May 7, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC bested Monterey Bay F.C. on Tuesday night, emerging victorious 2-0 behind a pair of first half scores. With the win, Sacramento advances to the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2022 edition of the tournament, where the club will face off with the San Jose Earthquakes in the River City.
Sacramento controlled the early goings, keeping 60% of the possession balance in the first half while tallying nine shots with two on target. Loanee Kieran Phillips nearly opened the scoring in the 14th minute, driving forward on the right flank, but his attempt was deflected away by the visitors’ backline.
An own goal in Republic FC’s favor gave the Quails the early advantage. With the ball at his feet, Dami Viader served a cross in from the left flank that deflected off a defender and in for the first score of the match in the 27th minute. Four minutes later, Kieran Phillips continued his hot start in Sacramento with his third goal in four games, scoring off Rafa Jauregui’s first career assist.
Sacramento clamped down defensively in the second half to keep their foes off the score sheet. After keeping the Union without a shot on target through the first 85 minutes, a pair of saves by Danny Vitiello denied two attempts from the visitors – preserving the clean sheet.
Defender Chibi Ukaegbu’s inclusion in the starting XI marked the young defender’s professional debut. Signed in November to his first professional contract after two seasons in the club’s academy, he becomes the 17th player to debut for his hometown side and the second this season following fellow academy graduate Blake Willey.
The Indomitable Club will next host MLS side San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16, and the match date and time will be announced later in the week. Season ticket members now can opt-in to secure their seats and tickets will be available to the public tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets. The two sides last met in the same round in the 2022 tournament, with Sacramento taking a 2-0 to ignite a streak of three-consecutive wins over MLS teams to reach the Final.
Republic FC continues the 2024 USL Championship season this Saturday, heading to the East Coast to face off with league debutant Rhode Island FC. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT and the match be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2 and streaming on FOX40.com…
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