Team News

In Their Own Words: Let’s Finish Out the Season on a Positive Note with a Win

Sacramento Republic FC will celebrate Fan Appreciation Night and the retirement of Cam Iwasa on Saturday when they host San Diego Loyal SC in the season finale at Heart Health Park, but first, hear from Mark Briggs, Hayden Sargis, Luis Felipe, and Iwasa himself ahead of the big night.

Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs

On training heading into the final match of the season…

“It’s been all about Cameron Iwasa – making the last week for Cam an enjoyable one, putting the focus on Cameron, making sure the team’s prepared and in a position to give Cam the sendoff he deserves.”

On how fans can help close out Cam’s career in style…

“It’s really unusual for a hometown player to represent his club for six years straight and score the amount of goals he has for his hometown team. It’s a massive achievement and something the club should be proud of. It’s something that Cameron should be proud of. Hopefully the stadium will be full on Saturday and we can give him the farewell he deserves.”

On a comparison to the love Cam has received from Sacramento in his time with SRFC…

“If you look around at various football clubs, there’s always a franchise name. There’s always someone you associate with a certain club. When you hear Sacramento Republic, you automatically think of Cameron Iwasa. It’s due to his career, the person he is, and the professional that he still is up until tomorrow night. All the credit has to go to Cameron Iwasa and the fact that the fans love him. There’s a reason the fans love him: it’s because he’s been successful, he’s scored goals, and he’s represented this club in the way that we want the club to be represented.”

On the focus for tomorrow’s match against San Diego…

“Let’s finish out the season on a positive note with a win. Let’s send Cameron off with the three points, a standing ovation and a performance that makes him happy and makes the fans happy.

Republic FC Forward Cam Iwasa

On Saturday’s match with San Diego…

“The reality is it’s the end of the season and we know that it is. There’s nothing that’s going to change that for us. It still means something to us to go out, put on a good performance and show people what we’re about and the kind of team that we can be.”

On tomorrow’s festivities for Fan Appreciation Night…

“It feels right to me that we’re celebrating the fans on the same night we’re celebrating me, because the fans have been such a big part of what has gotten me here. They’ve supported me, cheered me, and motivated me throughout the years. I owe them a lot for the kind of career that I’ve had here.”

On if he’s processed what his final moment on the pitch will be like…

“I don’t know if I’m ready for it. I don’t want to hype it up too much in my head and then be disappointed, or vice versa, get overly emotional because it’s way more than I imagined. I’m trying to keep it in the back of my mind for right now and then take it for what it is when it happens.”

On what the Republic FC fan base has meant to him through the years…

“They’re the lifeblood of this club. They have unconditional love and support for every single player. I feel that on a little bit deeper level because the fans have always accepted me as one of their own, given the fact that I’m from Sacramento, which makes every moment of it so much cooler for me. I don’t have the words to express everything they’ve meant over the years, but it’s truly been incredible.”

Republic FC Defender Hayden Sargis

On preparing for a tough opponent in San Diego…

“Every match is tough, and we’ve known that since the beginning of the season. We’re trying to go out there, finish our season strong, and take care of the little details. We’re just focused on being good professional players, finishing out the season strong and being sharp in everything that we can do.”

On Saturday’s Fan Appreciation Night…

“It’ll be great to celebrate Cam and all the fans. We’re super thankful for them everything they do for this club.”

Republic FC Midfielder Luis Felipe

On the focus heading into the season’s final match on Saturday…

“It’s been fun. Getting ready for the last game season. So trying to get a good performance in for our fans, so I’m looking forward to that.We’ve been training hard. It’s a light week, but we’re still looking forward to the game. We’re getting our bodies ready and hopefully we can close out the season well.”

On preparation for San Diego…

“It’s a team that we know. We’ve played them a couple times and watched film this week, so we’ll be ready to have a good game against them.”

#ThankYouCam: Community Means More than Home

While Cam Iwasa has undoubtedly earned a spot in Republic FC and USL Championship history, he has also become a champion in the Sacramento community.

“Cam isn’t just from Sacramento, he personifies what is best about our City,” said Scott Moak, Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment. “He stays connected to his roots and never forgets his past. He gives back to help make this City a better place to live in and call home. And he always gets up…even when the odds are stacked against him and obstacles seemingly impede his path, he breaks them down and pushes forward. I am going to miss him and will be forever thankful for what he gave to this Club.”

