March 29, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Republic FC’s 10th season celebration has begun, remembering the club’s history in the Indomitable City. So far, the club has recognized its past with the 10th anniversary Legacy Kit, and shared stories from previous seasons on The Breakaway podcast.
March 29 marks a special day in that history as the anniversary of Republic FC’s inaugural match. A 1-1 draw vs. SoCal foe LA Galaxy II on the road at then StubHub Center’s Track and Field stadium was first of many spirited contests between the in-state rivals. Ahead of the match, fans across the region were plenty excited after the club’s debut – and for good reason. The club’s inaugural season had already generated a wealth of momentum before it even began.
Starting XI: Jake Gleeson, Nemanja Vukovic, Mickey Daly, Harrison Delbridge, Emrah Klimenta, Ivan Mirkovic (Chad Bond 77′), Octavio Guzman (Aaron Long 82′), Max Alvarez, Mike Fucito (Jack Avesyan 73′), Rodrigo Lopez (Thomas Stewart 84′), Justin Braun
Scoring Summary: Justin Braun 33′ LA: Chandler Hoffman (Raul Mendiola) 81′
ustin Braun headed through the club’s first ever goal in the 33rd minute, heading the ball over the line after it rattled around in the penalty area, to give the club a 1-0 advantage. Sacramento nearly found a second and put the match away with less than 15 minutes to go, but a free kick from Max Alvarez went just a hair over the crossbar. In the 82nd minute, Los Dos found an equalizer when Chandler Hoffman netted a shot from the left flank.
The contest marked the first of two straight results for the club to kick off the 2014 season, and the first of three straight without a loss vs. Galaxy II. Tower Bridge Battalion made the trip south – providing a tremendous atmosphere for the club in its first competitive match. The club was optimistic, but knew they still had more quality in them.
“I thought on a better day we walk away with the three points,” said Head Coach Preki following the contest. “There is still a lot of room for improvement, and I know that as the season goes we will get better and better.”
For their performance during the match, three players from the club earned selections to the league’s Team of the Week. For his score, Justin Braun earned a spot on the Best XI alongside defender Harrison Delbridge and goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, who tallied a league-high five saves. Current Republic FC captain Rodrigo Lopez, as well as…