Sacramento Republic FC's Russell Cicerone Earns USL Championship Player of the Month

June 8, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release

TAMPA, Fla. - Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone was unveiled as the USL Championship's Player of the Month for May on Thursday, with the current co-leader for the USL Championship Golden Boot recording a second consecutive standout month at his new club.

An offseason arrival at Republic FC, Cicerone has been one of the top players in the league over the course of the current season. In May he finished tied for the league lead with five goals in four appearances, averaging a goal every 68 minutes. Cicerone recorded a shot conversion rate of 55.6 percent for the current frontrunner for the Players' Shield - awarded to the team with the best regular season record - and had a shooting accuracy rate of 77.8 percent.

"It's a huge honor and I'm extremely happy, but I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of the talented guys around me," said Cicerone. "I'm only here because of how we've played as a group, so this is really an award for the whole team."

The 28-year-old has become one of the most prolific goalscorers in the USL Championship over the past two-and-a-half seasons. His final goal of the month - which opened the scoring in a 4-1 victory at Hartford Athletic - was Cicerone's 50th regular season goal in the league in his career, with 38 of those having come since the start of the 2021 season.

Cicerone's success has helped power Sacramento to the top of the Western Conference with the side currently leading the Championship in both goals scored (25) and fewest goals conceded (7).

"This is a well-deserved recognition for Russell that is a culmination of not just his strong performances in May, but the work he has put in all season," said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. "He's driven to win and challenges his teammates to bring that same energy, both on the training field and on gameday. His relentless work ethic sets him up for success, and we expect more moments like this for Russ as we continue our quest for silverware."

Cicerone received 39 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL Championship Technical Committee, a national panel of independent media representing every USL market and an online fan vote held at USLChampionship.com. The Tampa Bay Rowdies' JJ Williams finished second on 35 percent after recording five goals and one assist in four league appearances during May.

USL Championship Player of the Month - May 2023

Nominee Fan Vote Weight Media Vote Weight USL Vote Weight Total Vote

Russell Cicerone (SAC) 54% 28% 29% 7% 20% 5% 39%

JJ Williams (TBR) 16% 8% 29% 7% 80% 20% 35%

Tani Oluwaseyi (SA) 5% 3% 29% 7% 0% 0% 9%

Albert Dikwa (PIT) 13% 7% 7% 2% 0% 0% 8%

Ryan Spaulding (TBR) 12% 6% 7% 2% 0% 0% 9%

Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone

United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 8, 2023

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• SMUD to Host Free Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive Event at Cal Expo Ahead of Republic FC Match - Sacramento Republic FC
• Preview: FC Tulsa at Loudoun United FC - Friday, June 9 - Leesburg, Virginia 6 p.m. CT - FC Tulsa
• Republic FC's Russell Cicerone Voted USL Championship Player of the Month for May - Sacramento Republic FC
• Sacramento Republic FC's Russell Cicerone Earns USL Championship Player of the Month - USL
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