2026 Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 2, Phoenix Rising FC 0

Sacramento returned to league action as they took on an old rival with Phoenix coming to town. And a fast start from the Republic was enough to get them back in the win column after a career-first goal from Blake Willey and an additional goal from Dominik Wanner sealed the result.

Phoenix has had a dismal start to league play, having yet to win. Their campaign started off with a loss to San Antonio, which was then followed by three consecutive draws to Orange County, Oakland, and Tulsa. Yet, those were three strong teams in a competitive Western Conference, so there should be positives to take from Pa-Modou Kah's men. Despite their league results, they have had success in the Open Cup. As they will be joining the Republic in the third round of the competition after getting past San Ramon and Orange County. The Orange County match was their last before this one. They will be visiting the MLS's San Jose Earthquakes in the next round. Can Phoenix finally notch a win in the league and start climbing the table?

Like Phoenix, Sacramento will be looking to translate their Open Cup victories into league success. After an opening day win, the Republic haven't recorded another win in the league since then. Their last league match was their first loss of the season, to El Paso. A late flurry saw the Republic convert a penalty via Michel Benitez, but it was too little too late for them to get a point from that match. But since then, the Republic has also had an Open Cup match, visiting Valley 559 and putting four goals past them to secure their spot in the next round. Could the Republic's recent victory in the Open Cup unlock their attack and get their momentum going in the league?

Coach Pa-Modou Kah had this lineup for Phoenix:

The XI. #RisingAsOne | #AwayDays Driven by @Carvana pic.twitter.com/Ykqh33xYTe

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) April 5, 2026

Coach Neill Collins made this selection for Sacramento:

Tonight's lineup#SACvsPHX | @TiemannLawFirm pic.twitter.com/Bu9HDTrrfO

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 5, 2026

We have a little shakeup in the backline as Aaron Essel continues to get some minutes in the right back slot in the Republic's backline, ahead of Chibi Ukaegbu and Ryan Spaulding. Spaulding doesn't even make the teamsheet as he picked up an injury in the El Paso match. Mark-Anthony Kaye, Arturo Rodriguez, and Forster Ajago come back to take their spots after getting a break for the Valley 559 match in the midweek.

The match started with continued protests from the players, who are still in a labor dispute with the league.

Sacramento got the match going with a fast start in the 10th minute. Long ball got to Forster Ajago, breaking past his man down the left flank. He got an angle to cut it back to Blake Willey running into the Phoenix box. Willey had a hard ball to hit as it was off the volley, but he aimed it well enough to get past Patrick Rakovsky and score his first career goal.

First career goal for Willey!!! pic.twitter.com/JNp65hr7MA

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 5, 2026

Despite the physicality Phoenix brought to the match, Sacramento was really testing their backline in the early stages. Dominik Wanner put in a skipping ball in the 22nd minute that was attempted to be cleared by a Phoenix defender. The clearance went the wrong way as it bounced off the Phoenix crossbar. Forster Ajago tried to get the rebound, but he whiffed his opportunity and got cleared out. And then in the next play, Mark-Anthony Kaye broke past the Phoenix backline and turned around and fired a shot at goal, but it was caught by Rakovsky.

But Sacramento found their second breakthrough in the 24th minute. Michel Benitez applied some quick pressure and won a turnover in the midfield. He sped away towards the goal and passed it to Dominik Wanner, making a run alongside him. Wanner took a touch and put it out of reach of Rakovsky to double the lead for Sacramento.

Wanner slots it to make it 2-0 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/czrrSXMVXZ

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 5, 2026

Phoenix was trying to find a way into this match before halftime and was trying to stretch out the Republic defense. But the Republic were doing a great job at winning their duels and getting their bodies in the way of any dangerous balls coming into the box.

At halftime, Sacramento held the advantage thanks to some early goals from Blake Willey and Dominik Wanner. From the jump, you could tell that everyone from the Republic was ready to fight in this contest. And they put Phoenix under a lot of pressure and got rewarded for it. There definitely could've been more goals for the Republic's tally, but it was good to see them get this match started fast.

The second half started with the same minute protest from the players.

Phoenix were pushing to get back into this match early, testing Danny Vitiello in the 50th minute. Ihsan Sacko broke through the Republic backline but was slowed up by Aaron Essel. He passed it back to Darius Johnson, making a late run into the box. And his shot had to be cleared by Freddy Kleeman on the line.

Blake Willey, in the next play, was looking for his brace in the 51st minute. A long ball was brought down by Arturo Rodriguez, who immediately played it to Blake Willey on his inside. He took his shot from just inside the box, but Rakovsky was able to block this attempt with a diving save.

Phoenix was again testing Danny Vitiello. A low ball got to Hope Avayevu in the 69th minute at the top of the Republic box. His low shot was on target but covered by Vitiello.

Coach Collins made his first substitution of the night in the 72nd minute. Returning from international duty was Mayele Malango, as he took the place of Dominik Wanner.

After a couple more chances from Phoenix, Coach Collins brought on another pair of substitutions. Kyle Edwards came on to replace Forster Ajago. And making his home debut for the Republic was Brandon Cambridge, as he subbed on for Arturo Rodriguez.

Coach Collins opted for another substitution in the 84th minute. Chibi Ukaegbu stepped onto the pitch to replace Blake Willey.

Phoenix's attempts to get on the board were in vain as they couldn't find a way past Danny Vitiello. Sacramento welcomed the pressure from Phoenix and forced them to take shots from distance that Vitiello had covered. It was great to see the Republic buck the recent trend of waiting until the end of a match to push for a goal. Sacramento put the pedal to the metal and didn't look back. But I would like to see the team fully control a league match and not let their opponents have any hope. Next up for the Republic is a visit to Las Vegas. Onwards!