2025 Match Recap: Colorado Springs Switchbacks 0, Sacramento Republic FC 2

The path to the postseason took the Republic to visit the reigning champions in Colorado Springs. And it was the Republic to claim the victory thanks to goals from Lewis Jamieson and Russell Cicerone.

The defending champions are fighting to return to the playoffs and have the opportunity to defend their crown. The Switchbacks entered this match in the final playoff spot, just two points above Orange County. However, a win could propel them as high as third in the conference. That just shows how congested the Western Conference is in the final stretch. This team was unbeaten in their last three matches. This stretch includes an impressive 2-0 win over conference leaders FC Tulsa. And their last match was a shootout in Tampa Bay as they drew 3-3. The last time these two sides met was early in the season in March, when the game ended 2-2. Jack Gurr and Russell Cicerone brought the lead to the Republic, but two penalty conversions late in the match for Colorado Springs leveled it for the visitors.

The climb to first place in the conference might be too much for the Republic to overcome this late in the season. Sacramento was 8 points behind FC Tulsa with 7 matches left in the regular season. However, the Republic needed to maintain their recent form to continue building a gap over the teams below them and to carry momentum into the postseason. Sacramento's unbeaten streak in the league was also sitting at three matches. This includes the two wins on the away swing to New Mexico and Tampa Bay. And then in their last match, it was a disappointing 2-2 draw to Phoenix. Russell Cicerone and an own goal gave the Republic the lead at the half, but Phoenix stepped up in the second half and fought their way back into that one.

Coach James Chambers had this lineup for Colorado Springs:

Nuestro once inicial 💃#COSvSAC pic.twitter.com/MRMC7spu7B

— Switchbacks FC (@SwitchbacksFC) September 20, 2025

Coach Neill Collins brought this selection for Sacramento:

Starting XI for this evening#SACvsCOS | @TiemannLawFirm pic.twitter.com/xp1cFbsfVh

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) September 20, 2025

A couple of changes from the draw against Phoenix for Neill Collins' side. Michel Benitez resumed responsibility of the left flank over Ryan Spaulding. Rodrigo Lopez returned to midfield to be paired with Nick Ross. And Cristian Parano got the start in the front line for Khori Bennett, as Bennett is facing a suspension due to a red card in the last match. This also moved Russell Cicerone to the center forward spot instead of his normal winger position.

The first chance of the night came in the 7th minute. Off a throw-in, Jack Gurr got the ball down the right-hand side. He swung in a cross into the Switchbacks' box that was flicked on by Freddy Kleeman. Russell Cicerone would be the recipient as he rose up to meet the ball and headed it towards goal. But from point-blank range, it was straight at the Colorado Springs goalkeeper Christian Herrera.

As the first half progressed, both teams had periods of possession and were able to move their way into attacking positions. But neither could find that final pass to get a clean shot at the goal.

Danny Vitiello's first test of the night came in the 33rd minute. The ball was turned over in Republic territory. Brennan Creek got the ball in the middle of the park and chipped it over a couple of Republic players to connect with Akeem Ward, making a darting run into the Republic box. Danny Vitiello stepped forward from his line to block the shot out.

Coach Collins made an early substitution in the 39th minute. Cristian Parano had to be subbed off, and Luis Felipe replaced him.

It was even at halftime. Both sides had their shots but were struggling to get them on target. Both teams had only one shot on target, with Colorado Springs taking four shots in total and Sacramento taking seven shots. It has been a physical match so far, as we saw three first-half substitutions made between the two sides. This included the early substitution of Cristian Parano and a key piece for Colorado Springs in Juan Tejada. Neither side has really been able to establish dominance in the first half as it's been a stop-start contest so far.

Colorado Springs was putting early pressure on the Republic backline in the second half, keeping Sacramento pinned in their own territory.

Coach Collins made an early second-half substitution in the 58th minute. Lewis Jamieson was called on to replace Blake Willey.

And that substitution paid off in the 68th minute as Lewis Jamieson gave Sacramento the lead. Rodrigo Lopez played the ball down the line to Jack Gurr. Gurr cuts the pass back to the middle of the box and Lewis Jamieson. The forward took on two Switchbacks defenders and got some space to shoot it over Christian Herrera and roof it into the back of the Switchbacks' net.

Back of the net! 🚀
Jamieson puts us in front 1–0! pic.twitter.com/xsHOjxeMtE

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) September 21, 2025

And Sacramento doubled their lead off a quick counterattack in the 84th minute. Russell Cicerone got the ball on the break and played it to Lewis Jamieson, who instantly returned it to Cicerone on the run. He had nothing but open space in between him and the goal, and Christian Herrera stepped up in an attempt to block the shot, but could only manage to get an arm to it as the ball deflected off of it and into the back of the net.

Cicerone doubles the lead! 2-0 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/j892gnXagS

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) September 21, 2025

Danny Vitiello faced another test in stoppage time. Marco Micaletto was through past the backline thanks to a great ball from Tyler Clegg. He struck it first time, but Danny Vitiello was able to smother the opportunity.

One more substitution was made in stoppage time for the Republic. Rodrigo Lopez stepped off the pitch to be replaced by Justin Portillo.

And the full-time whistle came with the Republic taking all three points. The Republic attack did well to convert the opportunities that they had. Two goals from three shots on target is a pretty solid conversion rate. And the team was putting out a solid effort late in the match at a high altitude. Players like Lewis Jamieson, Jack Gurr, and Russell Cicerone were able to do full out sprints and were rewarded for their efforts. Lewis Jamieson did well, especially, bagging a goal and an assist off the bench. On the other end of the field, the defense held firm and limited the Switchbacks' attack. Next up is a visit to the coast and Monterey. Onwards!

Key Takeaways:

• Shoutout to Danny Vitiello getting his 50th assist for the club.
• Lewis Jamieson delivered an excellent performance coming off the bench, harassing the Colorado Springs defense.
• Russell Cicerone has been on a tear recently and scored another goal.

Sacramento Republic FC: 2 goals, 10 shots, 3 shots on target, 43.4% possession, 5 corners, 3 offsides, 1 yellow card, 0 red cards.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: 0 goals, 8 shots, 3 shots on target, 56.6% possession, 4 corners, 0 offsides, 1 yellow card, 0 red cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Rayan Djedje, Freddy Kleeman, Jack Gurr, Michel Benitez, Nick Ross, Rodrigo Lopez (OUT, 90+'), Russell Cicerone, Cristian Parano (OUT, 39'), Blake Willey (OUT, 68')

Republic FC Bench: Jared Mazzola, Chibi Ukaegbu, Cody Baker, AJ Edwards, Justin Portillo (IN, 90+'), Luis Felipe (IN, 39'), Lewis Jamieson (IN, 58')

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Check out the stats from this match here!

(Photo thanks to Sacramento Republic FC)