Sacramento Republic FC underwent a final training session ahead of Wednesday’s midweek fixture at Oakland Roots SC. The Boys in Old Glory Red are coming off a momentous 3-1 win over Tacoma Defiance on Saturday at Heart Health Park, and now turn their attention to the upstart East Bay side in a renewed Northern California derby that carries Pacific Division table implications.
Head Coach Mark Briggs
On preparing for an Oakland team that’s had late-season success…
“It’s going to be a hard game. It’s going to be a battle – one, for what’s at stake, two, it’s a local rivalry, and three, we’ve drawn every game with them so far. We want to go there and get three points. It’s going to be a fight. It’s going to be a battle. We’re preparing the players mentally for what they’re going to see: be prepared to fight and be prepared to battle. Be prepared to give everything you can for the badge on your chest.”
On match week energy stemming from the previous meetings with Roots SC…
“The results in the past haven’t played into it. It’s been more about where we’re at as a group right now. You saw it there – they’re throwing the American football around, they’re having fun. The energy is different. The buzz is different. It’s the time of the year that everyone wants. Every game matters, every point matters. You have to perform in those moments.”
On establishing momentum for the playoffs at a crucial point in the schedule…
“It’s a massive game. In America, it’s all about establishing a rhythm at the right time. We have an opportunity to get ourselves in a rhythm, but we’re just focused on tomorrow. We’re not worried about San Diego, the Galaxy or any other fixtures other than tomorrow night down in Oakland. We’re making sure the players are prepared, making sure everybody’s ready to go and get the result that we need to get. That’s all we can do, is take it one game at a time, focus on getting the three points in each game and then everything else takes care of itself.”
Forward Cam Iwasa
On training heading into Wednesday’s match in Oakland…
“A lot of it is recovery. Given the quick turnaround, it’s just about making sure we’re ready to go tomorrow night. We shortened some things up, did a little tactical stuff, worked on set pieces. It’s been a relatively light load and we’re getting ready to go tomorrow.”
On the team’s energy from Saturday’s 3-1 home win over Tacoma
“It feels good any time you can walk away with three points. We were in a bad stretch of games and had a rough run, so to pull out the win in front of the fans was very good. More than anything, every game is important now. We’re scrapping and fighting for the playoffs, and we have another chance to put ourselves in the right direction tomorrow.”
On continuing his scoring after Saturday’s goal in the 3-1 win over Tacoma…
“I expect to either score or contribute to goals every time I’m on the field. That’s my job. That’s what I get paid to do. Any time I’m not doing that, I feel like I could’ve done better. I’ll be looking to get on the scoresheet again tomorrow or create some goals for others.”
Midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu
On the momentum coming off Saturday’s 3-1 win over Tacoma at Heart Health Park…
“Any time we’re able to have a positive result at home, it’s a great feeling – especially because of the support we get from our fans. Every game is vital. We need to take points from every game – hopefully three points from every game. Whether it’s at home or away, it really doesn’t matter. I’m just glad we got the win.”
On getting back to contributing on the pitch…
“I’m just grateful to be able to play. It’s a long year. There’s always ups and downs for anybody. All I’m focused on is doing what I can to help my team get a positive result. I’m grateful we were able to pull the win out on Saturday, and hopefully we can get another one tomorrow.”
On being a part of Emil Cuello’s first goal and assist, and Carlos Saldaña’s first appearance…
“It’s a joy when you’re fortunate enough to see the work the guys put in and then see it pay off on the field on gameday. I’m grateful to be a part of a team with quality players that can produce quality moments like those.”
