The good times keep rollin’ for Sacramento Republic FC.
The MLS-hopefuls played to a sold-out crowd Saturday night in a week where The Railyards held groundbreaking ceremonies announcing the start of construction activities for Sacramento’s new $245 million, 19,621-seat stadium. The stadium is Sacramento’s paramount effort to receive the coveted Major League Soccer franchise, which currently has 12 cities vying to be one of 2017’s two picks.
After the groundbreaking that put Sacramento squarely as one of the favorites to receive a MLS expansion team, the team delivered on the field as well. Jeremy Hall’s 82nd minute penalty kick gave Sacramento Republic the 1-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.
Attendees of July 27’s “groundmaking” ceremony, as it’s been dubbed, included Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Sacramento Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle, and more than 100 fans and local business and civic leaders.
“As the saying goes: actions speak louder than words,” said Nagle in a statement. “In that spirit, Republic FC and the people of Sacramento are making our strongest statement to date with the start of MLS stadium construction at The Railyards. We believe in our fans, we believe in our stadium plan, and we believe in our destiny as an MLS city. I’m excited to reach this milestone, and know our team and our community are ready to work harder than ever to #BringItHome.”
The two MLS expansion teams are expected to be named in December 2017.
Meanwhile, Republic FC now has a six-match unbeaten streak dating back to their last match against Vancouver on Jun. 17. They have won five of six matches, outscoring their opponents 15-6 and scoring one goal or less only once during that span.
Republic FC will travel to Portland to take on Timbers 2 on Sunday, Aug. 13 at Providence Park. The team won’t return to Sacramento until Saturday, August 19, against Reno 1868 FC.
Photos by Steve Martarano
