News

GALLERY: #SACvTAC

Diaz's Stop that Solidified Win Over Reno Nominated for Save of the Week

Republic FC goalkeeper Rafael Diaz has been nominated for the USL Championship Save of the Week for Week 8 for his stunning stop during the Indomitable Club’s 1-0 road win over group leaders Reno 1868 FC on August 12.

In the 24th minute, Reno forward and prolific USL goal scorer Corey Hertzog had an opportunity from directly in front of net that Diaz denied with a powerful save. Hertzog’s right-footed effort soared into the sturdy goalkeeper’s legs after Diaz fearlessly stepped up to slam the door shut on Reno’s best scoring chance on the night.

Diaz is now unbeaten in four starts between the pipes and has three clean sheets to his name this season. Republic FC fans can vote for Rafa here and voting ends Friday, Aug 21 at 9 a.m. PT.

SRFC Trio Earn Team Of The Week Honors

Republic FC defender Ashkanov Apollon and forward Dariusz Formella have been selected for the USL Championship Team of the Week starting eleven,while forward Cameron Iwasa earned a place on the bench after all three players put forth a tremendous performance in two matches during Week 8.

Ash – who earned a first team contract with Republic FC after impressing during the preseason open tryout – won 12 of 20 duels against Tacoma and Reno this past week, collected 16 recoveries and completed 49 of 57 passes. The left back currently leads the team in tackles (22), tackles won (17) and duels won (46). To start the season, Apollon has appeared in all but one match this season, starting in six fixtures and made his first career appearance for the Indomitable Club during the March 7 home opener against FC Tulsa in the 83rd minute.

For the second straight matchup against Defiance, Formella bagged a brace – elevating his team-best season goalscoring tally up to four.Just like the July 13 matchup against Defiance, the Polish playmaker scored twice in the opening 45 minutes and his sensational performance earned his TOTW honors for the second time during the 2020 campaign.

Earning a spot on the TOTW bench is the icing on the cake for Iwasa who scored his 50th career goal during league play on Saturday night. The striker racked up the most shots on the team alongside Formella with five and carved out two scoring chances on the night. Aside from scoring his team’s second goal of the game, Iwasa was instrumental in setting up the first given his initial attempt was blocked by a Defiance defender and the shot fell to Formella who found of the back of the net with his first shot. The Sacramento native also made his 100th career start for SRFC as the local standout is now just three starts away from tying Emrah Klimenta’s all-time career starts record of 103.

This is Republic FC’s six Team of the Week nomination this season, following Juan Barahona’s Week1 bench selection, Formella’s starting XI selection in the team’s return to play and Hayden Sargis earning a spot on the bench for Week Seven.

Around the Leagues: USL and the MLS is Back

The boys in Old Glory Red are finding their form at a pivotal part of the 2020 USL Championship regular season and over the last eight days Mark Brigg’s men have gathered nine points from three massive matches against fellow Group A opponents.

Over the weekend, Republic FC notched its most recent victory – a 3-1 win over Tacoma Defiance in Sacramento where Dariusz Formella bagged a second straight brace against the Pacific Northwest club while Cameron Iwasa scored his 50thcareer goal during league play. It also just so happened to be the Sacramento native’s 100th career time listed in the starting eleven for his hometown club.

The Indomitable Club is currently tied at the top of the group on 15 points with Reno, however, 1868 FC currently has a superior goal difference of +8 compared to SRFC’s +4. Reno routed Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday 5-2 and next up for 1868 FC is a trip to expansion-side San Diego Loyal SC this weekend.

Phoenix Rising FC is firmly in first place in a competitive Group B with 16 points and a league-best +15 goal differential ahead of Orange County SC and expansion-side San Diego Loyal SC in second and third place respectively with 11 points each. Fourth Place LA Galaxy II is still very much in the mix as Los Dos has nine points from just four matches in 2020. Three days after OCSC downed Loyal SC 2-0 in SD last Wednesday, both sides returned to the pitch this past weekend as Orange County beat Las Vegas Lights FC 1-0 and Loyal SC fell to the group leaders Rising FC 2-0 on Saturday.

New Mexico United and El Paso Locomotive FC are starting to separate themselves in Group C as United continued to solidify its spot at the top of the table with a 1-0 win on Saturday over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Second place Locomotive FC currently sits on 11 points, just two behind New Mexico, after a 1-0 win over the 2019 title-winners Real Monarchs on Saturday. If Monarchs has any intention of repeating as champions, it’ll need to get a positive result on Wednesday night at home against United.

