Matchday Preview: Republic FC at Phoenix Rising FC
Match Details
Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025 - 1:00 PM PST
Venue: Phoenix Rising Stadium
Competition: USL Championship
Watch: ESPN+, FOX40.com, FOX40+ app
Recent Form
Both clubs enter Saturday’s contest on uneven footing, with nearly identical recent records in all competitions: one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five outings. Sitting 10th and 11th respectively in the Western Conference, Sacramento Republic FC narrowly edges Phoenix Rising FC on goal differential, but both clubs have claimed just five points through their first set of matches.
Phoenix has found the net more frequently, tallying eight goals in that stretch compared to Sacramento’s five, but they have also struggled at the back, conceding 14 goals this season—the worst mark in the league. Republic FC, by contrast, has allowed just 7 goals and will look to capitalize on Phoenix’s leaky defense.
Head-to-Head
One of the most balanced rivalries in the USL Championship, Sacramento and Phoenix have met 27 times, with each team earning 9 wins and 9 draws. Their last few meetings have typically been cagey, and Saturday’s matchup offers both sides a chance to break the deadlock in the all-time series.
Squad News & Availability
• Sacramento Republic FC: Russell Cicerone leads the squad with 2 goals and 1 assist, while Lewis Jamieson has been the most active attacker, logging the most shots on target per match. However, shot accuracy and finishing remain areas of concern, as Sacramento ranks 12th in shots on goal and has a league-low 8% shot conversion rate.
• Phoenix Rising FC: Remi Cabral leads the way with 3 goals, but the team’s defensive woes continue. Goalkeeper Triston Henry ranks 2nd in saves per match, indicating just how often he’s under pressure. Phoenix has yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
Tactical Preview & Key Matchups
This match sets up as a battle between a team that can’t seem to finish (Sacramento) and a team that can’t seem to defend (Phoenix). Sacramento will look to control the pace and tighten things up at the back, potentially exploiting the open space Phoenix often concedes.
Watch for Sacramento to key in on wide play and set pieces—areas where Phoenix has looked vulnerable. On the other end, Cabral’s movement and finishing will test the discipline of Sacramento’s backline, especially in transition moments.
Key matchups to watch:
• Russell Cicerone vs. Pape Mar Boye – Can Cicerone find enough space and quality service to end his brief scoring drought against Phoenix’s top center back?
• Remi Cabral vs. Freddy Kleemann – Kleemann has been dominant in aerial duels and will be tasked with limiting Cabral’s threat in the box.
• Midfield control: Blake Willey & Luis Felipe vs. Phoenix midfield – The duo will need to disrupt Phoenix’s rhythm and turn defense into attack through quick transitional play.
Final Thoughts
With both teams looking for form and desperate to climb out of the bottom third of the table, expect this to be an intense and open contest. Phoenix’s attacking prowess has the potential to break games open, but their defensive fragility gives Sacramento a real opportunity to take all three points—if they can improve their finishing.
Quail City Soccer Staff Prediction
• Ryan Hodek: 1-0 Republic FC
• Valor Nash: 1-1 Draw
• Daniel Tyree: 2-0 Republic FC
• Rachael: 2-1 Republic FC
Who do you think got it right?
Vote below and leave your own prediction in the comments!