Republic FC eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup with loss to MLS club Colorado Rapids

(KTXL) — Sacramento Republic FC’s quest for the cup has officially ended.

The Republic FC fell to MLS squad Colorado Rapids 4-2 in a Round of 32 match of the U.S. Open Cup at Heart Health Park on Tuesday night. 

Sacramento was one of eight non-MLS teams left in the tourney. 

Coming out of a 2-1 halftime deficit, the Republic FC scored the equalizer on a header from Sebastian Herrera after being set up on a pass from Jack Gurr. Herrera had both Republic FC’s goals, scoring his first on a header in the 30th minute. 

“I thought he was excellent,” Briggs said on Herrera’s performance after the match. “I thought he showed the form that he showed in preseason before he got injured.”

The tie didn’t last long, as Colorado quickly regained the lead on a goal from Sam Nicholson in the 56th minute. 

Rapids extended their lead to two goals on a Michael Barrias score in the 81st minute. The Republic FC were playing with 10 men on the fourth scoring from the Rapids, as Sacramento’s Shane Wiedt was issued his second yellow. 

Sacramento went down 2-0 early after a couple of quick goals from the Rapids in the first 15 minutes of play. 

Colorado went on the board in the fourth minute on a goal from forward Jonathan Lewis for the early lead. Michael Edwards of the Rapids netted the second goal on a header. 

Colorado went on the board in the fourth minute on a goal from forward Jonathan Lewis for the early lead. Michael Edwards of the Rapids netted the second goal on a header. 

Sacramento went into the matchup on 10 days’ rest, but were without its star captain Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez, who recently underwent surgery on his left leg. 

Herrera celebrated with Lopez on the sideline following his second goal.

“‘RoRo’ is someone that has a massive impact on our group and massive influence on our group,” Briggs said. “I think Sebastian to get the equalizer there and celebrate with “RoRo,” it shows what he means to the group and what he means to the club.”

The Open Cup loss is the Republic FC’s first defeat this season, but they remain unbeaten in USL Championship play. 

Sacramento is atop the Western Conference in the USL Championship with a 5-0-3 record. 

Colorado has an MLS record of 2-6-3.

Up next

The Republic FC will  look to get back on track when they host Indy Eleven in a league match on Saturday. The Indianapolis side is just outside the top eight of the Eastern Conference at 2-3-3 

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and will be livestreamed on FOX40.com and on the FOX40 News app.