Group D leaders San Antonio FC has collected two straight draws but still retained the top spot after a dramatic 1-1 draw over the weekend against in-state rival Austin Bold. Jose Gallegos netted a late equalizer deep into injury time to maintain SAFC’s unbeaten run on the 2020 campaign. FC Tulsa and Austin trail San Antonio and through five games the Western Conference clubs have nine and seven points respectively.

In the east, Group E sees Indy Eleven still at the summit of the group with 19 points from nine fixtures while Saint Louis FC – 13 points from eight games – and Louisville City FC – 10 points from seven matches – but the race for second place should be a riveting one. All three sides earned victories over the weekend.

Two straight wins saw Hartford Athletic create some distance from second place Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in Group F after the Steel City club fell 1-0 to Indy over the weekend while Hartford held off NY Red Bulls II 2-1 on Saturday. Group G’s Birmingham Legion FC is unbeaten in four straight and continues to soar at the top of the table and the same goes for Tampa Rowdies in Group H that now have a seven-point separation between second place Charleston Battery.

MLS is Back Champion

The Major League Soccer competition came to a close on August 11 as Portland Timbers defeated Orlando City SC 2-1 in the tournament’s final fixture. It’s safe to say the MLS followed the lead of the NWSL regarding the safest way to return to play inside a bubble and both leagues were able to complete their competitions and crown a champion.

Portland’s Larrys Mabiala put his side in front in the 27thminute before Orlando City’s Mauricio Pereyra bagged an equalizer just eight minutes later. But Timbers were hungry to add another piece of silverware to its trophy case and in the 66thminute, Dario Zuparic netted the game-winner to secure the inaugural MLS is Back trophy.

MLS is back… for Nashville and Dallas

The two MLS clubs that did not participate in the MLS is Back Tournament – Nashville SC and FC Dallas – officially restarted the regular season in the first phase as both clubs competed against one another the very next night after the completion of the MLS is Back Tournament.

A limited number of fans were allowed at the match that saw Nashville nab a 1-0 win over Dallas as David Accam scored the game’s lone goal in the 86thminute. Four days later, both clubs clashed again in Dallas as Sunday’s match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

Tonight, Toronto FC will host Vancouver Whitecaps at 5:00 p.m. PT while three matches are lined up for Wednesday.

In Their Own Words: The Players Deserve the Praise They’ll Get Tonight.

Mark Briggs’ men made it three wins from three straight matches after a trio of first half strikes found the back of the net and guaranteed all three points were headed to the boys in Old Glory Red.

Cameron Iwasa scored his 50th career goal during league play in his 100th career start with Republic FC and Dariusz Formella netted his second brace in two encounters this season against Defiance – all before the first half whistle.

The victory keeps the boys in Old Glory Red in contention for the top spot in Group A but before the squad looks ahead to Saturday’s match, it’s time to see what the squad on their minds after the win over the weekend.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the team’s performance against Tacoma…
“It was a really pleasing performance. Three games in seven days is difficult for anybody, and then you add in the heat of today, and the weather. It's an element that we had to handle, and I thought the boys, especially in the first half, we moved the ball how I would like the ball to be moved. We moved it at speed, we played between lines, and we got our attacking players in one v one when we needed to. Overall it was a it was a pleasing 90 minutes and there are a lot of positives to take from it.”

On his team’s offensive explosion on Saturday…
“The players I have, the talent in the forward line that I have, yes we haven't been scoring goals, but we will score goals. You've got Derek Formella next to me, he scored two tonight. You’ve got Cameron and I think with the level of ability that we have in our forward players; we're going to score goals. It's just a case of when, and tonight you know we got three, but even still, we could have gotten six or seven, to be honest. So, but there's a lot of positives, which is pleasing.”

On making adjustments from the first match against Tacoma in July…
“I think we were slow to come out of the second half and it took us a while to get going and then we allow a goal on a set piece, someone loses their man and we concede. But to be fair to the group, they regrouped, they got themselves in good positions and in good spots and we slowly started to claw our way back into the game and take control. I wasn't happy with the start of the second half, but you also have to remember that three games in seven days is, it's pretty brutal on anybody. And then you add in the elements of the weather and the battle that we put in against Reno on Wednesday night, all these elements that add into it and they play into it. So, you've got to give the players credit. We've got nine points out of three games. They deserve the praise that they'll get tonight.”

