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Vote Now: Felipe's Game Winner is Nominated for Goal of the Week

SACRAMENTO, California (August 2, 2021) – Luis Felipe’s game winner from Saturday’s 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls II has been nominated for USL Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week. Voting is now open and runs through Thursday, August 5 at 9:00 a.m. PT at USLChampionship.com.

Felipe capped off a clinical one-touch build up from the boys in Old Glory Red in the 22nd minute to bag his first career brace. After opening the scoring five minutes earlier, Felipe put Sacramento up for good with a right-footed boot into the opposite corner off Duke Lacroix’s second assist of the season.

Darek Formella crossed it into Felipe, Felipe sent it over to Lacroix's chest, then Felipe found the ball again at his feet and finished the job.

Darek Formella crossed it into Felipe, Felipe sent it over to Lacroix’s chest, then Felipe found the ball again at his feet and finished the job.

It only took 12 appearances with the Indomitable Club for Felipe to record a multi-goal game – the club’s second first-half brace of on the season.

This is the second Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week nomination, with Nabi Kibunguchy claiming last week’s honors.

Republic FC is back on the road this Thursday against Tacoma Defiance. The match is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff from Cheney Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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It only took 12 appearances with the Indomitable Club for Felipe to record a multi-goal game – the club’s second first-half brace of on the season.

This is the second Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week nomination, with Nabi Kibunguchy claiming last week’s honors.

Republic FC is back on the road this Thursday against Tacoma Defiance. The match is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff from Cheney Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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Republic FC Teams Up with Raley’s, BODYARMOR to Raise Funds for Special Olympics Northern California

For the second season in a row, Republic FC has partnered with BODYARMOR, Raley’s, and Special Olympics Northern California for a campaign that will encourage athlete health, while raising funds and awareness for local programs.

With every purchase of BODYARMOR Sports Drink, LYTE, and Sportwater at Raley’s, Bel Air, and Nob Hill Foods in July and August, BODYARMOR will donate 10 cents to Special Olympics Northern California.

Alongside the campaign, Republic FC and Raley’s have teamed up for an online sweepstakes that awards one weekly winner a prize of BODYARMOR products and a $100 Raley’s gift card. The contest, which begins August 2nd, will run through the end of the month.

One winner will be selected each week beginning August 9, with the final winner announced on August 31 for a total of four winners selected.

For more information about Special Olympics Northern California, BODYARMOR, rules, and how to enter, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/drinkbodyarmor.

One winner will be selected each week beginning August 9, with the final winner announced on August 31 for a total of four winners selected.

For more information about Special Olympics Northern California, BODYARMOR, rules, and how to enter, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/drinkbodyarmor.

Three Takeaways from #SACvNY

A first half for the record books was the story on Saturday night, as three first-half goals and a substantial offensive contribution from new acquisition Jerome Kiesewetter helped Republic FC grab three points to close out July.

Coming Out Firing

The Indomitable Club pushed the ball into the final third often in the first 20 minutes, and it paid off. A brace from Luis Felipe in a five-minute span gave Republic FC the early 2-0 lead after constant pressure and playmaking from its attacking corps. Saturday’s first half was much like July 14 at Las Vegas Lights FC, when Tucker Bone also bagged a first-half brace in the 2-1 win.

Jerome Kiesewetter and Mario Penagos were key catalysts in the early going, with Penagos taking a through ball and winning the corner that led to Felipe’s first goal. Kiesewetter slotted in a through ball from Felipe in the seventh minute, but was called offsides on the play.

Darek Formella piled it on just before halftime with a goal in the 41st minute. With the score, Formella now owns sole possession of fifth in club history with 13 goals for the boys in Old Glory Red.

Darek Formella Doing Darek Formella Things

Formella broke out in a big way in Republic FC’s win with a goal and assist in the first half. The Poland native shared a team high with Felipe, recording two shots on the night – both on frame. Along with creating a chance, Formella logged two shots on the night to tie Shannon Gomez for a team high.