Ahead of Cam's final game in professional soccer this Saturday, we take a look back at some his most memorable community projects.

While Cam Iwasa has undoubtedly earned a spot in Republic FC and USL Championship history, he has also become a champion in the Sacramento community.

Ahead of Cam’s final game in professional soccer this Saturday, we take a look back at some his most memorable community projects.

UC Davis Children's Hospital

Ever since his first season with Republic FC in 2015, Iwasa has become a familiar face at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, visiting with children going through treatment. When Cam’s Community Collectibles shirt launched earlier this season, he selected to have proceeds benefit UC Davis Health Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Departments, saying “the UC Davis Health visits have always been my favorite community activations—connecting with the kids who are so happy despite their health challenges, it always brings a smile to my face.”

UC Davis Children’s Hospital

Folsom State Prison

Cam also joined the monthly matches at Folsom State Prison, coaching inmates and front office staff—a very different and eye-opening experience for the son of a law enforcement officer. Through visits to Folsom, Cam got to see first-hand how the game of soccer can connect people in vastly different situations: “There was a guy who was in here playing with us, and when he got released, the first thing he did was come to a Sac Republic game. He said that it meant so much that we treated him like a human and showed him compassion, which is why we step outside of our comfort zone for these monthly matches.”

Folsom State Prison

Sac Valley Flames / Power Chair Soccer

Iwasa was first introduced to the Sac Valley Flames and Power Chair Soccer in 2020, when the Indomitable Club worked with Make-a-Wish to present 19-year-old Michael with a brand-new power soccer wheelchair. Michael, who has muscular dystrophy, plays for local club Sac Valley Flames. Since their introduction, has become intertwined with the team, inviting them out to matches and even hopping in the chair for a training session.

Sac Valley Flames / Power Chair Soccer

St. Baldrick's Foundation

For two seasons, Iwasa “braved the shave” with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising hundreds of dollars for childhood cancer research.

“The kids battling cancer are warriors and are going through something that is so much harder than anything I go through as an athlete, so shaving my head was a small sacrifice I was willing to make.”

One thing that Cam wasn’t prepared for his first year with St. Baldrick’s? Getting a sunburn on the top of his head. But by the time the next year came around, Iwasa was armed with plenty of sunscreen.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation

For two seasons, Iwasa “braved the shave” with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising hundreds of dollars for childhood cancer research.

Republic FC will celebrate Cam’s accomplished career and commitment to Sacramento throughout the week, leading up to the final home game of the 2021 season – Fan Appreciation Night – on Saturday, October 30. Using the hashtag #ThankYouCam on the team’s social channels, fans can submit their favorite stories, memories, photos, and videos of Cam. On Saturday, every fan in attendance will receive a commemorative cheer card. Throughout the pre-game, fans will have the opportunity to win Iwasa and Republic FC prizes, leading up to a ceremony prior to kickoff.

The Indomitable Club will close out the season against San Diego Loyal SC at Heart Health Park, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Fan Appreciation Night are available at www.sacrepublicfc.com/single-match-tickets. The match will be broadcast locally on KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento, as well as streaming on ESPN+.

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. San Diego Loyal SC

SACRAMENTO, California (October 7, 2021) – Sacramento Republic FC is heading south for its second consecutive road game on Saturday when the Indomitable Club visits San Diego Loyal SC for the third time this season. Republic FC is looking to reset after falling to Oakland Roots SC, for the first time – 2-1, on Wednesday. Fans can tune in to see the Boys in Old Glory Red from San Diego on KQCA My58, Estrella TV and ESPN+.

At a Glance: #SDvTAC

Saturday, October 9, 2021
7:30 p.m. PT
Torero Stadium
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+

At a Glance: #SDvTAC

Saturday, October 9, 2021
7:30 p.m. PT
Torero Stadium
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+

The Latest on the Team

Wednesday’s match up with East Bay rival Oakland Roots SC would close out the season series. Darek Formella bagged his fifth goal of the season while Carlos Saldaña made his second start for the Boys in Old Glory Red since signing with the club on September 15. Formella has created eight chances and completed 80% of his passes for Republic FC in his last three appearances. Roots would open up the scoring early with a 10th minute strike, despite Republic FC dominating the first half. A second half header would seal the game for the hosts, and notch their first victory over Sacramento.

