SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Republic FC took on the Phoenix Rising in the Western Conference Finals, but eventually fell short 2-1 and missed punching the ticket to the USL Championship Final.
A vibrant atmosphere filled Heart Health Park and the Cal Expo grounds, a feeling Republic FC fans have only experienced for the once in the team’s history before Saturday.
“We couldn't be happier as the fans, this group of fans this year have been insane,” said Sharon Anderson, a Republic FC fan.
The excitement resulted in another sell out game, but some excitement spilling over during tailgate.
“I am not from Sacramento. I grew up in SoCal, but coming up here and with this team, just kind of fell in love with the game,” said Joseph Arux, a Republic FC fan.
Fans say they have also fallen in love with this team.
“In the last two years I don't think this club has ever been better,” said Rave Bear, a Republic FC fan.
“The [Sacramento] Kings are amazing, so are the River Cats, but soccer just brings the community together, and it just feels like your neighborhood team,” said Luis Huerta, a Republic FC fan.
Optimism was in the air before the game, fans hoping they'd see Republic FC's season continue.
“I think we got the right leadership in there,” said Eddie Danda. “I think we are going in a positive route, whether we go MLS or not. We do not care. We are going to be here no matter what,” said Eddie Danda, who has been a Republic FC fan since the beginning.
Republic FC closes out its tenth season with a record of 20 wins, seven losses and ten draws, including in postseason play.
Republic FC says it had eight sell outs and had over 200,000 fans attended its matches this season.
