Sacramento Republic FC 2022 Season Recap: One For The History Books

A historic 2022 season came to a close Saturday for Sacramento Republic FC, losing to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 2-1, in the USL Western Conference Semifinals.

The Quails got out on the front foot early, breaking open the tie after defender Dan Casey lobbed a through ball to captain Rodrigo López, racing on goal before chipping it past the Colorado keeper. 1-1 to the Republic in the 18th minute.

The Switchbacks woke up after that, finding the equalizer in the 37th minute. Colorado started to put the pressure on the visitors, almost getting a second if it wasn’t for Casey’s heroics to kick the ball after the net in the 41st minute.

The audacity from @Lopez_RoRo to CHIP this to give @SacRepublicFC the lead😱#COSvSAC | #USLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/RKt9JkCv4M

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) October 30, 2022

The two sides were level at the half, 1-1.

Sacramento came out of the half with a purpose, almost finding the back of the net twice via set pieces. Republic goalie Danny Vitiello also saved a penalty kick in the 68th minute, keeping the Quails in the match further.

All square after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time.

Unable to keep the pressure off them, the Republic conceded a second goal in the 96th minute to Colorado Springs. Still looking for a goal, Sacramento had a few chances that just went wide of the mark before the full-time whistle ended their season.

The final score was 2-1 to the Switchbacks, bouncing the Republic out of the playoffs.

Despite the loss, Sacramento has a lot to be proud of this season, giving it their all in every competition.

“First and foremost, thank you for an incredible season. This team, these players, this staff, everybody who works at the football club. From the owner down to the kit man, everybody has worked their socks off this year,” head coach Mark Briggs said post-match.

“We were able to put our city, our community on the map on a national front. Our fans have just been incredible. Every step of the way. They seem to amaze me and they seem to be better with every game. Just extremely fortunate to have supporters, work compatriots, that just are of the highest caliber. Sorry we couldn’t bring the trophy back to Sacramento this year. But we’ll continue to work and continue to grind to achieve that championship back here for our city and our fans.”

The Indomitable Club finished the year with a final record of 22-13-8 across all competitions, including a 7-2 record in single-elimination matches. The Boys in Old Glory Red reached the USL Championship playoffs after missing the postseason last year while adding seven matches to its schedule by reaching the Final of the 2022 U.S. Open Cup. Sacramento is the first lower division side to reach U.S. Soccer’s National Championship in 14 years.

“Thanks to fans for making the season so special. Playing at Heart Health Park made Sacramento feel like home to me this year. It’s a special place and I had some of the thrills of my life playing there and in front of our fans this year,” defender Conor Donovan said.

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