Notes and Quotes: “We’ve got to go in with the right mindset and the right attitude”
September 2, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
An all-new venue awaits Republic FC this week as they head to Lousiville, Kentucky for their first-ever matchup against Louisville City FC. It’s a big match – regardless of what waits on the other side – as the club stands as one of the best opponents Sacramento will face all year in league play.
It’ll be a gritty night at Lynn Family Stadium. Both teams are in the midst of a congested part of the schedule and are each coming off hard-fought contests decided by one score. The Kentucky club Sacramento’s set to face might be the most complete in the entire league, vaunted all season as a favorite for a deep playoff run come October. But Sacramento’s had their fair share of success against top competition this season and knows what it takes to unseat a confident foe.
“They’ve got a fantastic history, they’ve got a winning culture, fantastic players, and a fantastic coach,” Mark Briggs said of Louisville on Wednesday. “We’ve got to go in there with a plan, we’ve got to execute that plan and I feel if we execute that plan we can come away with a result.”
“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Zeiko Lewis. “But if we come prepared and do what we have to do, it should be just like any other game and we should have a chance to win.”
Entering the match, Sacramento’s in a good mindset following a win in a regional derby with Oakland Roots SC. There are a lot of positives to take from that match to the next, but the intangibles are most on the mind of the squad and the coaching staff.
“Winning games creates momentum, it creates confidence,” Briggs said. “We did a lot of positive things [against Oakland] so there’s a lot of positives to take into the game. We’ve got to go in with the right mindset and the right attitude and have the courage to play our game and do what we want to do.”
With a quick turnaround to the next match, every player called upon will need to contribute. It’s been a strength of the club this season; however, it’s not a coincidence. No matter the situation, every member of the team is always ready to step in or help their teammates do the next thing right. That kind of mentality could very well get them a result Saturday.
“Everyone’s going to have to be together – and that’s one of the things these guys do so well,” said Josh Bauer. “The locker room is in great shape and we just rally around each other. No matter who’s on the field, I think we’ll be ready for it.”
“It’s going to take every man that steps on the field to give everything he has for the badge,” continued Briggs. “It’s no different than any other game. We’re going up against a very good opponent, but we’re also very good.”
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