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$5 Beers and Bites at Bonney Field this Saturday

This Saturday, Sacramento Republic FC fans can score on beer, bites and swag prior to Republic FC kicking off against San Antonio FC at 8 p.m.

Gates will open half an hour early at 6 p.m. for Republic FC’s match against San Antonio FC, with happy hour pricing on food, drinks and merchandise from 6-7:15 p.m. Both parking and free bike valet courtesy of SABA will be open with the early gates.

As part of the happy hour special, fans may enjoy special pricing on the following items at Bonney Field on Saturday:

$5 on select food menu at concession stands
$5 select beers
$5 off merchandise when they spend $25 or more (may not be combined with other offers).

The special pricing will be available to fans only between 6-7:15 p.m. $5 food and drink menu is not applicable at food trucks or select small stands. In order to receive the special pricing, fans must be in line no later than 7:15 p.m.

Tickets to Saturday’s match are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

This Saturday, Sacramento Republic FC fans can score on beer, bites and swag prior to Republic FC kicking off against San Antonio FC at 8 p.m.

As part of the happy hour special, fans may enjoy special pricing on the following items at Bonney Field on Saturday:

$5 on select food menu at concession stands
$5 select beers
$5 off merchandise when they spend $25 or more (may not be combined with other offers).

Tickets to Saturday’s match are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

Know the Opponent: San Antonio FC

Sacramento Republic FC are finally back at Bonney Field to face San Antonio FC after an entire month on the road. Republic FC last played at home on July 6 before embarking on a five-match road stretch. Saturday’s match will be the first-ever meeting between Republic FC and USL expansion side San Antonio FC.

Ahead of Saturday’s match, get to know Republic FC’s opponent, San Antonio FC.

HEAD COACH

Darren Powell leads San Antonio FC in their first season in the USL. This is Powell’s first coaching job at the helm of a professional club, spending the majority of his coaching career at the collegiate and youth levels. Powell coached the men’s soccer team at Elon University from 2004 through 2014, racking up the most wins of any coach in program history. Powell was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year four times in nine seasons and won regular season titles in 2008 and 2012.

With more than 15 years of coaching experience, prior to joining San Antonio FC, Powell most recently served as the academy director for Orlando City SC for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Under Powell’s leadership, the program’s U-16 and U-18 teams made the 2015 U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs and also received program recognition as the 2015 Most Improved Academy in the East.

KEY PLAYERS
Defender Greg Cochran leads the team in minutes played, racking up 1,641 minutes this season, and appearing in all 19 of San Antonio FC’s USL matches to date. Cochrane was a second round 2013 MLS SuperDraft pick by the LA Galaxy. That season, Cochrane made 12 league appearances with the LA side before heading to Chicago Fire for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. He signed with San Antonio FC on February 25, 2016 and has cemented his place on the starting lineup. Cochrane has helped keep the fourth lowest numbers of goals allowed in the Western Conference for San Antonio FC, tied at 21 with Rio Grande Valley FC. Cochrane has three assists so far in the 2016 USL season and was named to the Team of the Week for Week 16.

Midfielder Carlos Alvarez leads the club in assists, recording four in 19 matches. Alvarez also scored a goal in San Antonio’s 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy II on April 13. Alvarez is third in minutes played, just behind defenders Cochrane and Milton Palacios. Alvarez spent last season on loan with Charlotte Independence from the Colorado Rapids. In his time with Charlotte, Alvarez started 16 matches in 22 appearances, scored two goals and recorded four assists. After spending his collegiate soccer career at the University of Connecticut, Alvarez was picked second overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA. He made his MLS debut with Chivas USA on March 17, 2013 against LA Galaxy.

Goalkeeper Josh Ford has made the most of his time with San Antonio FC, starting in 15 of the club’s 19 USL matches. Ford has allowed just 13 goals in his 15 appearances and made 43 saves. Ford played collegiately at the University of Connecticut, setting several school records, including shutouts (50), consecutive starts (85) and wins (54). He was also named the 2010 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year. Ford was suspended for four matches after receiving a red card in San Antonio FC’s 0-0 draw with OKC Energy FC on July 9, but the suspension was later reduced to three matches. Ford will be available for San Antonio FC’s clash against Republic FC.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

San Antonio FC signed forward Franck Tayou on June 16. Tayou has spent the majority of his career as an indoor soccer player, most recently playing for the Soles de Sonora in the Major Arena Soccer League. In the 2015-2016 season, Tayou was named the MASL MVP, recording a league-leading 47 goals, as well as 15 assists in 20 matches. Tayou has also capped for the U.S. Futsal National Team. Since signing in June, Tayou has scored three goals in seven appearances with San Antonio FC.

