Sacramento vs Spokane: Tactical Analysis - Returns, Newcomers, and Breakouts
04/25: Sacramento’s line up, the good, the bad, and what stood out
The Lineup:
Over the last several years, Republic has had the propensity to play to the level of their opponent, both up and down. To everyone’s frustration, we’ve already seen it twice this season. On one hand, Republic held MLS side Minnesota United and star goal scorer James Rodriguez to a scoreless draw over 120 minutes just 2 weeks ago. A month before that, Republic needed 120 minutes to beat amateur side El Farolito.
This is not an unfamiliar pattern; even within just the USL-C, Republic have played down to the opponents level in recent memory. Through last season, Monterey Bay has won exactly 1 game in their last 20 matches - a 1-0 win against Republic last September. That same Monterey team has just 2 draws and 3 goals this season, including a 1-1 draw with Republic in Sacramento.
So it was fantastic to see Republic break out of that habit with aplomb. A 4-0 drubbing of a very good USL-1 side in Spokane Velocity showed a side of Republic that not only refused to lower their level of play to the level of USL-1, but endeavored to show the gap in quality between the two sides. We’ve seen Republic go up by 1 or 2 goals in the past, and pump the breaks. Not tonight - the 4 goals were evenly spread throughout the game. Republic refused to be content to sit back and see the game out.
Two returning players, a debut goal, and 2 breakout midfielders help of course. Republic seriously needed the moral boost - let’s take a look at how they did it.
The Good:
The Return of Jack Gurr and Memo Rodriguez
A huge positive for Republic in this match was the continued return of Republic players from the injury list. While players such as MAK, Reedy, Crisostomo, and Timmer remain out, Republic is slowly building strength as we head into the summer.
Memo’s injury seemed to be less severe than a few of the others; he only missed a month, and made his return in the 59th minute. With just 30 minutes to impact the game, Memo stepped up with 3 shots, 1 of which was on target and one hit the post, and went 3/3 in duals. Republic has struggled with midfield control, and Memo returning helps solidify that control.
Making his first start of the season, and second appearance, is Jack Gurr, whom Republic have desperately needed. Gurr is not just the best right back on the roster - he’s the best right back in the entire Championship. We’ll discuss how Republic has started to prefer to play on the wings below, but what the return of Gurr does is that it makes Republic a threat on both sides of the pitch. Compare where Republic attack against Minnesota (no Gurr), with how they attack against Spokane (with Gurr):
Against Minnesota, it’s heavily skewed to the left side of the pitch. Add in Jack Gurr, and all of a sudden Republic is a threat on both sides of the pitch.
Wing Play
Speaking of playing on the wings, let’s get into that a bit. Republic has started heavily attacking up both wings, which is what we expected a bit more at the start of the season. I think the injuries have delayed that plan from coming in - what we’ve been seeing is Republic relying on the left side of the pitch. Look at how the defenders move in this image from the match against Phoenix a few weeks ago:
That is the right back and both center backs staying in the back line, which in turn has freed up Benitez to push all the way up the field from the left back role. The attack becomes one dimensional though; opposing teams know where the attack is coming from, and can plan for it. What Republic want to do is something more like what we saw against Lexington:
There’s still three at the back while Republic have the ball, but it is Crisostomo in this case who drops into the backline from the CDM role, allowing both the left back and right back to surge forward up the wings.
With the absences of Gurr and Crisostomo, there just hasn’t been the personnel to utilize this tactic. With Gurr back, look where Benitez (left) and Gurr (right) played against Spokane:
They are both pushed way up the field. On the right side of the pitch, that’s the furthest upfield a Republic right back has averaged all season. But with Crisostomo out, how did Republic fill the defense gaps? They used both CDM’s: Willey (left) and Essel (right):
Both drop in and back fairly often throughout the game, almost to the sideline, because they are covering for both wing backs going up pitch. We’ll have to see if this adjusts to just Crisostomo dropping when he and MAK return from injury, but this is a great sign that Republic is getting their offensive verticality back without losing their defensive structure.
