May 18, 2025

2025 Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 5, Las Vegas Lights FC 0

2025 Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 5, Las Vegas Lights FC 0

Sacramento was hoping that revenge was in the cards as they lined up for their match against Las Vegas. And they got that revenge in a big way via a five-goal performance. Goals from Sebastian Herrera, Jack Gurr, Lewis Jamieson, Nick Ross, and Trevor Amann saw the Republic put on an outstanding attacking display against Las Vegas.

Las Vegas were looking to continue their good run from last season that saw them go all the way to the conference finals before bowing out. New owner Jose Bautista has been turning the fortune of this club from a typical bottom-dweller to a playoff contender. And that is shown in the signings that have been made in the offseason. Perhaps the signing that shocked everyone late in the window was the acquisition of Johnny Rodriguez from the Oakland Roots. A proven goalscorer that everyone kind of thought would be a solid piece for Oakland was on the move. A manager change was also made as Dennis Sanchez moved to New Mexico. In place, Antonio Nocerino was brought in from Miami FC. Last season, las Vegas was the only Western Conference team to win both matches in the regular season against Sacramento. And these two teams met in the post-season, where the Lights won in a 3-2 penalty shootout. The last match for the Lights was a 0-0 draw against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Sacramento knew they needed to start notching some wins to move their way back up the table. They had a rough week after the 1-0 win against Oakland. In the midweek, they were ousted from the Open Cup by the San Jose Earthquakes. And they could've considered themselves lucky in their last time out against Indy Eleven. The Republic managed a 1-1 draw, thanks to a last-second penalty call being awarded to them. Plenty of questions needed to be answered as the team took to this long home stretch.

Coach Antonio Nocerino had this lineup for Las Vegas:

Coach Neill Collins made this selection for Sacramento:

Tonight's Starting XI #SACvLV

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— Sacramento Republic FC (@sacrepublicfc.com) May 17, 2025 at 6:46 PM

Coach made some changes from the last match against Indy Eleven. Nick Ross and Blake Willey would be the starters in the midfield, replacing Luis Felipe and Rodrigo Lopez. And Lewis Jamieson got the start in the attack, replacing Dominik Wanner.

Sacramento was knocking on the door of the Las Vegas goal in the 6th minute. A long ball from Lee Desmond reached Sebastian Herrera. The striker chested the ball back to allow Michel Benitez to run with it into the Las Vegas box. Benitez's shot was targeted for the far post but was smothered by the Las Vegas keeper, Raiko Arozarena.

Las Vegas gets a chance of their own in the 8th minute. Gennaro Nigro put in a cross from the Las Vegas left that got to Johnny Rodriguez open in the middle of the Republic box. Rodriguez tried to loft the ball over Danny Vitiello, but the keeper caught the attempt.

The Republic counter-press gave Las Vegas fits as the visitors struggled to find their way out of their own half when in possession. But when Sacramento was on the ball, the decision-making was not as decisive as I'd like it to be.

In the 30th minute, Sacramento found a breakthrough. The ball was going down the right-hand side of the formation when it was played back to Jared Timmer. The defender stepped onto the ball and swung it into the Las Vegas box from a good distance away. Sebastian Herrera was in position and fighting off his man. He did well enough to get a chance at the cross and put it back across his body and into the Las Vegas net. This is Herrera's 100th career goal.

Sacramento doubled its advantage in the 36th minute. The Republic was playing the ball around the Las Vegas box and got to Michel Benitez on the left-hand side of the field. His cross went all the way to the far post, where Jack Gurr was making his run. Gurr was first to the ball, and he slotted it past the keeper to further the Republic's lead.

The advantage grew to three right before the halftime interval. Sacramento forced a mistake in transition and Herrera got the ball to Lewis Jamieson. He dribbled into the Las Vegas box and got some space against his marker. Jamieson took advantage of the space and neatly put the shot away in the lower corner.

At halftime, Sacramento held the biggest lead they have had so far this season. It finally looks like Sacramento got the system down and was able to capitalize on their opportunities. The aggressive counter-press smothered Las Vegas early in their half. And the players took advantage of the opportunities they created and were clinical in front of net.

At halftime, Coach Collins made a substitution in the midfield. Luis Felipe would replace Blake Willey.

Las Vegas was given more possession of the ball as they tried to establish a foothold in this match, but they were finding it difficult to pick their way through the Republic's defense.

Sacramento got a penalty awarded to them in the 66th minute. The Republic was on the counterattack, hounding the Las Vegas backline. Cristian Parano was making a marauding run forward, which drew all the attention to him. This left Sebastian Herrera open in the box to receive the pass. Herrera got a move on Arozarena and was taken down by the keeper. Nick Ross stepped up to the spot and placed the penalty down the middle, with Arozarena diving to his right.

Coach Collins made a pair of substitutions in the 71st minute. Nick Ross and Sebastian Herrera stepped off the field. And Roro Lopez and Trevor Amann replaced them.

And then, in the 80th minute, one more substitution was made for the Republic. AJ Edwards replaced Jack Gurr. And in the 84th, Da'vian Kimbrough replaced Cristian Parano.

Sacramento made it a 5-goal advantage in the 87th minute. Rodrigo Lopez won the ball in transition and put the cross on a dime for Trevor Amann. His header was put down into the ground, bouncing back up past the keeper and into the net.

Las Vegas just couldn't find any presence in this match, as Sacramento put 5 goals past them. The Republic put in an outstanding performance in this one. It was clear they had a game plan for this match and were able to follow through on it from the jump. Also, it was good seeing the scoring come from multiple players. The next match is against this same Las Vegas Lights team in the USL Cup. Onwards!

Key Takeaways:

  • Looks like the players are finally able to fully execute on Coach Collins' game plan.
  • The counter-press worked wonders for the Republic as Las Vegas struggled to get out of its own half.
  • It's great seeing the attack and creativity come from multiple players.

Sacramento Republic FC: 5 goals, 9 shots, 6 shots on target, 56.1% possession, 4 corners, 3 offsides, 3 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Las Vegas Lights FC: 0 goals, 10 shots, 4 shots on target, 43.9% possession, 2 corners, 4 offsides, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Danny Vitiello, Michel Benitez, Freddy Kleeman, Lee Desmond, Jared Timmer, Jack Gurr (OUT, 80'), Blake Willey (OUT, HT'), Nick Ross (OUT, 71'), Lewis Jamieson, Sebastian Herrera (OUT, 71'), Cristian Parano (OUT, 84')

Republic FC Bench: Jared Mazzola, AJ Edwards (IN, 80'), Ryan Spaulding, Rayan Djedje, Dominik Wanner, Luis Felipe (IN, HT'), Rodrigo Lopez (IN, 71'), Trevor Amann (IN, 71'), Da'vian Kimbrough (IN, 84')

What were your thoughts on the match? Sound off in the comments below!

Follow me on Bluesky (@allisquail.bsky.social) for live match coverage and more!

Check out the stats from this match here!

(Photo Credits to Sacramento Republic FC)

 

 

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Riyan Lacara

All Is Quail Blog Author/Co-Host

The “numbers guy”, Riyan! Riyan is a native of Sacramento and has been following the Republic since day one. He has covered the team across different media outlets including now his own, All is Quail Soccer. Aside from putting numbers in spreadsheets, he has a love of video games and finding a good book to put in his ever growing to-read pile.

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