Forward Taylor Morgan was acquired by San Antonio FC from Tulsa Roughnecks FC on June 22. Morgan spent the first part of the 2016 USL season in Tulsa, making 12 appearances and scoring one goal. The 25-year-old forward began his career with the Southampton FC Academy, spending four years at the famed academy before joining the Queens Park Rangers Academy.

Morgan played collegiately in the United States at George Mason University, where he scored 23 goals in 50 appearances. So far in his time in San Antonio, Morgan has recorded 205 minutes in four appearances.

Most recently, San Antonio FC signed midfielder Diego Garcia on July 7. The 18-year-old midfielder is local to San Antonio, having first impressed San Antonio FC coaching staff at the club’s tryouts earlier this year. Garcia concluded his season with Lonestar SC in the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy in May and trained with San Antonio FC prior to his signing.

2016 SEASON RECAP

San Antonio FC recorded their first USL win in club history in their season opener at Seattle Sounders FC 2 with a 3-0 win. The team then went a four match winless streak before earning their first ever home victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC, winning the match 3-1. The club had another rough patch, not seeing a victory for five straight matches.

San Antonio turned their form around in June. From June 11 through July 16, San Antonio FC went a six match unbeaten streak, defeating Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Orange County Blues FC, Tulsa Roughnecks FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, and tying with Portland Timbers 2 and OKC Energy FC.

Four players are tied for leading club goal scorer, all four having recorded three goals this season. The offensive responsibilities have been spread across the team, with 12 different players scoring at least one goal and nine different players recording an assist for San Antonio FC in 2016.

Currently, San Antonio FC sit in 11th place in the Western Conference standings with 24 points, just three points out of a playoff position.

SATURDAY’S MATCH

This Saturday’s match between Republic FC and San Antonio FC will kick off at 8 p.m. PDT at Bonney Field. Tickets are still available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. The match will be broadcast live on CW 31 and at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday via the USL Youtube channel. Updates will also be provided via Twitter at @SacRepublicFC or using #SACvSA.

Ahead of Saturday’s match, get to know Republic FC’s opponent, San Antonio FC.

HEAD COACH

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

2016 SEASON RECAP

Currently, San Antonio FC sit in 11th place in the Western Conference standings with 24 points, just three points out of a playoff position.

SATURDAY’S MATCH

Sacramento Republic FC Loan Midfielder Chase Minter to Tulsa Roughnecks FC

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 4, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have loaned Chase Minter to Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The rookie midfielder has joined Roughnecks FC prior to Tulsa’s match against Orange County Blues FC tonight, Thursday, August 4.

“Chase has remained on the periphery of our first team and we want him to play positive USL minutes,” said Republic FC Director of Football Graham Smith. “This is the same situation that happened with Matt LaGrassa and we have seen how well it worked with him, as he has come back and played meaningful minutes for us. We hope it will do the same with Chase.”

Minter has appeared in eight matches for Republic FC this season including three starts. He has played 222 minutes in all competitions. Minter made his USL debut against Arizona United SC on April 2, starting and playing 63 minutes in a 1-0 victory.

Sacramento Ties Run throughout U.S. Womens Olympic History

When it comes to the Summer Olympics, there is one sport where the United States shines brightest: women’s soccer. Not only have the United States medaled in every Olympics since the women’s competition of the beautiful game was added to the international event in 1996, they have captured the gold at every Summer Olympics but one.

As the women’s tournament turns 20 years old at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, players with Sacramento region ties have been vital to the U.S.’s success on the pitch from the beginning. There have been at least two players with Sacramento area ties on the U.S. Women’s National Team for every Olympics since the sport was added in 1996.

The inaugural United States Women’s National Team squad for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics featured two players with ties to the Sacramento region: Tisha Venturini-Hoch, Brandi Chastain and team co-captain Julie Foudy.

A Modesto, Calif. native, Venturini attended Grace M. Davis High School before going on to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels. During the 1996 Olympics—Venturini’s only Olympics—the midfielder scored two goals in her five match appearances.