Opponent Report

Loyal SC enters Saturday’s Pacific Division match unbeaten in six of their last seven games, and returns to Torero Stadium for the first time since the club’s 1-0 win over Tacoma Defiance on September 19.

San Diego has logged at least 10 shots in 12 of their last 13 contests, falling short of the mark on August 28 with nine against the Indomitable Club at Heart Health Park.

Tumi Moshobane ranks fifth in the Western Conference with 10 goals on the season, while Joshua Yaro has scored twice in his last four games.

Head-to-Head

Republic FC enters Saturday’s contest with an 0-1-2 record after the two sides split points in San Diego back on July 3 before Loyal SC took all three points at Heart Health Park on August 28. Saturday’s match will mark the third time Republic FC square off with Loyal SC on their home turf, Torero Stadium.

Sacramento held the possession advantage 51-49 in the most recent meeting, but only found the back of the net once.

The Latest on the Team

Opponent Report

San Diego has logged at least 10 shots in 12 of their last 13 contests, falling short of the mark on August 28 with nine against the Indomitable Club at Heart Health Park.

Tumi Moshobane ranks fifth in the Western Conference with 10 goals on the season, while Joshua Yaro has scored twice in his last four games.

Head-to-Head

Sacramento held the possession advantage 51-49 in the most recent meeting, but only found the back of the net once.

Cam Iwasa: Milestones, Club Records, and More Memorable Moments

Throughout Cameron Iwasa’s excellent career in Old Glory Red, the forward has set a number of club records and reached numerous statistical milestones. In a look back at some of his career’s notable moments, some of the most significant come to mind- those that made Iwasa the club’s top record-holder in so many categories.

March 21, 2015

Shortly after Sounders FC broke a 1-1 tie in the 70th minute of the 2015 season-opener, Republic FC countered with their first change of the night. Entering for Joaquin Rivas, a 21 year old Cameron Iwasa-then donning the number 14- took the field for the first time as a member of his hometown club, logging 18 minutes in his professional debut.

September 24, 2016

In an eventful first half that saw the Indomitable Club post three scores en route to a 4-0 victory over Tulsa Roughnecks FC, Iwasa found the net in the 19th minute for his 12th goal of the season. The score tied the club record for goals in season from a single player, which he would go on to break two years later.

August 25, 2018

In an emotional rivalry match with Reno 1868 FC, Iwasa made club history when he opened the scoring just after half to put the Indomitable Club up 1-0 in the Biggest Little City. The forward’s 47th minute score was the 26th of his career with the Indomitable Club- putting him past Rodrigo Lopez to become the top goal-scorer in club history.

September 8, 2018

Not two weeks after taking over as the Club’s all-time scoring leader, Iwasa captured another scoring record when he netted the first of three scores for Sacramento in a win over Sounders FC 2. Cam’s 20th minute strike to break a then scoreless tie was his 13th goal of the season, pulling him away from himself and Rodrigo Lopez to set the club record for goals scored in a season by a single player.

August 7, 2019

Before a crowd of 10,000+, Iwasa’s appearance against Las Vegas Lights FC marked a very special occasion for the forward. The match marked his 100th career appearance with the club, making him just the third player to reach the century mark in Sacramento after former teammates Emrah Klimenta and James Kiffe.

June 2, 2021

In the first ever meeting between Republic FC and new NorCal rival Oakland Roots SC, Iwasa opened his 2021 scoring account by burying a 60th minute attempt in the near corner. The left-footed strike- one of six goals scored in an exciting contest with the Bay Area side- marked the 50th goal of his career with Sacramento, a milestone only he has reached.

Cam Iwasa: Memory maker, record setter, goal scorer

When talking about one of the cornerstones of Sacramento Republic FC, it’s difficult to pinpoint Cam Iwasa’s best goals in Old Glory Red. It’s not just his game winners – even though he’s scored 18 of those over his career. It’s the goals that will go down in history for what they meant to Iwasa, the Indomitable Club, and its fans.

We’ve narrowed it down to five.

5. The First Goal – April 2, 2015

13 days after signing a professional contract with Republic FC and initiating one of the greatest careers in franchise history, a 21-year-old Cam Iwasa opened his scoring account.

It was the 61st minute at Timbers 2, and Joaquin Rivas had just split two defenders. Rivas stayed on the ball, laid it off to Iwasa to his right and left the rest to the Sacramento native, who connected with his right foot from 15 yards out to put SRFC up 1-0.

