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Sacramento Republic FC

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: Sacramento Republic extend home win streak, 2-0 over rival Phoenix Rising

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Luis Felipe Fernandes celebrates after scoring a goal in the 30th minute against Phoenix Rising FC in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Luis Felipe celebrates after scoring a goal in the 30th minute against Phoenix Rising FC in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

On Wednesday night, Sacramento Republic FC played host to Phoenix Rising FC in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at a breezy and chilly Heart Health Park.

On the strength of an early goal by Luis Felipe, a clutch penalty kick save before halftime by Danny Vitiello before halftime and a late goal by Douglas Martinez, Sacramento advanced to the Round of 16 with a 2-0 win.  

With the win, Sacramento wins the club’s 10th straight home win in Open Cup play, the longest active streak, and the fourth-longest such streak of the Modern Era. The Republic improve to an impressive 15-1-0 record at home in the Open Cup, and the club’s record against Division 2 teams remains perfect at 5-0-0.

Both teams entered the Fourth Round by defeating lower division sides on late goals. Sacramento had punched their ticket on April 20 after a 2-1 win over Central Valley Fuego FC (USL League One), while Phoenix earned their spot following a 2-1 win over New Mexico United (USL Championship).

The match opened with both sides creating decent chances, but neither club could quite put it together in the final third. Rising FC held most of the possession early.

However, it was Republic FC who finally broke through in the 30th minute when Luis Felipe’s left footed strike beat Rising FC keeper Ben Lundt for a 1-0 lead. Midfielder Matt LaGrassa was credited with the assist.

Five minutes later (35th minute), it appeared Phoenix had leveled the match on a header from Marcus Epps, but it didn’t cross the line after rattling around the ground and crossbar a handful of times.  

Republic FC keeper Danny Vitiello made two incredible saves as the first half was drawing to a close. After center referee Joseph Salinas called a penalty in the box, Rising FC forward Greg Hurst stepped up to take the penalty, but was unable to convert. Hurst’s rebound shot was also stopped by Vitiello and the Republic went into the break clinging to a 1-0 advantage. 

After a chippy second half full of yellow cards and not many threatening chances for either side, Republic FC put the match away in the 88th minute on a header from Douglas Martinez thanks to a beautiful corner from substitute Emil Cuello.

The goal sealed a 2-0 win for Republic FC and a trip to the fifth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

Following the match, Republic FC midfielder Luis Felipe reflected on the match, his goal and how much the win meant for his team.

“It was a great fight from the whole team,” said Felipe. “We worked hard throughout the week, we watched video on them and I think we executed well. happy to score my first goal of the season, but most of all, happy for the team to win and advance in the Open Cup.”

A draw will be held on Thursday night to determine who Republic FC will face in the Fifth Round. 

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: Rodrigo Lopez lifts Sacramento Republic over CV Fuego with 90th min. PK

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Rodrigo Lopez (left) of Sacramento Republic FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Central Valley Fuego in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Rodrigo Lopez (left) of Sacramento Republic FC celebrates after scoring a goal against Central Valley Fuego in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

Central Valley Fuego FC came into the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a load of confidence. After taking down El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship) in Round 2, Fuego FC battled Sacramento Republic FC in a close match at Heart Health Park. 

For the third time in US Open Cup history, the Indomitable Club was welcoming a Fresno-based professional team to the Golden State’s capitol, curious enough they have all been matchups in the Third Round. In 2014 and 2019, Republic FC came out on top and moved on to the next round. Tonight was no different, with Sacramento coming out with a 2-1 win on the strength of a Rodrigo Lopez penalty kick in the 90th minute.

“When you play cup games, it’s all about winning,” said Mark Briggs, Sacramento Republic FC head coach. “And we’ve won, we’re in the draw tomorrow and that’s all that matters.”

This win did not come easy. 

While Republic dominated in the first half and headed into halftime with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Dan Casey, the second half was a different story. CV Fuego FC came out with a change in attitude and mentality. Martin Vasquez’s side pushed the lines forward and started to attack with a higher frequency. A familiar foe in Villyan Bijev, who spent three seasons in a Sacramento uniform, led the attack for Fuego FC and Republic captain Rodrigo Lopez was aware of that. 

“You saw Villyan Bijev everytime he got the ball in the second half he was a threat,” said Lopez. “We just needed to be a bit more aware, but in the end we did what we had to do and we won, which was the most important thing.” 

