LA Galaxy Host Sacramento Republic in US Open Cup Round of 16

Sacramento Republic FC is one of two USL teams remaining in this year’s US Open Cup competition. They have had things pretty cush so far the 2017 Open Cup. All of their matches in this year’s knockout competition have been at home. That advantage evaporates this week as SR FC travel to meet interstate rivals, LA Galaxy at the StubHub in SoCal.

LA Galaxy (H)

Current (MLS) record: 6-6-4

Last time out: Lost at home to Sporting of KC, 1-2 on Saturday.

Player to watch for: Galaxy keeper Clement Diop had something of a meltdown in his last outing. If he draws the start against Sacramento his confidence will either still be feeling the effects or the short rest won’t have given him time to wallow. It’s a toss up.

Win/Lose X-Factor: Galaxy have played their way through about one-half of their season and they are also sitting about half way down the MLS Western Conference table as well. Galaxy knows that the team they face in SR FC as Open Cup foes could soon become another in conference-, and interstate rival to their north. A statement game about who the big dog in California is might be in order.

Sacramento Republic FC

Have you voted for @Tblackwood17 for @USL Goal of the Week? You have until Thurs at 6 a.m. to get your vote in! ➡️ https://t.co/5HFAtCUEdS pic.twitter.com/f7rBGuFy3Z — Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) June 27, 2017

Current (MLS) record: 7-6-3

Last time out: Defeated LA Galaxy II on another of the StubHub grounds on Sunday.

Player to watch for: If you read the tweet above then you know that SR FC forward Tyler Blackwood is up for the goal of the week. He scored that one in his club’s big win over Rio Grande Valley on June 21. (The competition reel is here. Blackwood’s is first up on the video.) But the club’s other forward, Trevin Caesar, has scored 4 in his last two starts. Galaxy defenders will need to keep their heads on swivels.

Win/Lose X-Factor: The Sac have put together a 3 game win streak in USL league play this month. They’ve done it by scoring goals in buckets. They have rung the till 11 times over those 3 wins. If they can stay hot and remain unintimidated by the opposition, they might complete a unique sweep of LA Galaxies, juniors and seniors.

Score Prediction:

LA Galaxy 2

Sacramento Republic FC 3