Republic FC had a similar showing in Formella’s last such outing, recording a 3-1 win in the home opener against Las Vegas Lights FC on May 12. The Poland native recorded a goal and an assist on that night as well.

Kiesewetter Keys The Offense

Jerome Kiesewetter’s movement off the ball and playmaking ability came to light in his first chance to showcase for the Indomitable fans. Kiesewetter found himself in front of the defense on numerous occasions, oftentimes creating open play situations for the Republic FC offense. The German-born forward logged 84 minutes in his first match in Sacramento with 34 touches and 18 passes.

Yoga on the Pitch Returns August 14 to Heart Health Park

Republic FC and Western Health Advantage are teaming up to help make health a priority for soccer fans and the community. Yoga on the Pitch returns to Heart Health Park on Saturday, August 14 at 5:30 p.m. before the Indomitable Club hosts Las Vegas Lights FC.

Join fellow fans, friends, and fitness enthusiasts for a 60-minute vinyasa yoga session led by Alicia Lowe, Health and Wellness Manager at Western Health Advantage. All-ages, and experience levels are welcome. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Each participant will receive a gift from Republic FCand a ticket to the match later in the evening. Tickets are only $30 and can be purchased at fevo.com/srfcyoga. Season ticket members who already have match tickets can contact their member services representative to reserve a spot.

In May, Republic FC and Western Health Advantage partnered to rename the team’s home field Heart Health Park, as part of a collaborative effort to call attention to the importance of community health and wellbeing, in place of the health insurance plan’s name. Heart Health Park has become a community center to drive awareness and action around cardiovascular disease and related ailments. On gameday, concessions will offer heart-healthy selections, the entire staff will be CPR certified to provide life-saving support in case of an emergency, and pre-match entertainment will highlight the work of frontline workers and health experts showcasing lifestyle changes to promote heart health. Beyond gamedays, the team will extend its commitment to promoting health and wellness by opening Heart Health Park for workouts with local fitness instructors, incorporating CPR certification into its youth soccer programming, and engaging with regional non-profits to develop additional resources and programming to put an emphasis on nutrition and an active lifestyle.

RECAP: Republic FC 3-1 New York Red Bulls II

SACRAMENTO, California (July 31, 2021) – For the third straight match, Republic FC opened the scoring early en route to a 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls II.

Luis Felipe led the way for Sacramento, scoring twice in the first half to secure his first career brace. Felipe found the net in the 17th minute off a Darek Formella corner kick to put the Boys in Old Glory Red up 1-0, and again 5 minutes later on an assist from Duke Lacroix. Felipe’s Brace was the second for a Republic FC player this season.

SACRAMENTO, California (July 31, 2021) – For the third straight match, Republic FC opened the scoring early en route to a 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls II.

Sacramento widened their lead in the 39th minute after being awarded a penalty for a foul on Jerome Kiesewetter, who made his home debut in the 3-1 victory. Darek Formella punched one in for his third score of the season after his penalty attempt was saved by New York Goalkeeper AJ Marcucci.

"It was a pleasing night overall," said Head Coach Mark Briggs. "There's things to work on and there's things to get better at, but that's for another day. We're going to enjoy the three points we took tonight.”

“It was a pleasing night overall,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “There’s things to work on and there’s things to get better at, but that’s for another day. We’re going to enjoy the three points we took tonight.”

The East Coast club kept a high line for the entire contest, but Sacramento goalkeeper Tomas Gomez and the Republic FC back line did well to mitigate the pressure, allowing just 3 shots on target.

New York would get on the board with their only score of the match in the 62nd minute, when Jeremy Rafanello netted an excellent shot past Tomas Gomez from 35 yards out.

Mark Briggs’ men made the most of their opportunities all night, putting four of their seven shots for the match on frame and generating six chances to score from close range.

Sacramento returns to action this Thursday when they travel north to Washington for their first meeting of the season with Tacoma Defiance. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

The East Coast club kept a high line for the entire contest, but Sacramento goalkeeper Tomas Gomez and the Republic FC back line did well to mitigate the pressure, allowing just 3 shots on target.