13 days after signing a professional contract with Republic FC and initiating one of the greatest careers in franchise history, a 21-year-old Cam Iwasa opened his scoring account.

4. The Celebration – October 26, 2019

The scene was the 2019 Western Conference Quarterfinal in the Donner Pass Derby at Reno 1868 FC. In the 70th minute, a perfectly positioned Iwasa received a ball in the attacking third that he took one clean touch with before booting it into the near post with a right foot and giving Republic FC the 2-1 lead in Nevada.

The ensuing midair fist pump and team hug at the corner flag topped off the moment.

3. Cam Scores No. 50 – August 15, 2020

Another milestone was checked off an already lengthy bucket list in mid-August of 2020. In the 33rd minute of Sacramento’s late summer fixture with Tacoma, Villyan Bijev streaked down the middle of the pitch with a defender on his heels before laying it off to his left for Iwasa. Iwasa rolled the ball into the back of the net with his right foot and the two shared a celebratory hug in the six-yard box for a 2-0 lead and Iwasa’s 50th career goal in Old Glory Red.

2. Hat Trick Hero – March 24, 2019

A beautiful Sunday afternoon in Sacramento called for a beautiful display of class from number 31.

Iwasa opened the scoring against OKC in the 16th minute on a left-footed rocket from outside the box for his second goal on the year, but that was just the start. Five minutes later, a cool, calm and collected Iwasa buried a penalty to the right for goal number two on the day.

The Sacramento native completed the hat trick in the 27th minute after Mitch Taintor whipped in a ball from the right side of the midfield. Iwasa, dangerously sitting all alone in the 18, took it out of air and one-timed the cross into the opposite corner before celebrating with a back flip.

A beautiful Sunday afternoon in Sacramento called for a beautiful display of class from number 31.

1. Quick Cam – June 18, 2016

Talk about putting your laces into it.

It didn’t take long for Iwasa to record his fourth goal of the season in Republic FC’s June 18, 2016 home match with Rio Grande Valley FC. The forward got on the ball in the midfield and took three long touches with his head up before rocketing a shot from the top of the box off the right post and in.

Talk about putting your laces into it.

Sacramento-Native Cameron Iwasa to Retire at the End of 2021 Season

Sacramento Republic FC forward Cameron Iwasa announced he will retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2021 USL Championship Season. A native of Sacramento and graduate of Jesuit High School, Cam spent six seasons with Republic FC, and one year with MLS side Sporting Kansas City and its USL affiliate. This Saturday, Cam will wear the Republic FC crest one more time as his hometown club takes on San Diego Loyal SC at Heart Health Park.

“It has truly been a dream to be able to play for the club in my hometown. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in my six seasons with the team. It’s been a blessing to be able to have my career unfold with my closest family and friends having a front row seat for it all,” said Cameron Iwasa. “I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, the front office staff and, of course, the fans. Having the support of all of these different people during my time here has meant the world to me and being able to connect more deeply with this community has been amazing. I look forward to continuing to support the team and can’t wait to see where the club goes from here. Sacramento always has been and always will be my home.”

Iwasa joined Republic FC for his professional debut in 2015 after being drafted 65th overall by Montreal Impact in the MLS SuperDraft, following four years at UC Irvine. In his first two seasons with Republic FC, Cam tallied 13 goals andfour assists, in 50 appearances across all competitions. Ahead of the 2017 season, he signed with MLS-side Sporting Kansas City, and was later loaned out to the club’s USL affiliate, Swope Park Rangers. In 2018, he returned to the Indomitable Club, and over the next four seasonsrecorded 44 goals and 16 assists, in 121 appearances across all competitions. In the first two seasons of his return, Iwasa netted double-digit goals (17 in 2018 and 2019), jumpstarting his climb up the league’s record book.

Through six seasons in Sacramento, he has become the club’s all-time appearances (172) and minutes leader (12,510). He has sparked the offense with 57 leagueplay goals and 19 assists for Republic FC. In 2016, he scored the club’s fastest goal, finding the net 38 seconds into the match. In 2019, he recorded the fastest hat trick in club history, with three goals in 27 minutes. Through his career, he has netted 17 game-winning scores – leading Republic FC, and sitting 10th all-time in USL history.

