Matchday Preview: Sacramento Republic FC at San Jose Earthquakes
US Open Cup | Round of 32
Match Details
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 7:30 PM PT
Venue: PayPal Park – San Jose, CA
Competition: US Open Cup | Round of 32
Watch: CBS Golazo Network, Paramount+
Recent Form
Sacramento Republic FC
Last Match: 1-0 win vs. Oakland Roots (USL Championship)
Record in all competitions: 2W – 2D – 3L
Sitting 8th in the USL Western Conference, Sacramento has shown grit in cup play, even as league results have been inconsistent.
San Jose Earthquakes
Last Match: 4-1 win to Portland (MLS)
MLS Record: 4W – 6L – 1D
The ‘Quakes have turned things around under Bruce Arena, scoring a league-best 24 goals but conceding 20 — among the worst defensive marks in MLS.
Head-to-Head
This is the sixth all-time NorCal Derby matchup in Open Cup play. The series is even:
All-Time Record: 2 wins each, 1 draw
Last Meeting: 2024 – Sacramento won 4-3 after extra time in a Round of 16 thriller
At PayPal Park: This will be the fourth meeting hosted by San Jose
Full Open Cup History:
2024 – SAC 4:3 (AET) SJE
2022 – SAC 2:0 SJE
2019 – SJE 4:3 SAC
2015 – SJE 2:2 (6:5 PKs) SAC
2014 – SJE 2:1 SAC
Squad News & Availability
Republic FC
Sebastián Herrera continues to deliver in knockout moments, scoring the game-winner vs. El Farolito.
Russell Cicerone remains the team’s top scorer (3 goals, 2 assists) and will likely lead the attack.
Sacramento fans are once again expected in force, with buses arranged to support the squad at PayPal Park—just days after over 300 made the trip for the USL match at Oakland.
San Jose Earthquakes
Cristian Arango leads MLS in goals (7), while Cristian Espinoza leads in assists (7).
The Quakes are dangerous going forward but remain vulnerable at the back, having conceded 20 goals in 11 MLS matches.
Tactical Preview & Key Matchups
Sacramento will need a disciplined defensive shape to limit San Jose’s explosive front line. Stopping Cristian Arango and Cristian Espinoza will be the primary challenge, as both players are capable of breaking open matches individually.
Luis Felipe — a former Earthquake — will be key in the midfield battle, helping Republic transition quickly while denying service into San Jose’s front three.
Look for Sacramento to absorb pressure and hit on the break, with Cicerone and Herrera offering threats in behind and on set pieces.
Key Matchup to Watch:
Luis Felipe vs. Cristian Espinoza – Can Felipe limit the MLS assist leader’s influence on the match?
Final Thoughts
This year’s NorCal Derby has all the ingredients of another classic. Sacramento has proven it can rise to the occasion in knockout competitions and will relish the underdog role against an MLS side that’s struggled in the Open Cup historically.
With momentum from their win over El Farolito and a large traveling supporter section expected, Sacramento will be eyeing a third straight Open Cup win over the Quakes and a spot in the Round of 16.
Prediction
Ryan Hodek: 3-2 San Jose
Valor Nash: 2-0 San Jose
Daniel Tyree: 3-1 San Jose
Rachael: 2-1 Republic FC
Who do you think got it right? Vote below and leave your own predictions in the comments!