Fan Vote Now Open: Benitez's Beautiful Curling Finish Nominated for Goal of the Week
July 14, 2025 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Sacramento, Calif., - Today, USL Championship announced that Republic FC defender Michel Benitez has been nominated for Week 19 Goal of the Week. The fan vote is open now through 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17 at USLChampionship.com.
VOTE NOW AT USLCHAMPIONSHIP.COM
After assisting the goal opener, Republic FC defender Michel Benitez received the ball right to his feet in the enemies box from homegrown talent Blake Willey in the 75th minute. A composed Benitez then struck with precision. El Paso goalkeeper, Jahmali Waite watched helplessly as the ball curled perfectly and nestled into the upper right-hand corner. Benitez's sensational strike doubled the score and propelled Republic FC to a 3-0 win.
Saturday's victory is Republic FC's third-straight league win, with the club earning clean sheets across all three matches and winning each match by two or more goals. The club currently sits in fourth in the tightly contested Western Conference, just four points behind the newly top-seeded San Antonio FC.
The Indomitable Club will return home next Saturday to host Lexington SC in the second and final match during the California State Fair. Tickets to the 8:00 p.m. match are available now at SacRepublicFC.com and include entry to the Fair on gameday, providing an unforgettable Summer experience for the entire family.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 14, 2025
- Oakland Roots and Soul SC Join Forces with EBMUD to Celebrate Clean Water - Oakland Roots
- Fan Vote Now Open: Benitez's Beautiful Curling Finish Nominated for Goal of the Week - Sacramento Republic FC
- Takeaways from Roots' 1-2 Loss at Home to Phoenix Rising FC - Oakland Roots
- Orange County SC Loses on the Road in Monterey - Orange County SC
- Lexington Sporting Club Earns Draw against Racing Louisville FC After Gritty Comeback - Lexington Sporting Club
- Trejo Brace Dooms North Carolina FC - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Trejo Brace Dooms North Carolina FC - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Trejo Brace Dooms North Carolina FC - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
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- Fan Vote Now Open: Benitez's Beautiful Curling Finish Nominated for Goal of the Week
