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Republic FC Host MLS Club Colorado Rapids in Next Round of U.S. Open Cup on May 9

Sacramento looks to take care of unfinished business after defeating three MLS clubs en route to the cup Final in 2022
Fans can enjoy $5 beer throughout the stadium until the 30th minute of the match

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – U.S. Soccer has announced that Republic FC will host MLS side Colorado Rapids at Heart Health Park on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Round of 32 of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup. Republic FC is one of eight second-division clubs remaining in the annual knockout tournament for the country’s national cup.

Later today, Full season Indomitable Members will have the first opportunity to purchase their seats for the match. All other members will receive information on their window to purchase seats in the coming days. To receive information on exclusive presale access, fans can sign up at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets/ or follow the club on social media. Tickets will be made available to the general public at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2. at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets. Sacramento’s unmatched atmosphere has been on full display the last two times the club hosted an MLS club in Open Cup play. Wins over San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City in the 2022 edition of the cup were bolstered by the sellout crowds at Heart Health Park.

Following Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over regional rival Oakland Roots SC in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup, Republic FC was placed in Group 4, alongside Monterey Bay FC (USLC), Colorado Rapids, and 2022 MLS Cup winner Los Angeles FC. The Tuesday night match up marks the first ever contest between Sacramento and the Colorado club.

Republic FC has reached the Round of 32 seven times in eight attempts – with five consecutive appearances including this year. The club’s quest for the cup began with an extra time 5-4 win against Crossfire from Washington in the Second Round. Colorado Rapids entered the tournament in the Third Round and advanced by defeating USL League One club Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 3-1, at home.

This year’s tournament is the 108^th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – U.S. Soccer’s National Championship. The tournament has crowned a champion every year since 1914, except for 2020 and 2021 when play was suspended due to COVID-19. It is the oldest ongoing domestic soccer competition and is a single-game, knockout tournament that is open to all professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The full tournament schedule and more information are available at USSoccer.com/us-open-cup.

For more information, visit SacRepublicFC.com.

MAGNAK Named Official Sports Drink of Republic FC

Sacramento, Ca – Sacramento Republic FC announced today a new partnership with MAGNAK, a cutting-edge sports drink company (dba – IGH Naturals, Inc.) based in Sacramento. This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of both organizations to promoting sports performance, recovery, and overall wellness.

MAGNAK, known for its Nephrologist-developed innovative electrolyte replenishment and hydration formula, will become the official sports drink of Sacramento Republic FC. This partnership will provide the team with an essential tool to support optimal performance and recovery for its athletes during training and competition.

“As a medical and performance staff, we are thrilled to have a partnership with MAGNAK®,” said Katy Norton, Republic FC Director of Sports Performance. “We have been using MAGNAK® since the start of preseason and have noticed significant improvement in recovery as well as a decrease in cramping during training and competition. As we continue to strive to bring our players and staff the most effective and innovative ways to improve recovery and performance, we are excited to partner with a local company that has the same goals.”

“We are delighted to partner with Sacramento Republic FC, a team that shares our values of innovation, dedication, and commitment to excellence in sports performance,” said Dr. Sourabh Kharait, IGH Naturals CEO. “We look forward to supporting the team and its fans in their pursuit of peak performance on and off the field.”

Republic FC is back in action this Saturday, when the club heads out on the road to face FC Tulsa. Kickoff from ONEOK Field is set for 3:00 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+.

About MAGNAK®

MAGNAK®, a product of IGH Naturals – a functional food company based in Sacramento – has been scientifically proven to alleviate cramps and fatigue in athletes by virtue of its magnesium-rich formulation, the only kind in the market. With two patents granted and another pending, the company’s pioneering formula emphasizes the delivery of vital nutrients that promote optimal performance and recovery. At the same time, MAGNAK® prioritizes the use of natural ingredients and eco-friendly practices. For further details, please visit drinkmagnak.com.

Notes and Quotes: “We’ll be ready for a battle”

After consecutive victories, the Indomitable Club turns its attention to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The club’s second opponent of the tournament is its biggest league rival – Oakland Roots SC – which should make for a spirited contest in the pair’s first meeting this season. The two clubs always play each other tough, and in a win-or-go-home contest, that won’t be going away.