On the team’s performance against Tacoma…
“It was a really pleasing performance. Three games in seven days is difficult for anybody, and then you add in the heat of today, and the weather. It’s an element that we had to handle, and I thought the boys, especially in the first half, we moved the ball how I would like the ball to be moved. We moved it at speed, we played between lines, and we got our attacking players in one v one when we needed to. Overall it was a it was a pleasing 90 minutes and there are a lot of positives to take from it.”

On his team’s offensive explosion on Saturday…
“The players I have, the talent in the forward line that I have, yes we haven’t been scoring goals, but we will score goals. You’ve got Derek Formella next to me, he scored two tonight. You’ve got Cameron and I think with the level of ability that we have in our forward players; we’re going to score goals. It’s just a case of when, and tonight you know we got three, but even still, we could have gotten six or seven, to be honest. So, but there’s a lot of positives, which is pleasing.”

On making adjustments from the first match against Tacoma in July…
“I think we were slow to come out of the second half and it took us a while to get going and then we allow a goal on a set piece, someone loses their man and we concede. But to be fair to the group, they regrouped, they got themselves in good positions and in good spots and we slowly started to claw our way back into the game and take control. I wasn’t happy with the start of the second half, but you also have to remember that three games in seven days is, it’s pretty brutal on anybody. And then you add in the elements of the weather and the battle that we put in against Reno on Wednesday night, all these elements that add into it and they play into it. So, you’ve got to give the players credit. We’ve got nine points out of three games. They deserve the praise that they’ll get tonight.”

Dariusz Formella

On his two goals against Defiance…
“The first goal, Cameron had a good situation. The defender blocked him, and the ball was just on my foot, so it was simple, and I just hit the target. The second one was a very good cross from Belmar and then I screamed to Cameron to leave the ball. I made a good first touch and then finishing [inside] the near post, so that's it!”

On if it helps playing alongside other lethal attackers like Iwasa and Belmar…
“Of course, because every single one of these guys can create the chance and can score a goal. So, the defenders are not just focused on one guy or two guys, they have to worry about four guys. It's so much easier for everybody. Today I scored two goals but who knows, maybe next game I will not score, and the defenders will be more worried about me. But it's a pleasure to play with these guys.”

On if it helps playing alongside other lethal attackers like Iwasa and Belmar…
“Of course, because every single one of these guys can create the chance and can score a goal. So, the defenders are not just focused on one guy or two guys, they have to worry about four guys. It’s so much easier for everybody. Today I scored two goals but who knows, maybe next game I will not score, and the defenders will be more worried about me. But it’s a pleasure to play with these guys.”

Cameron Iwasa

On hitting 50 career goals during USL Championship play…
“Yeah, I mean it feels good, it would have felt better if there were some people here to celebrate it. To be honest, the whole number 50 thing, it's obviously a big accomplishment but it's not something that's honestly that important to me. The goal of this week was for us to get nine points, and that's what I'm buzzing about right now.”

On Villyan Bijev’s selfless assist to set up his half century milestone…
“That was absolutely beautiful. See, that's something that I think once we kind of get that chemistry [we can do every game]. He told me after the fact that he didn't even see me ,he just heard me yell and he trusted that I was in a good spot, and, you know, if we get to the point where we're giving up a good chance for a great chance and, you know, playing legitimate team ball, we're going to be a tough team stop.”

On hitting 50 career goals during USL Championship play…
“Yeah, I mean it feels good, it would have felt better if there were some people here to celebrate it. To be honest, the whole number 50 thing, it’s obviously a big accomplishment but it’s not something that’s honestly that important to me. The goal of this week was for us to get nine points, and that’s what I’m buzzing about right now.”

On Villyan Bijev’s selfless assist to set up his half century milestone…
“That was absolutely beautiful. See, that’s something that I think once we kind of get that chemistry [we can do every game]. He told me after the fact that he didn’t even see me ,he just heard me yell and he trusted that I was in a good spot, and, you know, if we get to the point where we’re giving up a good chance for a great chance and, you know, playing legitimate team ball, we’re going to be a tough team stop.”