New York would get on the board with their only score of the match in the 62nd minute, when Jeremy Rafanello netted an excellent shot past Tomas Gomez from 35 yards out.

Mark Briggs’ men made the most of their opportunities all night, putting four of their seven shots for the match on frame and generating six chances to score from close range.

Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 New York Red Bulls II
USL Championship

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

July , 31, 2021

Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 New York Red Bulls II
USL Championship

Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California

July , 31, 2021

Scoring Summary: SAC – Luis Felipe (Darek Formella) 17’, Luis Felipe (Duke Lacroix) 22’, Darek Formella 39’ NY – Jeremy Rafanello 62’

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Luis Felipe (caution) 12’; Mario Penagos (caution) 26’ NY – Emir Tombul (caution) 36’, Daniel Edelman (caution) 40’, Kyle Zajec (caution) 73’

Sacramento Republic FC: Tomas Gomez, Shannon Gomez, Dan Casey, Hayden Sargis, Duke Lacroix, Mario Penagos (Fatai Alashe 67’), Pete Pennanen, Luis Felipe, Kharlton Belmar (Mitch Taintor 79’), Jerome Kiesewetter (Cam Iwasa 85’), Darek Formella

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Jaime Villareal, Jordan McCrary, Nabi Kibunguchy

Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves 2, Fouls 13 , Corner Kicks: 1, Offsides: 5.

New York Red Bulls II: AJ Marcucci, Matty Acosta, Emir Tombul, Joey Zalinsky, Juan Castillo (Austin Brummet 83’), Daniel Edelman, Kyle Zajec, Jeremy Rafanello, Jake Lacava, Omar Sowe, Serge Ngoma (Mathias Jorgensen 78’)

Unused substitutes: Sam Joesph, Mike Knapp, James Contron, Bento Estrela, Samuel Williams

Stats – Shots: 22, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 19, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 1

Scoring Summary: SAC – Luis Felipe (Darek Formella) 17’, Luis Felipe (Duke Lacroix) 22’, Darek Formella 39’ NY – Jeremy Rafanello 62’

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Luis Felipe (caution) 12’; Mario Penagos (caution) 26’ NY – Emir Tombul (caution) 36’, Daniel Edelman (caution) 40’, Kyle Zajec (caution) 73’

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Jaime Villareal, Jordan McCrary, Nabi Kibunguchy

Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves 2, Fouls 13 , Corner Kicks: 1, Offsides: 5.

Unused substitutes: Sam Joesph, Mike Knapp, James Contron, Bento Estrela, Samuel Williams

Stats – Shots: 22, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 1, Fouls: 19, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 1

In Their Own Words: With the Quality We Have, the Tide Will Turn

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On claiming a point last weekend against Orange County…

“It was very pleasing to go in front against Orange County, to take the lead, to get good momentum in the game and for Kharlton to get that goal that he’s been looking for for a while and get his confidence up. When you make substitutions, you want substitutes to impact the game. You want substitutes to make a play, come in, affect the game. It was a great ball by Hayden out to Shannon, Shannon lays it back and then Mitch and Nabi, two substitutes that came in. Mitch puts an unbelievable ball in the box and Nabi makes it his own, gets in front of his man, makes the diving header, scores a goal and we come back with a point, which is good because it’s a hard place to go and get anything.

On preparing for an Eastern Conference opponent…

You saw that momentum carry on through the week. It’s been a good week of training, good preparation for a hard test tomorrow against a team that we haven’t faced from another conference, against a style that we haven’t faced either. The boys are prepared. It’s been a good week. The atmosphere is good and we’re ready to go.”

On the momentum the team is creating…

“When you go through tough moments as a group like we have, you just have to get your head down and you have to grind. You have to trust what you’re doing, you have to believe in what you’re doing, and sooner or later, with the quality we have, the tide will turn. We’ve got to keep grinding, keep doing what we’re doing, and the tide will turn.”

On Mario Penagos’ development as an Academy product and his trust in his young players…

“He’s started straight games because he’s been the best player in that position. He’s affected games, he’s made plays, he’s getting more and more confidence. I’m extremely proud of him. I had him in the academy and we have him out here on the first team field. For you guys, for the fans, you’re starting to see glimpses of what Mario is capable of, and long may it continue.”

