2025 Match Recap: Rhode Island FC //, Sacramento Republic FC //
Sacramento was looking to get something from this road trip as they visited Tidewater Landing and Rhode Island FC. //
Things are looking bright for Rhode Island. In their debut season, they went on a run through the playoffs, making it all the way to the championship match. And in the offseason, their new soccer-specific stadium, Centreville Bank Stadium, was completed and ready for use. Now in their second year, Rhode Island is looking to build off the success of their debut season. They came into this match in 7th place in the USL Eastern Conference. A former Republic player, Aldair Sanchez, has been creating chances for the side at a similar rate to Jack Gurr for Sacramento. But their conversion rate is what is hindering this team. Rhode Island was 6th in the league for shots with 160, but they were tied for 17th in goals scored with 13. For reference, Sacramento was 13th in shots with 140, and tied for 13th in goals with 15. The last match between the two was a 2-2 draw with Trevor Amann and Jonathan Ricketts scoring on the night.
Sacramento was looking to find some answers on this road trip. And it doesn't look like they found any in their last match against Birmingham. A dismal attacking performance saw the side only put two shots on target against the Legion. Their defense kept the Republic in the game, but a last-second goal by Sebastian Tregarthen secured all three points for Birmingham. With that match, the Republic has played three consecutive matches in league play without scoring a goal for the first time since 2022. Hopefully, Coach Collins found something in the short time span between the two matches because the games are starting to come thick and fast, and before you know it, you can sink to well below the playoff line.
Coach Khano Smith had this lineup set for Rhode Island:
Coach Neill Collins made this selection for Sacramento:
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Key Takeaways:
Sacramento Republic FC: / goal, / shots, / shots on target, ///% possession, / corners, / offsides, / yellow cards, / red cards.
Rhode Island FC: / goal, / shots, / shots on target, ///% possession, / corners, / offsides, / yellow cards, / red cards.
Republic FC Lineup: Danny Vitiello, Michel Benitez, Chibi Ukaegbu, Lee Desmond, Jared Timmer, Jack Gurr, Ryan Spaulding, Blake Willey, Russell Cicerone, Nick Ross, Dominik Wanner
Republic FC Bench: Jared Mazzola, AJ Edwards, Freddy Kleeman, Rayan Djedje, Luis Felipe, Justin Portillo, Rodrigo Lopez, Trevor Amann, Cristian Parano
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Check out the stats from this match here!
(Photo Credits to Sacramento Republic FC)