2025 USL Cup Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 1, AV Alta 0

We've got another cup on the schedule as the USL Jägermeister Cup rolls into Heart Health Park. And with a new competition comes new opponents. In their debut match in this competition, the Sacramento Republic squared off against AV Alta of USL League One. A goal from Sebastian Herrera right before the break was enough to see the Republic get the win.

This match was also AV Alta's debut in the competition, as it is their first year of existence. If you want to read more about how I thought the Republic should handle this match and this opponent in general, then check out my opponent preview. AV Alta has been having a great time in their first year as a franchise. They came into this match in 8th place in USL League One. But they have been making waves in the US Open Cup. They joined the Republic in the 4th round as their cup run saw off sides like Ventura County Fusion, Los Angeles FC II, and Orange County SC. The last win against Orange County saw the two sides go all the way to a penalty shootout before AV Alta came out victorious. AV Alta's previous match was their first loss at home, as Spokane Velocity won 2-1.

Sacramento wasn't able to participate in this contest last year as it was restricted to USL League One sides only. But, this competition represents another opportunity for the Republic to make another deep cup run and another chance at some silverware. On paper, Sacramento would be the favored of the two sides. However, their run of form has been below expectations so far this season. The last match for the Republic was a disappointing 2-2 draw away against Phoenix. With only one win in league play and being tied for the bottom of the conference table, the Republic could use this game as an opportunity to return to form. A question would be which players Neill Collins selects for this competition.

Coach Brian Kleiban had this lineup for AV Alta:

Starting XI 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hwbnUXlpB7

— AV ALTA FC (@AVALTAFC) April 27, 2025

Coach Neill Collins made this selection for Sacramento:

Kickoff coming up soon 🔥 Here is our starting XI for tonight's USL Cup match. Tune in on FOX40 and ESPN+. #SACvAV

[image or embed]

— Sacramento Republic FC (@sacrepublicfc.com) April 26, 2025 at 6:28 PM

Coach Collins opted for a lineup of mainly starters. Jared Mazzola continued his run in cup competitions as he got the start between the posts. Lee Desmond got the start as he's returning from injury. Coach Collins chose to ride the hot hands with the attackers as Sebastian Herrera and Russell Cicerone started the match. Michel Benitez would start the night as the left wingback as his positional flexibility is becoming key for the Republic navigating this period with multiple injuries.

Sacramento opened the match as the aggressor trying to find pockets of space in the AV Alta defense. However, their passing wasn't cutting it when they approached the opposing third, as AV Alta's defense stepped in when they needed to halt Sacramento's attacks.

The two teams were feeling each other out through the first 30 minutes of the match, with neither keeper facing a stern test in their net. That was until the 30th minute, when Sacramento got the first decent chance of the night. Dominik Wanner put in an inswinging ball from the left flank that got to the head of Russell Cicerone in the middle of the AV Alta box. His headed effort had to be pushed away by the AV Alta keeper, Carlos Avilez, and out.

Sacramento was putting in a bunch of crosses with the halftime break looming. In the 32nd minute, Sacramento earned some corner kick opportunities. With Rodrigo Lopez standing over the ball, he put in a terrific cross that reached the near post of the AV Alta net. Russell Cicerone again got on the end of the cross and managed to get a glancing header on the ball to put it across the net. Carlos Avilez was able to get a hand on it and push it away from goal.

And then, in the 45th minute, Sacramento got the advantage right before the break. Jared Timmer got the ball a couple of yards outside the AV Alta box and swung in a cross that reached the middle of the opposition's box. This time, it was Sebastian Herrera who got the opportunity, and he dived at the ball to head it past the keeper and into the net.

SebaGol 🔥

Fourth consecutive match with a goal for @Sebasti67860374! pic.twitter.com/oONYyAUNBj

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 27, 2025

At the break, it was Sacramento with the lead. It was a real defensive battle in the first half, as neither side could find a way through the opposing third for a majority of the match. Sacramento was the aggressor and was heading into the break with the total shots advantage. The Republic outshot AV Alta seven shots to two. And for shots on target, Republic had two shots on target as their defense blanked AV Alta. As the teams headed into the second half, the question looming was who would grab the next goal. A second goal for the Republic would make the mountain to climb for AV Alta even harder, as they hadn't tested the Republic net. A goal for AV Alta would galvanize the team and put the Republic on the back foot, a position they have become accustomed to this season.

