Match Previews

Preview: Republic FC vs. Orange County SC

At a Glance: #SACvOC

Wednesday, September 9
7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California
How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)
Virtual Watch Party RSVP

At a Glance: #SACvOC

Wednesday, September 9
7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Papa Murphy’s Park, Sacramento, California
How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)
Virtual Watch Party RSVP

What's the latest on the team?

What’s the latest on the team?

Republic FC (6-1-3, 21 pts) have registered five wins from the last five matches including a dramatic 2-1 win in Portland over Timbers 2 last Wednesday afternoon.

In the dying moments of the match with the game level at 0-0, Republic FC Academy product Mario Penagos beat the T2 goalkeeper to lift his side to a late advantage. Portland was quick to respond and leveled the game five minutes later.

Republic FC (6-1-3, 21 pts) have registered five wins from the last five matches including a dramatic 2-1 win in Portland over Timbers 2 last Wednesday afternoon.

But the boys in Old Glory Red were far from finished and with the very last kick of the game Julian Chavez – also a product of the SRFC Academy pipeline – danced around his defender and nestled a left-footed effort just inside the near post to guarantee all three points were headed back to Sacramento with Mark Briggs’ men.

With the win, the Indomitable Club remains hot on Reno 1868 FC’s tail for the top spot in Group A. Through 10 games Reno has 24 points while Republic FC has 21 points from 10 fixtures as well.

If the boys in Old Glory Red can bag a win against Orange County on Wednesday, it will be the sixth straight victory for the squad and will match the club’s longest winning streak during regular season play – a feat that hasn’t be matched since the inaugural campaign in 2014.

With the win, the Indomitable Club remains hot on Reno 1868 FC’s tail for the top spot in Group A. Through 10 games Reno has 24 points while Republic FC has 21 points from 10 fixtures as well.

Republic FC boast one of the best defenses in the league and is just one of only four teams in the Western Conference that have recorded four or more clean sheets. On the year, the Indomitable Club have allowed the second-fewest in the west alongside Wednesday’s opponent – OCSC.

What about the visitors?

Orange County SC (5-2-3, 18 pts) is fresh off just the club’s second loss of the season – a 2-1 defeat at the hands of LA Galaxy II on Saturday night that ended OC’s two game unbeaten run.

The SoCal side currently sits in third place in the extremely competitive Group B but are level on points with second place Los Dos with 18 points from 10 matches. Prior to Saturday’s loss, OCSC was victorious over LA 2-1 in Irvine last Wednesday with Sean Okoli bagging a brace to solidify the win.

To open the season, OCSC went on a six-game unbeaten run including recording four clean sheets. During the run, the Southern California club didn’t allow a single goal for 316 consecutive minutes.

Orange County’s strength is in the backline, having conceded just eight goals all season and the club’s five clean sheets in 2020 rank tied for third most in the entire USL Championship.

To open the season, OCSC went on a six-game unbeaten run including recording four clean sheets. During the run, the Southern California club didn’t allow a single goal for 316 consecutive minutes.

Orange County’s strength is in the backline, having conceded just eight goals all season and the club’s five clean sheets in 2020 rank tied for third most in the entire USL Championship.

Head-to-Head

Republic FC and Orange County have played out some memorable matches with fantastic finishes, but the Indomitable Club has a slight advantage in the all-time series during regular season play with eight wins from 16 encounters. However, in the only postseason meeting between the two California clubs, OCSC prevailed 1-0 in Sacramento back in 2016.

The boys in Old Glory Red swept the two-game regular season series in 2018 – both of which were 1-0 score lines – but Orange County earned a dramatic 3-2 win in Sacramento the last time these two clubs clashed. During SRFC’s heated playoff push in mid-October, Cameron Iwasa put his side ahead 1-0 before Orange County netted two unanswered scores. Another goal from Iwasa leveled the match at 2-2 before OCSC’s Orozco bagged the game-winner in the 78th minute.

Orange County signed former Republic FC forward Thomas Enevoldsen this offseason but the Danish striker will not be making a return to Sacramento this week as the forward recently joined Hobro IK on-loan for the remainder of the season.

Overall (USL Championship Regular Season): 8-5-3
Home: 5-3-0 (GF: 14, GA: 9)
Away: 3-2-3 (GF: 13, 9)

Overall (USL Championship Regular Season): 8-5-3
Home: 5-3-0 (GF: 14, GA: 9)
Away: 3-2-3 (GF: 13, 9)

Pregame Show and Virtual Watch Party

Watch the match with fellow Republic FC supporters during the Virtual Watch Party simulcast during the contest. Thirty minutes before kickoff, Live from the Pitch with Connor Sutton – the club’s new pregame show on Facebook – will give fans a new matchday perspective with interviews, Q&A with club insiders, and live look-ins to warm-ups.

During the match, fans can join the club’s virtual watch party simulcast where they can interact with other fans, participate in games and contests, and be features in the club’s match telecast while cheering for the boys in Old Glory Red.

To join a watch party, fans can RSVP at SacRepublic.com/virtual-watch-parties.

Pregame Show and Virtual Watch Party

To join a watch party, fans can RSVP at SacRepublic.com/virtual-watch-parties.

In Their Own Words: We Want to Hold Ourselves to a High Standard. We Want to be that Top Team.

For the second time in as many matches, Republic FC will clash with fellow Group A rivals Portland Timbers 2 as the Pacific Northwest Club still looks to obtain its first point in 2020.

Mark Briggs’ men are currently on a four-game winning streak and are very much on the heels of Reno 1868 FC for first place in the group. A win on Wednesday would not only keep pace with SRFC’s regional rival as both sides would be level with 21 points each, but if SRFC can slam a few goals by T2 to improve the club’s goal differential, sitting at the summit of Group A at the end of the day isn’t entirely out of the question.

But before the Western Conference clubs go head-to-head in the Pacific Northwest, it’s time to see what the Indomitable Club had to say heading into the third of four regular season fixtures against Portland.

For the second time in as many matches, Republic FC will clash with fellow Group A rivals Portland Timbers 2 as the Pacific Northwest Club still looks to obtain its first point in 2020.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the club’s current four-game win streak…
“We don’t really think about it, we just focus on the next game. Portland is our next game and that’s what we’re focused on, just trying to show the same attention to detail, the same focus, and hopefully get the same three points.”

“It’s nice to get on a little run, get the confidence high, get the fans and the community excited. But we just have to focus on the next game, the next opposition, and get the next win.”

On the offensive weapons T2 has in the lineup…
“They have dangerous players. They have players that can still hurt you, so we need to show the same focus, show the same attention to detail, show the same intensity as if we were playing any opponent, winless or not.”

On wanting to see his side put together a complete performance on Wednesday…
“That’s what we’re looking for. That was the challenge to the players yesterday. We’ve put together 45 minutes, we’ve put together 60 minutes, but we haven’t put together 90 minutes so for me, that’s the goal. We need to start putting in full performances.”

