Things don’t get any easier for Republic FC in week 2. Following a late victory over El Paso Locomotive FC on opening night, the Boys in Old Glory Red head south to take on the Landon Donovan-led San Diego Loyal SC. The squad will be looking for the club’s first ever victory against the SoCal club, who won in similar fashion in their opener.
While Loyal SC is a very different opponent, it doesn’t change the intensity with which Republic FC has prepared. They know they can’t take San Diego lightly. The week’s training sessions have all has been geared toward neutralizing them where they are the most vulnerable; especially knowing San Diego is likely to again play them tough.
“It’s going to be a difficult game, but the players understand their [San Diego] strengths and weaknesses, and where they can be exposed,” said Head
Coach Mark Briggs. “Now it’s about going down there and getting a result.”
“There are a few things we could have fixed from last week,” said defender Ferrety Sousa. “So we’re taking in what the coaches say, and trying to fix the little details.”
Coming off a thrilling opening night, Sacramento’s confidence and momentum will be big advantages. Energy has been high at training all week, but knowing that it’s easy to let the highs get the best of them, the squad is making sure they are in the right mindset. Especially because this season, getting wins on the road will be as tough as ever.
“It’s hard to get wins on the road in this league,” said Briggs. “So we’ve got to get something from the game – that could be three points, it could be one point, but whatever we can get from the game, that is our focus.”
“Going on the road will be a difficult challenge, but I think we’re all prepared for it,” said forward Zeiko Lewis. “We know what to expect.”
Regardless of what happens Saturday, one thing is clear for Mark Briggs and his staff. The progression of their largely new team is coming together very nicely, and each and every player is giving themselves and the club the best chance to win every day at training. Be it the players coming back from injury or those who are set to be in the starting XI, every part of the squad is on the same page.
“Everybody’s buying in to what we’re trying to do, and asking the right questions,” Briggs said. ‘I’m really happy with where we are at. They are further ahead than where I anticipated and it will definitely benefit us in San Diego.”
