Behind two first half goals spanning across just four minutes, Sacramento Republic FC advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over USL Championship rival Monterey Bay FC. Republic FC Manager Mark Briggs pushed his career winning percentage to .714 in the Open Cup, which is the third highest in the Modern Era (1995-present).
With the win, Republic FC move their all-time home record in the competition to 19-2-1 (1-1 in penalty shootouts) and will next host MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, who they knocked out of the tournament in 2022 as part of their historic run to the Open Cup Final.
The Quails broke through in the 27th minute when left back Dami Viader crossed in a ball from just outside the box on the left side, which was inadvertently deflected by Monterey Bay FC defender Kai Greene straight into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Four minutes later (31st minute), Huddersfield Town loanee Kieran Phillips notched his third goal in four matches across all competitions on a lovely through ball from Rafa Jauregui, who earned his first career assist.
From that point on, Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello made a number of clearances and big saves (four total on the night), including right before halftime and in the 88th minute, denying Monterey Bay forward Tristan Trager from breaking up Vitiello’s clean sheet.
Listening to Briggs following the match, it’s clear Republic FC are once again prioritizing the Open Cup as much as USL play, and in turn, honoring the history of the tournament.
“I think I’m fortunate that I have a squad that allows us to compete on both fronts,” said Briggs.. But the Open Cup – look, we’ve got a special history with the Open Cup. Not just in 2022 but even before I was the coach. The club’s done extremely well in the Open Cup, so it’s competition that we respect and we want to do well in, and this year is no different. Now obviously we’re coming up against a San Jose team that we’ve faced many times in the past and it’ll be a really difficult night and a difficult game, but a great opportunity for our community, our city to show what Sacramento is all about.”
The match featured a number of new faces to the tournament, but none more exciting than 16 year-old Republic FC defender and academy standout Chibi Ukaegbu, who played in his first professional match after signing a contract last November. He learned last Friday that he was going to be in the XI on Tuesday. He was nervous, but absolutely ready.
“It felt great,” said Ukaegbu. “It’s something I’ve been training for for a long time, and to get this the opportunity felt great in front of all the fans.”