Meanwhile, team co-captain Foudy for her part played for local area team the Sacramento Storm (now California Storm), leading the club to the 1993, 1995 and 1997 California State Amateur championships. After winning gold in the 1996 Olympics alongside Venturini, Foudy went to capture a silver medal in 2000 and a second gold in 2004 alongside teammate Chastain.

Chastain—who recently attended a Sacramento Republic FC match in May—played in three Olympic games alongside Foudy. A San Jose native, Chastain spent the 2010 WPSL season playing for the California Storm and has made guest player appearances regularly with the club.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics saw a new wave of players represent the Sacramento region while winning gold with the U.S. Women’s National Team. Goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart became the third California Storm player to roster for the Olympics, while defender Stephanie Cox became the first player who spent their youth career playing for a Sacramento region club. Cox, who was born in San Jose, played for the Elk Grove Pride while attending Elk Grove High School.

Forward Alex Morgan and midfielder Megan Rapinoe both made their Olympic debuts in 2012, where the U.S. once again captured gold. Rapinoe—who grew up in Redding—followed in the footsteps of Cox, spending her youth career with the Elk Grove Pride. During the 2012 London Summer Olympics, Rapinoe scored three goals and a team-high of four assists in six appearances.

Another California Storm alumni, Morgan played with the Storm in 2012 prior to the National Women’s Soccer League launch in 2012. Morgan ended the 2012 Olympics with three goals and a team-high of four assists in six appearances, tying Rapinoe.

Both Rapinoe and Morgan were named to the roster for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

While the Olympics officially kick off August 5, the U.S. Women’s National Team begin their quest for another gold medal on August 3 in group play against New Zealand. Kickoff is 3 p.m. PST and will be broadcast live on NBCSN and NBC Universo.

Both Rapinoe and Morgan were named to the roster for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

Republic FC Season Ticket Holder Swims English Channel

Last week on July 26, Sacramento Republic FC Season Ticket Holder Ernie Hoftyzer showed his own indomitable spirit as he completed the more than 20-mile swim across the English Channel, finishing the swim in 11 hours and 49 minutes.

In finishing the swim across the English Channel, Hoftyzer joined the ranks of elite swimmers to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming: the English Channel (20.1 miles), Catalina Channel (20 miles) and Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (28 miles). Hoftyzer completed the earlier swims in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Through last summer, just 127 swimmers in the world had completed all three acclaimed marathon swims.

At its narrowest point, the Channel is 20.1 miles wide, from Dover, UK to Cap Griz Nez, France. Strong currents, cold water and changing weather frequently lead to an unpredictable swim, forcing swimmers to be prepared for a multitude of swimming conditions. To add to the challenge, swimmers daring to cross the Channel are only allowed a pair of goggles, a swimsuit and swim cap, while wetsuits are forbidden.

Hoftyzer, who started his swim at 2:36 a.m. local time, braved water temperatures of just 63 degrees. Due to strong currents and wind conditions, Hoftyzer did not complete the swim in a direct line from the United Kingdom to France.

Hoftyzer completes his swim across the English Channel.

Hoftyzer and his wife Stephanie, who live in Davis, joined the Republic FC family as Season Ticket Holders during the club’s inaugural season. To warm himself up after the cold swim and to show his community pride, Hoftyzer brought along a Republic FC scarf during the journey. During the swim, his team held up the scarf while Hoftyzer was in the water.

“We love everything that the Republic represents in terms of entertaining product, community engagement and building pride in Sacramento — the area really is a jewel and its time that people recognize that,” said Hoftyzer wanting to show off his love for the Sacramento region while completing the impressive feat.

Republic FC fans can learn more about Hoftyzer’s swim across the English Channel and see his route via the tracking map here.

Hoftyzer completes his swim across the English Channel.

Republic FC fans can learn more about Hoftyzer’s swim across the English Channel and see his route via the tracking map here.

Forward Cameron Iwasa Visits Students at 916 INK

Last week, Sacramento Republic FC forward Cameron Iwasa gave back to the community, visiting 916 Ink’s summer writing camp, “Amplify!” to discuss ways students can creatively express themselves–from the pitch to a notebook.

“I think it’s great that the club is reaching out to local charities through Glory Glory Sacramento, said Iwasa. “Helping out in the community and wearing the crest with pride, it’s be a great way for the club to set a positive example in the community.”

