Now Is the Time for Sacramento to Step Up
Sacramento Republic prepare for a key road stretch after a challenging start to the season
Through the first month of the season, Sacramento Republic has found themselves in the middle of the pack — but they shouldn’t be satisfied with that. The 2-1 win over New Mexico at home was a solid start, showing resilience and a willingness to fight back. However, the 2-2 draw at home against Colorado Springs, and especially the late lapses that cost them valuable points, are hard to ignore. A 1-0 loss on the road at FC Tulsa exposed flaws in the attack, where chances were few and far between. The most recent 1-1 draw at home against Louisville City felt like yet another example of missed chances, as Republic could not close out a game they had controlled for stretches.
It is not a bad start, but it is a start that has left something to be desired. With six points dropped late in the last three matches, there is a lingering sense that Sacramento is underperforming against some of the toughest teams in the league. Against Colorado Springs, FC Tulsa, and Louisville, Republic showed they can hang with the best — but that’s simply not enough. These are the kinds of games that define a season, and dropping points at home and on the road has to stop.
Now, as the calendar turns to late-April and May, there is an opportunity to change that narrative. It starts with the match against Orange County on April 12. OC, sitting in 11th place, has just one win in their last four games. They are in a vulnerable position and this is a match that Sacramento needs to seize if they want to show they are ready to be more than just competitive. A win here is not just important — it is expected.
Next, Republic faces semi-pro El Farolito in the U.S. Open Cup on April 16. El Farolito has already knocked out both Real Monarchs and Monterey Bay FC, proving they are capable of pulling off surprises. There is no room for complacency. Sacramento must approach this match with the professionalism and focus required to advance or risk falling victim to yet another cupset.
On April 19, a trip to Phoenix Rising presents another challenge. Phoenix is starting to hit form, sitting just two spots below Sacramento with two wins, two draws, and a loss in their last five. Republic must match their intensity and ensure that the away points are claimed, especially with the tougher matchups ahead.
April 26 brings the first-ever USL Jägermeister Cup match against AV Alta FC, a new USL League One side. AV Alta might be a newcomer, but they have already shown their ability to perform in Cup play, knocking out LAFC2 of MLS Next Pro. This is another match where Sacramento should dominate, but only if they show the hunger and ruthlessness that has been missing in our season.
Finally, the rivalry with Oakland Roots on May 4 is a must-win. Oakland is winless in their last five matches and at the bottom of the table, but their form does not change the fact that this is a rivalry. The intensity and emotions can be high, especially on the road, and Sacramento cannot afford to let that throw them off their game.
There is no denying that Republic FC has faced some of the best teams in the league already, and they have shown they can compete. As these next five games unfold, it is time to start turning those performances into results. Republic cannot afford to keep letting points slip away — especially not against teams like Orange County, Phoenix, and Oakland, who are struggling to find their form. Sacramento’s talent is clear, but now they need to prove it week in and week out. If they can do that, this team can quickly turn a competitive start into something much bigger.