USL Sacramento Republic FC

In Their Own Words: "It's a Big Matchup But We Know We're at Home So We've Got to Defend Our Territory"

Published on May 30, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Take a look at what the boss, Casey, Gomez and Nabi the newcomer had to say heading into Saturday's showdown at Heart Health Park against Phoenix Rising FC

This Saturday night, the Indomitable Club will be welcoming the 2020 Western Conference winners - Phoenix Rising FC - to town for a Pacific Division heavyweight bout.

Republic FC will be looking to return to winning ways after being handed its first loss of the 2021 USL Championship regular season last Saturday. Not only will the squad be excited about returning home, but they'll be donning the newly launched Quail Kit for the very first time.

Not only will the squad be looking sharp in their new threads, they'll also be fully focused on the first of four regular season fixtures against the southwestern juggernaut.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the most recent week of training...

"It's been a good week of training. Last week's result was disappointing so you're looking for the players to come back hungry, come back with intensity, come back with a desire to get a result tomorrow against a very good opponent. Training has been good, and we've been working on the deficiencies I felt we showed against Orange County so hopefully we just have to turn up and do what we're paid to do."

On if the team will approach the Phoenix game any differently...

"It's the same approach to every game. I always say to the players everyone wants to play beautiful, pretty football - which I want to. But if you don't do the basics, if you don't fight, if you don't tackle, if you don't want to move, if you don't show any desire to beat your individual opponent, everything else is a waste of time. You have to work hard, and you have to have a desire for me to be better than you. That's what I'm preaching to the players. Winning is what matters and you have to do everything in your power to win. If we win ten individual battles tomorrow night, we win the game, and it's just as simple as that."

Tomas Gomez

On the week of training heading into Saturday's match...

"I think it's been a good week of training; we were just trying to get ready for this big game this weekend. Hopefully we can start out on the front foot tomorrow and we know it's a big matchup but we know we're at home, so we've got to defend our territory."

On if there's extra motivation to beat the team that ended last season's playoff run...

"I wasn't here but I heard all about it. I think a lot of guys are going to be motivated to get back at them, especially because we're playing on our home turf so it's our job to defend this and make it very, very difficult to play against us and almost impossible to get three points so I think that's just added motivation going into this match."

Dan Casey

On this past week of training...

"Obviously after last week, everyone's upset and wants to put right the result. Training has been good, it's been quite feisty - everyone's getting on each other, in a good way. We're ready for tomorrow and hopefully we can a result."

On playing on a team that matches his intensity...

"It's great, it's what you want because if you're ever in a club where everyone wants the same goal, it's going to make for a good environment to be in. You want the best for each other, the standards are always high, and the attitude is right so it's great to be a part of."

On if the loss last week will motivate the squad...

"Speaking for myself, I know the boys are the same, we feel we didn't deserve to lose last week but we could have done better so we want to put that right and hopefully we can do it tomorrow."

Nabi Kibunguchy

On returning home to Sacramento...

"It's good to be back home in Sacramento. I didn't think things would work out like this, getting drafted back in January, being able to come back on loan here, just really glad to be back and contribute to the team, wherever way they see me. Just glad to keep working and keep getting better."

On what it's like to wear the Republic FC crest...

"It's such an honor. Even going back to my academy days, just representing my hometown, it means a lot. It's a dream and I'm just glad to be here."

On what he can bring to this team...

"I can bring a lot to this team - my grit, my tenacity, the grind I bring to the game every day in training, bringing the level up. As well as games, wherever they see me playing. I just hope to contribute right away."

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 30, 2021


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