Republic FC Clinch Second Seed with Statement Win Over Charleston
Republic FC took care of business Wednesday night, earning a hard-fought 1-0 win over Charleston Battery at Heart Health Park. The result wasn’t just another three points — it locked up the second seed in the Western Conference and secured home-field advantage through at least the semifinals.
Against one of the league’s most dangerous attacks, Sacramento delivered a composed and clinical performance. Charleston came in leading the USL in scoring, but they were shut out for just the second time all season.
Sacramento Set the Tone
The opening 45 minutes were even, with both sides showing flashes but little to separate them. Republic FC’s best look came on a clever short-corner routine — Rodrigo López whipped a cross toward the back post for Jared Timmer, whose header forced a save from Charleston’s Christian Garner.
Danny Vitiello was equally sharp on the other end, reacting quickly to punch away a dangerous header from Douglas Martínez midway through the half.
When the teams came out after the break, Sacramento wasted no time breaking through. In the 50th minute, Jack Gurr sent a looping cross to the far side where Lee Desmond headed the ball back across goal for Khori Bennett, who finished from close range for his fifth goal of the season. It was a well-worked move — simple, effective, and exactly the kind of moment the game called for.
“I’m so proud of the team. The guys went out there tonight against what I think is a very top side… and to control the game the way we did, I thought was excellent. We deservedly got the three points.” - Neill Collins, Head Coach
Vitiello and the Back Line Lock It Down
The rest of the night belonged to Sacramento’s defense. With Charleston chasing, the back line absorbed pressure and limited clear chances, forcing the visitors to settle for long-range looks and hopeful crosses. When the Battery did break through, Vitiello was there — most notably in the 88th minute, when he made a pair of incredible saves in quick succession to preserve the lead.
The shutout marked the team’s 12th clean sheet of the year and tied Vitiello for the all-time USL Championship record in regular-season saves.
“We’ve been looking for a clean sheet the last few games, which we’ve struggled with… so it’s big to get one against a team that, in my opinion, have probably been the best in the whole USL this year. To score from a set piece we work on all the time is really pleasing.” - Lee Desmond, Defender
The goal and the defensive effort reflected what’s made Sacramento so consistent this season — execution on both ends, a willingness to grind, and belief in the game plan.
Looking Ahead
Next up: one last regular season match against Miami FC before the postseason begins. But Saturday will carry a different kind of weight. It’s not just the end of the regular season — it’s the beginning of the farewell for club captain Rodrigo López.
After more than two decades in professional soccer, López announced earlier this week that he’ll retire at the end of the 2025 campaign. His legacy in Sacramento goes far beyond numbers or moments; he’s been the face of the club since its first season, a leader who helped build everything Republic FC stands for today.
Saturday night will be about celebration, reflection, and gratitude — before the focus shifts to what could be one more playoff run with RoRo leading the way.