On claiming a point last weekend against Orange County…

On preparing for an Eastern Conference opponent…

On the momentum the team is creating…

On Mario Penagos’ development as an Academy product and his trust in his young players…

Republic FC Mario Penagos

On his starts at the No. 10 and its expectations…

“It feels really good. It’s always been my goal to start with the team and help the team get some wins. I feel like I’ve been working really hard. I’m excited to have this spot and I’m going to try to do my best to keep it.”

On his starts at the No. 10 and its expectations…

On what the Academy has done for him and where it’s going after its MLS NEXT showing…

“I’ve played with a lot of those guys growing up. They’re all very talented and they all worked so hard to get there. I watched the live streams from them, and it was exciting to watch them. Everybody in our locker room was watching. It was really cool to see them.”

On being 19 years old and playing for a club that can build a roster from the local area…

“I’ve been here my whole life. Since I heard Republic FC was going to be a club, it was always what I wanted to be since growing up here. It feels amazing. I know a lot of people in the stands and it helps with my playing.”

On what the Academy has done for him and where it’s going after its MLS NEXT showing…

On being 19 years old and playing for a club that can build a roster from the local area…

Republic FC Kharlton Belmar

On building on last week’s energy and finding the back of the net…

“Last week’s match was a good one. We showed a lot of fight in back-to-back weeks to grind out a result. The team worked hard. We’ve been working hard these past couple weeks to make sure we get back on the right foot and I think last weekend was another step in the right direction. I’m super excited to open up the account. It’s been a while since I had a goal from open play. It’s feeding the confidence for all of us and we’re looking forward to trying to get another three points this weekend.”

On seeing the breakthrough goals that change the complexity of the game…

“I think that’s a good place to start. It’s starting to turn into results from maybe losing a game down a goal to turning it around and getting a result in tough places to play. I think it’s trending in the right direction and right now we have to take it one step at a time. We’re starting to grind out those results, nicking points, and now we’re going to start trying to turn those into wins.”

On building on last week’s energy and finding the back of the net…

On seeing the breakthrough goals that change the complexity of the game…

Kibunguchy Header Wins Fans Choice Goal of the Week

SACRAMENTO, California (July 26, 2021) – Powered by the Indomitable Club’s fans, Nabi Kibunguchy’s last-second equalizer Saturday at Orange County SC wins the Week 14 Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week. Saturday’s strike was the first professional goal for Kibunguchy, a homegrown product developed in Republic FC’s academy and at UC Davis.

Nabi entered the match in the 90th minute with an offensive mindset. “Basically, I just wanted to go in and compete. I knew if I got my chance, I’d be ready to take the opportunity…ready to impact the game in whatever position I was put in,” said Kibunguchy following Saturday’s match. “I was blessed to score the goal and take advantage of the opportunity.”

As a member of Republic FC’s inaugural academy class, he has a unique bond to the Indomitable Club. “It’s an awesome feeling scoring for my hometown team and being able to contribute and get the point,” said Nabi. “I'm really happy for myself and I’ve really been working hard towards a moment like this for my first personal goal. So only up from here.”

Kibunguchy’s goal continued the club’s trend of substitutes finding the back of the net late in the match, as well as the homegrown players’ impact on the team. Over the last 29 games, academy players have logged over 1,500 minutes, adding three goals and one assist. Fellow substitute Mitch Taintor gave SRFC a hard-fought road point with a stoppage time equalizer at San Diego Loyal SC back on July 3, and Jaime Villareal secured the second win of the season for the boys in Old Glory Red on May 12 four minutes after subbing on.

Republic FC return home to Heart Health Park to host New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, July 31 at 8:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast locally on KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento, as well as streamed on ESPN+. Tickets are available at www.sacrepublicfc.com/single-match-tickets

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As a member of Republic FC’s inaugural academy class, he has a unique bond to the Indomitable Club. “It’s an awesome feeling scoring for my hometown team and being able to contribute and get the point,” said Nabi. “I’m really happy for myself and I’ve really been working hard towards a moment like this for my first personal goal. So only up from here.”

