Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC at FC Tulsa
Undefeated Republic FC Hits the Road for First Away Test of 2025 Against a Resurgent Tulsa Side
Match Details
• Date & Time: Friday, March 28, 2025 – 5:00 PM PT
• Venue: ONEOK Field – Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Competition: 2025 USL Championship – Week 4
• Where to Watch: FOX40.com | ESPN+
Recent Form
Sacramento Republic FC
Republic FC remains unbeaten through two matches, starting the season with a 2-1 win over New Mexico United and a 2-2 home draw against Colorado Springs. Neill Collins’ squad was minutes away from back-to-back victories before two late penalty calls in Week 3 allowed the Switchbacks to snatch a draw.
Russell Cicerone has been the standout performer so far, contributing two goals and an assist in the opening two matches. His league-leading 2.41 xG and back-to-back Team of the Week selections highlight his impact, and if he scores in Tulsa, he’ll become the first Republic player ever to score in each of the first three games of a season.
While Collins was pleased with the team’s overall performance last weekend, he acknowledged that “harsh lessons” must be learned as the team hits the road for the first time. Last year, Sacramento was strong away from home—unbeaten in their first 10 road matches.
FC Tulsa
Tulsa has opened 2025 with strong performances under new head coach Luke Spencer. The club grabbed attention early with consecutive wins over Phoenix Rising and the Tampa Bay Rowdies, both of which featured clean sheets from goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda. His five saves and composed presence earned him a Week 1 Team of the Week spot.
However, Tulsa suffered its first setback last week in a 1-0 road loss to North Carolina FC. Despite dominating possession and tallying 19 shots, they were held scoreless, and an 82nd-minute goal against the run of play handed them their first defeat of the year.
Even with that loss, there’s reason for optimism. Defender Arthur Rogers was named to the Week 3 Team of the Week, and new additions Lamar Batista and Abdoulaye Cissoko have helped hold opponents to just one goal through three games.
Head-to-Head Record
• Last Meeting: 0-0 draw (June 2024, in Tulsa)
• All-Time Record: Sacramento Republic (9W) – Draws (5) – FC Tulsa (0W)
Sacramento holds a remarkable unbeaten record against Tulsa, going 9-0-5 in 14 total meetings—the longest active undefeated streak against a single opponent in USL Championship history. But there’s a twist: Republic FC hasn’t won at ONEOK Field since 2019, drawing each of their last two visits.
Squad News & Availability
No major new injuries have been reported for either club. Sacramento continues to monitor several players:
• Lee Desmond and Ryan Spaulding were forced off with injuries in Week 1.
• Rodrigo López, Jared Timmer, and Rayan Djedje have yet to appear in 2025 due to early-season absences.
Whether any return for the trip to Tulsa remains to be seen, but the squad has shown early resilience despite the limited availability.
Tactical Preview & Key Matchups
Sacramento’s Game Plan
Collins will look to see if his team can replicate their early defensive structure and attacking sharpness on the road. The backline has been tested late in both matches this season, but when settled, they’ve looked organized and effective. Cicerone and Herrera have linked up well up front, and the midfield will need to stay compact against a Tulsa team that likes to dominate possession.
FC Tulsa’s Strengths & Style
Under Spencer, Tulsa has been disciplined, defensively sharp, and able to threaten from wide areas and set pieces. Players like Rogers and Batista will look to frustrate Republic’s forwards, while Peñaranda has been in top form in goal. Expect them to come out with energy in their first home match since Week 2.
Key Battles to Watch
• Cicerone vs. Batista/Cissoko – Can the league’s early golden boot candidate find space against Tulsa’s new defensive duo?
• Midfield Control – Tulsa thrives when they control the tempo. Sacramento must disrupt their rhythm.
• Late-Game Discipline – Republic FC has conceded twice late this season—something that must be addressed in a close match on the road.
Prediction & Final Thoughts
Quail City Soccer staff weigh in on what to expect as Republic FC hits the road for the first time this season. With Tulsa’s improved defensive structure and Sacramento’s attacking momentum, Friday night could be a tight one.
Staff Predictions:
• Ryan Hodek: 1-0 Republic
• Valor Nash: 2-2 Draw
• Daniel Tyree: 1-0 Republic
• Rachael: 2-1 Republic
Sacramento has yet to keep a clean sheet, but they’ve shown more cutting edge in the final third. Tulsa’s early defensive form will be tested by one of the league’s most in-form attackers in Russell Cicerone. Whether it’s a narrow win or a hard-fought draw, this one is shaping up to be a grind.
Who do you think nailed it?
Don’t forget to leave your own prediction in the comments below!