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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Republic FC v El Paso Locomotive FC

March 9, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


The 2023 USL Championship campaign, as well as Republic FC's 10th season of play, officially begins this weekend as the Indomitable Club takes to El Paso, Texas. The same foe as last season's opening night fixture awaits them - El Paso Locomotive FC - as the quest for 2023 silverware officially begins.

At a Glance: #ELPvSAC

Saturday, March 11

6:30 p.m. PT kickoff

Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas

Watch: FOX40.com, Antenna TV 40.2, ESPN+

Watch Party: Brickyard Counter and Bar, 4364 Town Center Blvd #128, El Dorado Hills, CA

Republic FC - The Latest

Sacramento enters Saturday's season opener eager to get the new campaign underway. At the start of training camp on January 28, eyes were already on this match after the club returned a bulk of last season's squad. It's been a competitive preseason for the club since, which should benefit them in a tough road environment to kick off the year.

The club enters the season right where they want to be, closing out preseason with a strong showing against regional rival Monterey Bay F.C. in a friendly at Heart Health Park that saw new acquisitions Russell Cicerone and Sebastian Herrera each find the back of the net.

Know Your Opponent

Locomotive FC shook some things up this offseason, retooling their backline with a few notable names - the biggest being former Watford defender Marc Navarro. However, in the midfield and on the attack, the club remains familiar from past seasons. U.S. U-20 midfielder Diego Luna is gone after his midseason transfer to Real Salt Lake in 2022, but Yuma, Luis Solignac, and Emmanuel Sonupe all remain, and pose capable threats in the attacking half.

New Manager Brian Clarhaut will likely bring a new system to the West Texas side. He joins the club after spending the past six seasons coaching in Sweden's top division, most recently at GIF Sundsvall. 2023 marks his first post in the U.S. at the professional level.

Head-to-Head

Sacramento will look to repeat last year's season opener success with another first-game win against the Texas side. In 2022, the Quails opened the season strong with a 3-1 win over El Paso in front of a lively crowd at Heart Health Park. Now on the road, the club will look to secure its first victory at Southwest University Park and start the season with three points. (All-time record vs. El Paso: 1-5-0).

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

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