SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC beat the San Jose Earthquakes to advance to the next round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Now the team heads to the quarterfinal for the second time in three seasons.
While celebrations ensued after the victory, there were also questions. Concerns have risen that Sacramento Republic FC might not be able to host the next round of the U.S. Open Cup at Cal Expo.
Sources tell ABC10 the next round of the tournament might not be hosted at Heart Health Park if it's selected because of preparations for the California State Fair. The fair will last from July 12 - 28.
Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs told ABC10 that it would be disappointing if his club couldn't host to host the match.
"It's an absolute travesty, its a joke whatever word you want to say. If they're not willing to allow us to play at home in front of our fans they're not only hurting the team, they're hurting the city and if they want to do that then it'd be on them." Briggs said.
Cal Expo CEO Tom Martinez released a statement on the matter Wednesday morning.
“Cal Expo will do everything we can to host a potential US Open Cup game," the statement says. "In fact, we welcome this event and are excited for the Sacramento Republic fans and region to once again experience this caliber of soccer at our venue prior or even during the California State Fair.”
The team Sacramento Republic FC will face off against will be determined on Wednesday night along with the location. The final three matches in the round of 16 wrap up this evening.
Find the schedule for the U.S. Open Cup HERE.
Republic FC vs. San Jose Recap
Sacramento Republic FC bested the San Jose Earthquakes in a back-and-forth match that went until to the final minutes.
In a 4-3 victory, Republic FC had the first strong chance at a goal in the 10th minute, but San Jose was the first to get on the board with a score in the 11th minute. Republic FC countered with a goal in the 17th minute from Kieran Phillips and he followed up with another score in the 38th minute.
San Jose tied up the match with another goal in an 80th-minute free kick. With the score tied after 90 minutes, the match went to extra time.
San Jose went on to take the lead with a score in the first period of extra time.
But Republic FC couldn't let that be the end of their story in the U.S. Open Cup. Luis Felipe scored at the beginning of the second period and Sebastian Herrera came in clutch with another goal just a minute later, bringing Republic FC into a lead that would end the game.
Watch more on ABC10 | Sacramento Republic defeats San Jose to advance in U.S. Open Cup