Not only did Iwasa make waves in Sacramento, but his accomplished play earned him a spot in USL Championship history. On August 15, 2020, he became part an elite group of USL players as the 11th player in league history to score 50 goals. He currently sits eighth in all-time league scoringwith 59 career goals. Iwasa’s57 goals with Republic FC are tied for second-most in USL Championship across regular season and playoff matches with one club. His career has earned him two selections to the USL All-League Second Team (2016 and 2018), 12 USL Championship Team of the Week honors, and three Player of the Month awards. His spectacular finishes have captivated fans and players alike, earning 8 Goal of the Week nominations, with two wins, and a finalist spot for the 2016 Goal of the Year.

“Cam has had a tremendous career and has made an indelible mark on this city and this club,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His contributions on and off the field have elevated our club, created many of our most celebrated moments, and he will always be synonymous with the Republic.”

Off the pitch, Iwasa has been a constant presence in Republic FC’s community initiatives. Throughout the years, he made regular visits to UC Davis Medical Center to spend time with pediatric patients in treatment. Cam joined the monthly matches at Folsom State Prison, coaching inmates, and front office staff. After helping present a custom wheelchair for a power soccer athlete, he has become intertwined with the Sac Valley Flames power soccer team.

Republic FC will celebrate Cam’s accomplished career and commitment to Sacramento throughout the week, leading up to the final home game of the 2021 season – Fan Appreciation Night – on Saturday, October 30. Using the hashtag #ThankYouCam on the team’s social channels, fans can submit their favorite stories, memories, photos and videos of Cam. On Saturday, every fan in attendance will receive a commemorative cheer card. Throughout the pre-game, fans will have opportunity to win Iwasa and Republic FC prizes, leading up to a ceremony prior to kickoff.

RECAP: Republic FC 1 – 1 Phoenix Rising FC

CHANDLER, Arizona (October 23, 2021) –Republic FC would settle for a draw in the final road match of the 2021 season, playing to a 1-1 result against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday.

An 84th minute own goal undid an excellent effort for Mark Briggs Men, who secured a point behind seven saves from Carlos Saldaña and Luis Felipe’s fifth score of the season.

CHANDLER, Arizona (October 23, 2021) –Republic FC would settle for a draw in the final road match of the 2021 season, playing to a 1-1 result against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday.

An 84th minute own goal undid an excellent effort for Mark Briggs Men, who secured a point behind seven saves from Carlos Saldaña and Luis Felipe’s fifth score of the season.

Republic FC would manufacture well early, but was unable to break through on a pair of excellent chances. Sacramento nearly pulled ahead just before the 15 minute mark, when Shannon Gomez found Cam Iwasa at the top of the six yard box. The forward was just a step behind Gomez’s pass, however, and his attempt would go just wide of the target. Gomez would serve in another excellent cross just seven minutes later, but Sacramento was unable to get a foot on it, allowing Phoenix to clear out the threat.

The missed opportunity would be forgotten just moments later, when Republic FC struck first to take their first lead over Phoenix in four 2021 contests. After Emil Cuello found Luis Felipe in space, the midfielder unleashed a great look from distance that deflected off the foot of Phoenix defender Manuel Madrid and into the goal to give Sacramento a 1-0 lead. The score was Felipe’s fifth of 2021, tying his career high for scores in a season set in 2017 with Reno 1868 FC.

Great defensive work kept Sacramento’s lead intact as the second half begun. A dangerous ball from Phoenix forward Solomon Asante gave the hosts an excellent opportunity to pull even, but a great tackle from Hayden Sargisinside the six yard box neutralized the attempt.Alongisde Nabi Kibunguchy and Shannon Gomez, Sargis was excellent for Sacramento, helping keep the league’s highest-scoring offense to just five shots until the 70 minute mark.

Late heroics in the goal from Carlos Saldaña as time continued to tick kept Sacramento’s lead intact. After a foul from Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu in the 75th minute gave the hosts a set piece opportunity just outside the penalty area, the Vallejo native’s leapt to push a shot from Kevon Lambert over the crossbar. Saldaña stopped a pair of dangerous chances from Santi Moar and Tate Schmitt moments later, punching away good looks from point blank range.

Phoenix would equalize shortly afterward, finding net on an own goal after a foul gifted the hosts another set piece in the attacking third. Kevon Lambert’s poke would deflect into the net and knot things up at one with just five minutes remaining.

