USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Republic FC v Birmingham Legion FC

Published on August 10, 2023 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Republic FC heads to the Magic City this week as the club prepares to face off with Birmingham Legion FC. It's just the second meeting between the two after the Alabama side visited Heart Health Park last July. For the first time, Sacramento travels to Protective Stadium in the third of four straight road contests.

At a Glance: #SACvBHM

4:30 p.m. PT kickoff

Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama

Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News Mobile App, ESPN+

Republic FC - The Latest

Republic FC enters the match on a three-game unbeaten run. Coming off a two-win week, the club claimed its eighth clean sheet of the year against regional rival Monterey Bay F.C. last Saturday. Russell Cicerone found the net for the third straight game, and for the fourth time in five games dating to July 15. Keko earned Team of the Week honors for his performance, which included the assist on Cicerone's winner in the 35th minute.

Know Your Opponent

Legion FC has been in good form throughout the summer, bouncing back from a challenging May with four wins in its last eight games. Late scores by opponents issued the club two losses on July 29 and August 4, two matches in which they threatened constantly but were kept out of net by tough luck or excellent play from their opponents. At home, Birmingham has claimed five of its nine victories and has yet to be shut out.

The club made an addition to its roster last week, acquiring former Sporting Kansas City academy product Tyler Freeman on loan from Nashville SC. He's yet to start for his new club, logging six minutes in two appearances off the bench.

Players to Watch

A few of Sacramento's key contributors have a lot of history against the Eastern Conference club. Russell Cicerone has faced Birmingham five times in his career, and Jared Timmer six times in his career. Against a largely unchanged roster, their experience at Protective Stadium could play a factor in the match.

For Birmingham, the attacking trio of Enzo Martinez, Neco Brett, and former U.S. Men's National-teamer Juan Agudelo has propelled the squad all season, combining for 17 goals and nine assists. Agudelo netted the winner in the last match between Birmingham and Sacramento, assisted by Martinez.

Head-to-Head

The only all-time meeting between the two sides took place last July, with Legion FC taking a 1-0 victory. Visiting Heart Health Park for the first time, Birmingham found the net two minutes into the match. Republic FC played well for the remainder of the evening but wasn't able to find an equalizer before the final whistle sounded.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

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