“It’s nice to get on a little run, get the confidence high, get the fans and the community excited. But we just have to focus on the next game, the next opposition, and get the next win.”

Shannon Gomez

On preparing for T2 this week…
“There was talk in the locker room of not becoming complacent and wanting to go into every game confident. We’re not taking any team for granted, we want to go in and put in a solid all-around performance.”

On the club’s current win streak…
“The goal is always to go out and win. When you think about winning four games in a row, it’s a motivating factor, but every game is like a final. Getting wins is your job at the end of the day, so we just go out and do our job and if it’s five, seven, ten [wins], we just enjoy winning and that’s something we want to continue doing.”

On competing for the top spot in Group A…
“When you’re in a group, you want to be the top team that everybody wants to beat and we’re certainly aiming to be that team. Everybody wants to be in the top position, that is what we aspire to. We want to hold ourselves to a high standard and we want to be that top team. We’ll continue grinding, continue to try to win as much as we can and piece together everything, we need to piece together to get more wins and get that top spot in the group.”

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2

At a Glance: #PORvSAC

Wednesday, September 2
12:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
How to Watch: KQCA My58 (English), Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)

At a Glance: #PORvSAC

Wednesday, September 2
12:00 p.m. PT kickoff
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
How to Watch: KQCA My58 (English), Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish), ESPN+ (Digital)

What's the latest on the team?

Republic FC (5-1-3, 18 pts) made it four straight wins from the last four consecutive fixtures after Mark Briggs’ men came-from-behind to earn all three points at home against Portland Timbers 2 on August 22, 2-1.

T2 took an early lead in the 23rd minute when Jorge Gonzalez scored for the visitors. The goal was just the second time all season Rafael Diaz – who recently earned the USL Championship Fans’ Choice Save of the Week for his stunning stop against Reno to preserve a crucial 1-0 win – has been beaten in net. Diaz made a pair of stellar stops in the first half to keep his side within one strike of Timbers 2. The save was one of four Diaz made on the night to help preserve the win.

What’s the latest on the team?

In the 60th minute, Ashkanov Apollon delivered a cross that found Drew Skundrich in front of net and all the midfielder had to do was guide his attempt into goal and register his second strike of the season. Ash’s assist was the first of his Sacramento career and his USL Championship Team of the Week selection in Week 8 from his performance against Tacoma was also his first.

A resilient Republic FC side finally secured its first lead of the match in the 69th minute when Jordan McCrary steered a perfectly weighted ball into space for Cameron Iwasa to fire by the visiting goalkeeper. McCrary’s performance earned the defender USL Championship Team of the Week honors after setting up Iwasa’s game-winner and providing a solid performance on both the offensive and defensive fronts.

In the 84th minute, Shannon Gomez made his first appearance since playing the full 90 minutes against Orange County SC in late-July 2019 when the right back entered the match as a second half substitute for Belmar.

What about the hosts?

Since the last time Sacramento played Portland Timbers 2 (0-6-0, 0 pts), the Pacific Northwest club was dealt a 3-2 loss at home against LA Galaxy II on August 26.

Los Dos took a first half lead before Max Ornstil leveled the match for T2 in the 69th minute. LA nabbed two more goals to go up 3-1 before an Aaron Molloy strike nine minutes into injury time cut the deficit in half but the late goal wasn’t enough as Portland continued its search for its first point on the 2020 campaign.

Timbers 2 was expecting to play Tacoma Defiance in Oregon on Sunday, but the match was postponed.

What about the hosts?

Since the last time Sacramento played Portland Timbers 2 (0-6-0, 0 pts), the Pacific Northwest club was dealt a 3-2 loss at home against LA Galaxy II on August 26.

Timbers 2 was expecting to play Tacoma Defiance in Oregon on Sunday, but the match was postponed.

Portland’s 28 goals conceded is the most allowed in the USL Championship this season and T2’s seven goals scored offensively is tied for the least number of goals scored in the Western Conference alongside San Diego Loyal SC, OKC Energy FC and Real Monarchs.

Head-to-Head

Republic FC will look to make it two wins from two trips to the City of Roses when the two Group A rivals clash midweek in Portland. Wednesday's game will be the third of four total fixtures between the two sides during the regular season.

Republic FC will look to make it two wins from two trips to the City of Roses when the two Group A rivals clash midweek in Portland. Wednesday’s game will be the third of four total fixtures between the two sides during the regular season.

Heading into the last match between these two clubs – a 2-1 win for Republic FC in Sacramento – the last 11 straight meetings were won by the team that found the back of the net first. But the boys in Old Glory Red broke that trend after bagging a pair of second half strikes to overcome a first half deficit and earn all three points to keep pace with Reno at the top of the Group A standings.

Not once have these two Western Conference clubs played to a draw.

Overall (USL Championship Regular Season): 8-5-0
Home: 5-1-0 (GF: 11, GA: 3)
Away: 3-4-0 (GF: 7, 5)

Not once have these two Western Conference clubs played to a draw.

Overall (USL Championship Regular Season): 8-5-0
Home: 5-1-0 (GF: 11, GA: 3)
Away: 3-4-0 (GF: 7, 5)

In Their Own Words: It Shows We Have the Character, the Desire, and the Ability to Get Back in Games

In four straight fixtures, Republic FC have earned all three points in each match and Saturday night's performance was a first for Mark Briggs' men this season as SRFC came from a goal down to secure the dramatic win.

After the contest, the gaffer and his squad were beaming with delight and had plenty of positives to reflect on following the victory.

In four straight fixtures, Republic FC have earned all three points in each match and Saturday night’s performance was a first for Mark Briggs’ men this season as SRFC came from a goal down to secure the dramatic win.

After the contest, the gaffer and his squad were beaming with delight and had plenty of positives to reflect on following the victory.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On tonight’s match…
"Tonight was a tale of two halves to be quite frank. I think the first half was non-existent. No intensity. No desire. No passion. Not willing to get on the ball, the way that we wanted them. We made a few adjustments in midfield for the second half. Which I felt gave us a little bit more of an advantage in the middle of the park and didn't give them so much space to play."

"And we became a little more aggressive and move the ball a lot quicker with a lot more intensity and score two goals what we should have scored more, we have to continue to work on that aspect of the game. Because we leave teams in games and that's a dangerous thing to be doing."

On Rafa Diaz’s performance…
"As a goalkeeper that's why you’re paid to do. You’re paid to make important saves at important times, and Rafa’s doing it in abundance at the moment. And I'm really happy for him. He's grabbed the shirt with both hands, and he continues to make big saves when we need big saves. So no, I'm really pleased for Rafa. He’s flying at the moment. You can see his confidence growing. The players trust him. I trust him."