A local nonprofit, 916 Ink promotes literacy through creative writing workshops for under-served youth ages 4-18. The workshops feature fun, age-specific writing techniques and drills that encourage participants to express themselves creatively through writing.

Earlier this season, 916 Ink was awarded a $12,000 grant on June 4 from the Glory Glory Sacramento Fund to fund two creative writing “Amplify!” workshops serving 60 high-needs students. Each of the two 13-week writing workshops concludes with each student publishing their work in a professional anthology with the cover designed by a graphic designer, and book release party, where each students can sign copies of the anthology and take two of their own home.

Iwasa visited 916 Ink participants at the program’s Imaginarium during an “Amplify!” summer writing camp. The Republic FC forward was given a tour of the campus and also background on how the 916 Ink program started.

To start the visit, Iwasa spoke to the workshop participants about their theme of the week: victory.

“I talked about being victorious throughout life, such as working hard in school, and in my own experience working hard to go and play soccer at UC Irvine and to get where I am now,” said Iwasa “I answered questions from the kids too, from silly things, like what kind of haircut I have, to more serious things, like what my biggest setbacks have been.”

Iwasa also had the opportunity to interact with the camp participants on the soccer field and show them some moves and seeing some of the kids’ own soccer skills. The Republic FC forward also added to the campers’ collage of inspirational words, cutting out phrases and words from magazines used by the campers.

“I think what was really powerful for campers was Cameron coming out,” said 916 Ink Program Director Brett Stults. “It resonated with the campers that Cameron took time out of his schedule to meet with them, talk with them, and play with them. They felt valued and appreciated by someone in their community, which can make all the difference.”.
Iwasa’s visit was just the start of a deeper relationship Republic FC and 916 Ink both hope to foster and grow over time.

“The relationship between Republic FC and 916 Ink is so important, and powerful, because it reminds us what a community is all about: we band together to lift each other up,” said Stults.

To learn more about the Glory Glory Sacramento Fund or to make a donation to 916 Ink or another Glory Glory Sacramento grant recipient, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

To start the visit, Iwasa spoke to the workshop participants about their theme of the week: victory.

“The relationship between Republic FC and 916 Ink is so important, and powerful, because it reminds us what a community is all about: we band together to lift each other up,” said Stults.

To learn more about the Glory Glory Sacramento Fund or to make a donation to 916 Ink or another Glory Glory Sacramento grant recipient, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 1, Oklahoma City Energy FC 0

The match started with both sides battling for control in the midfield. In the 16th minute, Republic FC had their first strong look at goal when midfielder Octavio Guzman received the ball in the middle of the field after a poor clearance from Oklahoma City. Guzman took a touch forward before unleashing a 30-yard strike toward the left side of the goal. However, Energy FC Cody Laurendi was there for the diving save, blocking the ball away for a corner and keeping the match scoreless.

Republic FC got their next look on the ensuing corner. Midfielder Danny Barrera sent a ball to the middle of the box where it found defender Mike da Fonte who had run from the right side of the box. da Fonte’s header looked destined for the upper-right corner of the goal, but the ball hit the corner of the right post cross bar and bounced away.

Energy FC had their best look of the half in the 32nd minute when forward Danni König got the ball on the right side of the field after a poor clearance by Republic FC. König dribbled through the open space on the right side to the top of the box before unleashing a right-footed shot, but his shot went well high and left of the goal, keeping the match scoreless at the half.

Republic FC started the second half strong, getting a great look on goal in just the 46th minute. Forward Joaquin Rivas took the ball down the middle of the field, drawing the defense to him before playing the ball out wide left to Cameron Iwasa. The forward then took the ball down the left side, into the box and past his mark before sending a left-footed shot toward the upper left corner of goal. However, Laurendi was there again for the save, keeping the match scoreless.

Later in the second half, Energy FC had their best look of the night in the 75th minute. Defender Kyle Hyland made a long throw in to the middle of the box that found the head of substitute Colin Bonner. The forward headed the ball toward goal, but his shot was blocked away. The clearance only got to the top of the box, however, landing at the feet of König whose strong volleyed shot looked as if it was going toward goal, but deflected off the foot of a Republic FC defender.

Republic FC broke deadlock in the 83rd minute. Iwasa held the ball up on the left side of the box before sending the ball to defender James Kiffe who was open in the middle of the box. Kiffe’s first shot was blocked by a sliding Coady Andrews, but the ball landed right back at the feet of Kiffe whose second shot went into the top of the goal and past Laurendi, giving Republic FC the late 1-0 lead.

