Match Preview: Republic FC vs Charleston Battery

A cross-conference clash with playoff implications at Heart Health Park.

Ryan Hodek

Oct 21, 2025

Date: Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. PST

Location: Heart Health Park

Competition: USL Championship

Watch: FOX40+, ESPN+

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Sacramento Republic FC

The Indomitable Club have embodied their name in recent weeks. Despite uneven results through the late stretch of the season, Neill Collins’ side has shown resilience and urgency as the playoffs draw near. Sacramento is unbeaten in its last three, including back-to-back comeback draws away from home — the latest a dramatic 2-2 fightback at Lexington SC.

That performance, highlighted by late goals from Cristian Parano and Sebastian Herrera, reflected both Sacramento’s attacking depth and their ongoing need for sharper starts. The second-half introductions of Rodrigo Lopez and Justin Portillo changed the match, reinforcing Collins’ growing reliance on veteran leadership in key moments.

With a home playoff berth already secured, Republic FC’s final two regular season games offer a chance to fine-tune chemistry and finish strong. A win against Charleston would secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, ensuring home-field advantage deeper into the postseason.

Charleston Battery

Charleston arrive in Sacramento as one of the most consistent sides in the USL Championship this year. The Eastern Conference runners-up have already clinched a top-two finish and come into Wednesday unbeaten in six. Their attack, spearheaded by Cal Jennings and MD Myers, has been ruthless — the pair combining for 30 of the Battery’s 60 goals this season.

Last week, Charleston shared the points in a 1-1 draw with Detroit City. Myers notched his 14th of the season before the hosts equalized moments later. That result followed a 5-0 dismantling of Colorado Springs, a statement win that demonstrated why Charleston lead the league in total goals and goal differential.

Even with their playoff fate sealed, the Battery won’t ease up. They’ve gone unbeaten in seven interconference matches this season, including five wins, and will look to extend that record on their final trip out West.

Head-to-Head History

This will be just the fifth meeting between the two clubs since Republic FC’s inaugural season in 2014. Sacramento holds a slight edge with a 2-1-1 record over the Battery. Their most recent meeting came in 2023, when Aldair Sanchez’s early goal gave the Quails an advantage before Charleston rallied in the second half to take a 2-1 victory.

Heart Health Park has traditionally been a fortress for Republic FC, and the Quails will aim to reassert that advantage in the rare cross-conference matchup.

Final Thoughts

This midweek clash is a playoff preview in every sense — two of the league’s top sides, both playing for form, momentum, and statement. Sacramento will want to start sharper than in recent weeks, avoiding the early lapses that have forced them into comeback mode. With Rodrigo Lopez rounding back into full form and the front line finding rhythm, the opportunity to send a message to the rest of the league is clear.

For Charleston, it’s one final test before the postseason — a measuring stick against another contender. Whether the Battery’s attack can find space against one of the West’s most organized defenses will define the night.

For Republic FC, it’s about more than points — it’s about playoff readiness. And Wednesday night at Heart Health Park, the Indomitable Club has a chance to prove they’re ready for the next climb.