Real Monarchs SLC at Sacramento Republic FC
March 9, 2019; Papa Murphy’s Park; Sacramento, California
8:30 p.m. MT; ESPN+
Real Monarchs SLC (0-0-0, 0 points); Sacramento Republic FC (0-0-0, 0 points)
Player to Watch – Goalkeeper Josh Cohen holds a unique accolade of starting and playing every minute for Sacramento Republic FC in 2018, totaling 3,150 minutes across 35 matches played. The 26-year-old California native secured 12 clean sheets, totaling a second league best 120 saves through the 2018 season, earning himself a spot on the 2018 USL All-League Second Team. Cohen’s work between the pipes made the Sacramento net the most secure in the West, conceding only 34 goals last season. Cohen makes himself a player to watch as he looks to repeat and improve on last season’s performance.
History – The 2019 Regular season opener will be the 13th bout between Real Monarchs SLC and Sacramento Republic FC. After the two teams met in early July of last year, the scoreless draw brought the all-time series record to 5-3-4. The Monarchs side has a history of walking away from Sacramento with points in hand however, holding a record of 2-1-3 at The Indomitable Club’s hometown.
Last Five – This is the first game of the season for both teams, however Sacramento Republic FC boasted a series of strong wins throughout the preseason starting with a dominating 9-1 win in a friendly over Ventura County Fusion. Sacramento finished off its California trip with a 1-0 win over LA Galaxy II then rounded out its preseason journey with a pair of victories in split-squad friendlies against Reno 1868 FC. The series of wins gives Sacramento Republic FC an air of confidence moving into the 2019 USL Championship season opener against Real Monarchs SLC Saturday evening.