Substitute forward Mackenzie Pridham almost doubled Republic FC’s lead late after midfielder Max Alvarez played him free on the right side of the box. Pridham went one-on-one with Laurendi, but Pridham’s grounded shot from the top of the box by a sliding Laurendi.

Republic FC’s rode out the rest of the match following Pridham’s shot, giving them the 1-0 win and ending their five-match road stretch with a victory.

Republic FC will return home on Saturday, August 6 when they face San Antonio FC at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. The match will be aired live on CW31 and Sports 1140 KHTK.

Republic FC’s rode out the rest of the match following Pridham’s shot, giving them the 1-0 win and ending their five-match road stretch with a victory.

Sacramento Republic FC 1:0 Oklahoma City Energy FC
USL Match
Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
August 2, 2016 – Attendance: 3,753

Scoring Summary: SRFC – James Kiffe (Cameron Iwasa) 83

Misconduct Summary: OKC – Kyle Hyland (caution) 55, Coady Andrews (caution) 70, Danni König (caution) 90, Kyle Hyland (caution/ejection) 90.

Sacramento Republic FC – Evan Newton; Mike da Fonte, Carlos Rodriguez, Chris Christian, James Kiffe; Jeremy Hall, Danny Barrera (Alfonso Motagalvan 87), Octavio Guzman (Max Alvarez 75, JJ Koval 90), Cameron Iwasa; Joaquin Rivas (Mackenzie Pridham 67), Harry Williams (Matt LaGrassa 55).

Subs Not Used: Dominik Jakubek; Kip Colvey.

Stats: Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 1, Fouls: 8, Corner Kicks: 4, Offside: 0.

Oklahoma City Energy FC – Cody Laurendi; Kyle Hyland, Coady Andrews (Linus Olsson 85), Cyprian Hedrick, Devante DuBose; Michael Byskov (Luis Martinez 85), Michael Thomas, Sebastian Dalgaard (Timo Pitter 66), Daniel Gonzalez (Jose Cuevas 78); Danni König, Wojciech Wokcik (Colin Bonner 73).

Subs Not Used: CJ Cochran; Jacob Van Compernolle.

Stats: Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 3, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 5, Offside: 1.

Sacramento Republic FC 1:0 Oklahoma City Energy FC
USL Match
Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
August 2, 2016 – Attendance: 3,753

Scoring Summary: SRFC – James Kiffe (Cameron Iwasa) 83

Misconduct Summary: OKC – Kyle Hyland (caution) 55, Coady Andrews (caution) 70, Danni König (caution) 90, Kyle Hyland (caution/ejection) 90.

Subs Not Used: Dominik Jakubek; Kip Colvey.

Stats: Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 1, Fouls: 8, Corner Kicks: 4, Offside: 0.

Subs Not Used: CJ Cochran; Jacob Van Compernolle.

Stats: Shots: 6, Shots on Goal: 1, Saves: 3, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 5, Offside: 1.

Score $5 off merchandise and $3 off tickets all of August!

Sacramento Republic FC fans who purchase tickets to any of the club’s August USL matches (August 6, 20 and 27) will receive a promo code for $5 off online merchandise orders over $25.

Additionally, all fans who make an online merchandise purchase at shop.https://www.sacrepublicfc.com during the month of August will receive a promo code for $3 off any Republic FC matches in August.

Fans who purchase single match tickets to a USL match or merchandise online will receive their $5 off promo code via email within 72 hours of completing a purchase.

This offer is valid only for single match tickets purchased through Ticketmaster.com and merchandise orders purchased online. It does not apply to walk up sales at the Bonney Field Box Office, group tickets or single match tickets bought at the Republic FC Team Store. For merchandise, offer is valid for online purchases only. Offer limited to one use per account and cannot be combined with other offers.

The deadline to make a purchase to receive a promo code is Friday, August 26 at 5 p.m.

Republic FC will host San Antonio FC on Saturday, August 6, Portland Timbers 2 on August 20 and Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on August 27. Kickoff is 8 p.m. for all three matches at Bonney Field. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Sacramento Republic FC fans who purchase tickets to any of the club’s August USL matches (August 6, 20 and 27) will receive a promo code for $5 off online merchandise orders over $25.

