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After another a hard fought battle against the Swope Park Rangers and only a measly 2 days off, Sacramento Republic will travel to Arizona for a challenging match versus Phoenix Rising FC.
.@PHXRisingFC and @SacRepublicFC meet for the first time this season. #PHXvSAC#USL Preview https://t.co/EVPYPBrgOM pic.twitter.com/CTDCrJL0AW
— USL (@USL) August 25, 2017
Although the team has been strong at home, Republic has struggled this season in away games with a 4-5-2 (W-L-T) record. However, they currently hold an all time record of 4-1-3 against Phoenix, losing only one match against them.
Sacramento is coming off a hard fought game wherein they had to come back from behind twice with tying goals; the final one coming in the 88th minute by Tyler Blackwood in order to secure a tie and maintain a little control in the 5th spot in the Western Conference.
Phoenix, although unpredictable and currently at 11th place, have a dangerous an historically great player in Didier Drogba. Although he has only 9 USL appearances, he currently leads the team in goals (Tied; 5) and shots (41). Their other leading scorer, forward Jason Johnson, has appeared in 17 matches but has only shot 23 attempts, making his efficiency an outstanding 21.7%.
Phoenix currently sits at the bottom in clean sheets, with only two. This is an weakness Sacramento must take advantage of. After a strong offensive performance on Wednesday, there’s no reason why it won’t carry over to a defensively mediocre team in Phoenix. Hopefully this will jump start Republic’s offense.
Defensively, Sacramento will have to stay focused and not allow easy goals. Phoenix have the seventh fewest amount of goals in the league, so there is a huge chance Evan Newton will add another clean sheet to his resume. The return of Chris Christian and Jeremy Hall from suspension should be a huge lift to the defensive end.
Here are comparative stats for the match:
SRFC a PRFC.csv
| Categories | Sacramento Republic FC | Phoenix Rising FC |
|---|---|---|
| Categories | Sacramento Republic FC | Phoenix Rising FC |
| Games played | 22 | 20 |
| Goals | 32 | 24 |
| Shots on target | 120 | 90 |
| Shooting accuracy | 50.40% | 46.10% |
| Conversion rate | 13.40% | 12.30% |
| Assists | 26 | 15 |
| Goals conceded | 25 | 29 |
| Clean sheets | 6 | 2 |
| Shots faced | 77 | 89 |
| Tackles won | 268 | 209 |
| Tackles success rate | 79.30% | 77.10% |
| Duels won | 941 | 841 |
| Duels success rate | 50.50% | 51.90% |
| Successful passes | 8,140 | 5,092 |
| Passing accuracy | 81.00% | 75.00% |
| Successful crosses | 95 | 64 |
| Crossing accuracy | 26.20% | 25.90% |
| Successful dribbles | 137 | 107 |
| Dribbles success rate | 45.50% | 54.60% |
| Fouls won | 262 | 244 |
| Fouls conceded | 259 | 232 |
| Yellow cards | 42 | 38 |
| Red cards | 1 | 4 |
If Sacramento continues to play hard and with great focus, they should be able to beat a mediocre team in Phoenix and bring 3 points home.
Be sure to cheer them on!
The match will be broadcast on CW31 and streamed live at SacRepublicFC.com/matchday-guide and in the USL Match Center. Updates of the match will be also be provided via Twitter @SacRepublicFC or using #PHXvSAC. - Sacramento Republic News
Join us tomorrow for our #PHXvSAC watch parties @deverespub & The Brass Tap. Score $$ off with your SRFC gear!
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) August 25, 2017
https://t.co/aHh4iNl3cj pic.twitter.com/5p0KXA0HRV