The much-anticipated Running of the Quails didn’t materialize, but Saturday night marked another banner night for Sacramento Republic FC as it hosted its home opener at Bonney Field. A stadium-record crowd of 11,569 fans packed into the venue, and roared the team onto victory against Arizona United SC.

Nowadays, it might be taken for granted that Republic FC’s home games will be packed to the rafters, but it would be a mistake to sell short the club’s 27-game USL regular-season sellout streak. Thanks to the club’s outstanding leadership off the field, Republic FC has become a figurehead not only for the USL, but also the City of Sacramento.

Certainly, the team’s players and coaching staff appreciate everything the fans – led by the Tower Bridge Battalion – bring game in and game out.

“It was unbelievable,” said Coach Paul Buckle after the 1-0 win on Saturday. “The noise level was fantastic throughout the game. Thanks to the supporters that turned out in numbers, and I’m delighted that we could get the victory.”

With MLS Commissioner Don Garber set to visit the club on April 14 as it continues its pursuit of the chance to make the move to Major League Soccer, Saturday’s atmosphere in the stands should leave little doubt the passion for Republic FC, and the game of soccer, burns as strongly as ever in California’s capital.