Republic FC Shows Early Dominance but Settles for a Draw Against Phoenix Rising
Sacramento Republic FC capped off a busy eight-day stretch with a hard-fought 2-2 draw on the road against defending USL Championship champions Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday afternoon. While the result brings Republic their first road point of the season, it was a tale of two halves that left the club with mixed feelings after a promising start.
Sacramento came out with energy and purpose, dictating the match from the opening whistle and putting together one of their best stretches of attacking play this season. The early pressure paid off in the 18th minute when a well-worked team goal gave them the lead. Jack Gurr switched the field with a pinpoint long ball to Dominik Wanner, who laid it off one touch to Russell Cicerone. Cicerone then sent a low cross into the box, where Sebastian Herrera tapped it home. The Colombian striker has now scored in three straight matches across all competitions, proving to be the reliable finisher Sacramento has needed.
Republic FC doubled their lead in the 34th minute after a 14-pass sequence saw the ball swung out wide again to Gurr. His cross across the face of goal was met by Wanner, who smashed in his first goal in a Sacramento jersey. Gurr was credited with his first assist of the season on the play.
However, Phoenix would claw one back before halftime, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Rémi Cabral found Jearl Margaritha in the 37th minute, who beat the defense and finished smartly past Danny Vitiello.
One key moment came at halftime, when Jack Gurr was subbed off. It’s unclear if the change was tactical or related to injury, but the team never looked quite the same after his exit. Sacramento made additional substitutions in the second half, and the fluidity and rhythm that defined the first 45 minutes seemed to fade.
Despite a valiant effort from Cristian Parano, whose dribbling and creativity nearly restored the two-goal lead, it was Phoenix who would strike next. In the 78th minute, Cabral again turned provider, this time assisting Damian Rivera for the equalizer from the top of the box.
Statistically, Sacramento outshot Phoenix 14 to 7 but managed just 4 shots on goal and earned only a single corner kick. Phoenix committed 24 fouls to Sacramento’s 19 in a physical affair that saw 8 yellow cards handed out.
Standout performer Sebastian Herrera continues to make his mark for the club. With three goals across league and cup play, his finishing has stood out on a team that has often struggled to convert chances. His consistency is quickly making him indispensable to the Indomitable Club’s attack.
While the point on the road is progress, there is a lingering sense that more was left on the table. Had the second half mirrored the intensity and cohesion of the first, the late Phoenix equalizer may not have come to pass. Still, there were clear positives—improved communication, effective pressing, and a more fluid attack—all signs of a team starting to find its identity.