After closing out their 2021 road slate, Republic FC will return to home to face off with San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday, October 30. Kickoff on Fan Appreciation Night at Heart Health Park is set for 7:30 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento, and ESPN+. Tickets can be purchased here.

Sacramento Republic FC 1 –1 Phoenix Rising FC

USL Championship

Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, Chandler, Arizona

October 23, 2021

Sacramento Republic FC 1 –1 Phoenix Rising FC

USL Championship

Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, Chandler, Arizona

October 23, 2021

Scoring Summary: SAC–Luis Felipe (Emil Cuello) 23’PHX– Nabi Kibunguchy (Own Goal) 84’

Misconduct Summary: SAC –Jordan McCrary (caution) 32’ Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (caution) Nabi Kibunguchy (caution) 82’ 74’ PHX – Santi Moar (caution) 60’Aodhan Quinn (caution) 83’

Sacramento Republic FC: Carlos Saldaña, Shannon Gomez, Hayden Sargis, Nabi Kibunguchy, Duke Lacroix (C) (Patrick Weah 89’), Emil Cuello, Luis Felipe, Jordan McCrary, Jaime Villarreal (Maalique Foster 88’), Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Cam Iwasa

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Kharlton Belmar, JuJu Chavez, Pete Pennanen, Mario Penagos

Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 2,Saves: 7, Fouls: 20, Corner Kicks: 6,Offsides: 1

Phoenix Rising FC: Andrew Rawls, Solomon Asante (C), Tate Schmitt, Manuel Madrid, James Musa, Kevon Lambert, Aodhan Quinn, David Loera (Arturo Rodriguez 65’), Darren Mattocks (Jon Bakero 45’), Joey Calistri, Santi Moar

Unused substitutes: David Egbo, Joseph Farrell, Prince Saydee, Edward Delgado, Luis Seijas

Stats – Shots: 14, Shots on Goal: 6,Saves: 1, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 4,Offsides: 3

Scoring Summary: SAC–Luis Felipe (Emil Cuello) 23’PHX– Nabi Kibunguchy (Own Goal) 84’

Misconduct Summary: SAC –Jordan McCrary (caution) 32’ Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (caution) Nabi Kibunguchy (caution) 82’ 74’ PHX – Santi Moar (caution) 60’Aodhan Quinn (caution) 83’

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Kharlton Belmar, JuJu Chavez, Pete Pennanen, Mario Penagos

Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 2,Saves: 7, Fouls: 20, Corner Kicks: 6,Offsides: 1

Unused substitutes: David Egbo, Joseph Farrell, Prince Saydee, Edward Delgado, Luis Seijas

Stats – Shots: 14, Shots on Goal: 6,Saves: 1, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 4,Offsides: 3

In Their Own Words: When we go out there, we want to go out with heart

Sacramento Republic FC will play its last game away from Heart Health Park on Saturday when the Indomitable Club travels to Phoenix Rising FC. The Boys in Old Glory Red are looking to replicate one of their best performances of the season against Rising FC when they held the Arizona side scoreless for the first time in 32 matches back in August.

Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs

On preparing for this weekend’s match at Phoenix Rising FC…

“We had a lot of games in a short period of time, so we gave them a couple days off to refocus, re-energize and get their bodies back. The last three days, it’s just been about intensity, quality and enjoying what we do. We have two games remaining where I just want to see good performances. I want to see hunger. I want to see a desire to try and obtain the six points that are available.”

On preparing for this weekend’s match at Phoenix Rising FC…

On Republic FC’s last visit to Rising FC and the defensive effort of that night…

“The last time we were down in Phoenix, it was one of our better performances of the year. To hold a team of Phoenix’s quality and caliber to 0-0 is an accomplishment, but we didn’t take the next step, and that next step is winning in those scenarios. That’s one of the other games this year that we should have won. We’ve got to go down there this weekend and we’ve got to show a good account of ourselves and come back with points.”

On Republic FC’s last visit to Rising FC and the defensive effort of that night…

Republic FC Defender Shannon Gomez

On the potential to make a statement this weekend in Phoenix…

“We all know we’ve got to lock in. Every game is still like a final. You have to still believe, and you have to play because this is something that’s serious. We’ve got to go down there with a mentality that we’re going to win. We’re still trying to get in the playoffs and keep that playoff hope alive. This week in training was going back to the drawing board, figuring out what works for us and what will help us get a win, and just go down to Phoenix, give 110% and try to come away with three points.”

