USL Sacramento Republic FC

Three Takeaways from #SACvMB

April 4, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


In a 2-1 win, Republic FC's first regional derby of the season with Monterey Bay FC went the way of the Indomitable Club. The victory claimed Sacramento points in consecutive matches for the first time this season, putting them in a great spot entering a break in league play for action in the U.S. Open Cup.

Over the Top

Throughout the first half, Sacramento's attack went mainly through the air - with the midfield and backline dropping countless balls over the top to Douglas Martinez and Keko Gontan.

The approach did well to give Sacramento chances to score. The club tallied ten shots, eight of which came from close range, advanced into the attacking third 40 times and earned 7 set-piece opportunities. Sacramento found themselves with multiple chances at goal on recycled balls more than once, with Jack Gurr and Dan Casey each coming close to finding net.

Manufacturing vs. Production

Despite the host's pressure throughout the night, executing the right final action to convert on their chances proved difficult against a Monterey team on the defensive. At the break, Sacramento had put just two shots on target, and Monterey had done well one-on-one, winning 65% of their defensive duels. Even with 10 shots, what resulted was an expected goals tally of just 0.78.

"I thought from a movement of the ball standpoint, a possession standpoint, we moved the ball quite well," said Head Coach Mark Briggs. "We got into good areas. But that final ball... that final bit of movement, it was missing. But I'm really pleased with the guys because they were positive. They kept moving the ball how we wanted to play, and they kept stretching them which was good. So credit where credit's due at the end of the day, it's three points and that's what we play for."

The second half saw considerable improvement as the club was more patient on the attack. Duke Lacroix took perfect advantage of a misstep from Monterey defender Morey Doner while driving into the penalty area, drawing a penalty in the 78th that opened the scoring. Luther Archimede gave the visitors' backline trouble fielding balls through from Man of the Match Rodrigo Lopez, who created four chances on the night.

Bench Continues Contributions

Thus far this season, Sacramento's bench is a big reason reason the club's been able to push the envelope late and take the second most shots in the entire Western Conference through four weeks.

As time ticked away in the second half Saturday, Republic FC again saw contributions from across the roster. On the night, Sacramento subs combined to take possession five times in the attacking third, and create one chance. A well-placed poke from Zeiko Lewis, who entered just after the hour mark for Luis Felipe, created the chance leading the Luther Archimede's match-deciding penalty - the club's league-leading third score from a substitute this season.

"Every single one of the guys on the team - the subs came in and did a phenomenal job," said Rodrigo Lopez. "I think the guys really fought hard and showed a lot of heart."

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 4, 2022


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