Sacramento Republic FC Kieran Phillips named to USL Championship Week 8 Team of the Week

May 1, 2024, 6:00 AM

Sacramento Republic FC

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The Sacramento Republic have been on fire this season, with Kieran Phillips the latest to etch his name in Team of the Week accolades.

Sacramento Republic FC announced Tuesday that the English striker was named to the USL Championship Week 8 Team of the Week. While Phillips only recently joined The Quails, he’s gotten off to a sizzling start, recording a brace in his home debut at Heart Health Park this past Saturday. His late-game heroics secured the win for The Republic, taking ahold of the top spot in the Western Conference standings.

Sacramento has been featured in league accolades throughout the season, with both forward Russell Cicerone and defender Lee Desmond making Team of the Week in MatchWeek 5. Captain Rodrigo Lopez earned weekly honors twice this season as well (Week 4, Week 6).

A dream home debut ✨@K_phillips9 has earned a spot on the @USLChampionship Team of the Week for his performance against Loudoun United FC for Week 8.

🔗 https://t.co/eD80VsWbx9 pic.twitter.com/9zYoE9eAkM

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 30, 2024

Despite coming on in the 87th minute, Phillips had an instant impact against Loudoun United. He first connected with fellow forward, slicing through the middle of the opposition’s backline, before chipping it past the goalkeeper. The goal broke the 1-1 deadlock between the two sides, sending Heart Health Park into a frenzy.

Phillips would put the nail in the coffin during second-half stoppage time, thanks to a superb dropkick from GK Danny Vitiello. The Englishman then used a spin to gain possession, slotting it home with his left boot in the 92nd minute.

Saturday’s heroics marked only the second brace of Phillips’ career, and first in the USL Championship. Armann also scored a brace on his home debut this year in Week 1. Including Kieran Phillips, the Republic have now been represented on Team of the Week eight times this season.

Phillips was acquired on loan from EFL Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town last month. The Englishman has featured in 91 appearances for both Huddersfield and Premier League side Everton, with 14 goals total.

Not a bad way to introduce yourself to the home crowd 👏@K_phillips9 got @HeartHealthPark rocking on Saturday. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Sca6N0u21A

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 29, 2024

Sacramento Republic FC is back in action this Saturday, visiting Phoenix Rising FC in a re-match of the 2023 Western Conference Final. Kickoff from Phoenix Rising Stadium is at 7:30 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast live on FOX40 and Antenna TV 40.2, as well as streaming live on FOX40.com, through the FOX40 News mobile app, and ESPN+.