Republic FC got back into the win column on Saturday evening, posting a 4-0 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Heart Health Park. The match saw the Quails continue their unbeaten start to the season with their sixth straight result.
Sacramento got going quickly and never looked back. Switchbacks FC attempted to force errors early on with a physical, aggressive approach, but Sacramento’ didn’t let it phase them. Russell Cicerone tallied his 50th career score before the 10-minute mark after a Damia Viader cross couldn’t be handled by the opposing goalkeeper, and the Quails were off and running.
“Yeah, obviously to score four goals and keeping a clean sheet against a team with the quality that [Colorado Springs] possess – really pleasing night,” said Mark Briggs after the match. “Excellent from the guys. I thought we were ruthless, and two of the goals were really high-level football so really pleased with the work they’re doing on the training field and bring that out here to the stadium.”
Outstanding build-up play provided for the following two goals, put in by Luis Felipe and Dami Viader. In each instance, how the club wants to threaten was on full display. Pure effort resulted in the club’s last as Luther Archimède blocked a free kick and battled with a defender for 50 yards before slotting the ball into the left corner.
Lost in the spotlight of the club’s offensive showing was the steady presence of Danny Vitiello in goal. The club kept a clean sheet for the fourth consecutive match and for the fifth time in six games in league play – netting him man of the match honors as he recorded six saves. Quietly, Vitiello’s been one of the league’s top shot-stoppers this season, recording a league-best save percentage of 95% to add the all-important finishing touch to the club’s collective defensive approach.
“Yeah, I mean, we’re going to eat a lot of doughnuts this year, that’s for sure,” said Rodrigo Lopez of the club’s penchant for shutouts. “But it’s just a team effort. You know, I said it before the game a couple days. ago. Obviously, Vitiello, and our back three. Jack, Dami [Viader], and the wingbacks do a great job, our defensive-mids, but I feel like you know it starts at the top and we like to defend as a unit and do it all together.”
“Yeah, I think it’s just honestly it’s a team effort from the top. We all work so hard off the ball to be able to have the ball. Credit everybody. It’s a team effort – it’s not just the defenders. So yeah, long may it continue.”
