Match Previews

Fresh off a midweek Open Cup victory, Republic FC will head to the desert to take on Phoenix Rising FC for a matinee contest this Saturday. 

Overview: SAC @ PHX

• Date: Saturday, April 19
• Time: Kickoff at 1:00 p.m. PT
• Venue: Phoenix Rising Stadium (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, ESPN+

Know Your Club – Republic FC

Saturday’s contest closes out a stretch of three games in eight days for both Republic FC and Phoenix Rising FC. On Wednesday night, the Indomitable Club remained perfect in Open Cup debut matches, claiming a 1-0 victory over El Farolito in the tournament’s Third Round. Captain Rodrigo Lopez extended his modern era record with his 12^th all-time Open Cup assist, as Sebastian Herrera continued his tournament scoring run with his fifth tournament goal in five appearances.

“I think winning breeds winning, so to win this game at home and see it out late when we’ve been guilty of giving up a couple of late goals, we came under a bit of pressure but we handled it very, very well, and that should give us all the confidence,” said Head Coach Neill Collins after the match.

The Indomitable Club is coming into Saturday’s contest in search of its first road win of the year. Last week, the squad played to a 2-1 loss at Orange County at the hands of two unfortunate own goals. Despite being down two goals early in the second half, Republic FC responded by controlling the possession before Sebastian Herrera headed home Jared Timmer’s cross in the 56^th minute. Sacramento continued to threaten throughout the rest of the match, but couldn’t find the equalizer.

Know Your Opponent – Phoenix Rising FC

Phoenix found its own Open Cup success on Wednesday night. Playing down a man for most of the second half and the entire extra time period, the Arizona club held strong to best FC Tulsa in a penalty shootout. After missing the last three matches, goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky returned to the starting lineup to make four saves, including an in-game penalty stop as well as one stop in the ensuing shootout.

Similar to Sacramento, however, Phoenix Rising has yet to find its stride in league play. As time ticked down against Detroit City last week, it looked as if Phoenix was going to pick up its first home win of the season. But Detroit wouldn’t go down without a fight and broke out for three goals in four minutes to turn the tide and sneak out of Arizona with all three points.  

Through six games Phoenix has gone 1-3-2, but one area where they haven’t faltered is in front of goal. They are tied for the league lead with 11 goals and a 24% shot conversion rate. Eight different players have added their name to the scoresheet, including Remi Cabral who leads with three goals.

Head-to-Head

With a long-standing history, Republic FC and Phoenix Rising FC have undoubtedly developed one of the most competitive rivalries in the Western Conference. In 26 previous meetings, Sacramento has claimed eight wins to Phoenix’s nine, with the two sides playing to nine draws, and apart from just a few matches, each head-to-head has proven to be a close contest with 21 matches decided by one goal or fewer.

Last year in Phoenix, the clubs split the points in Phoenix with Rodrigo Lopez delivering a classic set piece masterpiece, before Remi Cabral equalized in the second half. Later in the season, Republic FC would clinch the season series with a 2-nil win at Heart Health Park as Jack Gurr recorded a two-assist performance to set up Sebastian Herrera and Kieran Phillips as the goal scorers.

This Wednesday, it’s an Open Cup lover’s dream as two of the tournament’s most recent Cinderella stories face off in the Third Round.

Overview: SAC vs. FAR

• Date: Wednesday, April 16
• Time: Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. PT
• Venue: Heart Health Park
• Tickets: Purchase here!
• Drink special: $5 craft brews until the 30^th minute
• Watch: Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Indomitable Club will begin its tournament run after playing to its second defeat of the season in a 2-1 loss at Orange County on Saturday night. A strong second half wasn’t enough for Republic FC as the Southern California team took all three points in the Western Conference classic. After OC broke the deadlock in the 18^th minute, Sacramento would build into the match by controlling the possession and appeared to be gaining momentum before an unfortunate own goal gave the hosts a two-goal lead just minutes into the second half. Republic FC responded with pressure that allowed it to pull one back in the 56th minute as Jared Timmer’s cross was headed home by Sebastian Herrera. The club continued to threaten throughout the rest of the match, but couldn’t find the equalizer.

