SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Major League Soccer expansion is exciting and all, but for Scott Rosenquist, President of La Banda del Puente, it's still all about the game.
"MLS is great, but we're really excited that we have a playoff game tonight and we're really looking forward to cheering our team," Scott said.
In all of the hubbub with the MLS announcement and new stadium, it's easy to forget that Republic FC is still in the midst of their season. Fans like Scott are staying in the present and gearing up for tonight's playoff game against New Mexico United.
Though Sacramento Republic FC fell to Real Monarchs in a crushing 3-0 loss last Saturday, Republic FC still has a chance to clinch the USL championship should they win tonight's game.
Scott and other La Banda del Puente members will be in full force at the game. When asked how he manages to muster the energy to cheer for a full 90 minutes, Scott says it's surprisingly not that hard.
"There's so much energy in the crowd when we're out there and we're all cheering and chanting for 90 minutes," Scott said. "Everyone just keeps everyone else going."
La Banda del Puente is a supportive group for Republic FC that's designed to reach out to the Hispanic community.
"You can consider us the Hispanic version of the Tower Bridge Battalion," Scott said.
Supporters will play instruments, wave flags and banners, and stay energetic throughout the game in order to rally team players. Though La Banda del Puente originally started in the very first year of Sac Republic's USL debut, the group is experiencing a kind of revival.
With the MLS expansion, Scott expects the group to grow even larger.
"We're always excited to see out team achieve new levels of greatness," Scott said. "I think it will really be great for Sacramento."
Tonight's game starts at 7:30 PM at Papa Murphy's Park. La Banda del Puente will be tailgating before the start of the game. Get there early to get a seat! Find everything you need to know about the upcoming game below.
What:
- Sacramento Republic FC playoff game against New Mexico
When:
- Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Where:
- Papa Murphy's Park, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95815
Cost:
Tickets start at $16 for General Admission and go up to $156 for field-level seats.
Choose your seats and buy tickets here or at the stadium.
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