2025 Match Recap: Las Vegas Lights FC 0, Sacramento Republic FC 2

On this 4th of July matchup, Sacramento was hoping for some fireworks to come away from Las Vegas with all three points. And they were able to light up the Lights with a smothering attack that saw AJ Edwards and Russell Cicerone both score a goal to give the Republic a win.

The Lights have undergone a couple of changes since Sacramento last met them. The two losses against Sacramento were part of a five-game losing streak that saw Antonio Nocerino lose the manager position of Las Vegas. Since then, Giovanni Troise was appointed to serve as interim head coach. And under his leadership, the Lights were riding a three-game winning streak heading into this match. The Lights were ahead of the Republic before this match, sitting above the playoff line in 7th place.

The rollercoaster for the Republic was still going. Sacramento's last match was in the USL Cup, where they lost to another last-second goal, this time against Orange County. They were hoping to use this match to rebound and jumpstart their form against some familiar opposition. The series has gone in favor of the Republic so far this season. The first time these two met this season was a 5-0 blowout win for the Republic. And they followed that performance up in the cup with a 4-0 win against the same Lights side. The Republic knew they could score goals against this Lights team, but will the managerial changes be enough to throw off Sacramento?

Interim Head Coach Giovanni Troise had this lineup for Las Vegas:

Your Fourth of July Starting XI, brought to you by @RAHLawFirm ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/eThTAA2PwQ

— Las Vegas Lights FC (@lvlightsfc) July 5, 2025

Coach Neill Collins made this selection for Sacramento:

Tonight’s starting XI #LVvSAC

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— Sacramento Republic FC (@sacrepublicfc.com) July 4, 2025 at 6:44 PM

A couple of changes for the Republic from the last game against Orange County. Danny Vitiello returned to get the start as the keeper. And Freddy Kleeman returned to his normal spot amongst the backline. Blake Willey got the start in the midfield alongside Nick Ross. And Sebastian Herrera would be leading the attack for the Republic.

Sacramento was conducting early limit testing of the Las Vegas backline, trying to see what changes had been made to their system by Interim Coach Troise. Las Vegas was also trying to move the ball forward quickly to challenge the Republic's backline in the early phases.

The first shot on target came to Michel Benitez in the 17th minute. The Republic turned and burned their way through the midfield, and Russell Cicerone was on the ball just in Las Vegas' territory. Michen Benitez was sprinting up the left and received Cicerone's pass. He got into the Las Vegas box and forced Raiko Arozarena into making a save and pushing the ball out for a corner. Then, off the corner kick, it would be Rodrigo Lopez who put the ball back into the Las Vegas box. Sebastian Herrera rose above the defense and headed the ball, but it went off the crossbar and was cleared out.

Coach Collins was forced into an early substitution. AJ Edwards took to the pitch in the 31st minute to replace Jack Gurr. Gurr could not continue in the match after a head-to-head collision with Las Vegas' Gennaro Nigro.

Sacramento got another opportunity in the 34th minute. Russell Cicerone dribbled down the left flank and was able to dodge a couple of defenders in the Las Vegas box. He passed the ball off to Blake Willey, who took a touch and fired a shot on target, but it was right at Raiko Arozarena.

At halftime, neither team was able to find a breakthrough. The first half looked better for the Republic as they were able to put some shots on target and threaten Raiko Arozarena in the net. But, they were still searching for a breakthrough going into the second half. On the other hand, Las Vegas was struggling to find any meaningful possession in Republic territory. The home side was struggling to string together passes in the midfield and relied on winning the long ball to find Johnny Rodriguez. It has been a physical battle as both sets of players were dueling, but Las Vegas was forcing some terrible challenges as they dealt with three yellow cards already given to them.

The high press was giving Las Vegas difficulties early in the second half as the turnovers were increasing pressure on the Las Vegas backline. And that backline collapsed in the 49th minute. Sacramento was building pressure down the right with AJ Edwards moving down the flank. Edwards from a wild angle put in a ball that snuck between Raiko Arozarena and the near post as it flew into the back of the net. This is Edwards' first goal for the Republic.

What a way to score your first Republic goal! pic.twitter.com/t3PTpgmKAY

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) July 5, 2025

Sacramento was pushing to extend its lead in the 60th minute. Similar to the buildup in the first half, Russell Cicerone was threatening with possession going down the left. Michel Benitez made a run to his outside and received the ball with the Las Vegas goal in front of him. Raiko Arozarena was up to the challenge and deflected the shot.

And Sacramento got the second goal in the 67th minute. Sacramento won the ball in the midfield, and Blake Willey turned on possession to get a look ahead. In front of him was Russell Cicerone, and Willey found the forward with a ground pass that broke through the Las Vegas lines. Cicerone on the ball took a couple of touches to the right inside the Lights' box and fired it home past Raiko Arozarena.

It's just what he does! Another Russell Cicerone goal pic.twitter.com/nYnAjxQOsu

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) July 5, 2025

A pair of substitutions were made for the Republic in the 75th minute. Dominik Wanner and Luis Felipe came onto the pitch to replace Rodrigo Lopez and Sebastian Herrera.

More substitutions were made late in the match in the 83rd minute. Chibi Ukaegbu and Trevor Amann were brought on to take the places of Michel Benitez and Russell Cicerone. And then in stoppage time, Rayan Djedje replaced Nick Ross.

Las Vegas was trying to get something from this match, but was still struggling for any meaningful possession. And they would be unable to register a shot on target before the final whistle was blown. Sacramento comes away from Las Vegas with all three points and a regular-season sweep over the Lights. Great play from the Republic to make Las Vegas almost a non-factor in this one. They were able to generate chances and convert them into goals. Next up for the Republic, they come back home to host El Paso. Onwards!

Key Takeaways:

• Ok, we've established that we can beat Las Vegas. Now, can we figure out the rest of the league?
• Solid showing from the midfield and defense to hold the Lights to 9 shots on target.
• Please let this match be a point of ignition for the Republic's attack.

Sacramento Republic FC: 2 goals, 20 shots, 6 shot on target, 53.6% possession, 6 corners, 0 offsides, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Las Vegas Lights FC: 0 goals, 6 shots, 0 shots on target, 46.4% possession, 1 corner, 5 offsides, 4 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Jared Timmer, Freddy Kleeman, Jack Gurr (OUT, 31'), Michel Benitez (OUT, 83'), Nick Ross (OUT, 90+'), Blake Willey, Russell Cicerone (OUT, 83'), Sebastian Herrera (OUT, 75'), Rodrigo Lopez (OUT, 75')

Republic FC Bench: Jared Mazzola, AJ Edwards (IN, 31'), Chibi Ukaegbu (IN, 83'), Rayan Djedje (IN, 90+'), Dominik Wanner (IN, 75'), Luis Felipe (IN, 75'), Trevor Amann (IN, 83')

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Check out the stats from this match here!

(Photo Credits to Sacramento Republic FC)