Sacramento Republic FC traveled to the East Bay Saturday night to face Oakland Roots SC in the second match up of the season between the Northern California rivals. The first tilt was a non-league match on May 16 as part of the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup group play where Republic FC secured a 1-0 road win.
Both teams came into the match with something to prove as the Roots were winless since June 20 (0-3-0), and Republic FC were winless since June 13 (0-2-1).
Behind a second half brace from forward Kyle Edwards, Republic FC were able to secure a 3-1 road win and an important three points. With the win, the Quails move up the table to fifth position (6-4-5) in the USL Championship, with only a handful of points separating them from third place all the way down to eleventh.
“I’m so pleased for the team,” said Republic FC Manager Neill Collins. “I thought our performance deserved to get three points, but you don’t always get what you deserve. But tonight we did because we were able to take our chances exceptionally well, and I think gave our fans a really great night.”
Edwards entered the match in the 69th minute and made an immediate impact. His first goal came in the 75th minute following a rebounded shot from a Blake Willey off a corner kick. In the 91st minute, he secured his brace (and fifth goal on the season) on a beautifully weighted ball from midfielder Memo Rodriguez.
“I think we started the game well,” said Republic FC forward Kyle Edwards. “We were solid with and without the ball. We limited their chances and took advantage of ours. Overall, a well deserved three points. It’s always a great feeling to get two goals especially when the team was doing a great job. I’m just happy to do my part.”
Rodriguez got Republic FC on the board first in the 19th minute when he was able to volley in a cross from defender Jack Gurr. It was Rodriguez’s first goal and first assist of the season. Oakland pulled one back minutes later in the 21st minute on a goal from Florian Valot.
The other standout player for Republic FC was defender Chibuike Ukaegbu who came on at half for Aaron Eassel. He brought tremendous energy and made some critical late-game tackles to keep Oakland off the scoresheet in the second half.
The Quails return home next Saturday, August 1 when they host expansion side Sporting Club Jacksonville. After playing six of their last eight matches on the road across all competitions, it’s safe to say they will be excited to be back home.
In what has been a bit of an up-and-down season for the Republic, the question is whether they can ride the momentum and go on a little bit of a run? Can they push across more goals then they have so far? With teams separated in the table by just a handful of points, that will certainly have to score more, because every point will matter given the talent level across the USL Championship.
“We have a good potential, a good run of games that are coming, and we have to be strong,” said Republic FC midfielder Memo Rodriguez. “I’m very happy that everybody’s working hard and we’re trending in the right direction. We have three important games…one at home and then two away again. So we have to pick up points at home for sure. And you know, like I said, every home, every away game is hard, but we’re up for the challenge, and we have the team to compete in any game.”
William Hodges is a contributor with U.S. Soccer, TheCup.Us and was formerly editor of Indomitable City Soccer. You can follow him on X @william_hodges.