Aug. 3, 2025

2025 Match Recap: San Antonio FC 1, Sacramento Republic FC 3

2025 Match Recap: San Antonio FC 1, Sacramento Republic FC 3

Sacramento had their eyes on moving towards the top of the table ahead of their clash with San Antonio FC. After a weather delay, it would be Sacramento that walked away from all three points. First ever goals for the Republic came from Lee Desmond and Khori Bennett. And then in stoppage time, Christian Parano would seal the result.

Since the last time we've seen San Antonio, they've continued their run of excellent form. They came into this match 2nd in the conference standings, three points ahead of the Republic. Also, along with the Republic, San Antonio won their group and moved on to the knockout stage of the Jagermeister Cup. San Antonio were riding a five-match unbeaten run, including a string of four consecutive wins, across all competitions.  The last match for them ended in a shootout as they lost to New Mexico in their final match of group play in the Jagermeister Cup. Their last loss came back in June, when they lost to the same New Mexico side 2-4. And their previous match against Sacramento was a defensive battle, ending in a 0-0 draw.

Things were being shaken up in Sacramento. There have been questions surrounding the Republic's attacking throughout this season. And in response, the club brought in Khori Bennett, who we saw come off the bench against Spokane, where the team won 1-0. The team moved on in the Jagermeister Cup, thanks to some help from AV Alta against Monterey. But with a new striker coming in, another striker departed the club. Trevor Amann had transferred to FC Tulsa. Amann made a couple of cameos this season, but didn't get consistent playing time, and it was apparent he fell out of favor. Hopefully, with the signing of Bennett, the team's fortunes can swing upwards and generate even more goals.

Coach Carlos Llamosa made this selection for San Antonio:

Coach Neill Collins had this lineup for Sacramento:

Only two changes to the lineup from their last match against Spokane. Danny Vitiello claimed his usual spot in the Republic net. And Blake Willey got the start in the midfield, pairing with Nick Ross. One name on the bench to keep an eye on was Lewis Jamieson, who was returning from being out due to an injury.

The early stages of the match were highlighted by long spells of possession for San Antonio. Sacramento did their best at withstanding the pressure and making it hard for San Antonio to find their passing lanes. When they were able to find their way out, it would be through players like Cristian Parano maintaining possession and finding teammates making runs forward to help relieve the Sacramento defense of the pressure.

Danny Vitiello was called on in the 17th minute when San Antonio got the first chance of the night. Jorge Hernandez got the ball in the midfield and played a through ball behind the Republic's backline. Diogo Pacheco was the target and dribbled into the Republic box and got a shot off onto the Republic goal, but Danny Vitiello stood his ground and parried the ball away.

Sacramento got the opening goal in the 33rd minute. From a free kick opportunity in the midfield, Jack Gurr put in a beautiful cross into the San Antonio box. And it would be Lee Desmond to rise first to the ball and head it away from Richard Sanchez and into the San Antonio net. This would be Desmond's first-ever goal in a Republic uniform.

San Antonio would find an instant response in the 34th minute. Some quick combination play led to Diogo Pacheco shaking free of his mark and finding space down the right. He got into the Republic box and aimed for the bottom corner, and his shot got past a diving Danny Vitiello to equalize the game.

Sacramento again were testing the San Antonio goal in the 42nd minute off another set-piece opportunity. Jack Gurr swung in a ball from the middle of the field that got headed onto the net by San Antonio's Mitchell Taintor. Richard Sanchez was behind the attempt and was able to catch the ball despite the deflection.

At halftime, the sides were tied, with both sides finding initial chances. The two teams were able to test the keepers. But San Antonio had the slight edge in terms of the number of chances. They looked the more threatening side, but Sacramento was able to hold their own on the counterattack. There was some physical play coming from both sides, leaving it to the referee to make some tough decisions.

Sacramento opened with a higher line of confrontation to try to win the ball in transition. And when San Antonio was in control, the Republoc sat back in a compact shape, congesting the middle of the field. San Antonio was trying to find their strikers with some long balls but was finding difficulty in maintaining possession deep in the Republic's territory.

Coach Collins made the first substitutions of the night in the 68th minute. Luis Felipe and Khori Bennett stepped on the pitch to replace Blake Willey and Sebastian Herrera.

A lot of the play in the second half was confined to the midfield as neither side could find a clear opportunity on net.

Another wave of substitutions came in the 78th minute. Rodrigo Lopez and AJ Edwards replaced Russell Cicerone and Michel Benitez.

Sacramento took the lead in the 82nd minute. Luis Felipe was pressured to put in a long ball. San Antonio's defense poorly handled the long ball as it deflected past one of the defenders. And Khori Bennett was there to run onto the rebound, and he lifted the ball over an onrushing Richard Sanchez.

San Antonio nearly found an equalizer. A ball was lofted into the Sacramento box and found the head of Alex Crognale in the middle. His header from point-blank range was aimed downwards, but Danny Vitiello was right there to make the save.

And then Cristian Parano sealed the win in stoppage time. Rodrigo Lopez got the ball in the midfield and played it out wide to the winger. He made a dribble down further into San Antonio territory and aimed his shot at the nearpost to beat Richard Sanchez and get a goal against his former team.

A final substitution was made in stoppage time with Lewis Jamieson taking the place of Cristian Parano.

The Republic came away with all three points and positioned themselves in second place in the Western Conference table. Great fight from the team to take it to a rival who is known to bring a physical presence. Neill Collins brought a couple of adjustments at halftime, and they panned out. A higher line of confrontation forced San Antonio into a more uncomfortable position where sending long balls was their only real way of relief. Also, some excellent performances coming from the bench with Khori Bennett getting a goal and Rodrigo Lopez notching another assist. Just a solid performance from the players and manager to get the win. Next up, the Republic returns home to face Monterey. Onwards!

Key Takeaways:

  • Great goals on the night. Lee Desmond and Khori Bennett getting their first goals in a Republic uniform and Cristian Parano getting a goal on his former team.
  • Solid adjustments and substitutions coming from Neill Collins to put his team in a winning position.
  • The Republic is finding its form starting the second half of the season. Going four wins out of their last five.

Sacramento Republic FC: 3 goals, 13 shots, 3 shots on target, 36.6% possession, 3 corners, 2 offsides, 3 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

San Antonio FC: 1 goal, 11 shots, 3 shots on target, 63.4% possession, 4 corners, 2 offsides, 3 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Jared Timmer, Freddy Kleeman, Jack Gurr, Michel Benitez (OUT, 78'), Nick Ross, Blake Willey (OUT, 68'), Russell Cicerone (OUT, 78'), Sebastian Herrera (OUT, 68'), Cristian Parano (OUT, 90+')

Republic FC Bench: Jared Mazzola, AJ Edwards (IN, 78'), Chibi Ukaegbu, Luis Felipe (IN, 68'), Rodrigo Lopez (IN, 78'), Khori Bennett (IN, 68'), Lewis Jamieson (IN, 90+')

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

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Check out the stats from this match here!

(Photo thanks 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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