Match Preview: Republic FC at Rhode Island FC
Can Sacramento end its three-match scoring drought and salvage points on the road against a resilient Rhode Island defense?
Match Details
Date & Time: Saturday, June 21 at 4:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Centreville Bank Stadium – Pawtucket, RI
Competition: USL Championship
Watch: Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40+ Smart TV App, ESPN+
Watch Party: 32 Brews Street @ Sky River Casino (21+)
Recent Form
Republic FC continues its East Coast road swing after a heartbreaking 1-0 stoppage-time loss to Birmingham Legion on Wednesday night. Despite another strong defensive showing, the Quails failed to find the back of the net for the third straight match and have now gone over 270 minutes without a goal in league play. Trevor Amann and Cristian Parano provided a late spark off the bench, but Sacramento came up empty despite 55% possession and more total passes than their opponent.
After ending May with nine goals in three games, Sacramento has since reverted to the offensive inconsistency that has plagued much of the 2025 season. They now sit at 15 goals in 12 matches, despite 137 total shots — only 39 of which have been on target. The squad averages just 3.25 shots on target per game, and with only 9 assists on the year, creativity and final-third sharpness remain major concerns.
Head-to-Head
This is just the second-ever meeting between Republic FC and Rhode Island FC. Their first matchup ended in a 2-2 draw in 2024. Both clubs will be looking to earn their first victory in the series, and for Sacramento, it’s a chance to bounce back while facing a first-year expansion side still finding its identity.
Squad News & Availability
No major injuries have been reported for Sacramento, but Head Coach Neill Collins may look to shuffle his attacking unit. Sebastian Herrera and Russell Cicerone remain the team’s joint top scorers (3 goals each), but neither has scored in the last three games. Trevor Amann, who nearly scored off the bench midweek, could push for a starting spot, while Cristian Parano’s energy may be utilized earlier than usual.
Rhode Island features a familiar face in defender Aldair Sanchez, who made 68 appearances for Sacramento before signing with RIFC in 2025. Their defensive record at home has been impressive — only four goals conceded at Centreville Bank Stadium this season.
Tactical Preview & Key Matchups
The focus for Sacramento is clear: break the scoring drought. The team’s shot volume (137) suggests they’re getting opportunities, but the quality and execution have been lacking — evidenced by a shot accuracy rate of just 28.5%. Of their 15 goals, only 9 have come via assists, pointing to a lack of cohesive buildup and off-ball movement in the final third.
Rhode Island is organized defensively, with four clean sheets and one of the league’s better home records. If Sacramento continues to rely on long-range efforts and isolated forward play, they may again come up short.
Key Matchups:
Sebastian Herrera vs. RIFC back line: Herrera leads Republic in xG, but needs better service and support.
Midfield creativity: Can Nick Ross or Cristian Parano unlock Rhode Island’s shape with forward-pushing passes?
Defensive transitions: Sacramento must remain tight at the back against Rhode Island’s late-game push — RIFC just won their last match via a stoppage-time penalty.
Final Thoughts
This game represents a crucial moment in Sacramento’s season. With two straight 1-0 losses and no goals in three matches, frustration is building. The defense is doing its job — Sacramento has conceded just 3 goals in the last five — but without offensive improvement, the team risks slipping further down the table.
On the road, against a solid but beatable opponent, Republic FC must rediscover the balanced, team-based scoring that defined their end-of-May surge. Anything less, and this four-game road trip could spiral in the wrong direction.
Prediction
Ryan Hodek: 1-0 Republic FC
Valor Nash: Pending…
Daniel Tyree: 1-1 Draw
Rachael: 1-0 Republic FC
Who do you think got it right? Vote below and leave your own predictions in the comments!