It’s no secret that Wednesday, Sacramento’s going to get Oakland’s best shot. Each time the two squads face off, things are different. Last season’s fixtures were a dogfight resulting in two draws and a Sacramento win by just a single score. Just once has each side taken three points. To emerge on top, Republic FC knows they’ll need to bring a strong performance and maintain their form from league play. Nobody likes to lose to their neighbor, especially one that’s as pesky, determined, and has a knack for playing spoiler as Roots.

“They always seem to find an extra gear when they play against us,” Briggs said of Oakland. “We have to be able to handle that. They have quality players. But we have to play our way, we have to play our style, and we have to come out on the front foot. And if we do those things and play to the level that I know this group can, I think we will be in the next round of the cup.”

“It’s intense. I’ve definitely felt it every time we play Oakland, especially being another one of our closest teams,” said forward Zeiko Lewis. “This game in particular we want to win. No matter when we play them – whether it’s preseason, playoffs, Open Cup, in the league, it doesn’t matter. We want to beat them every single time we play them.”

“We’re expecting a very tough matchup,” LaGrassa continued. “Obviously, they always want to come here and win. We’ll be ready for a battle.”

With Rodrigo Lopez and Dami Viader expected to miss matches following unlucky gameday injuries, the depth of the squad will come into play with a busy schedule through May. “We have a squad of players where I trust every one of them,” said Mark Briggs. “Everybody is competing for a spot on the roster on a daily basis and is ready to step in when their name is called.”

Coming off another victory in league play, Sacramento’s in good form. Through the season’s first month and change, collective performances and detailed execution of everything asked by the coaching staff have stood out. It’s provided a strong platform for the Quails so far this season and been the foundation for their unbeaten start.

“We always have each other’s backs, no matter what. So even when times have been tough, we’ve come together we’ve pushed through,” Lewis said of the club’s strengths. “Even when things are going well, we still stay on top of each other to make sure that we continue to grow, [and] not just be stagnant with where we are.”

“I think collectively being on the same page. Collectively working as a unit rather than an individual,” Head Coach Mark Briggs said of what his team has done so well. “I think the attitude and the mentality that the guys have shown from day one when they reported to preseason up to now has been fantastic.”

Grab a Pint and Support Local Breweries at the New Craft Brew Bar

Fans of soccer and craft beer and cider now have a new spot to gather on matchday. Just steps away from the pitch, the new Craft Brew Bar is the new go-to stop for anyone looking to explore the diverse and delicious world of craft brewing.

In collaboration with breweries from throughout California, the bar will feature 16 taps offering a wide variety of brews – the perfect opportunity for fans to try something new or sip on a familiar favorite.

Get to know the breweries:

JACK RABBIT BREWING CO. (West Sacramento): “Taking inspiration from Belgian, English and German brews, our goal is to craft beer that is founded in tradition, but defies convention with California-style inventiveness.”
AT EASE BREWING COMPANY (Sacramento): “Founded by retired Army Colonel Mike Conrad in Sacramento, CA, At Ease Brewing Company brews some of the finest quality beers in northern California. Visit us in midtown Sacramento at 1825 I Street. We have 12 taps & lots of variety.”
URBAN ROOTS BREWING (Sacramento): “An independent craft brewery and smokehouse that embodies the things that inspire us the most – extraordinary people, beer and food. Come kick it with your family, your community and your friends or make some new ones. Throw back a few beers, break some bread, and have a good time with us. Because good times are what we’re all about.”
BERRYESSA BREWING CO. (Winters, CA): “Berryessa Brewing Co. is a 20 barrel craft brewery located just outside historic Winters, California. We take pride in producing fresh quality beer available for wholesale or to enjoy at our taproom.”
FARMERS BREWING CO. (Chico, CA): “Our brewery is 100% family-owned, situated on our farm in Northern California’s Sacramento Valley, among acres of rice and wheat. Many of the grains used in making our craft beer are grown right on our farm, so we can truly say we are a ‘Farm to Glass’ brewery.”
NITTY’S CIDER (Sacramento): ““Nitty’s Cider started in 2018 when Master Nitty decided it was time to venture out on his own to make cider. His passion for cider making began after he graduated from University of Oregon and shortly after began working in the industry. He mastered the necessary skills to create what many local cider drinkers believe to be one of the best ciders out there.”
BELCHING BEAVER BREWERY (San Diego, CA): “Belching Beaver does not brew good beer. We brew truly great beer. Our first priority is using quality ingredients to create the beer recipes at our microbrewery.”
DUST BOWL BREWING CO. (Turlock, CA): “Dust Bowl Brewing Co. offers an extensive portfolio of craft beer ranging from easy-drinking lagers and big IPAs to unique, specialty releases. No matter the style, you can expect only the highest standards, ingredients and craftsmanship in every brew!”