The game almost seemed like a chess game between Vasquez and Briggs. The first 15 minutes of the game Fuego FC did not attack, sat back and limited Lopez getting involved.They did a good job closing down space and closing down Luis Felipe and Douglas Martinez Jr. as well. Even then, Republic relied on Keko and Lewis to create chances on goal. The Fuego goalkeeper made three big saves in the first half. 

In the second half, as mentioned, Vasquez modified to a more offensive mindset. Bijev was moved to the left flank instead of in the central part of the field. A turning point came in the 75th minute when Fuego substitute Renato Bustamante came in for Diego Casillas. Last 15 minutes of the game, down 1-0, Vasquez was going for it. His decision paid dividends as Bustamante’s first contact with the ball turned into a goal two minutes later after Bijev beat his defender and crossed the ball in for Renato to hit the back of the net. 

In the dying minutes of regulation, Sacramento pushed numbers forward and Matt LaGrassa drew a penalty kick after being taken down in the box by a CV Fuego defender. The home crowd ignited after the whistle was blown.  

Rodrigo Lopez was the clear choice to take the spot kick. 

“There’s nobody else I would want in those moments,” said Briggs. “We all know what ‘Roro’ brings, his qualities, but the things he does off the field make him an exceptional captain as well. I think he led by example again tonight.” 

The 90th-minute goal was Rodrigo Lopez’s fifth career US Open Cup goal, second-most in Sacramento Republic history.

With this win, Republic FC also extended their home winning streak to eight games, which is the longest active streak and tied for the fourth longest of the Modern Era (1995-present) of the US Open Cup. 

“Hopefully we can get a home game, get this place rocking and hopefully we can beat an MLS team and make some noise in the cup,” Briggs said after the game. “And also show MLS what they’re missing with this club.”

The next day, the Indomitable Club found out that they will, in fact, have a home game in the Fourth Round of the tournament. However, it won’t be against an MLS side. Republic FC will host fellow USL Championship rival Phoenix Rising FC on May 11.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Sacramento Republic scores six in first half, cruises to win over Timbers U-23s

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Sacramento Republic Portland Timbers U-23s 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Sacramento Republic celebrate during the club’s game against Portland Timbers U-23s in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: John Jacobs

USL Championship side Sacramento Republic jumped out to a big lead and never looked back in a 6-0 home win over the Portland Timbers U-23s in the Second Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at Heart Health Park.

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The Timbers ran into a well-oiled machine in the Sacramento Republic. Granted they are a professional USL Championship caliber team, but “cupsets”  can happen anywhere. The Indomitable Club was rigorously all business from the first whistle.

“We started off really quick, the tempo was very good, moving the ball, getting behind. Very pleasing,” said Sacramento Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs. “The first half I was very very happy.”

The quick tempo led to six goals in the first half with five different Sacramento Republic players finding the back of the net. Duke Lacroix netted a brace and ran away with the Man of the Match performance.

“The most important thing was coming out with the right mentality,” Lacroix said. “The coaching staff emphasized all week on having the right mindset and approach to this game, being ruthless in front of goal and keeping the clean sheet.”

Republic checked off all of those boxes and with the win tied their largest margin of victory for the club, which dates back to a 2014 match against the Fresno Fuego that Sacramento also won 6-0.

“I’m a little frustrated we didn’t break , but we tied it,” Lacroix said. “But it’s good to score goals at home, no penalties.”

One of the best things, if not the greatest, is the platform that the U.S. Open Cup provides to lower league players and teams. Portland Timbers U23’s had several players that caught the attention of Briggs during this match.

“I thought the goalkeeper made some great saves and his distribution was very good,” Briggs said. “Obviously I was focused on my team, but a few players caught my eye which is good for them.”

Now Republic FC will wait a few hours to see who their opponent will be in the third round as US Soccer will be hosting the draw tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM PT. The USSF announced that Sacramento will be in a geographic group that includes the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), Central Valley Fuego FC (USL-1), and Bay Cities FC (NISA). As for speculations on who it will be, Briggs is hoping it’s an MLS team.

“It would actually be nice to get an MLS team, but whoever we get we’ve got to put on a show,” he said. “We want to do well in this competition, we want to move to the next round.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Vako Qazaishvili’s late goals give San Jose Earthquakes third straight win over Sacramento Republic

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Photo: San Jose Earthquakes
Photo: San Jose Earthquakes

Vako Qazaishvili was the difference maker for the San Jose Earthquakes in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in a topsy-tuvy affair with the Sacramento Republic (USL Championship) at San Jose’s Avaya’s Stadium. Qazaishvili scored two late goals in the second half to give the Earthquakes a lead they would not give up, and to give them a third straight tournament win over the Republic.

