Sacramento Soars to Top of Jägermeister Cup With Statement Win
Vegas Folded Twice as Republic FC Deal Another Crushing Blow
For the second time in three weeks, Sacramento Republic FC overwhelmed Las Vegas Lights FC at Heart Health Park — this time with a 4-0 victory in the Jägermeister Cup. The result vaulted Republic FC to the top of Group 1 in the tournament standings, continuing a dominant run of form in all competitions.
Saturday’s win followed a 5-0 rout over the same opponent on May 17 in USL Championship play. After a bye week in between, many expected Las Vegas to make tactical adjustments and show more fight in the rematch. Instead, Sacramento picked up right where they left off — scoring early, controlling the tempo, and securing a second straight clean sheet behind goalkeeper Jared Mazzola.
Incredibly, the nine goals scored across both matches came from nine different players. Saturday’s scorers — Ryan Spaulding, Cristian Parano, Michel Benitez, and Russell Cicerone — all found the back of the net for the first time in Jägermeister Cup play this season. It was an emphatic display of depth and cohesion from a squad that looks increasingly dangerous with each outing.
The opening minutes saw both teams trade chances, with Sacramento’s first real threat coming in the 10th minute. A slick passing sequence initiated by Parano and involving Lewis Jamieson, Jack Gurr, Nick Ross, and Michel Benitez eventually found its way back to Parano, setting the tone for Republic’s fluid attack.
Las Vegas nearly struck back in the 30th minute, but Mazzola was quick off his line to deny Nighte Pickering’s breakaway effort. That save proved critical, as Sacramento flipped the match in their favor moments later.
In the 36th minute, Lewis Jamieson’s corner found Ryan Spaulding on the back post, who calmly finished for his first goal in Quails colors. Just two minutes later, Nick Ross intercepted a clearance and Parano shook free of his marker before rifling home a left-footed shot to double the lead.
Mazzola remained sharp after the break, stopping a dangerous run from Vaughn Covil in the 50th minute. He would finish the night with five saves and his second clean sheet of the tournament.
Sacramento added a third in the 53rd minute when Russell Cicerone set up Michel Benitez for his first Republic FC goal. Just five minutes later, Cicerone got on the scoresheet himself thanks to an assist from Jack Gurr, putting the game firmly out of reach.
By the final whistle, Sacramento had outshot Vegas 12-14 but were far more clinical in front of goal. The Quails’ defensive unit once again proved solid, and the midfield trio of Benitez, Ross, and Parano dictated the match from end to end.
With two wins from two in Jägermeister Cup play, Republic FC sits atop Group 1 with six points and a +5 goal differential. Up next, the Quails return to USL Championship action on June 7 when they host FC Tulsa. Then, on June 28, they head south to face Orange County SC in their third Jägermeister Cup group stage match.
The back-to-back thrashings of Las Vegas not only highlight Sacramento’s growing form but also their impressive squad depth. Nine goals. Nine different scorers. That kind of balance and confidence bodes well as the club looks to chase silverware on multiple fronts this season.
3 amigos? 7 samurai? We are going to have come up with something new for 9?