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USL Sacramento Republic FC

The Magic of the Cup: Players and Staff Reflect on America's Greatest Soccer Tradition

May 5, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


This Tuesday, the U.S. Open Cup returns to Sacramento as Republic FC hosts regional rival Monterey Bay F.C. in the Round of 32. The Indomitable Club has participated in the tournament every year it's been held since 2014, building a tradition and culture of seizing the opportunity to play on the national stage and show the national soccer community what the club is all about - on and off the field.

"The Open Cup has always been special to our club," said Republic FC President & General Manager Todd Dunivant. "We thrive in this tournament and love the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the country. Our fans love it, our players love it, and it is the only way to see how we stack up."

This year's squad boasts a wide range of Open Cup experience, including nine players from the roster that reached the Final in 2022. Players have participated as amateurs before their pro careers took off, others have featured in "Cupsets," and there are even two Champions among the group. Adding in knockout tournament experience from international players, there's no shortage of players who have been on this stage before. Yet no matter how many times players have stepped onto the Open Cup pitch, there's still a palpable excitement and anticipation among the team ahead of Tuesday's match.

"Getting to play in this tournament every year and compete against the best at every level is amazing," said captain Rodrigo Lopez, the tournament's all-time modern era assist leader. He's played in 15 matches, representing USL Championship, PDL, and MLS. "And then when you add in the adrenaline of it all - you win or you're out. There's more pressure, and that's what makes it so exciting no matter who you're playing for or who you're up against."

Club newcomer Trevor Amann got his first Open Cup cap as an amateur, featuring for then-NPSL side Detroit City FC in 2018. Last year with USL League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, he paved the way for an upset over USL Championship club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, netting the game-tying goal at the end of regulation before helping Hailstorm put in two scores in extra time. "For me, knockout games are always fun. You know you have to lay it all out there, and that the opponent is going to do the same, so when you do get a win, it feels so much more rewarding."

"It's an opportunity for players at any level to put themselves on a stage to show they can compete at any level. That's the beauty of it," said Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs. He has coached in the Open Cup for three clubs with ten all-time wins including penalty shootouts. "It's equally important for us coaches, because it gives us a platform to show what we're capable of as well. Looking back at the first Open Cup game I coached, I just remember thinking how fortunate I was to be able to be a part of a tournament with so much opportunity. It's a competition that I love and that I take seriously, and want to do well in."

Briggs grew up watching the FA Cup, the oldest domestic tournament in his native England, which has grown so much that the most recent edition featured 732 teams including qualifying rounds. "Almost every year there seems to be a huge story coming out of the FA Cup, whether it's a small club knocking off one of the biggest teams or a player putting in a standout performance, there's always something that people can get behind and enjoy cheering for. And to have the opportunity to be a part of something similar here in the States is just fantastic."

"As a kid growing up in England, the FA Cup is seen as the pinnacle of English Football," said striker Kieran Phillips. "It's every kid's dream to play in it and every team's dream to win it." The Huddersfield Town loanee has featured in five career FA Cup matches and preparing to represent his new club in a win-or-go-home matchup. "Playing in the FA Cup has been such a great experience, both as a player and as a lifelong fan of football, and I can't wait to see what the Open Cup has in store."

Even more overseas Cup experience comes from center back Lee Desmond, with a championship pedigree. Back in his native Ireland, Desmond has featured in 36 games across three Cup tournaments, winning three Championships including the 2021 FAI Cup in which he was named the Man of the Match for the Final. "I signed for Republic FC immediately after winning the FAI Cup, and when you have big experiences like that it makes you hungry for more."

It's a résumé and familiarity that Desmond has relied on here in the Open Cup, and that he uses to lead his team in big moments. "Having that experience from back home playing in front of huge crowds in high pressure situations, it helped me when we had the Open Cup run in 2022. I know how important it is to keep a level head, to hold onto that belief in our game plan and trust that we have players who can help us win the game. And that is something that I've continued to tell the team every time we step on the pitch."

Fellow defender Conor Donovan brings his own unique Open Cup experiences to the squad. The veteran has made 10 all-time appearances and won the championship with MLS side Houston Dynamo in 2018. "I've played in the Open Cup alongside so many different teammates and no matter what league they're a part of, you can see everyone's excitement," he said. "There's so much more intensity and energy in these games and I'm looking forward to being a part of it again and getting to do it with this year's squad."

Dunivant says that a 2001 Open Cup match is the best sporting event he's ever attended. "It was at Negoesco Stadium at the University of San Francisco, between the San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy. It was a small, intimate environment and gave me and my college teammates a (literal) front row seat to watch two of the best teams in America go at it. The game went to PK's, we had a great view for all of it, and I knew that I wanted to be part of something like that one day." The Stanford grad would later go on to play for both MLS sides in his career, even winning the Open Cup with LA Galaxy in 2005.

Now, he gets to experience the Open Cup from the sidelines once again, watching his club in Tuesday's Round of 32 match up. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets. The match will also be streamed live on USOpenCup.com and USLSoccer.com.

For U.S. Soccer's full coverage of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup, visit USOpenCup.com.

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