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Notes and Quotes: “Every away game in the USL is a difficult [one]”

After a strong performance Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup, Sacramento returns to league play on the road in the Sooner state. The Quails’ third road match of the season lines them up opposite FC Tulsa, who’s looking to stay above the playoff line. A rematch of the 2022 season’s Week 3 matchup should be a good one.

Sacramento will be looking for its tenth straight unbeaten result to open the season across all competitions. In a road environment, the task gets tougher, especially against a much-improved team with a lot of talent.

“Their results haven’t necessarily shown their performances,” Head Coach Mark Briggs said. “They’re strong at home, they’ve got some very good players and they’re very well coached. So it’s going to be a difficult game for us to go there and get something.”

FC Tulsa’s sure to bring a challenge to Sacramento – through the season’s first two months, the Oklahoma side has boasted one of the league’s best attacking units. The club will need to do everything right to get a win, and coming off a regional derby they plan to keep the same standard.

“Yeah, I think just intensity,” said Shane Wiedt. “I think it’s going to come down to how bad we want it. And I think sky’s the limit if we can keep being as aggressive and intense as we as we have been.”

To this point, Sacramento’s played only two matches away from Heart Health Park this season. No matter the squad’s previous road results this year, hostile environments across the league create a challenge for any team. And as the club kicks off its third match in eight days, having the right approach will be key.

“Every away game in the USL is a difficult [one], so we’ve just got to make sure we go there with the right mentality,” Briggs continued. “[We need to] continue to be difficult to beat and be ruthless in both boxes.”

“I think everybody has been in the situation where you played three games in a week and you just got to push through it,” Wiedt continued. “[You] can’t let it creep in your mind, can’t make an excuse. [We] just have to get the job done.”

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.”

On this Day: 20,000+ Pack Hughes Stadium for Republic FC’s First-Ever Home Match

20,231.

That was the match day attendance on this day in 2014, when Republic FC played its highly anticipated first home contest in club history. With Heart Health Park – then to be named Bonney Field – not set to be opened until June, Republic FC played its first home fixture at historic Hughes Stadium on the campus of Sacramento City College.

The match was a landmark evening in Sacramento sports history, and memories were not at a minimum. Attendance shattered the previous USL regular season record by almost double and proved that Sacramento belonged on the biggest of stages, soccer or otherwise. Tower Bridge Battalion’s eye-catching procession over the nearby Light Rail platform and into the stadium established the club’s supporters as some of the rowdiest in the nation.

Starting XI: Dominik Jakubek, Cristian Gonzalez, Nemanja Vukovic, Harrison Delbridge, Jack Avesyan (Chad Bartlomé 89’), Max Alvarez (Gilberto 69’), Ivan Mirkovic, Chad Bond (George Fochive 62’), Rodrigo Lopez (C), Thomas Stewart, Adam Jahn

Scoring Summary: SRFC – Adam Jahn (Max Alvarez) 32’ HCI – Robbie Derschang (Yann Ekra) 5’, Morgan Langley 52’

Republic FC had to play from behind early on, as the visiting Harrisburg City Islanders netted the opening score just five minutes in. But the Quails quickly showed that the “Urbs Indomita” on their crest wasn’t for naught. The club fought back to equalize in the 32^nd when Adam Jahn found the net off a Max Alvarez free kick in the attacking half, sending all in attendance into a frenzy.

While Harrisburg would eventually break the tie with a match winner in the 52^nd minute, it didn’t put a damper on the game. The club almost salvaged a point in the final seconds with an equalizing score, but Chad Bartlomé was unable to get a clean look at goal after receiving a Nemaja Vukovic cross in the penalty area. Regardless of the result, the contest gave thousands of fans a memory they’ll remember for a lifetime.

“To get 20,000 people is incredible,” Adam Jahn said of the fans. “It shows the following and it is really exciting going forward.”

“I never imagined in my wildest dreams that we would see over 20,000 people there at that first match,” said Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle in 2018 on the game’s five-year anniversary. “And not only did you have 20,000 people there, but 20,000 fans who were very loud, boisterous, and very Sacramento-fan like.”

Notes and Quotes: “[We have to] bring the energy, start fast, and just keep doing what we’re doing”

The Indomitable Club opens a stretch of three matches in eight days this Saturday. To kick it off, Detroit City FC come west to Heart Health Park for the first time in the two club’s second all-time meeting. After a dominating win over Colorado Springs, Sacramento is looking for consecutive victories in league play for the second time this season and its eighth straight unbeaten result to open the year across all competitions.