With a 4-3 win, the Earthquakes, who have never won the US Open Cup, advance to the Round of 16 for the second time in the last three years

With close to 90 degree temperatures at kickoff, both sides took it to one another in the opening 45 minutes.

Sacramento Republic started brighter and in the 2nd minute were able to capitalize as the Quakes failed to clear after a cross by Villyan Bijev. Stanford University men’s soccer alum, Sam Werner was able to slot home after the mixup giving the Republic a 1-0 lead. It was the fastest US Open Cup goal in Sacramento history and Werner’s second of the tournament.

Soon after the quick strike, the home side responded. Magnus Eriksson picked up the ball in the Sacramento half, moved onto his left foot at the top of the 18 and smashed a shot low, which beat Josh Cohen to the left tying the match in the 10th minute.

On the 15th minute mark, the visitors won a free kick just outside the area. Villyan Bijev showed some class, quality and true marksmanship to knock one over the wall to restore the advantage for Sacramento at 2-1. Bijev’s probing runs and ability to unlock were key to Republic FC’s success in the first half.

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Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

As San Jose searched for its own equalizer, Tommy Thompson had acres of space down the right about eight minutes from the halftime whistle. On the right back’s run, he stopped, turned, beat his defender Bijev and continued towards goal. However, Thompson was then brought down by Bijev seconds later as the referee pointed to the spot. After a quick consultation and summit by the Quakes attacking players, Cristian Espinoza took charge of the penalty and dispatched it nicely to level the match at 2-2. On the halftime break, the match had a proper cup tie feel.

The second half started far better for the home side, their movement was free flowing and they took charge. Vako was inserted in the 55th minute and San Jose changed personnel to allow the Georgian to play in the attacking midfield position. Vako had space, time on the ball to think, question and create.

A buildup in the 62nd minute led to a Tommy Thompson shot that sprung Cohen into life, in what would have been another lovely strike during the evening. However in the 78th minute, Vako popped up outside the 18 on the left slotting away the go ahead goal, which took a deflection off of a Sacramento Republic defender on it’s way in.

He didn’t quit either.

In stoppage time, Vako made space for himself inside the 18 on the right and scored a wonderful individual goal, which would end up being the match winner.

Moments later, Sacramento answered with a Drew Skundrich goal deep into stoppage time as Tarbell parried the ball right into his pathway. With about 45 seconds left, the referee blew for full time as it was, too little too late for the Sacramento Republic.

The Earthquakes move onto the Fifth Round for the third time in five years and await their next opponent which they’ll find out Thursday. They earn their third win a row vs Sacramento Republic in U.S. Open Cup play after Sacramento has had leads in every cup match the two sides have ever played.

San Jose is treating the Open Cup like a major trophy this year under first-year head coach Matias Almeyda. They’ve turned a corner in the league and have put together a very nice run of form over the last couple of months after a nervy start to the year.

On the U.S. Open Cup, Almeyda said: “We need to be serious about every match we play,” said Almeyda about the US Open Cup. “We need to do that out of respect for the fans who paid for tickets. This coaching staff lives this sport through passion, and we respect the team directors who gave us this opportunity.”

“It felt good,” said Espinoza. “It’s similar to what happens in the Copa de Argentina. It’s the same thing. You always go with teams in a lower division, and sometimes it’s the hardest game to prepare for. These games are probably harder, but we knew that if we were focused and we concentrated, we can win.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 3: Sacramento Republic advance past Fresno FC with OT win on final kick of game

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Stefano Bonomo of the Sacramento Republic celebrates his game-winning goal with his teammates in the club's Third Round match against Fresno FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic
Stefano Bonomo of the Sacramento Republic celebrates his game-winning goal with his teammates in the club’s Third Round match against Fresno FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic

Sacramento Republic waited until the last minute to do it, but they defeated the visiting Fresno FC 1-0 in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday night.

The game had mostly petered out, despite a few rockets sent in by Fresno, and it seemed destined to head to a penalty kick shootout. Until there was a slight collision along the right channel at the top of the 18 yard box, the ball was collected by Villyan Bijev and his cross sizzled past the face of the goal. The camera caught up to the play just in time to find a centering pass, back from just above the touchline, and towards the center of the scrum. After playing a full 122 minutes, forward Stefano Bonomo twisted his body and headed the ball home. Sealing Fresno’s demise and guaranteeing the Republic will be drawn into the Fourth Round of the Open Cup.