On snapping Phoenix’s 32-match scoring streak from the last meeting and building on it…

“You always want to build on your last performances. You always want to do better. You always want to take the positive out of the game, strengthen your strengths and work on your weaknesses. This is a test again. This is the fourth and last time we’re going to play them in the season, and we want to put a good showing in and come up with something from the game. We could’ve taken three points last time and unfortunately, we didn’t. This game, when we go out there, we want to go out with heart. We want to play to the best of our abilities. We want to get something out of this game and three points is of the essence.”

On the potential to make a statement this weekend in Phoenix…

On snapping Phoenix’s 32-match scoring streak from the last meeting and building on it…

Republic FC Midfielder Jaime Villarreal

On pressing Phoenix on their home pitch in a 0-0 draw in August…

“The key was playing as a team and having the energy to try and beat the best team in the league. That motivated us for that game. Hopefully for this game, we go in with the same mentality of shutting them down, but also creating chances and giving ourselves and opportunity to score.”

On having a full week of preparation after playing four matches in 12 days…

“It’s going to help building off pressing and having the legs to do it for 90 minutes. This week has been key for us to recover and be on the right mind of ‘we’re going out there to press them and try to make it as hard for them as possible.’”

On pressing Phoenix on their home pitch in a 0-0 draw in August…

On having a full week of preparation after playing four matches in 12 days…

GALLERY: TRAINING – Oct. 21

Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC

SACRAMENTO, California (October 21, 2021) – Sacramento Republic FC will close out 2021 regular season road schedule on Saturday, October 23 with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against Phoenix Rising FC from Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Chandler, Arizona.

Last time the two clubs faced off, the Boys in Old Glory took a stout defensive effort into the desert that snapped a longstanding scoring streak from the Arizona side.

At a Glance: #PHXvSAC

Saturday, October 23, 2021
7:30 p.m. PT
Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, Chandler, Arizona
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+

Saturday, October 23, 2021
7:30 p.m. PT
Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex, Chandler, Arizona
How to watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV, ESPN+

The Latest on the Team

Republic FC is coming off its sixth clean sheet of the season in a 0-0 draw with Tacoma Defiance on Sunday afternoon at Heart Health Park. Carlos Saldaña made his fifth start on the afternoon and recorded his first shutout in Old Glory Red.

SRFC turned up the intensity on the attack in the second half against the Defiance. Republic FC logged 12 of their 15 open play crosses, both shots on target and six of their eight shots from inside the box in the latter 45 minutes of play.

Jaime Villarreal made his 100th appearance for the Indomitable Club on Sunday, becoming the fourth player in club history to reach the mark. The midfielder went for 87 minutes against Tacoma and was one of five Republic FC players to complete at least 85% of his passes while logging two shots and one chance created.

Opponent Report

Phoenix Rising FC dropped a season-high six goals on Las Vegas Lights FC over the weekend for the ninth win in their last 11 games. The high-scoring 6-3 affair at Cashman Field saw Rising FC reach at least 10 shots on target for the fifth time this season.

Rising FC jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after 16 minutes with both goals assisted by Aodhan Quinn in a game that saw a 3-2 score line at the intermission. Quinn went on to log one more assist before subbing off in the 62nd minute.

Club scoring leader Santi Moar increased his 2021 total to 16 goals over the weekend with his first multi-goal game of the season. Moar scored twice against Lights FC on five shots, including three on target.

Head-to-Head

Republic FC is 6-5-7 all-time against Rising FC, including 3-3-2 in Arizona during the regular season. Last time the clubs met, SRFC snapped Phoenix’s 32-match scoring streak in a 0-0 draw in Chandler on August 21. The Indomitable Club held Rising FC to 11 shots, its second lowest of the season. Two shots on goal for Phoenix was a season-low for the club.

Offensively, SRFC created 15 opportunities on the night and 15 shots (nine on goal), forcing nine saves from Phoenix. 11 of 15 shots, eight of nine shots on target and eight of 10 shots from inside the box all came in the second half for the Boys in Old Glory Red. Cam Iwasa led all Republic FC players with five shots, including four on frame. Jaime Villarreal led the way with three chances created while Duke Lacroix and Darek Formella followed with two each to help SRFC secure a point.