Additionally, all fans who make an online merchandise purchase at shop.https://www.sacrepublicfc.com during the month of August will receive a promo code for $3 off any Republic FC matches in August.

Fans who purchase single match tickets to a USL match or merchandise online will receive their $5 off promo code via email within 72 hours of completing a purchase.

The deadline to make a purchase to receive a promo code is Friday, August 26 at 5 p.m.

Tuesdays Republic FC match to be broadcast on ESPN3

Sacramento Republic FC’s road match against Oklahoma City Energy FC will be broadcast live on ESPN3 on Tuesday. The match, which is the featured USL Game of the Week, kicks off at 5:30 p.m.

Republic FC wrap up a long away match stretch on Tuesday, playing their fifth straight road match. Sitting in fifth place in the USL Western Conference, Republic FC look to capture three critical road points against Energy FC. It is the only meeting between the two sides this season.

Republic FC fans may watch Tuesday’s match exclusively on ESPN3. There will be no YouTube live stream of the match.

ESPN3 is assessable on computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices through WatchESPN. The network is currently available to more than 99 million homes at no additional cost to fans that receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider.

Additionally, ESPN3 can be streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Republic FC will host their official watch party at de Vere’s Irish Pub in downtown Sacramento. de Vere’s Irish Pub is located at 1521 L St. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for best seating. The match will be aired live on ESPN 3. Updates of the match will be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #OKCvSAC.

Republic FC returns home on Aug. 6 to take on San Antonio FC. Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Bonney Field. Tickets to the match are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Sacramento Republic FC’s road match against Oklahoma City Energy FC will be broadcast live on ESPN3 on Tuesday. The match, which is the featured USL Game of the Week, kicks off at 5:30 p.m.

Republic FC fans may watch Tuesday’s match exclusively on ESPN3. There will be no YouTube live stream of the match.

Additionally, ESPN3 can be streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Republic FC returns home on Aug. 6 to take on San Antonio FC. Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Bonney Field. Tickets to the match are available at Ticketmaster.com.

2017 USL Schedule to Expand to 32 Match Regular Season

On Monday, the United Soccer League (USL) released the 2017 competition structure, which will feature a 30-week regular season with 32 matches per club and a 16-team postseason playoff tournament.

Following the annual USL Board of Governors mid-year meetings—which Sacramento Republic FC representatives attended last Thursday in San Jose in conjunction with the 2016 MLS All-Star Game—the league voted to expand the schedule based off the recommendation of the USL’s Off-Field Competition Committee.

The 2017 season will begin the weekend of March 24-26, 2017 and will feature a 32-match schedule that will be played in a span of no more than 30 weeks. The change is an expansion on the 2016 season, which consisted of 30 matches played in 27 weeks.

“After evaluating a number of proposals the League and its Competition Committee agreed on several changes that we felt would deliver value to our clubs through the extra home match,” said USL President Jake Edwards.

During the 2017 season, the new schedule will allow Republic FC to play each of its conference opponents at least twice—one home and one away match—with the remaining matches rounded out from regional rivalries.

With a 30-week regular season, the USL will be able to build a national footprint, while maintaining a balanced schedule. Additionally, the new schedule will give each club one additional home match.

“Lengthening the season gives us greater flexibility to create a more balanced schedule with less midweek matches,” said Edwards. “We will continue to build our national footprint with a focus on regional rivalries and a roadmap to a three-conference alignment in the very near future.”

The newly expanded schedule also ensures that no team plays an opponent more than three times during the 2017 regular season. For comparison, Republic FC’s 2016 schedule features four matches against both Orange County Blues FC and LA Galaxy II.

The 2017 postseason format will remain identical to the 2016 postseason, with the top eight clubs in each conference qualifying for the 16-team postseason.

For more information about the USL, including the annual USL Board of Governors mid-year meetings, visit USLSoccer.com.

On Monday, the United Soccer League (USL) released the 2017 competition structure, which will feature a 30-week regular season with 32 matches per club and a 16-team postseason playoff tournament.

With a 30-week regular season, the USL will be able to build a national footprint, while maintaining a balanced schedule. Additionally, the new schedule will give each club one additional home match.

The 2017 postseason format will remain identical to the 2016 postseason, with the top eight clubs in each conference qualifying for the 16-team postseason.

For more information about the USL, including the annual USL Board of Governors mid-year meetings, visit USLSoccer.com.