RECAP: Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 Tacoma Defiance

SACRAMENTO, California (August 15, 2020) – The boys in Old Glory Red slammed three first half goals by Tacoma Defiance on Saturday night before the visitors nabbed a consolation strike in the second half en route to a 3-1 victory for Mark Briggs’ men on a scorching night in Sacramento.

Dariusz Formella registered his second career multi-game game against Tacoma after netting twice against Defiance on July 13 and Cameron Iwasa found the back of the net for the 50th time in his USL Championship career. The goal was the Sacramento native’s 48th while wearing an Old Glory Red kit who also made his 100th career start with his hometown club.

The win was Republic FC’s third in as many matches and third match in an eight-game span. Rafael Diaz was once again manning the net and is now unbeaten in his four fixtures in goal.

It took all of 14 minutes for the boys in Old Glory Red to find the back of the net when Formella netted his first of two on the night. Iwasa’s shot slammed into a Tacoma defender and the Polish playmaker was in the right place in the right time to steer his effort into net. Formella is now up to a team-leading four goals on the season.

The Indomitable Club double its lead in the 32nd minute when Iwasa tapped home his side’s second goal into a wide-open net. After sprinting towards net with possession and a defender breathing down his back, winger Villyan Bijev selflessly passed the ball off for Cam to nudge his 50th career goal by the visiting goalkeeper.

Formella found his second in the 41st minute after Kharlton Belmar rifled a towering cross towards the back post that Formella collected with his left before firing his shot with the first touch of his right that lifted his squad to a 3-0 lead before the break. The assist was the first of Belmar’s first career with Republic FC.

Tacoma’s Sam Rogers managed to get one back for the visitors to solidify the final score of 3-1.

Next up for the boys in Old Glory Red is another home contest against a Pacific Northwest club when Portland Timbers 2 visit Papa Murphy's Park on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. PT. Next weekend's showdown against T2 in Sacramento is the second of four meetings between the two Group A rivals this season.

Tacoma’s Sam Rogers managed to get one back for the visitors to solidify the final score of 3-1.

Next up for the boys in Old Glory Red is another home contest against a Pacific Northwest club when Portland Timbers 2 visit Papa Murphy’s Park on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. PT. Next weekend’s showdown against T2 in Sacramento is the second of four meetings between the two Group A rivals this season.

Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 Tacoma Defiance

USL Championship Match

Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California

August 15, 2020

Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 Tacoma Defiance

USL Championship Match

Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California

August 15, 2020

Scoring Summary: SAC – Dariusz Formella 14’ (Kharlton Belmar) 41’, Cameron Iwasa (Villyan Bijev) 32’; TAC – Sam Rogers (Jesus Perez) 50’

Misconduct Summary: TAC – Nicholas Hinds (caution) 42’; SAC – Kharlton Belmar (caution) 54’, Jordan McCrary (caution) 84’.

Sacramento Republic FC – Rafael Diaz; Ashkanov Apollon, Hayden Sargis, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Jordan McCrary (Matt Mahoney 85’), Rodrigo Lopez (Julian Chavez 86’), Drew Skundrich ©, Dariusz Formella, Villyan Bijev (Jaime Villarreal 73’), Kharlton Belmar (Sam Werner 70’), Cameron Iwasa.

Unused substitutes: Diego Ramos, Shannon Gomez, Mario Penagos.

Stats– Shots: 16, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 1, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 1.

Tacoma Defiance– Christian Herrera, Sam Rogers, Taylor Mueller ©, AntoneeBurke-Gilroy (Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez 67’), Nick Hinds (Danny Reynolds 76’); Sota Kitahara, Azriel Gonzalez (Jesus Perez 45’), Marlon Vargas (Ray Serrano 45’), Collin Fernandez (Chris Hegardt 67’), Daniel Robles, Alec Diaz.

Unused substitutes: Conrad Lee.

Stats– Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 1, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 2.

Scoring Summary: SAC – Dariusz Formella 14’ (Kharlton Belmar) 41’, Cameron Iwasa (Villyan Bijev) 32’; TAC – Sam Rogers (Jesus Perez) 50’

Misconduct Summary: TAC – Nicholas Hinds (caution) 42’; SAC – Kharlton Belmar (caution) 54’, Jordan McCrary (caution) 84’.

Unused substitutes: Diego Ramos, Shannon Gomez, Mario Penagos.

Stats– Shots: 16, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 1, Fouls: 9, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 1.

Unused substitutes: Conrad Lee.

Stats– Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 1, Fouls: 10, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 2.