“After a disappointing result like we had on Saturday, sometimes you just want to get back out there, so what a great opportunity we have the Open Cup this week,” said Head Coach Neill Collins. “The level of performance has been good, but obviously what we want to do is turn those performances into wins. And the only thing that matters in the Cup is winning to advance to the next round. Everything we do is going to be geared toward getting through to the next round and building on that in league play.”

Republic FC is a part of a group of 16 USL Championship clubs that secured a Third Round after reaching the 2024 postseason. The club has participated in every tournament held since 2014 and remains the only second-division team to reach the National Championship Final since 2008 after defeating three MLS sides in the 2022 tournament. It has become one of the top home teams in the modern area, amassing 20 wins and some of the tournament’s most memorable moments in recent years, including the thrilling penalty shootout against Sporting Kansas City in the 2022 Semifinals.

Last year, the team reached the Quarterfinals for the second time in three years after opening tournament play with a Round of 32 victory over Monterey Bay FC and a second-straight upset over MLS side San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16. The May 21 match was an instant classic, with the Indomitable Club living up to its name to come from behind twice. The Quakes went up early in extra time, but Republic FC rallied back to take the lead with goals from Luis Felipe and Sebastian Herrera just one minute apart. The team advanced to face Seattle Sounders in the Quarterfinals, and bowed out of the tournament with a 2-1 loss.

Rodrigo Lopez will make his return to the Open Cup. With 11 assists, the 37-year-old is the tournament’s all-time leader in the modern era and in 2022 was tied for the Golden Boot with four goals. That year, he became the first player to be named both the Player of the Tournament and Lower Division Player of the Tournament (TheCup.us).

Sebastian Herrera has seen plenty of success in the Open Cup after joining Republic FC in 2023. The Colombian striker has scored four goals in four appearances, all of which came against MLS teams.

Know Your Opponent – El Farolito

A Western Conference classic is on the docket this Saturday, as Republic FC heads to Southern California to take on Orange County SC.

Overview: OC v SAC

• Date: Saturday, April 12
• Time: Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. PT
• Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium (Irvine, California)
• Watch: Antenna TV 40.2
• Stream: FOX40.com, ESPN+

Know Your Club – Republic FC

Last weekend, the Indomitable Club went toe-to-toe with the defending regular season champions, Louisville City FC. Republic FC’s game plan was on display from the opening minute, setting up a high press to control the majority of the possession and only allow LouCity six touches in its offensive box in the first half. The pressure paid dividends in the 69^th minute when Sebastian Herrera pounced on a bad touch by the Louisville keeper, forcing him to make another mistake that setup Cristian Parano for a long-distance chip shot that earned a Goal of the Week nomination.

Freddy Kleemann earned a second consecutive Team of the Week selection after posting a game-best 13 clearances, as well as winning 10 of 13 duels. Jared Timmer impressed in his first appearance of the season with three clearances and two duels won, while Michel Benitez continued to put out one of the highest work rates on the squad with 20 final third entries, eight duels won, and seven clearances. Along with Danny Vitiello’s three saves, the Indomitable Club held LouCity – who recorded the second-highest scoring season just last year – scoreless through 97 minutes, but an unlucky clearance led to a fortunate bounce for an equalizer in the final moments of the match.

“I thought it was a top game,” said Head Coach Neill Collins following the match. “I’m really pleased with how we executed our game plan, and I thought I would be standing here with three points, but I’m not going to let that take away from the performance that the players put in. If we keep doing the things we’ve done in the first four games, we’re going to pick up a lot of points.”

Know Your Opponent – Orange County SC

Through its first four matches, OC has seen goal contributions from eight players with defender Ryan Doghman leading the way with a goal and an assist apiece. Chris Hegardt has been one of the team’s most consistent players so far, leading with three shots on target and seven chances created.

