2025 USL Cup Recap: Spokane Velocity FC 0, Sacramento Republic FC 1

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:

Your starters vs Sac Republic FC #SPKvSAC #LeagueOne #LetsGoSpo #UpTheFalls #WelcomeToTheEdge #UnfinishedBusiness #USLJägermeisterCup pic.twitter.com/pmPMkFGd2o

— Spokane Velocity FC (@SpokaneVelocity) July 27, 2025

Coach Neill Collins made this selection for Sacramento:

Tonight's Starting XI 💪#SPKvSAC | @TiemannLawFirm pic.twitter.com/lqk1Zw82KK

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

There were a couple of changes from the last match against Lexington. Jared Mazzola reclaims his spot as keeper in cup competitions. Cristian Parano gets the start on the wing. And this moved Rodrigo Lopez in the midfield to be paired with Nick Ross. New signing Khori Bennett made his first appearance on the teamsheet, starting this match on the bench.

The two clubs were feeling each other out in the first ten minutes of the match. That's when in the 10th minute, Sacramento nabbed the early lead. Jack Gurr got the ball down the right flank and sent in a signature cross aimed at the far post. Michel Benitez came flying in to head the ball into the back of the net.

Gurr ➡️ Benitez ➡️ 1-0 Republic!! pic.twitter.com/vuT26TauUq

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

Spokane was looking for a response and nearly got one in the 20th minute. Off the corner kick, the ball was recycled to the top of the box. Andre Lewis tried his luck from distance and nearly snuck one into the net but it bounced off the framework of the Sacramento goal. And then it was Luis Gil to get the rebound, but his shot was blocked by Jared Mazzola.

The tempo of play slowed down as the match moved towards halftime. Both teams however were still sending crosses into the box to get the second goal of the match. Michel Benitez nearly got it when his cross was delected upwards and nearly fell into the Spokane net, but was cleared off the line. And Spokane were able to get more tests on Jared Mazzola, but the keeper still held them off.

Sacramento got one more chance just before the halftime whistle. Rodrigo Lopez tried shooting a free kick but it deflected off the Spokane wall. The ball bounced out to Cristian Parano who sent in a cross back into the Spokane box. His cross was headed down by Lee Desmond but the ball bounced back up to Ryan Bilichuk.

At halftime, Sacramento were ahead in this match thanks to a Michel Benitez goal. That being said, Spokane were finding their opportunities and testing Jared Mazzola and the Sacramento defense. The Republic put themselves in the position they need to, but they need to put away more goals to solidify their position in their group with Monterey waiting in the wings.

Sacramento were looking for their second goal. But Spokane were making it difficult to play through. The Velocity were able to break the pressure and test the Republic backline out in the wide spaces. Sebastian Herrera nearly found the second goal in the 60th minute as his headed effort went off the crossbar and was eventually cleared out.

Coach Collins made the first substitutions of the night in the 69th minute. Khori Bennett came on to make his debut for the Republic and take the place of Sebastian Herrera. And Chibi Ukaegbu looked to freshen up the defense and replaced Freddy Kleeman.

Sacramento was still seeking out another goal and Coach Collins made another pair of substitutions in the 80th minute. Blake Willey and Dominik Wanner stepped on to take the places of Rodrigo Lopez and Russell Cicerone.

The Republic really needed to score another goal, but it would be Spokane that came close in the 82nd minute. The ball went down the right flank to Lucky Opara who sent in a volley of crosses. His last cross made it to the far post and Anuar Pelaez. The striker was in the right spot but put the header off the post and out.

The final substitution of the night came in the 83rd minute with AJ Edwards replacing Michel Benitez.

It would be Spokane to pile on the pressure deep into stoppage time. A corner kick opportunity got to the back post with Marky Hernandez. His headed effort was low and aimed at the near post but it was smothered by Jared Mazzola.

And after that, Sacramento did what they needed to do and secured the three points. However, all eyes fell to Lancaster as Monterey was taking on AV Alta. On the match itself, it was disappointing to see Spokane being the aggressors when they were already eliminated from this competition. Sacramento just again were unable to challenge the opposing keeper when they needed to. Next up for Sacramento is a visit to some bitter rivals and San Antonio. Onwards!

Key Takeaways:

• Sacramento got what they needed but not what they wanted. The Republic got three points and a goal. But definitely needed more.
• Jared Mazzola and the defense again did their jobs well and shut out Spokane.
• Congrats to Khori Bennett on the debut!

Sacramento Republic FC: 1 goal, 15 shots, 4 shots on target, 50.0% possession, 5 corners, 2 offsides, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.

Spokane Velocity FC: 0 goals, 16 shots, 4 shots on target, 50.0% possession, 5 corners, 4 offsides, 1 yellow card, 0 red cards.

Republic FC Lineup: Jared Mazzola, Lee Desmond, Jared Timmer, Freddy Kleeman (OUT, 69'), Jack Gurr, Michel Benitez (OUT, 83'), Nick Ross, Rodrigo Lopez (OUT, 80'), Russell Cicerone (OUT, 80'), Sebastian Herrera (OUT, 69'), Cristian Parano

Republic FC Bench: Danny Vitiello, AJ Edwards (IN, 83'), Chibi Ukaegbu (IN, 69'), Dominik Wanner (IN, 80'), Luis Felipe, Blake Willey (IN, 80'), Khori Bennett (IN, 69')

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Check out the stats from this match here!

(Photo thanks to Sacramento Republic FC)