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Republic FC Eager to Bounce Back

By CHRIS HOCKMAN – chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 08/22/17, 2:24PM EDT

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Showdown with Swope Park offers chance to reward strong home support


Photo courtesy Sacramento Republic FC

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – After a strong run by Sacramento Republic FC came to an end against Reno 1868 FC on Saturday night, a quick turnaround to a crucial match against the third-place Swope Park Rangers on Wednesday could play right into Republic FC's hands as it looks to get back into the discussion for a top-four finish in the Western Conference.

But Sacramento Head Coach Paul Buckle is not concerned with the standings, at least not yet.

“I don’t think that much [about the standings] honestly. I never think like that,” said Buckle “If you can’t handle a defeat or two then get out and go do something else. We can take defeat, we have to; we won the Western Conference last year and ended up going out in the first round on [penalty kicks] so you don’t get anything for winning the Western Conference, other than the satisfaction of being the best team in the Western Conference that year.”

The focus for Sacramento is bouncing back and getting onto another run, and for Buckle there is no fear that the players will dwell on it.

“Obviously against Reno, we put a lot in to that game and thought we deserved a lot more than a defeat for our troubles,” said Buckle. “That’s the way it goes, we’ve been on a great run in the league, we’ve not lost since June, so we need to go on another run. The players know what’s expected at this stage of the season, it’s about getting them ready for the game and trusting them to do their work.”


Photo courtesy Sacramento Republic FC

Playing at home will be significant for Sacramento, with its always-enthusiastic home fans providing an electric atmosphere in what will be a crucial match for playoff position for both.

“I don’t know the last time, other than Saturday that we lost at home, our home record has been phenomenal,” said Buckle. For the record, the side's only prior home defeat this season was on April 22nd against the Portland Timbers 2.

Goalkeeper Evan Newton went a step further, “Our fans are the best in the league, hands down. Other clubs are doing a great job, and it’s awesome to see, but what our fans have put in year-in and year-out, it’s fun to be a part of. Wednesday is going to be fun. It should be a good game, two good teams playing each other.”

The atmosphere at Papa Murphy’s Park is well known, and that provides some pressure to the home side.

“It’s the big game on the schedule ‘when am I playing Sacramento?’ and for us that’s a big challenge, but it makes you better,” said Newton. “Our fans are incredible, they’ve proved it for four years now. If we could fit 20,000 [in the venue], we would. I tell people it’s like a mini-Europe here, the fans are great, you’ve got to reward the fans.”

Newton's play has been part of the reason for the club's success over the past two seasons. After earning Goalkeeper of the Year nomination for OKC Energy FC in 2015, the 29-year-old headed West to become part of Republic FC's squad. Newton has since recorded 14 shutouts in 30 regular-season appearances, helping Sacramento sport the third-stingiest defense in the USL Western Conference this season. 

With the Rangers bringing an equally strong defensive group, and an attack that has multiple weapons to deploy, gaining ground in the standings with a win is going to be a challenge, but one that Newton is looking forward to earning for the club's support.

“Especially at home, they’re incredible, we want to reward them every time we step out there,” said Newton, looking forward to Wednesday. “We know we’re going to get Swope Park’s best, that’s what happens when you’re Sacramento Republic, especially here. A lot of teams don’t get to play in an atmosphere like ours. That’s great for us as players, it constantly pushes you to get better. It’s going to be fun.”

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