In Their Own Words: It’s a Collective Effort

The Indomitable Club restarted the season against Tacoma on July 13 in a 3-3 draw. But with two road wins, and three consecutive clean sheets, the Indomitable Club is looking to earn three points to keep them at the top of the table.

Before both sides clash for the second time this season, it’s time to check in on how the team is feeling about their form heading into Saturday’s contest.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On returning to Papa Murphy’s Park after 3 road games:

It's always good to come back to Papa Murphy's, it's always good to play at home. I think for us, home field is a special place and a good advantage for us. I think for us you'll see that aggression, that defensive attitude and mentality to win individual battles.

Before both sides clash for the second time this season, it’s time to check in on how the team is feeling about their form heading into Saturday’s contest.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On returning to Papa Murphy’s Park after 3 road games:

It’s always good to come back to Papa Murphy’s, it’s always good to play at home. I think for us, home field is a special place and a good advantage for us. I think for us you’ll see that aggression, that defensive attitude and mentality to win individual battles.

On team defense & clean sheets:

It’s a team desire to keep clean sheets, and Rafa has played a huge part in that in the last three games, making big saves when we need him. And to be honest, adding a calming presence to the back for and to the group overall. I think it's credit to Rafa, to his performances, but also credit to the 10 players in front of him that help him out. It's a collective effort and that's why we get clean sheets.

On Rafa rising to the occasion:

I think it's a little it's a little unfair to for people to be saying, Adam’s a starter… Rafa’s the starter… whatever it might be. Because ultimately, we signed two goalkeepers that are both able and both willing and both competing. Adam got the nod at the start, but Rafa’s been in a different class at training. He's been banging on my door. He's been making me think he needs to play. And sometimes in life, in this game, you get opportunities. He got an opportunity and he grabbed it with both hands.

It's really unfortunate what's happened to Adam with his injury. Credit where credit's due, Rafa deserves to be playing no matter what the scenario is. We have two goalkeepers that are competing and can be number one.

On coming off a tough week beyond the pitch:

We've got a good group of guys, a togetherness within the group and I think everybody after the game wanted to support our family. We held up Adam’s shirt and wished him all the best in his recovery. He's still a part of this team, a part of our unit, so he'll be he'll be along every up and down with us. And credit to Adam, he's got a he's got to mentally handle it and bring himself back to full fitness and put himself in the best possible position to play a game, which I'm sure he will do.

We've got a lot of people that do a lot of work behind the scenes. Jason Israel is the Team Admin and puts a lot of work in for these guys and make sure everything's organized. He had some bad news this week and then obviously everybody saw Adam’s injury the other day, which for a footballer is devastating. So, we just felt it was it was a good moment to show an appreciation for the two people that had some bad news.

On team defense & clean sheets:

It’s a team desire to keep clean sheets, and Rafa has played a huge part in that in the last three games, making big saves when we need him. And to be honest, adding a calming presence to the back for and to the group overall. I think it’s credit to Rafa, to his performances, but also credit to the 10 players in front of him that help him out. It’s a collective effort and that’s why we get clean sheets.

On Rafa rising to the occasion:

I think it’s a little it’s a little unfair to for people to be saying, Adam’s a starter… Rafa’s the starter… whatever it might be. Because ultimately, we signed two goalkeepers that are both able and both willing and both competing. Adam got the nod at the start, but Rafa’s been in a different class at training. He’s been banging on my door. He’s been making me think he needs to play. And sometimes in life, in this game, you get opportunities. He got an opportunity and he grabbed it with both hands.

It’s really unfortunate what’s happened to Adam with his injury. Credit where credit’s due, Rafa deserves to be playing no matter what the scenario is. We have two goalkeepers that are competing and can be number one.

On coming off a tough week beyond the pitch:

We’ve got a good group of guys, a togetherness within the group and I think everybody after the game wanted to support our family. We held up Adam’s shirt and wished him all the best in his recovery. He’s still a part of this team, a part of our unit, so he’ll be he’ll be along every up and down with us. And credit to Adam, he’s got a he’s got to mentally handle it and bring himself back to full fitness and put himself in the best possible position to play a game, which I’m sure he will do.

We’ve got a lot of people that do a lot of work behind the scenes. Jason Israel is the Team Admin and puts a lot of work in for these guys and make sure everything’s organized. He had some bad news this week and then obviously everybody saw Adam’s injury the other day, which for a footballer is devastating. So, we just felt it was it was a good moment to show an appreciation for the two people that had some bad news.

