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Sacramento Republic FC

Match Preview: Republic FC v Orange County SC

April 17, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Republic FC faces Orange County SC on the road this Saturday in a clash between the top two squads in the Western Conference standings. Each enters the contest off a draw in Week 6, keeping them tied atop the table. It's the final regular season meeting between the two clubs, who met in Week 1 and have since recorded the same results each week thus far in 2024.

At a Glance: #SACvOC

7:00 PM PT kickoff

Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News Mobile App

Streaming: ESPN+

Republic FC - The Latest

Republic FC extended its unbeaten run to six games last Saturday with a draw at FC Tulsa. The visitors went down to ten men early, and shortly afterward, Rodrigo Lopez found the net for his first goal of 2024. Alongside five total shots and 9 of 14 duels won the score helped Lopez earn a second selection to Team of the Week. Republic FC recorded 23 shots for the match - the club's highest total since 2022, and now remains the last team in the league not to trail at any point this season.

The club's newest addition to the squad - striker Kieran Phillips from EFL Championship side Huddersfield Town - will be available for selection for his USL Championship debut. Phillips joined the Indomitable Club last Friday on loan from the English side. The 24-year-old has played four pro seasons, scoring 14 goals in 91 appearances. He's a product of both the Terriers' and Everton's academy systems.

Know Your Opponent

Orange County hosts Sacramento coming off a draw on the road. In Week 6, the club split points with San Antonio FC in a scoreless contest dominated by backline play. The match continued a strong run of form for the club, which hasn't conceded a goal in 315 minutes dating to its Week 3 contest vs. Miami FC. Orange County has recorded three straight clean sheets in that span and tallied a shutout in four of six to open the season.

Through six contests, midfielder Brian Illoski and forward Thomas Amang have led the club, each scoring twice. Amang's two goals have come in his last four appearances. He netted an insurance score vs. Memphis 901 FC on April 6, and a late equalizer vs. Miami on March 23. He enters the contest second on his club in total shots (10), and first in attempts on target (5).

Match Notes

Saturday's match marks the 28th between Sacramento and Orange County, officially making the SoCal club Republic FC's most frequent opponent all-time, passing Tacoma Defiance and LA Galaxy II. Republic FC has a record of 10 wins, 11 losses, and six draws against Orange County SC.

Republic FC's 39 goals against Orange County in league play is the 10th most for any team against any opponent in league history. Cameron Iwasa leads the all-time fixture with five scores.

Rodrigo Lopez has been stellar against Orange County in his career, netting three goals and tallying two assists all-time. Since returning to Republic FC in 2022, the captain has been key to the club earning results - Sacramento has won or drawn in 20 of 22 games where he's scored or assisted in that span.

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