Head-to-Head

No opponent is more familiar to Republic FC than Orange County SC. Since 2014, the two California clubs have faced off in the regular season 27 times, making it the third-most contested series in USL Championship history. Sacramento holds an all-time record of 11 wins, 10 losses, and six draws with a 4-4-5 record on the road.

The last time they faced off at Championship Soccer Stadium, the Indomitable Club made history en route to a 2-0 victory. Just 15 seconds into the match, Rodrigo Lopez set up Trevor Amann for the fastest goal in club history, and in the 24^th minute Aldair Sanchez netted his first career goal.

This weekend, Republic FC will play its first interconference contest of the year as the 2024 Players’ Shield winner Louisville City FC comes to Sacramento for the first time since 2023.

Overview: SAC v LOU

• Date: Saturday, April 5
• Time: Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. PT
• Venue: Heart Health Park
• Tickets: BUY NOW
• Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2
• Stream: FOX40.com, ESPN+

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Indomitable Club is coming into Saturday’s match with a chance to bounce back from its first loss of the 2025 campaign. On the road for the first time, the club battled early-season standout FC Tulsa in a close match last Friday, but came away without any points. Despite outshooting Tulsa 15-11 and getting 33 touches in the opponents’ box, Sacramento was unable to find the target for the first time since May 19, 2022.

Offseason addition Freddy Kleemann earned his first career Team of the Week selection after tying the league’s all-time record with 17 aerial duels won. The difference maker wouldn’t come until the 87^th minute as Tulsa found the back of the net on a dangerous corner kick.

“I think for large parts of the game we looked like the better team,” said Head Coach Neill Collins after the game. “We should have capitalized on our moments and we didn’t and we paid the ultimate price for not taking our chances. We defended a set piece poorly and we ended up coming away with nothing.”

As the club manages early-season injuries, Captain Rodrigo Lopez made his first appearance in 678 days after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in May 2024.

Know Your Opponent – Louisville City FC

LouCity is a perennial Eastern Conference powerhouse, so it should come as no surprise that the reigning Players’ Shield winners are the only remaining undefeated team in the East. Last week, the Kentucky club extended its lead in the table with a 2-0 victory over Detroit City FC at Lynn Family Stadium.

Detroit held the edge in possession, but Louisville made its chances count with five of its 10 shots on target and eight chances. Ray Serrano broke the deadlock in the 20^th minute with his team-leading third goal of the season. The other goal came from Jansen Wilson, who collected a cross from Manny Perez on the right flank to double the lead. The 22-year-old Serrano has been an integral part of LouCity’s early success. In each of the team’s wins, he has scored the opening goal.

Saturday’s contest against Sacramento could see Louisville defender Sean Totsch make history. Heading into the weekend, he is just 56 minutes away from surpassing Kenardo Forbes for the most regular season minutes in league history.

Head-to-Head

The series between Republic FC and LouCity is still young. Since the league re-introduced interconference play in 2022, the clubs have faced off three times with the home team claiming all three points each time (1 SAC win, 2 LOU wins).

Last year, they delivered a thrilling rollercoaster match in front of a national TV audience. Down two goals early in the second half, a Nick Ross brace led the Indomitable Club to explode for three goals in seven minutes to take the lead. Moments later, Louisville would pull even before netting the game winner with an extra time uncontested drop ball on the edge of the 18-yard box.

When they met at Heart Health Park in 2023, Republic FC claimed a landmark 5-0 victory, handing LouCity its biggest defeat in club history. Russell Cicerone recorded his first brace for Sacramento, while Luis Felipe, Jack Gurr, and Keko added goals of their own to kick off an undefeated month for the club.

For the first time this season, the Indomitable Club is heading out on the road and will face FC Tulsa on Friday night.

Overview: SAC @ TUL

• Date: Friday, March 28
• Time: Kickoff at 5:00 p.m. PT
• Venue: ONEOK Field (Tulsa, OK)
• Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, ESPN+

Know Your Club – Republic FC

Heading into Friday’s contest, Sacramento is just one of three Western Conference teams that have yet to suffer defeat this season.