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Republic FC Extends Seven USL Academy Contracts, Prepares Nine Players for Collegiate Soccer

Nine academy players will move into college soccer
Republic FC’s development academy is the only regional club that can provide first team, professional experience to youth players

Sacramento, Calif. – Following impressive semifinal finishes for the Sacramento Republic FC U19 and U17 Academy teams at the MLS NEXT Cup earlier this summer, the club has added seven players from the club’s youth development academy to the first team roster. The seven players – Amjot Narang, Josemaria Barrera, Daniel Govea, Giovanni Ceja, Fernando “Pepe” Venegas, John Pablo “JP” Cortez and Jonathan Dadzie – have signed USL Academy contracts, making them eligible to join Republic FC for USL Championship matches pending league and federation approval. Additionally, nine Republic FC Academy players have committed to play college soccer throughout the country with many beginning this fall.

“Our academy teams, players and coaches continue to shine on the biggest stage, and we’re proud of how they have represented the city and club,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Amjot, Josemaria, Daniel, Gio, Pepe, JP and Jonathan have shown that they are eager to compete at the highest levels, and we’re excited to help them continue to grow. Our academy staff deserves a tremendous amount of credit for developing these talented players, as well as encouraging them to take the next step – whether it be moving to the pros or into an elite college program.”

USL Academy contracts allow academy players the chance to play with the first team in professional matches, while retaining their NCAA eligibility by preserving their amateur status. Since its founding, Republic FC’s youth development academy has created a pipeline of players including four current first team pro members — Nabi Kibunguchy, Hayden Sargis, Mario Penagos and Rafael Jauregui, as well as several contributors on USL Academy contracts. In the last 17 months, players from Republic FC’s academy system have logged over 1,500 minutes in USL league play. Since 2017, 24 Republic FC Academy players have signed USL Academy contracts, and joined the first team for training and matches to continue their development at the highest level. Republic FC is the only soccer club in the Sacramento region that can provide talented players with an opportunity to compete against top-tier talent at the youth and senior levels.

Four members of from the 2004 age group – Josemaria Barrera, Giovanni Ceja, Daniel Govea, and Fernando “Pepe” Venegas – will be able to join the first team for trainings and will be available for selection through the remainder of the season. En route to the MLS NEXT Cup semifinals, the U17 squad defeated two top 25 clubs.

Barrera, a 17-year-old midfielder from Stockton, has been a member of Republic FC’s Academy since 2016. Before joining Republic FC, he played youth soccer for the Stockton Earthquakes. Giovanni Ceja, a 17-year-old defender from Merced, has been with the Indomitable Club’s Academy since 2016. A co-captain for this year’s 2004 squad, he joined the first team earlier this season for preseason training camp. Govea, a 17-year-old midfielder from Los Banos, California, started with Republic FC’s Academy in 2017. Before joining Republic FC, Daniel played for BK Elite. His older brother spent three seasons with the club’s Academy before joining the men’s soccer team at Sac State. Venegas, a 16-year-old defender from Sacramento, California, started with Republic FC’s Academy in 2015 after representing Placer United. He started in 8 of 9 league matches in 2021 while serving as co-captain and joined the first team during preseason training camp.

The MLS NEXT Cup semifinalist U19 team is well represented with three first-team call ups – Amjot Narang, JP Cortez, and Jonathan Dadzie. The squad reached the final four after defeating three top 40 clubs. Narang, a 17-year-old central midfielder from El Dorado Hills, joined Republic FC’s academy in 2016. After a brief tour with FC Dallas, he returned for the 2020-21 season and was selected for each match in MLS NEXT division play, as well as the MLS NEXT Cup. Cortez is an 18-year-old forward from Petaluma, California, who before joining the Republic FC Academy played with North Coast FC. Dadzie, a 17-year-old center defender from Sacramento, joined Republic FC’s academy in 2015. After a brief stint with FC Dallas, he returned to the Indomitable Club for the 2020-21 season. In his return, he scored in his first appearance at MLS NEXT Cup.

