Republic FC Finds Winning Start in Jägermeister Cup, Defeats AV Alta 1-0

Photo by Ryan Hodek | Quail City Soccer

Sacramento Republic FC began their pursuit of new silverware with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AV Alta FC on Saturday night at Heart Health Park, opening group play in the inaugural interleague USL Jägermeister Cup on the right foot.

From the opening whistle, Sacramento set the tone with confident, attacking play. The Quails moved the ball with purpose, controlling the pace and dictating the rhythm against a young AV Alta side making its first cup appearance as well. Early chances reflected the intent: high pressing forced turnovers, and quick build-up play kept the visitors pinned back.

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One of the earliest opportunities came after Russell Cicerone’s hustle created a turnover in the attacking third. Dominik Wanner, lively throughout the first half on the right wing, delivered a looping cross to Michel Benítez on the back post, but the midfielder’s volley drifted wide. Wanner continued to be a driving force, linking up again with Cicerone for a header inside the penalty area, only to be denied by AV Alta’s goalkeeper.

Despite the early pressure, Sacramento found themselves searching for a breakthrough deep into the first half. In the final 15 minutes before halftime, the momentum firmly swung in Republic FC’s favor. Sustained pressure and sharper movement finally cracked AV Alta’s defensive shape in stoppage time. Jared Timmer, stepping into the attack from the backline, whipped a perfect cross into the box where Sebastián Herrera met it with a powerful header to give Sacramento a deserved 1-0 lead.

For Herrera, the goal was more than just a timely breakthrough—it was another mark of his consistency. The Colombian forward has now scored in four consecutive matches across all competitions, providing the attacking presence Republic FC has needed during a busy spring. Saturday’s goal also brought Herrera within one of a major personal milestone: the 99th of his professional career.

Coming out of the break, Republic FC looked to extend their lead, but the smooth rhythm they carried into halftime began to fade. A trio of substitutions early in the second half—bringing on Ryan Spaulding, Luis Felipe, and Trevor Amann (making his first appearance of 2025)—shifted the dynamics. Whether due to unfamiliar combinations or a natural loss of intensity, Sacramento struggled to maintain the same control they enjoyed in the first half.

AV Alta seized the opportunity to grow into the game. Their first real chance came shortly after the interval, when striker Emmanuel Alaribe found himself in space at the top of the penalty area. His driven shot forced Jared Mazzola into a sharp diving save—one of only two he was called on to make—but enough to remind the hosts that the margin was still narrow.

Republic FC pushed to put the game away in the 73rd minute. Once again, set-piece service from Wanner sparked danger. His delivery to the back post found Jared Timmer, who headed it back across the goalmouth. Defender Freddy Kleemann rose to meet it with a powerful header, beating the keeper but not the crossbar. It was a missed opportunity that kept the door open for AV Alta until the final whistle.

Despite the uneven second half, Sacramento’s defense—anchored by Timmer, Kleemann, and a composed performance from goalkeeper Mazzola—remained resolute. AV Alta rarely found clear chances, and Republic FC successfully managed the game’s closing stages to secure all three points.

The win gives Sacramento an early foothold in Group A and a valuable foundation to build upon. While there are clear positives—particularly the first half dominance and continued goal-scoring form of Herrera—the second half struggles highlight areas for refinement as the tournament progresses.

The road to silverware is just beginning, but with a winning start in the USL Jägermeister Cup, Sacramento Republic FC is off and running.

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