2025 Match Recap: Phoenix Rising FC 2, Sacramento Republic FC 2

Sacramento was looking to carry the momentum from their Open Cup win into a hostile environment. The Republic were tasked with going into Phoenix and taking on the Phoenix Rising. In the first half, their attack looked threatening, and they got 2 goals from Sebastian Herrera and Dominik Wanner for their efforts. But Phoenix was able to find a way back into the match and get 2 goals of their own to equalize the match.

Phoenix came into this match in a similar position to Sacramento. Both teams had only notched 1 win in the regular season. And both have had their fair share of injury struggles to start the season. This Phoenix squad has gone through some changes in the offseason with a new manager being put in place. Pa-Modou Kah would now be trying to lead this Phoenix side back into the playoffs after they had been defeated in the first round of last year's edition. Phoenix was also coming off a midweek win in the Open Cup that saw them go all the way to a penalty shootout against FC Tulsa. 

Sacramento's 1-0 win against El Farolito hopefully would be the catalyst to jumpstart this Republic team. They were still positioned below the playoff line and needed to get more points at a higher rate if they wanted to climb the table. The last time these two sides squared off it was a 2-0 win at Heart Health Park. Sebastian Herrera and Kieran Phillips were the goalscorers on that occasion. But the Republic has failed to get a win away at Phoenix since 2018.

Coach Pa-Modou Kah had this lineup for Phoenix:

Today's Starting XI⭐️#TodosRojos pic.twitter.com/4BmAcjY6Ik

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) April 19, 2025

Coach Neill Collins made this selection for Sacramento:

Here is today’s starting XI vs Phoenix Rising FC. Tune in on Fox40.com and ESPN+!

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— Sacramento Republic FC (@sacrepublicfc.com) April 19, 2025 at 12:40 PM

A couple things to note for this selection for Coach Collins. Jack Gurr returns to the lineup after suffering an injury that held him out the past couple of games. Michel Benitez lined up in the midfield alongside Blake Willey.

The first decent chance of the match went to Sacramento. Dominik Wanner got the ball going down the left and put a cross into the Phoenix box. Cristian Parano was unmarked and got a head onto the ball, but his attempt went wide of the post.

Dominik Wanner put another great ball into the Phoenix box in the 15th minute. This time it was Sebastian Herrera that got the opportunity. His header forced Patrick Rakovsky to get a hand on the ball before smothering the opportunity.

Then the chances from wide finally paid off for Sacramento in the 18th minute. Russell Cicerone threaded a through ball aimed at the middle of the Phoenix box. Sebastian Herrera was able to get a foot on the pass and slotted it past Patrick Rakovsky and into the Phoenix net.

Herrera capitalizing on a strong start in Phoenix giving us the 1-0 lead!#PHXvsSAC pic.twitter.com/XzWfkOiNnh

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 19, 2025

Phoenix slowed down the tempo of play and moved their line of confrontation up to make it harder for Sacramento to move into their attack.

In the 34th minute, Sacramento were able to break that Phoenix press and Jack Gurr got the ball within the Phoenix box. The defender put in a great cross that went all the way across to his opposite wingback. Dominik Wanner struck the ball out of midair and put it into the Phoenix net.

First goal in the USL Championship ✅

Dominik Wanner tallies @SacRepublicFC's second of the afternoon 👌 pic.twitter.com/iFMFXSejwy

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) April 19, 2025

Phoenix immediately answered with a goal of their own in the 38th minute. Jearl Margaritha streaked into the Republic box with the ball at his feet. He cut back and left both of his markers in the dust. And then with freedom he placed the shot beyond Danny Vitiello's reach and into the Sacramento net.

Okay Jearl we see you! #TodosRojos pic.twitter.com/NWZ8RRBX5h

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) April 19, 2025

A fiery first half for this match as Sacramento held the advantage. Though they would've been happy with the break coming when it came as Phoenix were starting to build up more pressure outside the Republic's box. It was great seeing the Republic being the aggressor to start the match and they got rewarded for it. On the other hand, great individual effort from Margaritha to keep Phoenix in this match.

Coach Collins made a substitution at halftime. AJ Edwards came on to take the place of Jack Gurr.

Phoenix were the ones to open the second half with an opportunity in the 50th minute. Rémi Cabral made a great run to wrap around Freddy Kleeman and received the ball in the Sacramento box. His shot was aimed at the near post and forced Danny Vitiello to push the shot out for a corner kick.

Both teams were able to test the keepers as the match progressed but neither found another breakthrough heading into the 60th minute.

Coach Collins made a duo of substitutions in the 64th minute. Rayan Djedje and Ryan Spaulding came into the match in place of Chibi Ukaegbu and Dominik Wanner.

Phoenix was pushing for an equalizer heading into the final phase of play when Coach Collins made another pair of substitutions in the 74th minute. Rodrigo Lopez and Lewis Jamieson looked to refresh the Sacramento attack. Sebastian Herrera and Cristian Parano were taken off.

And Phoenix found their equalizer in the 78th minute. Damian Rivera got the ball in the Sacramento box. He took a touch and got some space to take a well placed shot outside of the grasp of Danny Vitiello and into the Republic net.

TICO TIES IT UP 🔥 #TodosRojos pic.twitter.com/qb5CE93chl

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) April 19, 2025

Sacramento got a chance to retake the lead in the 82nd minute. Russell Cicerone ran past the Phoenix backline and was forced to drift wide. He put the ball back into the middle with Blake Willey. The midfielder then laid it off to Roro Lopez making a late run. His shot was placed low but on the wrong side of the post.

Fulltime was called as Phoenix were pushing for a winner. Sacramento tried to find a chance but that shot from Lopez was their best chance after Phoenix scored their second goal. More points dropped from Sacramento. Another game where the Republic put themselves in a winning position only to not come away with all 3 points. The second half had a clear drop in play from the Republic. Next up is a Jagermeister Cup game against AV Alta at home. Onwards!

Key Takeaways:

• More dropped points from a game the Republic were in a winning position in.
• Phoenix's fast strikers were again causing problems for the Sacramento backline.
• We need to find a way to keep the intensity for a full 90 minutes.

Sacramento Republic FC: 2 goals, 14 shots, 4 shots on target, 47.8% possession, 1 corner, 2 offsides, 5 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Phoenix Rising FC: 2 goals, 7 shots, 4 shots on target, 52.2% possession, 3 corners, 4 offsides, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Danny Vitiello, Michel Benitez, Freddy Kleeman, Chibi Ukaegbu (OUT, 64'), Jared Timmer, Jack Gurr (OUT, HT'), Dominik Wanner (OUT, 64'), Blake Willey, Russell Cicerone, Sebastian Herrera (OUT, 74'), Cristian Parano (OUT, 74')

Republic FC Bench: Jared Mazzola, Rayan Djedje (IN, 64'), Luis Felipe, Ryan Spaulding (IN, 64'), AJ Edwards (IN, HT'), Lewis Jamieson (IN, 74'), Rodrigo Lopez (IN, 74'), Trevor Amann

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Check out the stats from this match here!

Image: SacRepublicFC.com