Match Preview – Republic FC at Loudoun United FC
Republic FC Look to Extend Unbeaten Run and Advance in the Jägermeister Cup
Date: Wednesday, August 20 at 4:00 p.m. PST
Venue: Segra Field | Leesburg, VA
Competition: USL Jägermeister Cup
Watch: FOX40, FOX40+, ESPN+
Recent Form
Sacramento enter the Jägermeister Cup quarterfinals in excellent form, riding a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Their most recent outing saw them draw 3-3 in a NorCal derby with Oakland Roots SC. Rodrigo Lopez opened the scoring with a pinpoint free kick—his second goal in as many matches—before Cristian Parano and Russell Cicerone added to the tally. Despite conceding late, the Indomitable Club extended their run of results and remain second in the Western Conference.
In cup competition, Sacramento topped Group A after a tense 1-0 win over Spokane Velocity FC. Goalkeeper Jared Mazzola has been the standout of the tournament, leading all keepers with three clean sheets while conceding just one goal in four matches. His performances have set the tone for Republic FC’s push toward silverware.
Loudoun United, meanwhile, snapped a seven-match winless streak with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Indy Eleven this past weekend. Arquímides Ordóñez was the hero, scoring twice as a substitute to earn USL Week 24 Player of the Week honors. Before that, Loudoun had struggled in both league and cup play, including a penalty-shootout defeat to North Carolina FC in their final group stage game.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met three times previously, with Sacramento winning all three by a combined score of 10-2. While the historical record favors Republic FC, both clubs enter this matchup in strong league positions—Sacramento sitting second in the West, Loudoun third in the East—and both advanced from their Cup groups with nine points. On neutral footing in knockout play, the stakes reset for both clubs.
Squad News & Availability
Sacramento: Rodrigo Lopez has rediscovered scoring form with two goals in his last two matches, while Cristian Parano and Russell Cicerone continue to deliver in attack. Homegrown midfielder Blake Willey has made headlines by becoming the first academy graduate with three assists. Defensively, Neill Collins may rotate to keep players fresh, with Mazzola expected to start in goal given his Cup form.
Loudoun: Striker Abdellatif Aboukoura remains the headline player, leading the team with 11 goals on the season and earning March’s Player of the Month honors. Ordóñez, fresh off his brace against Indy, could feature heavily after his momentum-shifting performance. New questions remain for Loudoun’s defense, which has leaked goals in recent weeks.
Tactical Preview & Key Matchups
Lopez & Set Pieces vs Loudoun’s Back Line: Lopez remains deadly from dead-ball situations, and Loudoun’s defense has looked shaky in recent weeks. Sacramento will look to capitalize on this mismatch.
Aboukoura’s Movement vs Sacramento’s Backline: The young striker has been Loudoun’s biggest weapon, and keeping him quiet will be critical for Republic FC. Expect Desmond and Kleemann to be tasked with limiting his space, Timmer was not in the line up at the weekend and is expected to play as well.
Mazzola’s Cup Form vs Loudoun’s Attack: With three clean sheets already, Mazzola has proven decisive in knockout play. His shot-stopping could again tilt the balance.
Midfield Battle – Willey & Lopez vs Loudoun’s Youth: Sacramento’s mix of veteran presence and academy energy has driven their recent form, while Loudoun rely heavily on a young core. Whoever controls tempo may dictate the result.
Final Thoughts
Sacramento Republic FC have built momentum at the perfect time, blending defensive solidity with a rediscovered attacking rhythm. Loudoun United arrive as one of the East’s most improved sides, boasting both the league’s top young striker in Aboukoura and a recent morale-boosting win.
For Sacramento, this is about extending their unbeaten streak and moving one step closer to lifting the inaugural Jägermeister Cup. For Loudoun, it’s about proving their early-season surge was no fluke. With knockout stakes and two confident squads, this quarterfinal clash promises to be one of the tournament’s most intriguing matchups.
Predictions
Ryan: 1-0 Republic FC
Valor: 2-1 Republic FC
Daniel: 3-1 Republic FC
Rachael: 2-1 Republic FC
Who do you think got it right? Vote below and leave your own predictions in the comments!