Republic FC will also team up with the participating breweries throughout the season to build upon the Craft Brew Bar, as well as create unique and memorable experiences, including the club’s inaugural Brewfest on Saturday, June 17. Tickets for the event will go on sale in the coming weeks.

Starting this weekend, fans can take advantage of pregame drink specials at all draft locations throughout the stadium – including the Craft Brew Bar. On weekends, all draft pours are just $6 for the first 75 minutes after gates open – and on Wednesdays (including next week’s Open Cup match against Oakland Roots SC), it’s a $5 pour all the way until the 30^th minute of the match.

Stay up to date on gameday information – from food & beverage specials, to giveaways, and more!

Calling All Soccer Lovers: Volunteer & Make a Difference at the Homeless World Cup this Summer

This July, hundreds of players representing over 70 countries will gather in Sacramento for the 2023 Homeless World Cup. Hosted by Sacramento State and Street Soccer USA, the tournament is a unique and pioneering tournament that uses soccer to inspire and demonstrate the power of sport in changing people’s lives.

Since 2003, the Homeless World Cup has been held all over the world to support and inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives; and change perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness.

This year marks the tournament’s 20^th anniversary and the first time that it is being held in the United States – as well as an official return-to-play after the COVID-19 pandemic.

To make this year’s an impactful and memorable experience for all, the Homeless World Cup Foundation, Street Soccer USA, and Sacramento State are calling on soccer lovers to serve as volunteers. There are a variety of positions available – from team guides to scorekeepers, communications and photography, and even team fans! All talents and skills are welcome.

APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER TODAY!

For more information about the Homeless World Cup, visit HomelessWorldCup.org.

Sacramento Republic FC Partners with Legendary Tequila Corralejo

Tequila Corralejo spirit becomes Official Tequila Partner of Sacramento Republic FC, will deliver experiential and storytelling moments throughout the season.

SACRAMENTO, Ca. – Sacramento Republic FC announced Tequila Corralejo as its Official Tequila Partner for the 2023 season, providing unique experiences for fans on gameday and beyond.

“Corralejo is thrilled to be partnering with Sacramento Republic FC. The history and pride of this club aligns beautifully with our mission at Corralejo, especially during its 10^th season,” said Tequila Corralejo Brand Manager Sophie Nordby. “As a NorCal local, I personally cannot wait for all of the fans to try our incredible tequila in stadium this season.”

“We are proud to welcome Tequila Corralejo to the Indomitable family,” said Republic FC Chief Revenue Officer Dustin Vicari. “Just as Republic FC strives to deliver a winning mentality on the field, Corralejo has been producing award-winning tequila for over 200 years, and we’re looking forward to working together to create memorable experiences for soccer fans and tequila lovers.”

The partners will introduce this year’s signature stadium cocktail – the Republic Ranch Water, featuring Corralejo Silver, fresh lime juice, and sparkling water. The light and refreshing drink will be served alongside a variety of Corralejo products and cocktails for fans to toast their favorite soccer team. Tequila Corralejo will also provide special tasting experiences in the Red Hawk Casino Premier Club for multiple games during the season.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Republic FC and Corralejo will work together to celebrate and highlight Sacramento’s diverse Hispanic community through storytelling and community activations. The partnership also includes social content through both partners’ channels, as well as collaboration on watch parties for Republic FC matches and more.

Tequila Corralejo is also a partner of the United Soccer League, marking USL’s first partner in the spirits category.

Republic FC fans can get their first taste of Republic Ranch Water this Saturday, when the Indomitable Club returns to action at Heart Health Park to host Western Conference foe Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on First Responders Night, presented by Medic Ambulance. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+.

# # #

About Tequila Corralejo

Hacienda Corralejo is the birthplace of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo, renowned for launching the Mexican War of Independence. It was the first estate in Mexico to produce tequila as a commercial venture, and as such, we are among only a chosen few tequila distilleries granted the right to produce tequila in a province other than Jalisco.