With the win, Sacramento advances to the Fourth Round for the fifth time in the club’s six-year history.

Fresno played their part from the very first moments of the match, with former Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton man Jemal Johnson working combination play with Juan Pablo Caffa in channels to create chances. Fresno’s forward, Qudus Lawal, has had a great month, with four goals in four appearances – including the winner in the club’s Second Round road win over El Farolito, but failed to make an impact tonight.

Additionally, despite the hard work by Renato Bustamonte and Seth Moses, the Foxes of Fresno just couldn’t crack Sacramento’s code. Fresno led Sacramento in shots and possession halfway through the first half, but by the end of the full 120 minutes, they succumbed to Sacramento’s home field advantage. In all competitions, Head Coach and former Sacramento assistant, Adam Smith has been defeated by his old club twice this season. Surely July 3 is circled on his calendar.

Sacramento should have won it in regular time though – Sam Werner, hero from Sacramento’s previous match against Reno 1868, struck a shot off the crossbar and past the goal line in the 65th minute of play. However, it bounced out so quickly that the goal was not awarded and play continued. Had VAR been used, the goal may have been given. Head coach Simon Elliot took a gamble and made a few changes to his lineup, they seemed to payoff in the end.

Sacramento sit 14th in their league table and have lost three of their last five. With another crucial match coming this Saturday, some regular starters had to sit, or come on later. Fresno, who sit third in their USL Championship table, will look to recover their positive form when they play away to Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the league.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Sam Werner’s late goal gives Sacramento Republic rain-soaked win vs. Reno 1868 FC

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Sam Werner (No. 11) celebrates his go-ahead goal for the Sacramento Republic in the club's Second Round match against Reno 1868 FC. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Sam Werner (No. 11) celebrates his go-ahead goal for the Sacramento Republic in the club’s Second Round match against Reno 1868 FC. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

Sam Werner’s 86th minute heroics lifts Republic FC past Reno 1868 FC 1-0 and into Round 3 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on a rainy, slippery night.

On a night dominated not by the players on the pitch, but rather the unrelenting downpour of rain falling continuously throughout the 90 minutes, Sam Werner proved the hero Sacramento Republic FC needed. In the 82nd minute a throw in led to a slight break away for the home side. Drew Skundrich redirected a pass into the box toward Werner who was perfectly placed and unmarked in the middle of the box. Werner calmly collected the ball and placed it in the back of the net, past the helpless Reno keeper JT Marcinkowski.

The first real chance of the match came early as Republic FC started with tons of pressure and a forceful high press. In the sixth minute midfielder Sam Werner sent a ball in from deep on the left side. His looping pass found a wide open, onside Tyler Blackwood in the middle of the box. The forward attempted to one-touch the cross toward the goal, but miss-hit it leaving the ball free in a dangerous area. Republic FC midfielder Drew Skundrich cleaned up the free ball, but could not get off a good shot as Reno keeper Marcinkowski was there for a sliding save keeping the match scoreless.

Reno 1868 FC’s best look came in the 33rd minute when a deflected ball found Aidan Apodaca who was sitting near the top of the box. The forward settled the ball, put it on his favored right foot before blasting a low shot toward the left corner of the goal, but the show was saved by the quick-thinking, quick-diving Republic FC keeper, Rafael Díaz as the match headed to half in a scoreless deadlock.

The second half looked much like the first, slippery and wet, making it tough for both offenses to create much of a rhythm. Despite the lack of rhythm, Reno seemed to be the aggressor, having the majority of possession and chances. In the 57th minute was again the active player, as he was played through in the middle of the park. The forward sped past the defender creating a 1v1 with Republic FC keeper Rafael Díaz. The forward beat the keeper, but in an unfortunate bit of luck, hit the right post as it deflected away harmlessly.

Republic FC broke the deadlock on Werner’s goal in the 82nd minute, reversing the trend of the second half. Werner was destined to be the hero, accounting for much of Republic FC’s offense, truly acting as a pest to the Reno defense.

Despite a valiant effort by Reno 1868 FC for the last eight minutes, they could not break through with an equalizer, allowing Republic FC to advance to the Third Round for the sixth straight year. They will face Fresno FC in the next round.

 

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