Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC’s 2023 campaign comes to a close with a 2-1 loss to Phoenix Rising FC in Saturday Night’s Western Conference Final at Heart Health Park. Sacramento went into the break up 1-0, but a pair of late scores from the visitors would seal the match in the second half. Phoenix Rising FC advances to the USL Championship Final next week where they’ll face Eastern Conference Champion Charleston Battery.
After feeling out their foes in the opening moments, Republic FC pounced on an opportunity at the half hour mark to open the scoring. Keko took possession in the middle of the park and found Nick Ross, who turned around a quick a one-touch pass for Russell Cicerone to slot the ball past the keeper for his second score in as many games.
With momentum from the sellout crowd on hand at Heart Health Park, the club nearly doubled it’s advantage just a minute later, but a Jack Gurr volley from distance was stopped. Sacramento went into the break up 1-0 after holding Phoenix to just a single shot on target on two opportunities.
Strong defensive work denied a promising Phoenix attack after the hour mark. After forcing the visitors to work around the club’s defensive block, a strong challenge from Damia Viader sent the threat away. Phoenix eventually knotted the score at one with ten minutes to go, finding the net off a set piece opportunity from the left flank. Phoenix pulled ahead at the start of stoppage time as Republic FC pressed high, with Emil Cuello finding the net for the visitors second goal of the night in the 92nd minute of the contest.
Republic FC closes out its memorable tenth season with a record of 20 wins, seven losses and ten draws, including in postseason play.
Sacramento Republic FC 1 – 2 Phoenix Rising FC
USL Championship – Western Conference Final
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
November 4, 2023
Scoring Summary: SAC – Russell Cicerone (Nick Ross) 31’, PHX – Conor Donovan (own goal) 81’, Emil Cuello 90+2’
Misconduct Summary: SAC – PHX – Mohamed Traore (caution) 16’, Darnell King (caution) 40’,
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jared Timmer, Conor Donovan (C), Shane Wiedt. Jack Gurr, Damia Viader (Lee Desmond 71’), Arnold Lopez (Matt LaGrassa 77’), Luis Felipe (Rodrigo Lopez 59’), Nick Ross, Russell Cicerone ((Luther Archimède 71’), Keko Gontán (Cristian Parano 77’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Aldair Sanchez
Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 1, Fouls: 21, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 2
Phoenix Rising FC: Rocco Rios Novo, Mohamed Traore, John Stenberg, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Eddie Munjoma (Manuel Arteaga 73’), Carlos Harvey, Jose Hernandez (Henry Uzochukwo 68’), Darnell King (C) (Renzo Zambrano 68’), Dariusz Formella (Erickson Gallardo 80’), Danny Trejo, Panos Armenakas (Emil Cuello 73’)
Unused Substitutes: Patrick Rakovsky, Daniel Krutzen
Stats – Shots: 7, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 1, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 4, Offsides: 2