Today, Tequila Corralejo is the masterpiece of Guanajuato, crafted and created with over 250 years of storied history. The distillation methods of Hacienda Corralejo have been preserved, refined, and developed by the local community into a tradition of tequila, delivering an unmistakable aroma and flavor that makes Tequila Corralejo one of a kind.

Republic FC Honored with Corporate Community Champion of the Year Award

Earlier this week, the Sacramento Business Journal recognized Republic FC’s commitment to community investment and being a force for good throughout the Sacramento region. As a part of the publication’s annual Corporate Citizenship Awards that recognize organizations and individuals who work toward making our communities a better place, Republic FC was named the overall Corporate Champion of the Year.

Republic FC received the award at a reception on Thursday morning, where the club joined with companies and organizations from across various sectors to celebrate corporations and nonprofit leadership that provided exceptional support to worthy causes over the past year. Fellow honorees include club partner Western Health Advantage (Corporate Champion for the Arts), Nugget Market (Corporate Champion for Neighborhoods and Communities), and CGI (Corporate Champion for Youth Enrichment). Indomitable partner SMUD was also in attendance as the presenting partner of the awards since 2020. View the full list of honorees in the latest edition of the Sacramento Business Journal.

The Corporate Champion of the Year is awarded to a company that shows its commitment through financial and in-kind support, creative partnerships and contributions of time and resources.

“Sacramento has an abundance of people and businesses who are philanthropic all-stars,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “To receive an elite honor like this and be named a corporate champion, it’s truly humbling and we are so thankful.”

Republic FC Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick (left) and Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak (right)

Creating a unified community has been a pillar of Republic FC’s core values that have driven the club in its daily actions since 2014. Not only does the club take seriously the responsibility of representing Sacramento on the field, but it is driven to be a leader within the region as well. Whether it’s donating to incredible causes, offering scholarships to hard-working students, or creating memorable experiences at Republic FC matches, the club takes every opportunity to serve Sacramentans from all reaches through mutually beneficial programming.

Led by Moak and Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick, Republic FC is dedicated to uplifting and investing in our diverse community, both for today and the future. It is also a meaningful way for the organization to show appreciation for the fans, partners, and communities that have supported the team on the field for 10 years by addressing issues and challenges that impact them.

Learn more about Republic FC’s community work at SacRepublicFC.com/community.

Notes and Quotes: “It’s always a dogfight against them”

Republic FC plays its third game in eight days this Saturday as the club takes on defending league champion San Antonio FC on the road. It’s a tough test for the club, and another match against a top team in the league early in the year. But as Sacramento has shown so far, they also are among the league’s best and will be looking to keep their recent form.

Winning on the road is a tough task no matter the opponent, and the Texas side presents one of the toughest challenges of the season. Regardless, after two straight victories over strong foes, and a come-from-behind win in the U.S. Open Cup, the club’s confident in their chances. Getting a result on the road will advance that confidence even more.

“It’s a difficult place to go, obviously they’re the defending champions and have a fantastic home record, so a difficult place to go,” Head Coach Mark Briggs said on Thursday. “But guys are in confident spirits, guys are in good form and have a lot of confidence.”

“It’s an early test for us to go into a place where they’re known for being very good,” said defender Jared Timmer. “We’re confident in who we are and the players that we have. We’re clicking, and we’re going to keep going.”

San Antonio is notoriously a tough team to play against with an aggressive, physical style. Last season, Sacramento took the pair’s first meeting 1-0, but was bested by the same scoreline in the second. This year, the club is playing a similar brand of football with largely the same group of players. Mark Briggs and his men are well aware of what they’ll be facing, as well as what the club needs to do well to keep control of the match.

“Every game you play your approach has to be about winning and doing all you can to win,” Briggs continued. “But we also understand the opponent and what they’re capable of. We’ve got to go there and play our game and stick to the game plan.”

“It’s going to be a battle, it’s always a dogfight playing against them,” said Shane Wiedt. “It’s going to come down to just being compact and executing the game plan.”

The club’s recent results put them in a good spot to get out of the match what they want and set themselves up for more success. To get the points desired, however, it’s going to take a full squad effort and an eye for detail.

“We’ve just got to keep the momentum,” said Briggs. “We’ve got to do the simple things to the standard we have been. When you play simple, and play quickly, that makes the game a lot easier. And that breeds confidence. And when you have confidence, you can grind out results and grind out points.”

