April 24, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
After consecutive victories, Republic FC closes out its three-match homestand against a regional rival with Cup implications. Oakland Roots SC visits Heart Health Park for the first time this season in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round. Sacramento looks to remain unbeaten on the season in the first tournament matchup between the two sides.
At a Glance: #SACvOAK
Wednesday, April 26
7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Drink Special – $5 draft beers from 5:30PM to 7:30PM
No broadcast available – follow @SacRepublicFC on Twitter and Instagram for updates
Republic FC – The Latest
In Mark Briggs 100th game as manager, the Quails took three points to rise to the top of the league with 17 points. Sacramento got off to another fast start by netting a ninth minute score to set the tone against Detroit City FC. Another stellar defensive effort kept a clean sheet after the visitors went all 90 minutes without a shot on target.
Know Your Opponent
Roots SC advanced to the Third Round after besting amateur side El Farolito – another Bay Area outfit – in Round Two. They started hot, netting three scores by the mid-way point of the first half, which proved plenty to claim their first ever Cup victory. In the league, they currently sit above the playoff line with a 2-3-1 record (7 points).
There’s no doubt it will be a spirited contest. Oakland will be hungry to both knock off their regional rival and bounce Sacramento out of the tournament. The Bay Area side always makes things difficult when they make the trip to the River City, and this time, that’s sure to continue.
Players to Watch
Russell Cicerone has enjoyed a torrid April, scoring five goals and tallying two assists across all competitions. In his first taste of the Sacramento-Oakland derby, he’ll be itching to make an impact. The Michigan native scored and assisted against Oakland with Pittsburgh last season on October 15.
For Roots, Goalkeeper Paul Blanchette has been integral, sending away dangerous looks at an impressive rate. Entering Week 8 in the league, he paces all goalkeepers with 27 saves. In addition to the club’s shot-stopper, former Sacramento forward Darek Formella has two scores on the year, tied for Oakland’s club lead, and has been on the scoresheet in three of his last four league games.
Head to Head
Republic FC and Oakland have each claimed just a single win all-time and have played to…