Republic FC Wins Third Straight with 3-0 Victory Over El Paso

Sacramento’s attack continues to heat up as Collins earns 100th career win; playoff race tightens

After four straight games on the road, Sacramento Republic FC returned home and delivered a complete performance on Saturday night. A commanding 3-0 victory over El Paso Locomotive FC at Heart Health Park extended the club’s win streak to three — their longest run in league play this year — and launched them into fourth place in the Western Conference.

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The result tightened the playoff race significantly. Sacramento now sits just four points behind new conference leaders San Antonio FC, with a game in hand, and only two points from second. With momentum building, the Quails are finally climbing the table after a rocky first half of the season.

Saturday’s win was a showcase of collective effort and clinical execution. Head coach Neill Collins reached a personal milestone as well, earning his 100th career win as a professional manager. At 41 years, 10 months, and 10 days old, the Scotsman became the youngest coach in USL Championship history to hit the century mark — and just the fourth to do so in the league’s history.

Collins’ squad came out aggressive from the opening whistle, imposing their high press and forcing El Paso into mistakes. While a choppy first half saw 18 combined fouls and few clear chances, Sacramento steadily built momentum. In the 39th minute, Rodrigo López sent a teasing cross to the back post for Russell Cicerone. Though Sebastián Herrera nearly finished the sequence, El Paso escaped unscathed — for the moment.

Five minutes later, their luck ran out. A poor giveaway in midfield by El Paso allowed Michel Benítez to collect the ball and find Herrera streaking across the top of the box. The Colombian striker slotted a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Jamali Waite to give Sacramento a 1-0 lead in the 44th minute — a deserved breakthrough before halftime.

El Paso responded with urgency in the second half and nearly equalized in the 72nd minute. A quick cross from the wing found a Locomotive attacker in space, but goalkeeper Danny Vitiello — recently named a Mid-Season Goalkeeper of the Year nominee — produced a reflex save to preserve the lead. It was one of just two saves needed on the night, as Sacramento’s back line held firm for their fifth clean sheet in league play.

Rather than sit back, Republic FC pressed on. In the 75th minute, 18-year-old Blake Willey delivered a well-weighted pass to Benítez on the wing. The Mexican midfielder cut inside and curled a stunning shot into the top right corner — a Goal of the Week candidate and the moment that broke the match open. It was Willey’s second assist in as many games, making him the youngest player in club history to record two career assists.

With the match winding down and El Paso searching for a lifeline, Sacramento struck again in stoppage time. A clearance fell to Herrera, who danced past a defender and unselfishly fed Cristian Parano, who made no mistake with his finish to seal the 3-0 victory.

Sacramento’s stat sheet mirrored the dominance: 13 corner kicks, nine total shots, and four on target — all while conceding just seven shots and two on frame from El Paso. The visitors failed to register a save, while the Quails’ defense kept them from building any rhythm.

Saturday’s win didn’t just mark a shift in form — it reinforced the growing belief that Republic FC are finally finding their identity under Collins. With three straight wins and a surging attack led by Herrera and Benítez, the Quails are rising at the right time — and climbing fast.

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