Goalkeeper Rafa Diaz

On the team’s defensive mentality:

It comes from preparation and training. We really work really hard defensively. And the mindset going into that game is making sure that we give our team the best opportunity to win. It's not just me… it's 10 other guys in front of me working really, really hard to limit the times I need to make a play. And when it's time for me to get called upon, we've been fortunate to make a play.

On team chemistry and confidence:

It's something that you do want to build as a team, and you want everyone to trust you.That comes from hard work and training well, and these guys now that I trust them in front of me. And it’s great that the boss feels the same way feels that way about me and it gives me confidence. Hopefully I'm able to do that for the rest of the team.

On working with Grinwis:

I think we work really well together. We’re our good friends and I feel like I can talk to him about anything, he can talk to me about anything and we have this competitive nature. When it’s his turn to I was supporting him and chirping in his ear and he was asking me things. And likewise, the other way around, so it's good to have that competition in between because it does bring the best out of you.

On starting the last three clean sheet matches:

I just take it every game at a time. I prepare myself through the year by training, and I can try I stay ready. So when I got the opportunity, there is not really thinking too much into it. And like coach said, it's a collective group, so it's not really just me out. There are 10 guys, overall, with the mindset of not giving up. And, and that's kind of fortunate enough that we've had those results go our way and hopefully we can continue that.

On first home match after 3 road games:

It's great to be back, you know, familiar grounds and hopefully tomorrow we can we can really come out and give a strong performance and end the week really well.

Goalkeeper Rafa Diaz

On the team’s defensive mentality:

It comes from preparation and training. We really work really hard defensively. And the mindset going into that game is making sure that we give our team the best opportunity to win. It’s not just me… it’s 10 other guys in front of me working really, really hard to limit the times I need to make a play. And when it’s time for me to get called upon, we’ve been fortunate to make a play.

On team chemistry and confidence:

It’s something that you do want to build as a team, and you want everyone to trust you.That comes from hard work and training well, and these guys now that I trust them in front of me. And it’s great that the boss feels the same way feels that way about me and it gives me confidence. Hopefully I’m able to do that for the rest of the team.

On working with Grinwis:

I think we work really well together. We’re our good friends and I feel like I can talk to him about anything, he can talk to me about anything and we have this competitive nature. When it’s his turn to I was supporting him and chirping in his ear and he was asking me things. And likewise, the other way around, so it’s good to have that competition in between because it does bring the best out of you.

On starting the last three clean sheet matches:

I just take it every game at a time. I prepare myself through the year by training, and I can try I stay ready. So when I got the opportunity, there is not really thinking too much into it. And like coach said, it’s a collective group, so it’s not really just me out. There are 10 guys, overall, with the mindset of not giving up. And, and that’s kind of fortunate enough that we’ve had those results go our way and hopefully we can continue that.

On first home match after 3 road games:

It’s great to be back, you know, familiar grounds and hopefully tomorrow we can we can really come out and give a strong performance and end the week really well.

Republic FC, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento Partner to Salute Indomitable Fans

Sacramento, Calif. – With fans unable to attend matches, Republic FC has embraced new innovations to connect with fans during games and provide more opportunities to showcase their fandom. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain has renewed its partnership with the club, and will now serve as the presenting partner of fan engagement.

“Keeping our fans engaged with the club and connected to each other is more important than ever In this unique season,” said Republic FC President and Chief Operating Officer Ben Gumpert. “We’re excited that with our partner and entertainment industry icon, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento, we’ll be able to showcase more fans and celebrate their special relationship with the club.”

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Republic FC and virtually connect fans with our brand, through innovation, so they can continue to have authentic experiences that rock,” said Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento President Mark Birtha.

At upcoming home matches, fans can submit a photo to appear pitchside on the LED ribbon board, prominently featured during television broadcasts. By adding the hashtag “#IndomitableFans” to photo posts on Twitter, fans can have an opportunity to be incorporated into upcoming home games as well as be selected for Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento swag prize packages. Fans can also submit their photos and learn more about the partnership at www.sacrepublicfc.com/HardRock. In the club’s revamped app, fans can use the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento Fan Cam to add special Republic graphics to their pictures.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento will also salute the club’s diehard fans by presenting the Member of the Match, featured in the club’s Facebook Live pitchside pre-match broadcast. Game night host Connor Sutton will showcase one of the team’s season ticket members during home game pre-shows, who will receive a special Hard Rock / Republic FC prize pack.

