May 11, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Smithfield, R.I. – Republic FC split the points on Saturday night with league debutant Rhode Island FC, playing to a 2-2 draw to stay unbeaten on the year across all competitions. Defender Jonathan Ricketts scored his second goal off the bench this season in the third minute of second-half stoppage time, bringing Republic FC level after being down a goal.
Saturday’s match utilized the depth of Republic FC’s roster. At the end of a run of three matches in eight days, including Tuesday’s Open Cup win, the Indomitable Club called Blake Willey, Shane Weidt, and Jared Mazzola into the starting lineup. Wiedt made his first start of the season and surpassed 10,000 USL Championship minutes in the contest, while Academy product and Sacramento native Willey also featured in the club’s starting XI for the first time this season. Goalkeeper Mazzola earned the start for the second time this season in relief of Danny Vitiello.
Rhode Island pressed early, generating a trio of opportunities in the fifth minute to push Sacramento back. The New England club challenged Jared Mazzola in goal a few minutes later in the 10th, but a strong save from Sacramento’s keeper between the sticks sent a swerving attempt by Rhode Island over the bar.
The hosts opened the scoring just after the half hour mark. After a long ball forward was fielded at the top of the penalty area, Rhode Island’s Stephen Turnbull put it through at the near post. Sacramento answered with a goal of their own in the 38th minute – after a switch to Jack Gurr on the right flank, service into the box was headed in by Trevor Amann for the equalizer, and his sixth goal this season.
Rhode Island took the lead back before the break, finding the net on a set piece opportunity just four minutes after the Quails’ equalizer.
Changes off the bench helped Sacramento threaten as time ticked down, with Rafa Jauregui, Kieran Phillips, and Jonathan Ricketts entering the match and putting pressure on the opposing backline. Forward Sebastian Herrera made his season debut after recovering from a preseason injury. Late in stoppage time, Ricketts found the equalizer, putting in his second score of the season on the follow-up – also his second score as a substitute this season.
The club returns to action on May 21 when MLS side San Jose Earthquakes visit Heart Health Park for the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. Kickoff for the match is set…