2025 USL Cup Recap: Spokane Velocity FC //, Sacramento Republic FC //

Sacramento needed to come away from this match with all three points to stand a chance to move on to the next stage of the USL Cup. In their way was a Spokane Velocity side that was looking to play spoiler in front of the home crowd.

The USL League One campaign has been going well for Spokane. In a close race for the top, Spokane has risen to be the league leaders with a couple of teams trailing closely. This is their second year of existence. And they were looking to go one further this year as they made it all the way to the league championship before losing in the final. However, their campaign in the USL Cup has seen them face three USL Championship sides, losing two of those matches. Spokane were coming into this match on a recent slide in form as their last win across all competitions came on June 21st. They have suffered two consecutive 0-3 defeats in their last two matches to Westchester (due to fielding an ineligible player) and Chattanooga. Spokane were already eliminated from advancing in this competition, so there were questions as to whether they'd field a first-choice lineup or rotate the squad in order to focus on the league.

After their last match, there were still some questions lingering around Sacramento. The Republic were up a man after Lexington received a red card in the first half. However, they were unable to capitalize on this advantage as the match ended in a goalless draw. It has been this recurring pattern for the Republic where they can generate opportunites but are unable to finish them. That being said, the front office looked to respond to this issue with a new signing, Khori Bennett. Bennett has a proven track record in the USL Championship and will be hoping to give the Republic that attacking firepower they need. In the cup, the Republic would need that firepower immediately as not only did they need to win this match, but also hope that Monterey would fail to better their result in their game against AV Alta. Goals were needed on this night and a lot of them preferably.

Coach Leigh Veidman had this lineup for Spokane:

Coach Neill Collins made this selection for Sacramento:

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Sacramento Republic FC: / goals, / shots, / shots on target, //% possession, / corners, / offsides, / yellow card, / red cards.

Spokane Velocity FC: / goals, / shots, / shots on target, //% possession, / corners, / offsides, / yellow card, / red cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Jared Timmer, Freddy Kleeman, Jack Gurr, Michel Benitez, Nick Ross, Blake Willey, Russell Cicerone, Sebastian Herrera, Rodrigo Lopez

Republic FC Bench: Jared Mazzola, Ryan Spaulding, AJ Edwards, Chibi Ukaegbu, Rayan Djedje, Dominik Wanner, Luis Felipe, Trevor Amann, Cristian Parano

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Check out the stats from this match here!

(Photo Credits to Sacramento Republic FC)