Last weekend, the squad came out strong against defending champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks, taking the lead in the 24^th minute when Russell Cicerone’s cross met the head of Jack Gurr on the back post. Cicerone doubled the lead in the second half as Sebastian Herrera provided a perfect flick off a long ball. But despite a tight defensive performance that held Colorado Springs without a shot on target until the 69^th minute, two late decisions by the referee gave the Switchbacks a chance to equalize from the penalty spot to split the points.

“I was very pleased with the team’s performance on Saturday. We’ve played two very good opponents in the first two games and I think we’ve been very good,” said Head Coach Neill Collins. “I think there were a couple things that were out of our control, but there are also a couple things that we could’ve done better. So we need to learn those harsh lessons and put them to test for the rest of the season.”

With two goals and an assist in the first two games, Cicerone is off to one of the best starts of his career. Not only is this the first time that he has scored in back-to-back games to open the season, but the veteran striker is currently leading the league with an impressive 2.41 xG mark and has earned two Team of the Week selections. If he finds the back of the net against Tulsa, it will be the first time in club history that a player has scored in each of the first three games.

Now Republic FC will face its first road test of the year. Last season, the club got off to a hot start away from home and went undefeated in its first 10 away matches.

Know Your Opponent – FC Tulsa

After missing out on the playoffs last season, Tulsa has opened the 2025 campaign in good form. Under recently-appointed Head Coach Luke Spencer, the Oklahoma club posted back-to-back wins against Phoenix Rising and Tampa Bay Rowdies in Week 1 and 2. In both victories, goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda came up big for his club with five total saves and two clean sheets (tied for the league’s best mark), which earned him a Week 1 Team of the Week honor.

Veteran defenders Lamar Batista and Abdoulaye Cissoko have looked good in their first three outings for the club and have played a big role in allowing just one goal so far. They have combined for 33 clearances, 38 duels won, and 22 possessions won, while Batista has also added an assist.   

“Tulsa’s new coach has had a big impact. He’s got them really well organized and hard to beat,” said Collins on Friday’s opponent. “You can see that with the results they’ve gotten so far. And then on top of that it’s a difficult place to play so we’ll have to adjust and adapt. That’s what makes this league really challenging, but you have to be able to go out and conquer different things, and it’s something we need to go and conquer on Friday night.”

Head-to-Head

In 14 previous meetings, Republic FC has posted a 9-0-5 record against Tulsa, the longest undefeated streak against a single opponent in league history. However, Sacramento has not claimed victory at ONEOK Field since 2019.

Last season, they split the points in both regular season contests with a 1-1 draw in March and a scoreless draw in June.

After an early bye week, the Indomitable Club returns to action to host defending champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

Overview: SAC v COS

• Date: Saturday, March 22
• Time: Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
• Tickets: Purchase here
• Drink special: $5 Craft Beer (until 30^th minute)
• Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, CBS Sports Golazo Network
• Post-Match: Stick around to watch the Unified Teams from SAC and COS face off on the pitch

Know Your Club – Republic FC

Sacramento opened the 2025 season in good form, getting its first come-from-behind victory since 2023 with a 2-1 win over New Mexico United. After going down a goal early, Russell Cicerone equalized with a penalty before newcomer Lewis Jamieson found the back of the net just two minutes into the second half. Once the Indomitable Club took the lead, the squad clamped down defensively to deny New Mexico a shot on target in the second half.

The performance earned Republic FC its first two honors of the year. Jamieson was named the Player of the Week, while Cicerone joined his fellow striker on the Team of the Week. Academy graduate Blake Willey also impressed in his first start of the year, recording five duels won, six possessions won, and three tackles won.

“Coming off the victory against New Mexico gives us a lot of positive energy, and we just want to continue that,” said defender Freddy Kleemann. “You could see the team’s chemistry really come together in the first game, and I think we’re just going to get better as the season goes on.”