On Shannon Gomez’ return to the pitch…
"I just pulled all the players in and gave them my thoughts on the game and gave them credit for their second half performance, and then I pulled Shannon in and just gave him the credit he deserves. Shannon's been through hell for the past year, and it's a mental challenge when you you go through what Shannon has gone through."

"To stay focused and stay strong and still continue to try and see the light at the end of the tunnel and Shannon's done that. And it was funny because when I called his name tonight, he looked at Jaime and said, “did coach just call my name?” With a big smile on his face and Jaime said yes and then his eyes lit up and he came jogging towards me. And that's what it meant for him so I'm over the moon for Shannon to get back on the field and Shannon's an important player he can add a lot to us. "

On the team’s turnaround after half…
"It doesn't always happen the way you want it to. You can’t always play the greatest football and you can't go out there and beat teams four or five nil every time you step on the field."

"So for us to be 1-0 down and could have been two zero down. It shows character it shows when we're in uncomfortable positions and when we're in uncomfortable moments, it shows that we have the character, we have the desire and we also have the ability to get back in games and put games in the direction that we want them to go in. You don't always want to go, one, zero down but I'm really happy with the character that we show to get back into the game. And obviously take the three points after being down."

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On tonight’s match…
“Tonight was a tale of two halves to be quite frank. I think the first half was non-existent. No intensity. No desire. No passion. Not willing to get on the ball, the way that we wanted them. We made a few adjustments in midfield for the second half. Which I felt gave us a little bit more of an advantage in the middle of the park and didn’t give them so much space to play.”

“And we became a little more aggressive and move the ball a lot quicker with a lot more intensity and score two goals what we should have scored more, we have to continue to work on that aspect of the game. Because we leave teams in games and that’s a dangerous thing to be doing.”

On Rafa Diaz’s performance…
“As a goalkeeper that’s why you’re paid to do. You’re paid to make important saves at important times, and Rafa’s doing it in abundance at the moment. And I’m really happy for him. He’s grabbed the shirt with both hands, and he continues to make big saves when we need big saves. So no, I’m really pleased for Rafa. He’s flying at the moment. You can see his confidence growing. The players trust him. I trust him.”

On Shannon Gomez’ return to the pitch…
“I just pulled all the players in and gave them my thoughts on the game and gave them credit for their second half performance, and then I pulled Shannon in and just gave him the credit he deserves. Shannon’s been through hell for the past year, and it’s a mental challenge when you you go through what Shannon has gone through.”

“To stay focused and stay strong and still continue to try and see the light at the end of the tunnel and Shannon’s done that. And it was funny because when I called his name tonight, he looked at Jaime and said, “did coach just call my name?” With a big smile on his face and Jaime said yes and then his eyes lit up and he came jogging towards me. And that’s what it meant for him so I’m over the moon for Shannon to get back on the field and Shannon’s an important player he can add a lot to us. “

On the team’s turnaround after half…
“It doesn’t always happen the way you want it to. You can’t always play the greatest football and you can’t go out there and beat teams four or five nil every time you step on the field.”

“So for us to be 1-0 down and could have been two zero down. It shows character it shows when we’re in uncomfortable positions and when we’re in uncomfortable moments, it shows that we have the character, we have the desire and we also have the ability to get back in games and put games in the direction that we want them to go in. You don’t always want to go, one, zero down but I’m really happy with the character that we show to get back into the game. And obviously take the three points after being down.”

Drew Skundrich

Overview of the match…
"Obviously great win, great team effort in the second to battle back from one nil down, and to get those goals that was huge. It showed immense character with the group. I'm really proud of how resilient we were on the field. We didn't start the game that we wanted to we didn't come out with the right energy and attitude. But we grew into the game we moved it side to side, kept the ball flowing, and we created chances and we took those chances so I'm happy that we won."

On Timbers 2 goal…
"I was holding midfield role, just for that play, and I saw in front of me some guys that in my opinion weren't working hard enough defensively we weren't shifting side to side we weren't on the same page weren't connected. So that was frustrating for me and I have to put that on myself as well because I wasn't talking to them at that moment telling them to shift to keep working. So that's something that I need to improve on and something that we need to improve on as a group. And once they scored I was furious I don't like conceding. I just tried to try to hold people accountable, and then it got better from there."

On the locker room at half…
"Briggs made some tactical changes, pushing me higher. Me and Darek were almost playing as two attacking mids and Roro was sitting deeper, because we wanted to press on we knew we had to go after the game. Roro was able to open up the game for us with his great range of passing. And we created chances from there, and we knew we had to hit the target with our chances. I had one earlier that the goalie saved, hit the post. That was unfortunate not to go in, but we knew we had to keep going, no matter what. And that's what I'm really proud of, from this group is our resilience to keep going for that first goal and then that second game-winner from Cam."

On his goal…
"I'm not sure how it got to Ash. But I just remember I saw him get it out wide and he's a player that will take his defender on 1-v-1and try to get a service in the box. I think Cam made a great run to the near post. So I was just falling behind, and the ball just skips through Cam and his defender and came straight to me and I just tried to redirect it on target and then it went in. "

On the team finding rhythm…
"Coming out of the break we wanted to focus more on the defensive side of things, trying to lock up in the back, trying to keep clean sheets, and we've done well with goals against thus far. So, as soon as we have that foundation, we wanted to create more chances to work on building out in practice to work on patterns, stuff like that. The finishing, getting on the same page team chemistry. That's something that we've been working on but we can't get away from the foundation that is keeping shutouts defending as a unit."

On Shannon’s return…
"He's an incredible guy. His mentality is awesome. He was he was grinding for the last year, you know a torn ACL is nothing easy to come back from. But he kept his head down. He worked so hard. And it's easy to just give up in those moments to feel bad for yourself but he didn't do that he kept pushing through everything day by day, it’s a long process every single player on the field congratulated him. Everyone was so, so happy so emotional for him to see him out in the field doing what he does doing what he loves to do it was incredible. He's an inspiration to all of us."

Drew Skundrich

Overview of the match…
“Obviously great win, great team effort in the second to battle back from one nil down, and to get those goals that was huge. It showed immense character with the group. I’m really proud of how resilient we were on the field. We didn’t start the game that we wanted to we didn’t come out with the right energy and attitude. But we grew into the game we moved it side to side, kept the ball flowing, and we created chances and we took those chances so I’m happy that we won.”

On Timbers 2 goal…
“I was holding midfield role, just for that play, and I saw in front of me some guys that in my opinion weren’t working hard enough defensively we weren’t shifting side to side we weren’t on the same page weren’t connected. So that was frustrating for me and I have to put that on myself as well because I wasn’t talking to them at that moment telling them to shift to keep working. So that’s something that I need to improve on and something that we need to improve on as a group. And once they scored I was furious I don’t like conceding. I just tried to try to hold people accountable, and then it got better from there.”

