Game Preview: Sacramento Republic FC at Rio Grande Valley Toros FC

Sacramento Republic FC (2-0-0) head back out on the road this Saturday when they face Rio Grande Valley Toros FC (0-1-0) at H-E-B Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30pm. The Republic are coming off a 1-0 win at Orange County SC last Saturday, while Rio Grande Valley’s match versus Reno 1868 FC was postponed due to horrific weather in and around the Dallas area that prevented Reno from traveling in for the match.

The Republic have historically faired well against Rio Grande Valley (3-0-2 all-time), outscoring the Toros FC 11-5 (2-1 goal advantage on the road, 9-4 goal advantage at home).

To get you ready for tomorrow, below are three keys to the match:

• As I wrote earlier this week, Cameron Iwasa has really made his presence felt over the first two matches of the season. If Iwasa can continue to keep it going, and the Club continues to play an attacking style like they’ve played the first two weeks, they will be in a good position to draw or steal another three points on the road.
• The Toros haven’t played in two weeks, so you got to believe that they’re tired of training and chomping at bit to play the match. This could be problematic for the Republic to face a well-rested team, and a team that hasn’t had to travel.
• Guatemalan midfielder Pablo Aguilar (selected 59th in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by Houston Dynamo), scored the loan goal in the Toros’ 1-1 tie versus St. Louis FC in his first professional match (see below). Argentinean midfielder Matias Zaldivar impressed in his professional debut as well. The Quails will need to keep their eyes on both Saturday.

For Indomitable City Soccer coverage tomorrow, Matt Weber will once again be live-tweeting the match and I will be bringing you the post-game recap.

Do you have a game prediction? Let us know in the comment section below.