Republic FC’s Jägermeister Cup Path Runs Through Spokane
The USL Jägermeister Cup has become Sacramento’s most realistic path to silverware.
The 2025 season hasn’t gone according to plan for Sacramento Republic FC. With a roster full of experienced players and a highly-regarded new head coach in Neill Collins, this was supposed to be a year to chase titles. But halfway through the campaign, the Indomitable Club has found itself caught between dominance and frustration—controlling possession, creating chances, but failing to consistently finish.
And yet, heading into Saturday night’s match in Spokane, Republic still has a very real shot at lifting a trophy this season.
The USL Jägermeister Cup, a midseason tournament that was initially viewed as a distraction by some, has quickly become Sacramento’s most direct—and most realistic—path to silverware. Win in Spokane, and win big, and Republic may very well find themselves in the quarterfinals with everything to play for.
The Stakes Are Clear
Republic FC enters Saturday’s match second in the group standings. To advance, they must beat Spokane Velocity FC and then hope results in the night’s later match between Monterey Bay and AV Alta fall in their favor. If Monterey Bay wins, Sacramento will need to win by the same number of goals—or more—to edge them out on goal differential.
“We want to go out and try to win this game and score as many goals as we can,” said Head Coach Neill Collins. “If we do that, we have a good chance of going through to the next stage.”
That message sets the tone for what Republic must do: win emphatically, leave nothing to chance, and show that they’re capable of rising to the occasion when silverware is on the line.
Form Rising, But Questions Remain
The good news for Republic fans? This team is playing some of its best football of the season.
Over their last five matches across all competitions, Republic has gone 3-1-1, scoring seven goals and conceding just one. The defense is locked in. The midfield has settled. And players like Russell Cicerone and Rodrigo López have begun stringing together more consistent performances.
But last week’s scoreless draw at home to Lexington SC—a league match, not part of the Jägermeister Cup—was a reminder of an old, frustrating pattern. Despite playing against 10 men for over an hour and registering 20 shots, Republic couldn’t find the back of the net. They had 60% of possession, dominated territory, and still left with just a single point.
That’s been the story of the season: Sacramento looks in control but too often fails to capitalize. When given the ball, space, and time, they struggle to break through compact defenses. And paradoxically, when opponents go down to 10 men, Republic’s scoring rate actually drops.
They’ve created enough. But converting chances has remained the defining weakness.
Bennett Waiting in the Wings
One of the biggest questions ahead of Saturday’s match is whether Khori Bennett will make his Republic debut. The Jamaican striker was signed earlier this month, but hasn’t yet appeared in the 18. He was present at Heart Health Park last week and may be just waiting on final paperwork or fitness clearance.
His arrival couldn’t come at a better time.
Bennett scored 15 goals in his final 24 USL Championship appearances before being transferred to Al-Nasr SC in a record deal for Las Vegas Lights. Sacramento hasn’t had a true target forward like him since the days of Cameron Iwasa, and his profile—strong in the air, physical in the box, mobile enough to link play—fits what Collins’ system has been crying out for. Especially in matches like this, where Republic will likely face a tight back line and need someone to bury chances in traffic, Bennett could be the difference-maker.
Even a short cameo in Spokane could spark something.
Spokane’s Role: More Than Just a Spoiler
Spokane Velocity FC may be eliminated from advancing in the Jägermeister Cup, but that doesn’t mean they’ll roll over. The League One side has spent much of the year atop their table and boasts a roster full of players with Championship-level experience.
They’re led by striker Anuar Pelaez (8 goals across all competitions), veteran goal-scorer Neco Brett, midfield general Collin Fernandez, and goalkeeper Carlos Merancio, who is tied for the League One lead in clean sheets.
Spokane’s last two results have been uncharacteristically poor, but this is still a confident, cohesive group with something to prove. An upset over a USL Championship side like Republic would be a statement win as they head into the second half of their league campaign.
Sacramento can’t afford to treat them like underdogs.
Why This Matters
Let’s be clear: the Jägermeister Cup isn’t just a sideshow. For Republic FC, it’s the best shot at silverware this season—and a chance to rewrite the narrative of a year that has teetered on the edge of underachievement.
A trophy, even a midseason one, builds belief. It galvanizes the locker room, re-energizes the fan base, and gives the squad momentum to carry into the back half of league play. For a club with a history of competing for titles, a deep run in the Jägermeister Cup could be the spark that finally pulls this season together.
One Match, One Mission
Saturday’s task is simple on paper: beat Spokane. In reality, it will require a level of urgency, execution, and ruthlessness that Republic has flirted with but not consistently shown. If the defense holds firm, if the midfield controls tempo, and if the attack can finally convert—especially with Bennett waiting in the wings—Republic could be on their way to the knockout rounds.
It’s not their last shot at glory this year, but it might be their clearest.