April 2, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Today, USL Championship announced that Republic FC Captain Rodrigo Lopez has been named to the Week 4 Team of the Week for his performance in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Memphis 901 FC. With his squad at a stalemate late in the match, the 21-year veteran sent in a dangerous set piece to set up Jonathan Ricketts’ game-winning goal in the 87th minute and extend Republic FC’s unbeaten streak to four matches.
Lopez drove his team’s attack throughout the match, leading all players with five chances created, 9 crosses, and 18 completed passes in the final third. On the defensive end, he won all three of his attempted tackles and won possession eight times.
After Trevor Amann earned a key foul, a set play led to the game’s deciding opportunity with Lopez on the ball. From the right, the cross found Ricketts as he was surrounded by Memphis defenders. His first attempt was blocked by the keeper, but he took advantage of a generous rebound and put the ball over the line. The goal not only secured the win, but also extended the club’s 10-game scoring streak dating back to the 2023 season. This is the longest scoring streak for Republic FC since 2019. Sacramento is also just one of six teams in USL Championship to score in each of its first four matches this year.
This is Lopez’s first 2024 selection to the USL Championship Team of the Week this season, and his 14th career selection. It is the third weekly honor for Republic FC on the campaign. Trevor Amann was named the Week 1 Player of the Week and Jack Gurr earned a spot on the Week 2 top squad.
Through the first four weeks of the season, Republic FC remains undefeated and sits atop the Western Conference table with eight points. The club is back in action this Saturday, heading out on the road to face Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff from Weidner Field is set for 5:00 p.m. PT and the match be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2 and streaming on FOX40.com, through the FOX40 News mobile app, and on ESPN+.
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