February 19, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
In its final contest in a stretch of four matches in eight days, Republic FC took a 1-0 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders FC. With a clean sheet against one of the top scoring teams in MLS last year and goal from Russell Cicerone, the result gave Republic FC a big boost as the club enters the back half of preseason.
“I thought that this was the first game that we showed our DNA, that we showed our intensity and our quality,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “It was a really pleasing performance from everybody that stepped on the field. I felt that this was the strongest 90 minutes we’ve played as a group this year, so to perform like that against the caliber of a team Seattle put out was really pleasing.”
One week out from the start of the MLS season, Saturday marked the final tune up for Seattle, who fielded its top players against Sacramento, including a starting lineup featuring Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, and Albert Rusnák. “It gives our team confidence to be able to perform at the level that we did against what will probably be Seattle’s starting lineup in their season opener. It has to give everybody confidence in what we can do.” With the victory, Republic FC is unbeaten against MLS sides this preseason, playing a 1-1 draw against San Jose Earthquakes earlier in the month.
Cicerone’s second preseason goal came in the 44th minute, as the forward put a 25-yard free kick past Seattle’s top goalkeeper, Stefan Frei. It was the third free kick goal scored by Sacramento this preseason – matching the club’s mark for the entire 2023 campaign. “It was an area of the game where we struggled last year,” said Briggs. “It bodes well for the season to see several from free kicks and corners. Now we’ve just got to continue down that pathway and continue to put in the focus and effort when we get those opportunities when it matters.”
Republic FC’s youth players got another opportunity to earn valuable experience against a top-division team. Following the first 90, the two sides played another 45 minutes, with Republic FC fielding a lineup that included some rostered players, several academy debutants, and three trialists. “Chances like these are huge for their development,” said Briggs. “To show them that they can compete against some of the top players in the country and hold their own.”
Briggs points to Rafael Jauregui as an example of how important these…
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