“To play New Mexico and Colorado Springs in the first two weeks, that’s a difficult stretch,” said Head Coach Neill Collins. “But we’re at home, and I think whoever we play at home, we want to try and be the dominant team. We want to make sure that we always have a great chance at winning the game.”

“But it’s still early in the season and we’re still finding our feet. Saturday’s match will be a great challenge for us, but it’s one that we’re looking forward to,” he continued.

Know Your Opponent – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

The reigning champions are still looking for their first win of the season. The team played to a draw against El Paso in Week 1 before falling to Detroit City 2-1 at home last week. In both contests, Colorado Springs scored first but conceded late goals to drop points. Against Detroit, the Switchbacks dominated the stat sheet, including 60% of possession, but couldn’t capitalize on their chances in front of goal before an unfortunate own goal sealed their fate.

But the season is still young and there is still good reason to believe that the Switchbacks can put together a campaign similar to last season’s title-winning run. Head Coach James Chambers has brought back several players from 2024, including Zach Zandi (six goals, four assists) and Yosuke Hanya (five goals, two assists).

Last year’s leading goal scorer Ronaldo Damus departed in the offseason, but Colorado Springs has welcomed some key new additions, most notably midfielder Charlie Adams. In his first two appearances, the USL veteran has recorded an impressive 97.3% passing accuracy.

Head-to-Head

In 16 previous meetings, Sacramento and Colorado Springs have earned seven wins apiece, splitting the points just twice. Both clubs have maintained home field advantage, with Republic FC posting a 4-2-1 record at Heart Health Park.

Last season, the Indomitable Club claimed victory in the first head-to-head as Russell Cicerone and Trevor Amann found the back of the net at Weidner Field. But it was the regular season finale that proved to be the difference maker for both teams. With playoff positions up for grabs, both Republic FC and Switchbacks FC were in the mix for the final three spots that guaranteed hosting rights for the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

With time running out, Colorado Springs’ Juan Tejada found the breakthrough goal to secure the number two seed – a position that would later give them home field advantage throughout the playoffs, including the USL Championship Final – while Sacramento fell to the fifth seed.

USL Championship is back in the Capital City as Republic FC hosts New Mexico United on Saturday night. With a new head coach on each bench, the two Western Conference teams will be looking to open their campaign in the win column.

Overview: SAC v NM

• Date: Saturday, March 8
• Time: Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
• Tickets: Purchase here
• Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and ESPN+
• Giveaways: Thunder sticks & schedule magnets

Know Your Club – Republic FC

The Neill Collins era in Sacramento will officially begin on Saturday night as the 2021 USL Championship Coach of the Year leads his team into competition for the first time. Republic FC’s 2025 roster features a slew of familiar faces with 15 returning players, including the club’s all-time shutout leader Danny Vitiello, single-season scoring record holder Russell Cicerone, and 2024 breakout midfielder Nick Ross.

And while Republic FC fans may know what to expect from the returners, there are seven recently acquired players who will be looking to make an instant impact for their new team. Ryan Spaulding is back in USL Championship after four seasons with MLS side New England Revolution. The left winger featured for Neill Collins at Tampa Bay Rowdies on a short loan stint in 2023, and had his best game against New Mexico United, scoring his first career brace. Spaulding and the others will have the opportunity to add to the list of Republic FC players to score in their club debut – 17 in total, including a debut goal in each of the last four season openers.

“The ultimate goal for us this year is that we want to bring trophies to Sacramento, but we have to take it one game at a time,” said Head Coach Neill Collins. “[New Mexico] was the best team in the West last year and they’ve brought in an excellent coach so we know they have a lot of quality, but we’re also trying to build our own style of play.”

“We’ve got lots of competition within the squad, and everyone’s itching to play and start on Saturday,” he continued. “They all want to win, they’re all here to win, and they all know what the expectations are with at this club.”