On the locker room at half…
“Briggs made some tactical changes, pushing me higher. Me and Darek were almost playing as two attacking mids and Roro was sitting deeper, because we wanted to press on we knew we had to go after the game. Roro was able to open up the game for us with his great range of passing. And we created chances from there, and we knew we had to hit the target with our chances. I had one earlier that the goalie saved, hit the post. That was unfortunate not to go in, but we knew we had to keep going, no matter what. And that’s what I’m really proud of, from this group is our resilience to keep going for that first goal and then that second game-winner from Cam.”

On his goal…
“I’m not sure how it got to Ash. But I just remember I saw him get it out wide and he’s a player that will take his defender on 1-v-1and try to get a service in the box. I think Cam made a great run to the near post. So I was just falling behind, and the ball just skips through Cam and his defender and came straight to me and I just tried to redirect it on target and then it went in. “

On the team finding rhythm…
“Coming out of the break we wanted to focus more on the defensive side of things, trying to lock up in the back, trying to keep clean sheets, and we’ve done well with goals against thus far. So, as soon as we have that foundation, we wanted to create more chances to work on building out in practice to work on patterns, stuff like that. The finishing, getting on the same page team chemistry. That’s something that we’ve been working on but we can’t get away from the foundation that is keeping shutouts defending as a unit.”

On Shannon’s return…
“He’s an incredible guy. His mentality is awesome. He was he was grinding for the last year, you know a torn ACL is nothing easy to come back from. But he kept his head down. He worked so hard. And it’s easy to just give up in those moments to feel bad for yourself but he didn’t do that he kept pushing through everything day by day, it’s a long process every single player on the field congratulated him. Everyone was so, so happy so emotional for him to see him out in the field doing what he does doing what he loves to do it was incredible. He’s an inspiration to all of us.”

Shannon Gomez

Recap of tonight’s match…
"We've won of the past couple of games and tonight was one of those games that we really needed to keep it going, confidence wise and to keep building on great performances and to piece together all the good things we've been doing and training and working on."

"Personally for me was a memorable game, being out for so long and coming back and contributing to the team all over again it's just something spectacular to me and it’s an emotional day for me and hopefully I was an inspiration to somebody else tonight. The team did a great job coming back from behind to win the game and put it in a perfect position for me to come on to field. We're happy to get another win and keep the ball rolling."

On having his name called…
"It was a moment that shocked me. I heard him call my name and I was like he's definitely not talking to me, I'm gonna do more sprints, I'm just gonna mind my business. And he was like, yeah, I'm talking to you yeah get ready you’re going in and I was like, Oh my God my heart started beating really fast, the moments here. I got to be ready and right away I went into defensive mode, I was ready, just to tackle somebody and I'm thankful that he trusted me in that moment to return to the pitch and give all I can, even if it's a couple of minutes just him believing in me again is something amazing and I am very thankful to the club for that."

On Grinwis, similar injury and next steps…
"I'm 100% confident in Adam and this is one of the guys that didn't even know me when he came here and he just saw me injured when he got here. And right away I could tell like we connected, our energies were just you know intact and he would come and talk to me words of inspiration and just by the way he spoke I could tell this guy has an amazing spirit about him. I spoke to him when he got injured and I said listen sometimes we question the most hard working guys and the guys that put their head down and give 110% for their team are the ones that ended up injured and you start questioning everything and sometimes we don't know what a plan is for us and we're lucky to have people around us that are going to go through this with us and he's been one of those guys that sat down with me from day one."

"He'll text me on my off day and he'd say hey man how's your day going and he's just been right by my side, most of the time and even my roommate, Jaime. I'm pretty sure with the people that are charge of us coming back to full fitness like Katie and Luke and Betty, these are people they're like mother figures, father figures to you and they really take care of you. I think with the right attitude and he's a model figure for that right attitude and I think he's gonna come back, 110%. He’s a great player but he’s been having a great attitude so far and no doubt he's coming back stronger and better from his injury."

Shannon Gomez

Recap of tonight’s match…
“We’ve won of the past couple of games and tonight was one of those games that we really needed to keep it going, confidence wise and to keep building on great performances and to piece together all the good things we’ve been doing and training and working on.”

“Personally for me was a memorable game, being out for so long and coming back and contributing to the team all over again it’s just something spectacular to me and it’s an emotional day for me and hopefully I was an inspiration to somebody else tonight. The team did a great job coming back from behind to win the game and put it in a perfect position for me to come on to field. We’re happy to get another win and keep the ball rolling.”

On having his name called…
“It was a moment that shocked me. I heard him call my name and I was like he’s definitely not talking to me, I’m gonna do more sprints, I’m just gonna mind my business. And he was like, yeah, I’m talking to you yeah get ready you’re going in and I was like, Oh my God my heart started beating really fast, the moments here. I got to be ready and right away I went into defensive mode, I was ready, just to tackle somebody and I’m thankful that he trusted me in that moment to return to the pitch and give all I can, even if it’s a couple of minutes just him believing in me again is something amazing and I am very thankful to the club for that.”

On Grinwis, similar injury and next steps…
“I’m 100% confident in Adam and this is one of the guys that didn’t even know me when he came here and he just saw me injured when he got here. And right away I could tell like we connected, our energies were just you know intact and he would come and talk to me words of inspiration and just by the way he spoke I could tell this guy has an amazing spirit about him. I spoke to him when he got injured and I said listen sometimes we question the most hard working guys and the guys that put their head down and give 110% for their team are the ones that ended up injured and you start questioning everything and sometimes we don’t know what a plan is for us and we’re lucky to have people around us that are going to go through this with us and he’s been one of those guys that sat down with me from day one.”

“He’ll text me on my off day and he’d say hey man how’s your day going and he’s just been right by my side, most of the time and even my roommate, Jaime. I’m pretty sure with the people that are charge of us coming back to full fitness like Katie and Luke and Betty, these are people they’re like mother figures, father figures to you and they really take care of you. I think with the right attitude and he’s a model figure for that right attitude and I think he’s gonna come back, 110%. He’s a great player but he’s been having a great attitude so far and no doubt he’s coming back stronger and better from his injury.”

In Their Own Words: The Players Deserve the Praise They’ll Get Tonight.

Mark Briggs’ men made it three wins from three straight matches after a trio of first half strikes found the back of the net and guaranteed all three points were headed to the boys in Old Glory Red.

Cameron Iwasa scored his 50th career goal during league play in his 100th career start with Republic FC and Dariusz Formella netted his second brace in two encounters this season against Defiance – all before the first half whistle.