Coach Collins made a substitution as Lee Desmond was still working his way to match fitness. In his place would be Ryan Spaulding. Michel Benitez would take the third centerback spot as Ryan Spaulding moved into the left wingback.

Sacramento opened the second half again on the front foot, with them getting the first chance in the 49th minute. Ryan Spaulding was making an overlapping run deep in AV Alta's territory. Russell Cicerone played him through on the net, and he got a low shot at the AV Alta goal. Carlos Avilez was able to get down to the floor and block the shot.

AV Alta got their first decent chance at the Sacramento net in the 58th minute. Emmanuel Alaribe dribbled to the top of the Republic box and got his shot off. The effort was blocked by Jared Mazzola and put out for a corner kick.

Coach Collins looked to solidify the midfield as the game entered its final phase. In the 64th minute, Coach Collins brought on Luis Felipe in place of Rodrigo Lopez.

Just as AV Alta thought they would have a chance on the Sacramento net, Michel Benitez came sliding through to break up the counterattack. Emmanuel Alaribe was given a long ball over the Republic defense that aimed him toward the net. But Benitez, with a great recovery run, slid in to block the striker before he could muster a shot.

A season debut for Trevor Amann was made in the 71st minute as he took to the field to replace Sebastian Herrera.

Sacramento got another opportunity to widen the margin in the 73rd minute. A lofted free kick was put into the AV Alta box. And the ball was headed back across by Russell Cicerone. The ball fell to Freddy Kleeman, but he put the shot off the frame of the goal, and eventually, the chance was cleared out.

Coach Collins made his final substitutions of the night in the 84th minute. AJ Edwards and Lewis Jamieson came on to replace Jared Timmer and Dominik Wanner. This moved Cristian Parano centrally as Jamieson slotted in as a winger. This change also shifted the formation of the Republic into a traditional 4-4-2. Amann and Parano were to lead the line, with Jamieson, Willey, Felipe, and Cicerone making the midfield.

AV Alta was trying to find an equalizer but was also finding it increasingly frustrating to get past the Republic's defense. And the full-time whistle blew before AV Alta could get another decent chance at the net. The Sacramento defense was on fire as they limited AV Alta to a handful of attacking opportunities. From Jared Timmer registering an assist to Michel Benitez coming up with clutch tackles, the Republic's defenders were all over the field. Sebastian Herrera continues his terrific run of form as he registered a goal in his 4th straight match. It's good to see the Republic get out to a lead and maintain it. Next up for the Republic is a clash at the Coliseum, with a road trip to Oakland. Onwards!

Key Takeaways:

• Solid performance from the defense to limit any attacking opportunities from AV Alta.
• Herrera continues to prove why he should be the starting striker.
• Hopefully, this was a get-right game for the Republic, and they've found their form.

Sacramento Republic FC: 1 goal, 16 shots, 3 shots on target, 47.9% possession, 6 corners, 1 offsides, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

AV Alta FC: 0 goals, 7 shots, 2 shots on target, 52.1% possession, 3 corners, 2 offsides, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Jared Mazzola, Michel Benitez, Freddy Kleeman, Lee Desmond (OUT, HT'), Jared Timmer (OUT, 84'), Dominik Wanner (OUT, 84'), Blake Willey, Rodrigo Lopez (OUT, 64'), Russell Cicerone, Sebastian Herrera (OUT, 71'), Cristian Parano

Republic FC Bench: Danny Vitiello, AJ Edwards (IN, 84'), Ryan Spaulding (IN, HT'), Luis Felipe (IN, 64'), Justin Portillo, Trevor Amann (IN, 71'), Lewis Jamieson (IN, 84'), Da'vian Kimbrough, Jackson Martin

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 Credits to Sacramento Republic FC)