Sacramento Republic FC welcomes Charleston Battery in home opener

Posted: Mar 16, 2023 / 08:00 AM PDT

Updated: Mar 15, 2023 / 04:45 PM PDT

(KTXL) — After kicking off the season with a victory, the Sacramento Republic FC will look to replicate that success in its home opener Saturday night.

The Republic FC will welcome the Charleston Battery at Heart Health Park in the third meeting between the two clubs. It will be Charleston’s first time in Sacramento since 2014.

In the previous two matches against Charleston, Sacramento won both matches with the latest coming in 2022. The Republic FC defeated the Battery 4-2 in South Carolina three days after a thrilling victory over Sporting Kansas City in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals.

The first meeting took place in 2014 in Sacramento for the Republic FC’s inaugural season. The Republic FC defeated the Battery 3-1 in a match where Rodrigo Lopez scored two goals in the first half.

The Indomitable Club has only faced Charleston twice, winning both matches. Sacramento defeated Charleston 4-2 in South Carolina, a victory that came after a semifinals U.S. Open Cup match against Sporting Kansas City.

In last season’s matchup in South Carolina, Emil Cuello, Matt LaGrassa, Luther Archimede, and Zeiko Lewis all scored for Sacramento.

Republic FC begins season with victory

The Indomitable Club began its 10th season with a 1-0 road victory over the El Paso Locomotive FC 1-0 on March 11.

The match’s only goal came from Russell Cicerone off of an assist from Jack Gurr before halftime during the 42nd minute. Cicerone became the ninth player in club history to net his first goal with the Republic FC on opening night.