The victory keeps the boys in Old Glory Red in contention for the top spot in Group A but before the squad looks ahead to Saturday’s match, it’s time to see what the squad on their minds after the win over the weekend.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the team’s performance against Tacoma…
“It was a really pleasing performance. Three games in seven days is difficult for anybody, and then you add in the heat of today, and the weather. It's an element that we had to handle, and I thought the boys, especially in the first half, we moved the ball how I would like the ball to be moved. We moved it at speed, we played between lines, and we got our attacking players in one v one when we needed to. Overall it was a it was a pleasing 90 minutes and there are a lot of positives to take from it.”

On his team’s offensive explosion on Saturday…
“The players I have, the talent in the forward line that I have, yes we haven't been scoring goals, but we will score goals. You've got Derek Formella next to me, he scored two tonight. You’ve got Cameron and I think with the level of ability that we have in our forward players; we're going to score goals. It's just a case of when, and tonight you know we got three, but even still, we could have gotten six or seven, to be honest. So, but there's a lot of positives, which is pleasing.”

On making adjustments from the first match against Tacoma in July…
“I think we were slow to come out of the second half and it took us a while to get going and then we allow a goal on a set piece, someone loses their man and we concede. But to be fair to the group, they regrouped, they got themselves in good positions and in good spots and we slowly started to claw our way back into the game and take control. I wasn't happy with the start of the second half, but you also have to remember that three games in seven days is, it's pretty brutal on anybody. And then you add in the elements of the weather and the battle that we put in against Reno on Wednesday night, all these elements that add into it and they play into it. So, you've got to give the players credit. We've got nine points out of three games. They deserve the praise that they'll get tonight.”

On the team’s performance against Tacoma…
“It was a really pleasing performance. Three games in seven days is difficult for anybody, and then you add in the heat of today, and the weather. It’s an element that we had to handle, and I thought the boys, especially in the first half, we moved the ball how I would like the ball to be moved. We moved it at speed, we played between lines, and we got our attacking players in one v one when we needed to. Overall it was a it was a pleasing 90 minutes and there are a lot of positives to take from it.”

On his team’s offensive explosion on Saturday…
“The players I have, the talent in the forward line that I have, yes we haven’t been scoring goals, but we will score goals. You’ve got Derek Formella next to me, he scored two tonight. You’ve got Cameron and I think with the level of ability that we have in our forward players; we’re going to score goals. It’s just a case of when, and tonight you know we got three, but even still, we could have gotten six or seven, to be honest. So, but there’s a lot of positives, which is pleasing.”

On making adjustments from the first match against Tacoma in July…
“I think we were slow to come out of the second half and it took us a while to get going and then we allow a goal on a set piece, someone loses their man and we concede. But to be fair to the group, they regrouped, they got themselves in good positions and in good spots and we slowly started to claw our way back into the game and take control. I wasn’t happy with the start of the second half, but you also have to remember that three games in seven days is, it’s pretty brutal on anybody. And then you add in the elements of the weather and the battle that we put in against Reno on Wednesday night, all these elements that add into it and they play into it. So, you’ve got to give the players credit. We’ve got nine points out of three games. They deserve the praise that they’ll get tonight.”

Dariusz Formella

On his two goals against Defiance…
“The first goal, Cameron had a good situation. The defender blocked him, and the ball was just on my foot, so it was simple, and I just hit the target. The second one was a very good cross from Belmar and then I screamed to Cameron to leave the ball. I made a good first touch and then finishing [inside] the near post, so that's it!”

On if it helps playing alongside other lethal attackers like Iwasa and Belmar…
“Of course, because every single one of these guys can create the chance and can score a goal. So, the defenders are not just focused on one guy or two guys, they have to worry about four guys. It's so much easier for everybody. Today I scored two goals but who knows, maybe next game I will not score, and the defenders will be more worried about me. But it's a pleasure to play with these guys.”

On if it helps playing alongside other lethal attackers like Iwasa and Belmar…
“Of course, because every single one of these guys can create the chance and can score a goal. So, the defenders are not just focused on one guy or two guys, they have to worry about four guys. It’s so much easier for everybody. Today I scored two goals but who knows, maybe next game I will not score, and the defenders will be more worried about me. But it’s a pleasure to play with these guys.”

Cameron Iwasa

On hitting 50 career goals during USL Championship play…
“Yeah, I mean it feels good, it would have felt better if there were some people here to celebrate it. To be honest, the whole number 50 thing, it's obviously a big accomplishment but it's not something that's honestly that important to me. The goal of this week was for us to get nine points, and that's what I'm buzzing about right now.”

On Villyan Bijev’s selfless assist to set up his half century milestone…
“That was absolutely beautiful. See, that's something that I think once we kind of get that chemistry [we can do every game]. He told me after the fact that he didn't even see me ,he just heard me yell and he trusted that I was in a good spot, and, you know, if we get to the point where we're giving up a good chance for a great chance and, you know, playing legitimate team ball, we're going to be a tough team stop.”

On hitting 50 career goals during USL Championship play…
“Yeah, I mean it feels good, it would have felt better if there were some people here to celebrate it. To be honest, the whole number 50 thing, it’s obviously a big accomplishment but it’s not something that’s honestly that important to me. The goal of this week was for us to get nine points, and that’s what I’m buzzing about right now.”

On Villyan Bijev’s selfless assist to set up his half century milestone…
“That was absolutely beautiful. See, that’s something that I think once we kind of get that chemistry [we can do every game]. He told me after the fact that he didn’t even see me ,he just heard me yell and he trusted that I was in a good spot, and, you know, if we get to the point where we’re giving up a good chance for a great chance and, you know, playing legitimate team ball, we’re going to be a tough team stop.”

In Their Own Words: It’s a Collective Effort

The Indomitable Club restarted the season against Tacoma on July 13 in a 3-3 draw. But with two road wins, and three consecutive clean sheets, the Indomitable Club is looking to earn three points to keep them at the top of the table.

Before both sides clash for the second time this season, it’s time to check in on how the team is feeling about their form heading into Saturday’s contest.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On returning to Papa Murphy’s Park after 3 road games:

It's always good to come back to Papa Murphy's, it's always good to play at home. I think for us, home field is a special place and a good advantage for us. I think for us you'll see that aggression, that defensive attitude and mentality to win individual battles.

Before both sides clash for the second time this season, it’s time to check in on how the team is feeling about their form heading into Saturday’s contest.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On returning to Papa Murphy’s Park after 3 road games:

It’s always good to come back to Papa Murphy’s, it’s always good to play at home. I think for us, home field is a special place and a good advantage for us. I think for us you’ll see that aggression, that defensive attitude and mentality to win individual battles.

On team defense & clean sheets:

It’s a team desire to keep clean sheets, and Rafa has played a huge part in that in the last three games, making big saves when we need him. And to be honest, adding a calming presence to the back for and to the group overall. I think it's credit to Rafa, to his performances, but also credit to the 10 players in front of him that help him out. It's a collective effort and that's why we get clean sheets.

