Sacremento Republic FC comes into Rio Tinto with a defense that has consistently leaked goals and a 1-3-1 record in the last five regular season games. In addition, Sacramento won only 3 games against playoff teams all season.
Head Coach Paul Buckle had faced escalating calls for his dismissal despite the relatively strong 8-4-4 mark at home at Papa Murphy’s Park. injuries and loans have hurt the Republic, but the inability to find and nuture a regular starting 11 has caused unhappiness in one of the larger USL fan bases.
Defenders James Kiffe and Jeremy Hall, along with midfielders Tyler Blackwood and Trevan Caesar, have formed the nucleus of the team for the bulk of the season.