The U19 team also serves as a springboard for players who are preparing to play at the collegiate level. Nine members of the team are moving on to play at several top tier schools around the country. Four members from the U19 squad – Centeno, Esquivel, Yang, and Narang – have signed USL Academy contracts allowing them to log valuable training opportunities and retaining their college eligibility. Since the academy’s founding, 50 SRFC Academy players have signed to Division I college soccer programs.

2002/03 members moving into college soccer:

Erik Centeno – University of Pacific – Fall 2021
Ulises Esquivel – University of Washington – Fall 2021
Jorge Galvan – University of Pacific – Fall 2021
Maxwell Johnson – UC Santa Barbara – Fall 2021
Mason Pahule – Colgate University – Fall 2021
Ian Reis – Sonoma State University – Fall 2021
Aris Yang – Cal State Fullerton – Fall 2021
Armando Jimenez – Cal State Sacramento – Spring 2022
Amjot Narang – UCLA – Spring 2022

All seven players on USL Academy contracts will be available for selection for this Saturday’s match at Heart Health Park. The nine members moving to on to play at the college level will be honored at halftime.

After two road matches, Republic FC return home to host New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, July 31 at 8:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast locally on KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento, as well as streamed on ESPN+.

For high-resolution images of the signed players, visit https://sacramentorepublicfc.box.com/s/0mfqvxctlwcypzbypkvx55a89qlyhjut

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Nine academy players will move into college soccer
Republic FC’s development academy is the only regional club that can provide first team, professional experience to youth players

2002/03 members moving into college soccer:

Erik Centeno – University of Pacific – Fall 2021
Ulises Esquivel – University of Washington – Fall 2021
Jorge Galvan – University of Pacific – Fall 2021
Maxwell Johnson – UC Santa Barbara – Fall 2021
Mason Pahule – Colgate University – Fall 2021
Ian Reis – Sonoma State University – Fall 2021
Aris Yang – Cal State Fullerton – Fall 2021
Armando Jimenez – Cal State Sacramento – Spring 2022
Amjot Narang – UCLA – Spring 2022

For high-resolution images of the signed players, visit https://sacramentorepublicfc.box.com/s/0mfqvxctlwcypzbypkvx55a89qlyhjut

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Match Preview: Republic FC v New York Red Bulls II

After two matches on the road, Republic FC returns home to Heart Health Park this Saturday to play host to New York Red Bulls II. Saturday’s meeting will be the first ever between the two clubs.

At a Glance: SACvNY

Saturday, July 31
8:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+
Tickets
Tailgate Information

Saturday, July 31
8:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+
Tickets
Tailgate Information

The Latest on the Team

Republic FC enters Saturday’s contest coming off a 2-2 draw against Orange County SC on July 24. The Indomitable Club fell behind after taking a 1-0 lead 23 minutes in, but came away with a tie when Nabi Kibunguchy headed in an excellent midfield cross from defender Mitch Taintor in the final seconds.

Kibunguchy’s score at the death, just three minutes after entering for Kharlton Belmar, was the first career goal for the UC Davis and SRFC Academy Product. Sacramento will look for more contributions on both sides of the ball from the defender, who has impressed in his minutes thus far this season.

How About the Visitors?

Red Bulls II will be looking to turn their fortunes around on Saturday. They come in to the match winless in their last two, including a tough 1-3 defeat by Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Friday night.

Forward Omar Sowe has been New York’s primary weapon on offense this season, scoring four times across 14 appearances. The club has been effective in generating chances to score behind him, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference with 190 shots.

Sacramento’s attacking unit matches up well with New York, who has conceded the second most scores in the league and has yet to put together a clean sheet this season.

Red Bulls II will be looking to turn their fortunes around on Saturday. They come in to the match winless in their last two, including a tough 1-3 defeat by Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Friday night.

Sacramento’s attacking unit matches up well with New York, who has conceded the second most scores in the league and has yet to put together a clean sheet this season.

