
Match Preview: Republic FC v Charleston Battery
March 16, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
After a stellar opening night victory at El Paso, Republic FC returns home this week to take on a fitting foe for the 10th season's home opener. Charleston Battery - who last visited Heart Health Park in 2014 - comes west to Sacramento for Week 2 of the 2023 USL Championship season.
At a Glance: #SACvCHS
Saturday, March 18
7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Pre and Post-Match Party - Rock and Brews
Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News app, ESPN+
Republic FC - The Latest
The Indomitable Club returned home from El Paso this week with a win in hand to open the season. After a strong showing up top and scoring the lone goal of the match, Russell Cicerone netted Team of the Week honors for the first time in a Sacramento shirt. The forward was excellent all evening in addition to his goal, nearly opening the scoring on two other occasions in the first half. The backline received much-deserved praise from the coaching staff and their teammates for logging one of just two clean sheets league wide on the weekend.
This week, attention turns to utilizing home-field advantage to the club's benefit. Sacramento has three home contests on the horizon beginning this week, which should help strengthen the group as they ready for three strong squads. At this week's home opener, a raucous atmosphere at Heart Health Park will do wonders for the squad as they gun for three more points in the standings.
Know Your Opponent
One of the East's most improved clubs on paper enters the season with a lot of upside. New manager Ben Piermann, previously of Memphis 901 FC, has overseen a strong training camp and start to the year after consecutive playoff appearances at the helm of his former club.
Their form from camp translated to a strong opening night performance, where despite not taking three points vs. Phoenix Rising, the club was dangerous all evening. The attack threatened constantly, generating 11 close-range opportunities behind new acquisition Emilio Ycaza, who spent 2022 with Rio Grande Valley FC. Alongside Augustine Williams and Derek Dodson, the trio combined for nine shots and four chances created. All that kept them from a win was a tremendous performance by Phoenix's goalkeeper, who tallied six saves in his debut.
Head-to-Head
Sacramento's won both contests in the all-time fixture, claiming a 3-1 win in August 2014, and 4-2 win last July 30. In the 2014 fixture, a brace from Rodrigo Lopez led Sacramento to three points at Heart Health Park. Last season's fixture took place in South Carolina, with Sacramento again claiming victory by a 4-2 score line at Patriot's Point with scores from four different players to cap off an unbeaten week.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 16, 2023
- Memphis 901 FC Looks for Strong Start vs. Pittsburgh in Eastern Conference Tilt - Memphis 901 FC
- Match Preview: Republic FC v Charleston Battery - Sacramento Republic FC
- Phoenix Rising Preps for Road Match against San Diego Loyal SC - Phoenix Rising FC
- San Antonio FC Adds Defender Zico Bailey to 25-Day Contract - San Antonio FC
- Battery's Open Cup Match vs. Savannah Confirmed for April 4, Tickets on Sale Now - Charleston Battery
- Preview: FC Tulsa at Birmingham Legion FC - Friday, March 17 - Protective Stadium, 7 p.m. - FC Tulsa
- New Mexico United Announces the Signing of Jose Sosa - New Mexico United
- Indy Eleven Taps Playfly Premier Partnerships to Activate Eleven Park with Commercial Strategy & Sales Representation - Indy Eleven
- Switchbacks FC and Coach Hogan Earn First Win for 2023 Season Against El Paso Locomotive - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Sacramento Republic FC Stories
- Lee Desmond Named to Team of the Week
- Buddy Benches Promote Mental Health, Inclusion, and Friendship at 11 Local Schools
- Republic FC Draws Indy Eleven
- Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Indy Eleven
- Earthquakes Net Two Early to Knock Republic FC from U.S. Open Cup