Tickets for U.S. Open Cup Third Round Match Against Regional Rival Oakland Roots SC on Sale Thurs., April 13; Members Can Access Seats Today

U.S. Soccer has announced that Republic FC will host regional rival Oakland Roots SC at Heart Health Park on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Third Round of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup.

Later today, Full season Indomitable Members will have the first opportunity to purchase seats for the match. To receive information on exclusive presale access, fans can sign up at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets/. Tickets will be made available to the general public at 10:00 a.m. on April 13 at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets. Sacramento’s home crowd advantage continues with over 4,000 fans in attendance at Wednesday’s Second Round matchup, setting a mark among the best as USL Championship clubs entered the tournament.

The April 26 match marks the first time that Republic FC faces off against Oakland in U.S. Open Cup play. The Indomitable Club advanced to the Third Round for the eighth time in club history following a 5-4 win over NPSL-side Crossfire that saw a brace from both Russell Cicerone and Zeiko Lewis, and a game winning strike from Johnny Fenwick. Oakland will make its first Third Round appearance after defeating amateur-side El Farolito Soccer Club. Republic FC is 5-0 all-time when facing USL Championship teams in the Open Cup and has played in the tournament every year since the club’s inception, posting an overall record of 20 wins and seven losses.

Republic FC is back in action tomorrow, when the club travels to face defending USL Championship title winner San Antonio FC in league play. The Indomitable Club will look to extend its unbeaten streak to five. Kickoff from Toyota Field is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+.

On this Day: Republic FC Draws 1-1 in First Ever Match vs LA Galaxy II

Republic FC’s 10^th season celebration has begun, remembering the club’s history in the Indomitable City. So far, the club has recognized its past with the 10^th anniversary Legacy Kit, and shared stories from previous seasons on The Breakaway podcast.

March 29 marks a special day in that history as the anniversary of Republic FC’s inaugural match. A 1-1 draw vs. SoCal foe LA Galaxy II on the road at then StubHub Center’s Track and Field stadium was first of many spirited contests between the in-state rivals. Ahead of the match, fans across the region were plenty excited after the club’s debut – and for good reason. The club’s inaugural season had already generated a wealth of momentum before it even began.

Here we go! @Sac_Battalion @SacRepublicFC pic.twitter.com/KseewQhebQ
— Drew Farmer (@SirDrewBrew) March 29, 2014

It’s Gameday! #LosDos host their California rivals @SacRepublicFC tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Tix: http://t.co/7DFFouhCBL pic.twitter.com/4oy1dcBYlB
— LA Galaxy II (@LAGalaxyII) March 29, 2014

RT @pokermanuel: A full page of Sacramento Republic articles?! Yes, please. @SacRepublicFC @Sac_Battalion pic.twitter.com/o6ZDo2GJYE
— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) March 28, 2014

Starting XI: Jake Gleeson, Nemanja Vukovic, Mickey Daly, Harrison Delbridge, Emrah Klimenta, Ivan Mirkovic (Chad Bond 77’), Octavio Guzman (Aaron Long 82’), Max Alvarez, Mike Fucito (Jack Avesyan 73’), Rodrigo Lopez (Thomas Stewart 84’), Justin Braun

Scoring Summary: Justin Braun 33’ LA: Chandler Hoffman (Raul Mendiola) 81’

Justin Braun headed through the club’s first ever goal in the 33^rd minute, heading the ball over the line after it rattled around in the penalty area, to give the club a 1-0 advantage. Sacramento nearly found a second and put the match away with less than 15 minutes to go, but a free kick from Max Alvarez went just a hair over the crossbar. In the 82^nd minute, Los Dos found an equalizer when Chandler Hoffman netted a shot from the left flank.

The contest marked the first of two straight results for the club to kick off the 2014 season, and the first of three straight without a loss vs. Galaxy II. Tower Bridge Battalion made the trip south – providing a tremendous atmosphere for the club in its first competitive match. The club was optimistic, but knew they still had more quality in them.

“I thought on a better day we walk away with the three points,” said Head Coach Preki following the contest. “There is still a lot of room for improvement, and I know that as the season goes we will get better and better.”

For their performance during the match, three players from the club earned selections to the league’s Team of the Week. For his score, Justin Braun earned a spot on the Best XI alongside defender Harrison Delbridge and goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, who tallied a league-high five saves. Current Republic FC captain Rodrigo Lopez, as well as midfielder and current Academy Director of Talent ID Ivan Mirkovic earned honorable mention status.