’s third score of the night.  

Republic FC is back in action next week. Week 2 of the 2022 USL Championship season for Sacramento continues from San Diego, when Republic FC takes on San Diego Loyal SC at Torero Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 app.  

Sacramento Republic FC 3 – 1 El Paso Locomotive FC

USL Championship

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

March 12, 2022

Scoring Summary: SAC– Rodrigo Lopez (penalty) 45+2’, Douglas Martinez (Ferrety Sousa) 85’, Keko Gontan (Douglas Martinez) 90’ ELP– Emmanuel Sonupe (Diego Luna) 27’

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Dan Casey (caution) 8’, Nick Ross (caution) 58’, Keko Gontan (caution) 88’ ELP – Martin Payares (caution) 31’, Evan Newton (caution) 45+2’, Richie Ryan (caution) 45+2’, Diego Luna (caution) 45+2’

Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Jack Gurr, Dan Casey, Lee Desmond, Ferrety Sousa, Luis Felipe, Matt LaGrassa, Rodrigo Lopez (C), Nick Ross (Zeiko Lewis 63’), Emil Cuello (Keko Gontan 82’), Douglas Martinez Jr.

Unused substitutes: Danny Vitiello, Mario Penagos, Rafa Jauregui, Tiago Suarez, Chase Tanon

Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 4, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 1, Offsides: 2

El Paso Locomotive FC: Evan Newton, Andrew Fox, Shavon John Brown (Harry Brockbank 45’), Martin Payares (Eder Borelli 78’), Ander Eguilez, Richie Ryan, Sebastian Velasquez (Ricardo Zacarias 28’), Diego Luna, Dylan Mares (Eric Calvillo 78’), Emmanuel Sonupe, Christiano Francois (Nick Hinds 78’)

Unused substitutes:  Rommel Tarin, Noe Coutino

Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 2, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 1, Offsides: 4

SACRAMENTO, California (March 5, 2022) –Sacramento closed out their 2022 exhibition slate Saturday, defeating USL Championship newcomer Monterey Bay FC 3-2 in a preseason friendly at Heart Health Park.

The Boys in Old Glory Red controlled the match from the opening whistle, dominating possession with ease and doing well to take advantage of errant touches from the visitors. Two early chances set the tone – including an excellent cross from Douglas Martinez Jr. to Emil Cuello that was deflected away by Monterey Bay’s backline just two minutes in.

Republic FC got on the board first. After finding space just outside the penalty area, midfielder Matt LaGrassa passed up a chance at goal, instead dishing the ball left to Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez curled in a beauty past Monterey Goalkeeper Rafa Diaz to give Sacramento a 1-0 lead just 11^th minutes in. The score was Lopez’s team-leading fourth goal preseason play. Sacramento manufactured another excellent chance just four minutes later, when defender Jack Gurr carried down the right flank and put in a well-placed cross to Douglas Martinez in the middle.

Monterey would go without a chance until the half-hour mark, when a foul from Jack Gurr gave the visitors a set piece opportunity. On the counter, Sacramento found the net again. After a good opportunity from Douglas Martinez was blocked by Monterey’s backline, great work moving the ball up top set up Emil Cuello, who buried one from close range on an assist from Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez nearly bagged a second score just moments later, but his shot would go just wide of the target.

“I was really happy with some of the attacking play,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “Especially the speed of the ball and the movement of our front five or six. We  scored three very good goals; I was really happy with the pressure. We showed a lot of good things.”

The visitors didn’t go into the break quietly. Monterey Bay would break Sacramento’s clean sheet in the 43^rd minute on a recycled set piece. However, Republic FC got one back just after the break. After the referee flagged Monterey for a foul in the penalty area, Douglas Martinez stepped to the spot and put in the third of the day for Mark Briggs’ men.

Even with three on the board, Sacramento continued to manufacture chances. High press from Rodrigo Lopez allowed him to intercept an errant pass and get two strong chances on goal with little pressure, but great stops by Diaz kept the visitors deficit at two.

Monterey would fight back for another in the 63^rd minute, finding the net after a creative move to get past goalkeeper Carlos Saldana. The score gave the club some momentum, who put some pressure on Sacramento’s backline as time ticked down.

Republic FC’s will be back in action next Saturday, when they take on El Paso Locomotive FC in the club’s USL Championship season opener. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 PM, and the match will be broadcast live on 40.2 Antenna TV in English and Spanish, as well as streaming live on the Fox40 mobile app, on smart televisions and through FOX40.com. The match will also be available on ESPN+. Fans can purchase tickets to the match at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets.

Sacramento Republic FC 3 – 2 Monterey Bay FC

Preseason Friendly

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

March 5, 2022

 Scoring Summary: SAC–Rodrigo Lopez (Matt LaGrassa) 11’, Emil Cuello (Rodrigo Lopez) 34’, Douglas Martinez Jr. (penalty) 50’ MB–43’, 63’

Misconduct Summary: SAC –Douglas Martinez (caution) 63’, Nick Ross (caution) 82’, Rafa Jauregui (caution) 85’ MB – 43’ 76’