July 6, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
For the first time ever, Republic FC will play for a spot in the U.S. Open Cup final. Since the club’s cup run began in April, the moment hasn’t stood in their way, resulting in cupsets over two MLS squads with conviction, and great collective performances each time out to become the best of the west.
The club’s journey through the club has been as unique as ever – and as the club prepares for another huge match, take a quick look back at the five contests Sacramento won to get here.
April 7: Republic FC 6 – 0 Portland Timbers U23
Starting XI: Carlos Saldana, Ferrety Sousa, Lee Desmond (Dan Casey 79′), Conor Donovan, Duke Lacroix (Keko Gontan 59′), Matt Lagrassa, Rodrigo Lopez (Rafael Jauregui 59′), Nick Ross, Damia Viader, Zeiko Lewis, Luther ArchimeÌde (J.P. Cortez 79′)
Scoring Summary: SAC- Duke Lacroix (Ferrety Sousa) 13′, Damia Viader (Ferrety Sousa) 21′, Matt LaGrassa (Rodrigo Lopez) 26′, Rodrigo Lopez (Luther Archimede) 30′, Duke Lacroix (Zeiko Lewis) 35′, Zeiko Lewis (Rodrigo Lopez) 41′ PT23 – None
After taking a few minutes to get settled, Sacramento showed no mercy against the League 2 side. Sacramento bagged all six of their scores in the first half, with Duke Lacroix nabbing his second career brace, Rodrigo Lopez tallying two assists, and Zeiko Lewis and Damia Viader each finding net for the first time in Old Glory Red. Carlos Saldana recorded both his and the club’s first clean sheet of the season.
April 20: Republic FC 2 – 1 Central Valley Fuego FC
Starting XI: Danny Vitiello, Duke Lacroix (Damia Viader 66′) , Lee Desmond, Dan Casey, Jack Gurr, Luis Felipe, Matt LaGrassa, Rodrigo Lopez (C), Keko Gontan, Zeiko Lewis (Emil Cuello 80′), Douglas Martinez Jr. (Luther Archimede 66′)
Scoring Summary: SAC- Dan Casey (Rodrigo Lopez) 44′, Rodrigo Lopez (penalty) 90+4′ CVF – Renato Bustamante 78′
A regional derby with a new foe did not disappoint – Republic FC and Central Valley Fuego both played excellent from the opening whistle to stoppage time, when Rodrigo Lopez converted a penalty to send the hosts home with a win as rain began to fall. Former Sacramento winger Villyan Bijev assisted the equalizer for the visitors, giving them a jolt into the final moments, but, Sacramento took the win in thrilling fashion.
May 11: Republic FC 2 – 0 Phoenix Rising FC
Starting XI: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr, Dan Casey, Lee Desmond, Conor Donovan, Duke Lacroix (Damia Viader…