Another factor of this wing play is how it affects Republic’s strikers. You may remember Quail City’s 2026 predictions:
Noticeably absent from the predicted “Golden Quail Award” for top striker is Forster Ajago, Republic’s main striker, and we’re starting to see why. It’s not because Ajago is a bad player - quite the opposite! He’s a fast and strong player, which means he’s very good at 1, getting assists, and 2, secretly drawing attention. Look at Republic’s third goal on the night, which was scored by Malango and assisted by Arturo:
Ajago actually makes this goal off the ball. It’s a little hard to see, but follow him (number 11) as he runs to the near post. He pulls both opposing center backs with him, which is what leaves Malango wide open. Because Republic are attacking from the sides much more often, keep an eye out for this type of play from both Ajago and Edwards going forward - it doesn’t make the stat sheet, but damn, it should be recognized somewhere.
The goal scorers in this system are going to be the wingers - all 4 of Republic’s goals came from outside players. Benitez scored while roaming up from left back, Malango scored his brace from the left wing, and Wolff scored his debut goal from the right wing.
Breakouts and Debuts
Speaking of Wolff, Republic’s newest signing made his club debut after just a few days of training, and scored just 5 minutes in. That’s the sort of drive and eye for goal that Republic needs. Collins seemed ecstatic about his new signing:
“He showed in his first goal and his first action why we brought him to the club. He’s dynamic, and he’s got an eye for goals, and I think every team needs that.”
The other interesting thing to note with Wolff’s debut is where Arturo played. Arturo, who has predominantly played the right wing role that Wolff sits in, was played at what seems to be a “False 9 “role. The False 9, similar to a center attacking midfielder or CAM, is supposed to be your central offensive focal point, dropping in to the midfield to collect the ball before pinging out passes to the wings to open the opposing defense up. Until his injury, this was Memo Rodriguez’s main role - it’s also a bit similar to where Roro has played in the past, though Roro often sat back in the midfield just a tad further.
But Arturo, over the past 3 games, has suddenly taken control of the position. His 2 assists tonight are exactly what you want from this spot on the pitch, especially in a system that so heavily emphasizes the outside of the pitch rather than the center. It will be very interesting to see how Collins handles this role as players return from injury.
Malango also broke out, with a brace from the bench. Malango is one of the players who I think can show the most growth this season - the talent is all there, he just needs to keep adding the finishing touches. A 2 goal night is a great way to build that confidence.
The Bad:
Further Injuries?
Republic, while slowly getting healthy, just can’t seem to kick the injury bug. Currently hurt are:
Jared Timmer
Pierre Reedy
Danny Crisostomo
Mark-Anthony Kaye
Those are all key players. And while Gurr and Memo are now back on the pitch, their minutes are still limited - Gurr subbed out after 60 minutes on the dot, and Memo subbed in for just 30 minutes.
Further worrying is the substitutions of Freddy Kleemann and Dominik Wanner - Kleemann’s seemed less serious, but Wanner subbed out after just 39 minutes. Either player missing some time will just cause further issues, especially on the backline. We haven’t heard any updates on any of these injuries, let alone return time-lines, given Republic’s usual habit of being tight-lipped. But the sooner these guys are back, the better.
What Stood Out:
Overall, a great night for the club. Every other team in Republic’s USL Cup group dropped points - which is huge in a tournament where only the group winner advances. 4-0, at home in front of the fans, is a huge result. Collins had this to say:
“It was great to see a score, four goals in front of our home crowd. I think we could have scored a few more. At home, we want to create, we want to score and if that means, at times to be a little looser, that’s fine… credit to the boys for a great result.”
With the first USL Cup match game of the season complete, Republic now move back into league play, where they’ll host Orange County in a big show down - OC needs the points to hang on to first, and Republic desperately needs to move up the table.
Something to watch for is how Collins handle the return of all these injured players. He almost has too many options now in the midfield, with how well Arturo, Essel, and Willey have been playing. Crisostomo, Memo, and MAK returning makes for a very crowded midfield, not to mention new comers like Wolff. We may also see some position shake ups - you’ll note that Memo came in for Wolff and played on the wing instead of playing in the center, which left Arturo playing at the False 9 we discussed earlier. And I’m very curious to see where Pierre Reedy comes in when he’s healthy - Wanner has cemented himself as a solid left winger to go along with Malango.
Either way, the Quails are getting healthy again and the depth is returning. It’s time for a push in the standings.
Good to hear about Kleeman. That had me worried. Otherwise great game and the usual strong analysis.
And it's fun to yell "GRRRRRRRRR" again.