The next opportunity for fans to spot their photo or be featured as the Member of the Match will be when Republic FC host Tacoma Defiance on Saturday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast on KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento, and ESPN+.

RECAP: Sacramento Republic FC 1-0 Reno 1868 FC

RENO, Nevada (August 12, 2020) – Republic FC will return to Sacramento with all three points for the second straight away game after downing Reno 1868 FC 1-0 on Wednesday night in Nevada.

Goalkeeper Rafael Diaz manned the net for the boys in Old Glory Red for the third consecutive contest and the SRFC shot-stopper came up big with five saves on the night to preserve the shutout – the fourth clean sheet for the Indomitable Club this season. The last Republic FC GK to claim three straight shutouts was over two years ago when Josh Cohen blanked a trio of teams from June 3, 2018 to June 14, 2018 – OCSC, Phoenix, Fresno.

Of Rafa’s saves, none were more crucial than in the dying moments of the match when a Jared Timmer looked destined to drop just under the crossbar before Diaz swatted the defender’s effort over the woodwork.

With the win and by maintaining another clean sheet, it has now been 289 minutes since Republic FC last surrendered a goal.

Both sides exchanged a number of chances in the first half with Diaz denying 1868 FC an early lead on a number of occasions, but the deadlock was finally broken just seconds before the break when Sacramento was awarded penalty after the referee pointed to the spot. Villyan Bijev stepped up and after a quick stutter step, slammed his shot inside the right post to lift his side to a 1-0 lead.

Mark Briggs’ men were tested by the hosts all night, but the defense – and Diaz – simply would not break. A one-handed save from the netminder in the 61st kept Reno off the board, bringing a halt to Reno’s three-game win streak.

The Indomitable Club return to Sacramento for the first of two consecutive home matches when Tacoma Defiance visit Papa Murphy’s Park this weekend for the second of four regular season fixtures between the two Group A squads. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. PT on Saturday night.

Sacramento Republic FC 1-0 Reno 1868 FC

USL Championship Match

Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada

August 12, 2020

Sacramento Republic FC 1-0 Reno 1868 FC

USL Championship Match

Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada

August 12, 2020

Scoring Summary:SAC – Villyan Bijev PK 45’

Misconduct Summary:SAC – Jordan McCrary (caution) 21’, Hayden Sargis (caution) 38’, Dekel Keinan (caution) 56’, Villyan Bijev (caution) 71’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 75’); RNO – Kevin Partida (caution) 80’, Mo Dabo (caution) 82’.

Sacramento Republic FC – Rafael Diaz; Ashkanov Apollon, Hayden Sargis (Dekel Keinan 45’), Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Jordan McCrary, Jaime Villarreal (Rodrigo Lopez 68’), Drew Skundrich ©, Sam Werner (Dariusz Formella 67’), Villyan Bijev, Kharlton Belmar (Julian Chavez 90’), Cameron Iwasa.

Unused substitutes: Diego Ramos, Shannon Gomez, Mario Penagos.

Stats– Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 5, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 0.

Reno 1868 FC– Ben Beaury; Brent Richards ©, Jared Timmer, Thomas Janjigian, Sam Gleadle; Sergio Rivas, Kevin Partida (Aidan Apodaca 81’), Tucker Bone (Ayrton Statie 57’), Christiano Francois, Benjamin Kikanovic (Foster Langsdorf 57’), Corey Hertzog (Mo Dabo 81’).

Unused substitutes: Eric De La Cerda, Younes Boudadi, Emilio Ycaza.

Stats– Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 10, Offsides: 0.

Scoring Summary:SAC – Villyan Bijev PK 45’

Unused substitutes: Diego Ramos, Shannon Gomez, Mario Penagos.

Stats– Shots: 12, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 5, Fouls: 17, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 0.

Unused substitutes: Eric De La Cerda, Younes Boudadi, Emilio Ycaza.

Stats– Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 10, Offsides: 0.

Medical Update: Adam Grinwis

Republic FC Goalkeeper Adam Grinwis has been evaluated for a right knee injury, with an MRI confirming a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus. A timeline for surgery is currently being discussed and a timetable for return has not been set at this time.