Republic FC End Goal Drought with a Convincing 2-0 Win at Rhode Island
It took 328 minutes, but Sacramento Republic FC finally remembered what it feels like to score a goal — and just to be sure, they scored a second one for good measure.
In a confident 2-0 road win over Rhode Island FC on Saturday night, the Quails snapped a frustrating three-game scoreless streak and picked up three important points to close out a grueling stretch of three matches in eight days. For a team that had dominated possession and controlled the tempo without much to show for it lately, the result was a welcome sight — even if it came against a struggling Eastern Conference side still finding its identity.
Let’s not get too carried away — Rhode Island has scored just four goals at home all season and entered the match firmly planted near the bottom of the table. But for a Sacramento squad that’s shown it can outshoot and outpossess opponents without actually outscoring them, Saturday’s performance was a breath of fresh air and, maybe, a sign that things are starting to click.
The match started with both sides feeling each other out, trading moments of controlled buildup without creating clear-cut chances. Republic FC came closest in the first half, thanks to strong wing play and smart movement. Russell Cicerone and Jack Gurr nearly connected twice for the opener — once in the 29th minute when Gurr forced a save, and again minutes later when a well-worked build-up saw Gurr miss just wide.
Defensively, Sacramento kept things tight and limited Rhode Island’s opportunities — no small feat when dealing with reigning USL Player of the Year Albert Dikwa. Danny Vitiello wasn’t called into action until the 40th minute, but when he was, he responded with a sharp near-post save that would be the first of three on the night. The clean sheet — his fourth of the season and the 50th of his USL Championship regular season career — was a deserved reward for a steady and composed performance at the back.
Then came the breakthrough.
Ten minutes into the second half, Cristian Parano drew a foul just outside the box. Enter Rodrigo López. Making his first start since May 10, the captain stepped up to the set piece and delivered a vintage curling strike over the wall and past the keeper to open the scoring. It was López’s first of the season and 39th in USL Championship regular season play — and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Suddenly, the weight of the goal drought lifted, Sacramento looked like a different team. Eight minutes later, Cicerone — pulling strings all night — found space on the right flank and laid the ball off for Parano, who finished cleanly from the penalty spot for his second goal of the year. An assist for Cicerone, and a reminder of how dangerous this attack can be when it’s decisive and connected.
From there, Sacramento did what good teams should do — saw the match out professionally. The Quails controlled play without taking risks, stayed compact, and let Rhode Island chase a game they never really looked like threatening.
The stat sheet was modest: just four shots, three on goal, and one corner kick. But the efficiency told the story. Sacramento didn’t just create — they converted. They capitalized on their best chances and controlled the tempo with confidence, particularly off the ball, pressing smartly to force turnovers and transition quickly.
And while it’s tempting to declare the drought over and the issues solved, recent history reminds us to stay grounded. It was only two weeks ago that Republic FC smashed Las Vegas 5-0 in a similarly dominant showing — only to go scoreless in the next three matches. This time, the challenge is to sustain the momentum. The signs are promising: López is back in the XI and delivering, Parano is dangerous again, and Cicerone is producing in multiple phases of the attack.
With another road match on deck — a Jägermeister Cup clash against Orange County SC — Republic FC has a chance to build on this performance and keep climbing. They’re currently top of their group, and a win in Irvine would put them in excellent position to advance to the knockout stage.
But for now, the team — and the fans — can breathe a bit easier. The goals are back. The clean sheets are stacking up. And while it wasn’t perfect, it was progress.
And sometimes, that’s all you need.