Match Preview: Republic FC v San Diego Loyal SC
March 22, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Republic FC takes on a fellow unbeaten this week as San Diego Loyal SC comes north to Sacramento in Week 3 of the USL Championship season. The two clubs will battle to stay atop the Western Conference standings in their fourth all time meeting at Heart Health Park.
At a Glance: #SACvSD
Saturday, March 25
7:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Tickets
Pre and Post Match Party - Rock & Brews
Watch: FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, FOX40 News app, ESPN+
Republic FC - The Latest
Sacramento showed their grit in Week 2, coming from behind to secure a point after falling to 10 men at the 36-minute mark in the first half. The early-season connection between Jack Gurr and Russell Cicerone continued to grow, resulting in an 57th minute equalizer for the club as the backline fended off pressure throughout the second. For their efforts, Gurr and Rodrigo Lopez were named to Team of the Week for Week 2.
The mindset stays the same as the club aims to maintain their early momentum and test themselves against a strong squad. Maintaining their aggression in the attacking half and intensity on the back line will be key to a result, especially against a San Diego squad that's always well disciplined. The club's deep roster will show it's advantage as Zeiko Lewis and Luther Archimède are out on international duty.
Know Your Opponent
San Diego has a different man at the helm in Nate Miller, promoted from his assistant role on Landon Donovan's staff the past two seasons to lead the club in 2023. He's led the squad to being one of just two teams league-wide perfect to start the season - the other being Louisville City FC.
Last week, they took a dominant victory despite the stat sheet favoring Phoenix in shots, chances, and possession. Forward Elliot Collier assisted each of the club's second half scores; with Kyle Adams on international duty, the forward is likely play a key role for his club this weekend. Alongside Collier, Sacramento will contend with goalkeeper Koke Vegas, who always provides his club a strong presence in goal - last time he faced Sacramento, the Spaniard made 6 saves to keep Loyal SC in front.
Head to Head
Saturday marks the eighth all time contest between Republic FC and Loyal SC. At home, Sacramento has recorded one win, loss, and draw apiece, outscoring their foes 6 to 4. San Diego has the all-time cumulative advantage, winning three contests and outscoring Sacramento 9 to 8.
Last season, the two clubs split their meetings, with San Diego winning their home contest 2-0 on March 19, and Sacramento winning at home in the regular season finale. In the latter fixture, Sacramento scored three times in the opening 15 minutes en route to a 4-0 win.
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