Sacramento Republic FC to host San Jose Earthquakes in U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 May 21

May 10, 2024, 5:20 PM

SACRAMENTO, CA - MAY 25: Pre game during a game between Sacramento Republic FC and San Jose Earthquakes at Heart Health Park on May 25, 2022 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Maciek Gudrymowicz/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

(Photo by Maciek Gudrymowicz/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

After a dominant victory to open their 2024 U.S. Open Cup run earlier in the week, the Sacramento Republic will now host an MLS side in a rematch of two years ago.

Sacramento Republic F.C. have announced their upcoming Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 matchup against MLS side San Jose Earthquakes this week. The match will take place May 21st at Heart Health Park, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PST. The Republic last played the Earthquakes two years ago in the Round of 16, with Sacramento winning the match, 2-0.

This time around should be even more of a competitive clash between two Northern California staples in U.S. soccer.

📅 @opencup Round of 16 date and time are set. 🔥

We'll host the @SJEarthquakes on Tuesday, May 21st at 7pm. Tickets are available now.

#CupSZN | @SeatGeek | 🎟 https://t.co/i7XEQl75rb pic.twitter.com/In6NebhrBK

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) May 9, 2024

The Quails advanced to the Round of 16 after a comfortable 2-0 win over Monterey Bay F.C. last Tuesday. Sacramento scored two goals in the first half, riding the lead to the end. An own goal in the 27th minute gave the home side the lead, with striker Kieran Phillips chipping another shot home to make it a comfortable night. Saves by goalkeeper Danny Vitiello keep Sacramento ahead, sending the crowd home happy by the final whistle.

The Republic have been rolling to start 2024, remaining unbeaten through nine games. Despite the success, the team still has levels to achieve according to their coaching staff.

“This year we’ve probably played 45 minutes, 60 minutes, where I’ve been happy, and I felt like the team clicked and we’ve done the things that we’re supposed to do. So, the really pleasing thing for me at the moment is we’re the only undefeated team in the West, we’re in first place and we’re nowhere near where we should be,” coach Mark Briggs said post-match Tuesday. “We’re nowhere near the quality we have and the speed of play and everything else. So that should give the guys confidence because we’re getting points and we’re doing well. But we know that we’re nowhere near our rhythm and what we can achieve.”

Tickets for the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 matchup are on sale at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets.

You heard the captain. 🫡

Need all of Sacramento in the stands @HeartHealthPark on May 21st. 🔥https://t.co/Q2H35rIZHk | #CupSZN pic.twitter.com/EZhg4qsR9Y

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) May 9, 2024