The energy at Heart Health Park on opening night is unmatched across the league. With limited tickets remaining, the club is nearing its sixth consecutive home opener sellout, an experience that the entire team is anticipating.

“We’re all very excited for the season and we’re happy to be playing in front of the fans again,” said midfielder Luis Felipe. “We know the atmosphere at Heart Health Park is going to be incredible.”

“I can’t wait to see all the fans and feel the atmosphere,” said defender Dominik Wanner, who is set to make his first appearance for the club on Saturday night. “I’ve heard from my teammates how many fans we get, but at the end of the day, everybody is going to feel the energy differently, and I just want to make my own experience.”

Know Your Opponent – New Mexico United

New Mexico United also finds itself entering a new chapter as Dennis Sanchez takes the reins as Head Coach. Last season, Sanchez was a finalist for the USL Championship Coach of the Year after leading his Las Vegas side to a historic turnaround campaign and its first-ever postseason appearance. Sanchez previously spent time with Republic FC as its Academy Director from 2020-2022.

Sanchez is taking over for Eric Quill, who was named the Head Coach of FC Dallas after leading New Mexico United to its best-ever season in 2024. Thirteen players are back from that squad, which finished the regular first in the Western Conference and hosted its first-ever home playoff match. This list includes New Mexico’s top offensive contributors – Greg Hurst (12 goals) and Mukwelle Akale (5 assists) – as well as goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, who recorded eight clean sheets last year.

Several new players will don black and yellow this year. Most recently, the club announced the addition of forward Thomas Amang, who has scored 17 goals for Orange County SC over the last two seasons. He is joined by former MLS defender Jaylin Lindsey, Gedion Zelalem, a product of Arsenal FC, and USL Championship veteran Luiz Fernando, who has recorded 23 goals and 20 assists in nearly 200 league appearances.

Head-to-Head

The budding rivalry between these two Western Conference teams continues to grow each year. In 11 previous meetings, Republic FC has taken six wins to New Mexico’s three, and they have played to two draws.

Each side has remained strong at home. Heading into Saturday’s contest, Sacramento has gone undefeated in the last six matches against New Mexico United at Heart Health Park, including a five-match shutout streak that dates back to 2019.

They last faced off in September 2024, which resulted in a 4-0 victory for the Indomitable Club, its largest win of the year. Russell Cicerone got the scoring started early in the sixth minute with an assist from Luis Felipe, and the midfielder would double the lead in the 25^th minute from a perfect layoff from Sebastian Herrera. Aldair Sanchez and Kieran Phillips both found the back of the net in the second half, while Jack Gurr set a new career high with his eighth assist of the campaign.      

This Saturday, Republic FC fans will get their first chance to see the 2025 squad in action.

Overview: SAC v VCFC

• Date: Saturday, Feb. 22
• Time: Kickoff at 2:00 p.m.
• Tickets: Purchase here
• Pregame: Strive for 45 3K Fun Run & Walk (11:30 a.m.) – Register now (includes entry to match)
• Postgame: Meet the Team – included with admission

“Preseason is a really important time. We need to get the players physically ready, we need to get them tactically ready,” said Head Coach Neill Collins. “The work the players have put in on the training ground and in the scrimmages has been very, very positive, so I’m really excited about the coming weeks and months ahead.”

While the first few weeks of training camp were focused on fitness, Collins and the technical staff have begun turning up the dial to get prepared for opening night. Last week, the team traveled to the Bay Area to take on Oakland Roots put in a strong performance highlighted by goals from Russell Cicerone and Jack Gurr.

“The attitude’s been great, the intensity and training has been great,” continued Collins. “There are going to be specific things we’re focusing on this Saturday. Of course we’ll be playing at home, so we want to show what we can do in front of our fans, but we still have to remind ourselves that we’ll constantly be evolving and improving during the season.”

Saturday will be the first time that Collins gets to coach in front of the Indomitable Fans, something that he’s been looking forward to since he joined the club. “I’m excited to be in our stadium and meeting our supporters. That’s what we’re here for – we’re here for the fans.”