In this episode of State of the Republic, we break down Sacramento Republic FC’s intense 0–0 draw against Minnesota United FC in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32. After a hard-fought match that went through regulation and extra time, it all came down to penalties, where Sacramento came up just short in a 9–8 shootout. We break down the key moments, the defensive battle, and how the game unfolded all the way to the dramatic finish.

We also share our thoughts on what this performance says about Republic FC competing against MLS opposition and what positives can be taken despite the result.

Plus, we look ahead to Sacramento’s next USL Championship matchup against Brooklyn FC and what to expect as the team shifts focus back to league play.

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

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In this episode of State of the Republic, we recap Sacramento Republic FC’s 1–1 draw on the road against Las Vegas Lights FC. It was a match that didn’t feature many major moments beyond the goals, and we discuss whether Sacramento may have been managing energy with a bigger matchup ahead.

We then turn our focus to the upcoming U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 clash against Minnesota United FC, breaking down what to expect from the MLS side and what Republic will need to do to advance.

We also dive into the circulating MLS expansion rumors, including talk of Vancouver Whitecaps FC potentially leaving the league and what that could mean for Sacramento Republic’s chances — especially with the club’s new stadium planned for 2028.

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

Support State of the Republic by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/state-of-the-republic

In this episode of State of the Republic, we break down Sacramento Republic FC’s 2–0 win at home over Phoenix Rising FC. It was another strong defensive performance, earning a clean sheet for Danny Vitiello, along with a career first goal for Blake Willey and a second consecutive goal for Dominik Wanner. We break down the key moments and what stood out from the match.

We also include post-match press conference comments from Neill Collins, Dominik Wanner, and Blake Willey.

Plus, we preview the upcoming league match against Las Vegas Lights FC, where Republic will face former goalkeeper Jared Mazzola, a key figure in last season’s run to the USL Cup Final.

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

Support State of the Republic by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/state-of-the-republic