On Rafa rising to the occasion:

I think it's a little it's a little unfair to for people to be saying, Adam’s a starter… Rafa’s the starter… whatever it might be. Because ultimately, we signed two goalkeepers that are both able and both willing and both competing. Adam got the nod at the start, but Rafa’s been in a different class at training. He's been banging on my door. He's been making me think he needs to play. And sometimes in life, in this game, you get opportunities. He got an opportunity and he grabbed it with both hands.

It's really unfortunate what's happened to Adam with his injury. Credit where credit's due, Rafa deserves to be playing no matter what the scenario is. We have two goalkeepers that are competing and can be number one.

On coming off a tough week beyond the pitch:

We've got a good group of guys, a togetherness within the group and I think everybody after the game wanted to support our family. We held up Adam’s shirt and wished him all the best in his recovery. He's still a part of this team, a part of our unit, so he'll be he'll be along every up and down with us. And credit to Adam, he's got a he's got to mentally handle it and bring himself back to full fitness and put himself in the best possible position to play a game, which I'm sure he will do.

We've got a lot of people that do a lot of work behind the scenes. Jason Israel is the Team Admin and puts a lot of work in for these guys and make sure everything's organized. He had some bad news this week and then obviously everybody saw Adam’s injury the other day, which for a footballer is devastating. So, we just felt it was it was a good moment to show an appreciation for the two people that had some bad news.

On team defense & clean sheets:

It’s a team desire to keep clean sheets, and Rafa has played a huge part in that in the last three games, making big saves when we need him. And to be honest, adding a calming presence to the back for and to the group overall. I think it’s credit to Rafa, to his performances, but also credit to the 10 players in front of him that help him out. It’s a collective effort and that’s why we get clean sheets.

On Rafa rising to the occasion:

I think it’s a little it’s a little unfair to for people to be saying, Adam’s a starter… Rafa’s the starter… whatever it might be. Because ultimately, we signed two goalkeepers that are both able and both willing and both competing. Adam got the nod at the start, but Rafa’s been in a different class at training. He’s been banging on my door. He’s been making me think he needs to play. And sometimes in life, in this game, you get opportunities. He got an opportunity and he grabbed it with both hands.

It’s really unfortunate what’s happened to Adam with his injury. Credit where credit’s due, Rafa deserves to be playing no matter what the scenario is. We have two goalkeepers that are competing and can be number one.

On coming off a tough week beyond the pitch:

We’ve got a good group of guys, a togetherness within the group and I think everybody after the game wanted to support our family. We held up Adam’s shirt and wished him all the best in his recovery. He’s still a part of this team, a part of our unit, so he’ll be he’ll be along every up and down with us. And credit to Adam, he’s got a he’s got to mentally handle it and bring himself back to full fitness and put himself in the best possible position to play a game, which I’m sure he will do.

We’ve got a lot of people that do a lot of work behind the scenes. Jason Israel is the Team Admin and puts a lot of work in for these guys and make sure everything’s organized. He had some bad news this week and then obviously everybody saw Adam’s injury the other day, which for a footballer is devastating. So, we just felt it was it was a good moment to show an appreciation for the two people that had some bad news.

Goalkeeper Rafa Diaz

On the team’s defensive mentality:

It comes from preparation and training. We really work really hard defensively. And the mindset going into that game is making sure that we give our team the best opportunity to win. It's not just me… it's 10 other guys in front of me working really, really hard to limit the times I need to make a play. And when it's time for me to get called upon, we've been fortunate to make a play.

On team chemistry and confidence:

It's something that you do want to build as a team, and you want everyone to trust you.That comes from hard work and training well, and these guys now that I trust them in front of me. And it’s great that the boss feels the same way feels that way about me and it gives me confidence. Hopefully I'm able to do that for the rest of the team.

On working with Grinwis:

I think we work really well together. We’re our good friends and I feel like I can talk to him about anything, he can talk to me about anything and we have this competitive nature. When it’s his turn to I was supporting him and chirping in his ear and he was asking me things. And likewise, the other way around, so it's good to have that competition in between because it does bring the best out of you.

On starting the last three clean sheet matches:

I just take it every game at a time. I prepare myself through the year by training, and I can try I stay ready. So when I got the opportunity, there is not really thinking too much into it. And like coach said, it's a collective group, so it's not really just me out. There are 10 guys, overall, with the mindset of not giving up. And, and that's kind of fortunate enough that we've had those results go our way and hopefully we can continue that.

On first home match after 3 road games:

It's great to be back, you know, familiar grounds and hopefully tomorrow we can we can really come out and give a strong performance and end the week really well.

Goalkeeper Rafa Diaz

On the team’s defensive mentality:

It comes from preparation and training. We really work really hard defensively. And the mindset going into that game is making sure that we give our team the best opportunity to win. It’s not just me… it’s 10 other guys in front of me working really, really hard to limit the times I need to make a play. And when it’s time for me to get called upon, we’ve been fortunate to make a play.

On team chemistry and confidence:

It’s something that you do want to build as a team, and you want everyone to trust you.That comes from hard work and training well, and these guys now that I trust them in front of me. And it’s great that the boss feels the same way feels that way about me and it gives me confidence. Hopefully I’m able to do that for the rest of the team.

On working with Grinwis:

I think we work really well together. We’re our good friends and I feel like I can talk to him about anything, he can talk to me about anything and we have this competitive nature. When it’s his turn to I was supporting him and chirping in his ear and he was asking me things. And likewise, the other way around, so it’s good to have that competition in between because it does bring the best out of you.

On starting the last three clean sheet matches:

I just take it every game at a time. I prepare myself through the year by training, and I can try I stay ready. So when I got the opportunity, there is not really thinking too much into it. And like coach said, it’s a collective group, so it’s not really just me out. There are 10 guys, overall, with the mindset of not giving up. And, and that’s kind of fortunate enough that we’ve had those results go our way and hopefully we can continue that.

On first home match after 3 road games:

It’s great to be back, you know, familiar grounds and hopefully tomorrow we can we can really come out and give a strong performance and end the week really well.

In Their Own Words: We Just Need to Keep Playing our Game and do What We do Best – Score Goals.

The Indomitable Club claimed its first victory away from home over the weekend and the squad has a chance to make it two wins from as many matches when Mark Briggs’ men meet Reno 1868 FC on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. PT.

The last time Republic FC traveled to Reno, SRFC escaped with a 3-1 win in the 2019 USL Championship Western Conference Quarterfinals and the boys in Old Glory Red are already 1-0 against their regional rival this season following an extra time penalty kick goal from Cameron Iwasa on July 19.

Before both sides clash for the second time this season, it’s time to check in on how the team is feeling about their form heading into tonight’s heavyweight bout.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On the recent result in Portland…
“We could have scored more goals but at the end of the day we kept a clean sheet. We went on the road and we grinded out a result so for me it’s a positive to get three points.”

