Republic FC claimed three more points on Saturday to stay atop the Western Conference table. In dramatic fashion, a late brace from substitute Kieran Phillips sealed the contest for Sacramento after a 1-1 contest through 85 minutes.
Super Subs
Mark Briggs turned to his bench for the final 15 minutes of the game, entering Jonathan Ricketts for Aldair Sanchez, Rafa Jauregui for Rodrigo Lopez, and Kieran Phillips for Russell Cicerone. After that point, Loudoun only recorded four total touches in Sacramento’s penalty area and was confined to the middle and defensive thirds of the pitch. Ricketts showed strong one-on-one, winning half his duels including three of four in the air. Jauregui tallied just six touches but completed four of six passes to help his club take control of possession. Phillips was remarkably efficient, putting in his brace with just two of two shots on target and nine touches. He also showed well defensively with two successful duels.
“Obviously Kieran is going to get the accolades and attention because of the two goals he scored,” said Head Coach Mark Briggs following the match. “But I thought every sub that came onto the field impacted the game and gave us a little bit of momentum in an important time.”
Welcome to Heart Health Park
Phillips’ first taste of playing at Heart Health Park was a dream come true. After struggling with injuries in recent seasons, hearing the roar of Sacramento’s fans was a welcome new experience. He was mobbed by his teammates on his first score – built from a strong combination with Trevor Amann that put him in a footrace towards goal – and caught soaking it all in after the second, supported by a long-ball assist from goalkeeper Danny Vitiello – Sacramento’s first goalkeeper assist since 2021.
“The first one was a whirlwind, really,” Phillips said of his game-winning score. “I was just running as fast as I could to try and get away from the defender and keep composure at the end. When the ball hit the back of the net, the crowd was electric, so that was a good feeling.”
Undefeated April
Sacramento’s victory closed out an undefeated April that saw the Indomitable Club claim three wins – two coming away from home, the top mark in the league – and gain ten points in the standings. The club continued to be strong in possession with 51% of the overall balance for the month on 81% passing accuracy. Sacramento was deadly early in games, scoring before the halftime whistle six times including the fastest goal in club history on April 20 after only 15 seconds. Defensively, the squad remained the league’s best, only conceding twice on the month and tallying two shutouts.