Coming in, Sacramento continues to give every opponent they face respect. The Motor City side visiting this week has been strong in several aspects, particularly on defense, where the club has allowed only five goals all season. A hunger to get back into the win column and set themselves up for success in a busy week of their own coming up is sure to challenge the Indomitable Club.

“Detroit’s a good team,” said goalkeeper Danny Vitiello Thursday. “They are very structured and organized, and it’s going to be tough to break them down.”

“They’re a talented team – they’ve got good morals when it comes to defense and they are going to work hard,” said Conor Donovan. “So I think it’s just us bringing our energy that we always bring when we play at home and raising the level, and moving the ball quick.

Through six weeks, Sacramento’s backline has shined. A streak of four straight shutouts – which now stands as the club record – has a chance to be extended when the club takes the pitch again on Saturday. What’s gotten them to this point hasn’t been continued collective contributions by all eleven on the pitch, a strong mentality, and the club all being on the same page.

“No matter who’s on the field, we have 11 guys who want to defend our goal,” echoed Vitiello. “A big thing this group wants to do is be lethal in both boxes, on the offensive side and defensive side of the ball. And you’re seeing just that. It’s all credit to the backline and guys in front of me.”

“It’s every player that steps on the field being willing to give everything they have for the badge,” Head Coach Mark Briggs said of what’s sparked the club’s defensive excellence. “And when you do that you have a collective identity, a collective mentality that leads to clean sheets. And then it’s pride in keeping the ball out of our goal.”

This week, Sacramento wants to come out fast just like they were able to last week against Colorado Springs. When the squad plays how they want to, every player knows the challenge they bring for opposing squads. It’s part of what has led to a lot of success this season.

“I think every home game we have to approach the same way, no matter who the opponent is,” Briggs continued. “Detroit are a better team than what I feel their results have shown so far. We need to make sure we come out and we play our way and play our style and we do the things that have got the results we have so far.”

“We’re playing at home. So [we have to] bring the energy, start fast, and just keep doing what we’re doing,” Donovan continued.

A Closer Look at SACvCOS: “I thought we were ruthless”

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 50^th 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.

.@ArchiLuther keeps the party going! #SACvCOS pic.twitter.com/vCKFrSIbNR
— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 16, 2023

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.”

Notes and Quotes: “We’ve got to make sure that we continue to be present, continue to be focused”

In a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinal, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC comes to Heart Health Park for the only time this season. Sacramento’s very familiar with the Rocky Mountain side after facing them three times last season.

Through the first five games, the club has been stellar. Entering this match, the club’s at the top of the Western Conference table and has defended the top spot in the league’s weekly power rankings for three straight weeks. The squad is firing on all cylinders; however, they know there is still more to accomplish. The season doesn’t end now.

“The group’s excelling at the moment. [But] we’ve got to make sure that we continue to be present, continue to be focused and continue to be hard to play against,” said Mark Briggs of his squad’s form. “We have to continue to be ruthless and continue to put the opportunities away that are presented to us.”

“We’re undefeated, our team this year is deep and very solid all around,” said Rodrigo Lopez. “We have 22, 24 players that go out on that field and want to fight and want to win. Whoever’s on that field has to bring that winning mentality. We want to stay at a certain level.”

Colorado Springs brings with them to the River City a talented squad improved from last season, even if they have a few new faces. Switchbacks FC will be tough to play against, but per usual, Sacramento has no plans to back down or let the game be played on anyone else’s terms.

“It’s a team that is [near] the top of the West and are familiar with. They have a very solid team all around,” Lopez continued. “[But] we love playing these types of games where we’re playing the better teams in our conference.”

Being at home for this contest adds a significant advantage that’s already pushed the club when they needed it this season. Sacramento’s been tough on every club that’s made the trip to Heart Health Park this season, succeeding in the strive to make Heart Health Park a fortress. They want to keep that up this week.

“We understand the opponent and respect the opponent,” said Mark Briggs. “But when we’re at home we have to continue with our momentum and continue to focus on us.”

“Our home field is beneficial for us all the time,” said Lopez. “Our crowd, our atmosphere, our fans are the best in the league for a reason. It rubs off on us on the field.”

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+.

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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.