On taking positives from the team’s performance over the weekend…
“There’s huge positives. It’s about taking steps in the right direction; it’s about improving every game with the ball and without the ball. I felt with the ball, it’s still not where we need it to be but defensively, we look solid. We’re working, we’re aggressive, I think we won 87% of our 50-50 challenges. So, when you have that attitude and when you have that mentality, you’re going to get to where we need to get with the ability that we have. We just need to keep grinding; teams go through phases and we all want it to click straight away and we all want us to play unbelievable football and score five or six goals, but it doesn’t work like that. If it was that easy, everyone would be doing it. We just need to keep working, keep chipping away, and we’ll get there. I have confidence in them.”

On Rafael Diaz’s string of shutouts while manning the goal…
“I think he’s done great. He’s been a calming presence for us. Unfortunately for Adam, he got injured and that’s football. Things happen and you get opportunities and you have to take those opportunities when they come up and Rafa’s come and grabbed that opportunity with both hands. I thought in San Diego he made a big save at an important moment and then up in Portland he was a calming presence. Very good with his distribution, playing the crosses, good communication organizing, I’m pleased for Rafa.”

Kharlton Belmar

On the win over Timbers 2 and looking ahead to Reno on Wednesday…
“Reno’s going to be a tough game. In terms of the last game, it’s always tough playing against those MLS 2 teams that are always going to bring a different challenge. Timbers did well in terms of keeping the ball and pressing and we managed it and came out with three points.”

On the team’s confidence moving forward…
“I think we all have confidence, it’s just one of those things where it’s going to take a few of those maybe [a ball] off your shoulder, off the post types of things to kind of go your way before the goals start really flying. But I don’t think it’s really that much of a concern for us as players right now, we know we just need to keep playing our game and we’ll do what we do best, and that’s score goals.”

On finding strength from the defense’s solid performances…
“It’s a great feeling, it makes our job a bit easier in terms of we just have to focus on our job now. They’ve been doing a tremendous job back there, so it really comes down to us, we’re paying them for all the hard work their doing.”

In Their Own Words: I Trust the Players. I Trust the Quality we have.

The first of four regular season showdowns between Republic FC and Portland Timbers 2 is set to take place on Saturday night at 7 p.m. PT.

When both Group A clubs clash at Providence Park, it will mark the twelfth time SRFC and T2 have tangled and the team that’s scored first has earned victory in the last ten straight meetings.

But before both sides square up this weekend in Portland, it’s time to check out what the squad had on their minds prior to the trip to the Pacific Northwest.

The first of four regular season showdowns between Republic FC and Portland Timbers 2 is set to take place on Saturday night at 7 p.m. PT.

When both Group A clubs clash at Providence Park, it will mark the twelfth time SRFC and T2 have tangled and the team that’s scored first has earned victory in the last ten straight meetings.

But before both sides square up this weekend in Portland, it’s time to check out what the squad had on their minds prior to the trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On converting scoring opportunities …
“It would be a bigger concern to me if we weren’t creating opportunities. But I think if you look at every game, we’ve created four, five, six, in some games double digit opportunities that we just haven’t taken. I trust the players; I trust the quality we have, and I trust that we will start to connect with opportunities and start putting the ball in the back of the net.

“It’s something that we need to grind through right now. It’s something that we need to work through and keep working at it and keep getting in those positions and keep getting the repetition in training.”

On what the boss wants to see from his side this weekend against Portland Timbers 2…
“I want to see that same intensity, that same aggression. But now I want to see a little more quality. I want to see our decision making a little bit better. We didn’t retain possession enough after we won possession [against San Diego]. We didn’t connect that first pass and then move it around and then switch the field, so I want to see us a little more composed. With the same intensity and aggression off the ball, but when get the ball, we need to keep it and move it and be more clinical in front of goal.”

Drew Skundrich

On Saturday’s result in San Diego…
“We were happy with the shutout, happy with the defensive performance. We wanted to get the win; we want to create more chances heading into this weekend but overall it was a good mentality approaching the game. We were ready for it, we were excited, we brought intensity and discipline and we need to carry that into this weekend.”

On Hayden Sargis’ performances this season having played the full 90 minutes each match…
“It’s awesome. He’s an incredible person, an incredible player, a great professional, he shows maturity beyond his years. He’s 18-years-old but his voice back there is commanding. He puts in hard tackles, his distribution out of the back is fantastic, so he’s done very well.”

Tomas Hilliard-Arce

On expectations going into Saturday…
"This game specifically I think we're going to come out with a fiery attitude. I think we kind of got that down in San Diego. First, change the attitude and next the goals will come. And so I think everyone's on the same page, everyone's feeling confident and I don't think we're worried about the attitude everyone's going to have. Hopefully we can come together and succeed and get three points.

"I think we're just eager to get there and play again. I think we had a good weekend last weekend in San Diego and I think we want to take that next step here in Portland."

On playing in Portland…
"Just with the turf field, I think we haven't seen that this year and so getting up there today to see the training facilities and get used to it a little bit. I think you you don't want to focus on your opponent, you want to figure out what you can do to to win the game. I think that's what we'll do."

On expectations going into Saturday…
“This game specifically I think we’re going to come out with a fiery attitude. I think we kind of got that down in San Diego. First, change the attitude and next the goals will come. And so I think everyone’s on the same page, everyone’s feeling confident and I don’t think we’re worried about the attitude everyone’s going to have. Hopefully we can come together and succeed and get three points.

“I think we’re just eager to get there and play again. I think we had a good weekend last weekend in San Diego and I think we want to take that next step here in Portland.”

On playing in Portland…
“Just with the turf field, I think we haven’t seen that this year and so getting up there today to see the training facilities and get used to it a little bit. I think you you don’t want to focus on your opponent, you want to figure out what you can do to to win the game. I think that’s what we’ll do.”

Jordan McCrary

On positives to build on from last week…
I think that [the San Diego] game was a grind for us, not every game is going to be pretty but that's an away trip, against a good team. And we came out with this high, we kept them out of the goal. So I think that's something to build upon and just start finishing off and start picking up these points.

On positives to build on from last week…
I think that [the San Diego] game was a grind for us, not every game is going to be pretty but that’s an away trip, against a good team. And we came out with this high, we kept them out of the goal. So I think that’s something to build upon and just start finishing off and start picking up these points.

On preparing for a busy week ahead…
Just like any other week, really, just how we've seen three games in a week or whatever it is, whoever's coming up, we're gonna prepare the same way as we always would. Going into it focusing on us, focusing on our shape, focusing on our discipline, trying to figure out what it takes to hit that next level and consistently, pick up points.