Head to Head

Saturday’s match will be the first all-time meeting between the two clubs. The contest will be the only time Sacramento takes on an Atlantic Division opponent this season.

Red Bulls II last ventured out west in 2018, when they tied 1-1 with LA Galaxy II in Southern California.

Saturday’s match will be the first all-time meeting between the two clubs. The contest will be the only time Sacramento takes on an Atlantic Division opponent this season.

Red Bulls II last ventured out west in 2018, when they tied 1-1 with LA Galaxy II in Southern California.

What to Watch Around the USL: Week 15

Republic FC returns home this weekend after claiming points in two matches on the road against Las Vegas Lights and Orange County. Mark Briggs' men will welcome New York Red Bulls II for the two clubs’ first all-time meeting.

Aside from Sacramento’s only meeting this season with an Atlantic Division opponent, a number of exciting matchups around the league will take place, from in-state rivalries to highly anticipated matchups between first place teams.

Republic FC returns home this weekend after claiming points in two matches on the road against Las Vegas Lights and Orange County. Mark Briggs’ men will welcome New York Red Bulls II for the two clubs’ first all-time meeting.

Pacific Division Update

It was an eventful weekend for the Pacific Division in Week 14, which continues to see four teams grapple for fourth place in the standings. After settling for a draw against the Indomitable Club Saturday and falling to Las Vegas Tuesday, Orange County comes north to take on Oakland Roots. San Diego, who fell 0-1 to Division leader Phoenix in their most recent fixture, will travel to take on Tacoma Defiance.

Phoenix added to their lead in the division with a 1-0 win over San Diego, and will take on Rio Grande Valley this weekend in an inter-division matchup between first place teams.

Phoenix Rising FC v Rio Grande Valley FC

A rare inter-division matchup between two first place clubs looking to widen leads in their respective divisions takes place on Saturday when Phoenix hosts Rio Grande Valley.

Phoenix enters the match on a roll, undefeated since a June 19 defeat at the hands of San Diego Loyal. With their win over San Diego last week, the Arizonian club now possesses the most points in the league with 29. They’ll look to continue riding the dangerous scoring prowess of Solomon Asante, who comes into the weekend second in the Western Conference in Goals, Assists, and Shots taken.

Rio Grande Valley also enters the contest on a hot streak, as the Toros haven’t lost since falling 1-2 to FC Tulsa on June 25. The club could find themselves in first place with a win, pending the result of El Paso Locomotive’s Saturday meeting with Real Monarchs.

A rare inter-division matchup between two first place clubs looking to widen leads in their respective divisions takes place on Saturday when Phoenix hosts Rio Grande Valley.

San Antonio FC v Austin Bold

The season’s second meeting between Texas rivals certainly won’t be action to miss.

The last meeting between the Texan clubs on July 3 was an interesting one, with Austin ending San Antonio’s 18-match win streak at home by taking a 1-0 victory. San Antonio threatened their rivals all night, outshooting them 21-12, while a plethora of disciplinary actions were handed out including a red card to Austin’s Sean Okoli.

San Antonio enters the match coming off two straight wins, defeating Colorado Springs 3-0 and taking down New Mexico 3-2 on July 17 and July 21. While undefeated since the two clubs last meeting on July 3, Austin will look to get back in the win column after a 1-1 draw with Rio Grande Valley.

The season’s second meeting between Texas rivals certainly won’t be action to miss.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC v Hartford Athletic

Another battle for the top spot in the standings will take place on the East coast Saturday, as Pittsburgh will play host to Hartford Athletic.

Riverhounds SC enters the match tied with Tampa Bay at the top of the Atlantic Division. Winners of two in a row, a victory on Saturday could put them in first place, and also add some much needed distance between them and third place Hartford.

Hartford Athletic will be looking to keep their momentum after getting back into the win column last weekend. After dropping a tough 1-3 result to Charlston Battery, they bounced back to take three points from a hot Miami team that had scored eight times across three consecutive victories.

Another battle for the top spot in the standings will take place on the East coast Saturday, as Pittsburgh will play host to Hartford Athletic.