On preparing for a busy week ahead…
Just like any other week, really, just how we’ve seen three games in a week or whatever it is, whoever’s coming up, we’re gonna prepare the same way as we always would. Going into it focusing on us, focusing on our shape, focusing on our discipline, trying to figure out what it takes to hit that next level and consistently, pick up points.

In Their Own Words: The Intensity, the Attitude, the Communication Make Me Feel Positive

San Diego Loyal SC is the USL Championship’s lone expansion team in 2020 but the newcomers are off to a fantastic start.

Having dropped its first game of the season, Republic FC is looking to rebound in sunny SoCal against the new club head coached by former USMNT standout Landon Donovan.

As the Indomitable Club prepares for its first game against the new boys, let’s see what the gaffer had to say before Saturday night’s clash in San Diego.

San Diego Loyal SC is the USL Championship’s lone expansion team in 2020 but the newcomers are off to a fantastic start.

Having dropped its first game of the season, Republic FC is looking to rebound in sunny SoCal against the new club head coached by former USMNT standout Landon Donovan.

As the Indomitable Club prepares for its first game against the new boys, let’s see what the gaffer had to say before Saturday night’s clash in San Diego.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On this weekend’s opponent…
“San Diego, they’re the in-form team at the moment. They’ve got a few wins at the start of the season, it’s going to be a difficult one, to go into their place where they’ve won a few games, it’s going to be hard. I’m excited because we’ve worked on certain things, we’re spoke about certain things, and I feel like the group is ready to go. Ready to explode. Ready to show what we haven’t already shown yet.”

“And maybe I could be standing here on Monday looking stupid, but I just get that feeling, I get that feeling that they’re at a level at that I’m happy with. The intensity, the attitude, the communication, it makes me feel positive.”

On if he’s concerned about the positive tests around the league…
“I think that’s obviously a concern but unfortunately right now it’s a reality. We’re following every single protocol we can, we’re doing everything possible to try to make the risk as minimal as possible. But at the same time, you can’t control everybody else, right?”

“So, we have to control what we’re doing and then hope that we stay negative and our players are following all the protocols when they leave our supervision which they’ve been first class with. So to answer your question, it’s a worry, it’s a worry for every single person that’s out here but we’re all doing our job and hoping to stay safe.”

On the Grinwis injury..
“Last week against LA Galaxy, Adam took a kick from the free kick prior to their goal when the boys clattered into him, got a kick on his knee and it’s twisted a little bit, we’re just being precautious. We’ve got Rafa behind him who is a suitable stand-in and somebody that we fully trust. So, we’re going to get Adam’s knee right and once it’s right, he’ll be competing with Rafa again.”

In Their Own Words: Adapt. Prepare. Focus.

For the first time this season, Republic FC will be on the road as the team travels south to clash with LA Galaxy II on Saturday night at 7 p.m. PT.

The rivalry against Los Dos dates back to the inaugural season and the all-time series is ripe with memorable moments and unforgettable goals. But this particular matchup will be the first and only meeting between the two California clubs during the 2020 USL Championship regular season.

Before both sides square up in Carson on Saturday night, let’s see what the boss and the boys in Old Glory Red had on their minds heading into this weekend’s Western Conference heavyweight bout.

For the first time this season, Republic FC will be on the road as the team travels south to clash with LA Galaxy II on Saturday night at 7 p.m. PT.

Before both sides square up in Carson on Saturday night, let’s see what the boss and the boys in Old Glory Red had on their minds heading into this weekend’s Western Conference heavyweight bout.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On how to prepare for matches without fans in the stands…
“We have to adapt, we have to make sure we’re focused, we have to make sure we’re prepared, but it’s a little different. Each person has to find their inner-most motivation and I think it’s about individually turning up now. We’ve had two games now so that excuse is gone. It’s about understanding what we’re here to do, understanding the preparation, and understanding now that when we show up, we have to win games. We have to get points.”

“You’ve got to find what gets you going, what gets you prepare and what gets the best out of yourself.”

On what kind of team Republic FC will be up against this weekend…
“They have a number of good players that can hurt us. I won’t say one or two players because they probably have five players that can do damage if we’re not on our game. They play an attacking formation, they play an attacking brand of football, they have speed in the right areas, so we have to be on our game. We have to be prepared and we have to be ready to go.”

On if there’s been a particular player who has impressed the boss the most this season…
“I’m happy with the group as a whole. I’m happy with how we’re cohesively coming together, I’m happy with how they're taking the tactics and understanding my expectations and understanding what I want from them in possession of the ball and without possession of the ball. So, I think as a group, we’re collectively going in the right direction. Now, there are a lot of good individual performances within the group, but right now I think it’s about the group heading in the right direction.”

On if there’s been a particular player who has impressed the boss the most this season…
“I’m happy with the group as a whole. I’m happy with how we’re cohesively coming together, I’m happy with how they’re taking the tactics and understanding my expectations and understanding what I want from them in possession of the ball and without possession of the ball. So, I think as a group, we’re collectively going in the right direction. Now, there are a lot of good individual performances within the group, but right now I think it’s about the group heading in the right direction.”

Villyan Bijev

On his overall thoughts on the win against Reno…
“It was a great win on the weekend, a really good result for us moving forward. I think we’re still trying to get in our full stride, normally you have one to two months of preseason before preparing for games. With our current situation, we weren’t able to do that, so we’re making the most out of our situation and I think with each week we’re making strides closer and closer to putting together more and more complete performances which is really exciting for us, that’s what we want to do. So that result we had on the weekend, to show that grit and heart and determination to not give up goals from our whole team – to our backline and our goalkeeper having the shutout was huge. We don’t want teams to come here and get goals.”

On if having played a match against Tacoma was an advantage, given Sunday was Reno’s first since returning to play…
“I think the more practice you have in anything helps you so from that aspect, I think it did, but also, I think we came out with a fire and a grit and a desire to win. We know there’s no fans in the stands, but there were a few fans out on the levee and we know all of our fans are watching at home so for us to be able to get a win against a rival was huge and that kind of pushed us to try a little harder, to work a little harder, give all 100% we could. We had to make subs early because guys aren’t as 100% game fit how we’d like to be but everyone who subbed in made an impact and helped us win the game.”

Jaime Villarreal

On the weekend win over Reno…
“On Sunday I thought we had a really good game as a team as a whole, I thought our attack was on point. We need to be a little bit better at finishing, but I thought we had some good opportunities. And to prepare for this match, I think it’s going to be a difficult match because they’re coming off a good result against San Diego, so we need to be prepared for that. These young kids are going to be flying and eager to play us and trying to a point to the first team that they’re ready for that next step, so we have to be careful and come out with urgency like Sunday.

On the midfield depth SRFC has…
“I think this is probably the best midfield that I’ve been a part of. It’s so competitive, anybody could play at any point. I didn’t start last game and just being able to rotate everybody, that just shows how good the midfield is."