Sacramento Republic dedicates win over San Antonio to Sacramento megafan Randy Brink
Randy Brink would have liked this one.
The Sacramento native who graduated from McClatchy High School was a fixture at all Sacramento sporting events for decades and was a big supporter of Sacramento Republic FC.
He died in the final week of May. It was clear his impact was felt because when Sacramento Republic took the field on Saturday night at Heart Health Park in front of a packed house. Every player wore a white arm band with the initials “RB” in black.
It was a game defined by one of the biggest tests of the season coupled with a team trying to honor one of their own. Sacramento Republic delivered and beat San Antonio FC 1-0.
San Antonio came into the match with the best record in the Western Conference, while Sacramento was on the outside of the playoff picture. Republic coach Mark Briggs called it one of the biggest wins of the season. The team also kept intact their unbeaten record at home.
“For sure (it was one of the biggest wins) for a number of reasons,” Briggs said. “(It was) against the top team. (They’re)very difficult to play against. We limited them and I don’t remember them putting us in much trouble. Credit to the guys. Probably our biggest win so far.”
Briggs added on winning the game for Brink, “He was immense to not only our club but Sacramento (as a whole). Everyone knows who Randy is and it was a sad day when everyone found out the news. The arm bands the players wore is because Randy meant so much to this club and the people of this club. He will be someone we sincerely miss. We wish his family well.”
The impact Brink left was felt by players who haven’t been in Sacramento long. That includes goalkeeper Danny Vitello, who recorded his fourth clean sheet of the season in the win.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet him in my short time here,” Vitiello said. “I’ve heard great things about him and what he’s done for the club. I’m sorry for his family and the Sacramento community. These three points (tonight) were for him.”
Sacramento scored the lone goal of the match in the 37th minute. It all started with Rodrigo Lopez, who passed it to Keko Gontan before crossing a pass in to Douglas Martinez who scored on a header. Briggs said his team made adjustments and was able to connect on the set piece.
“If only one guy comes out, play and take a shot,” Briggs said. “RoRo played Keko and Keko dropped his shoulder and whipped an absolutely fantastic ball into the box. Dougie just glanced it in. Great header and a fantastic ball. It was overall a great goal and a massive three points for us.”
Sacramento moved to 5-4-3 and will face Detroit City next Saturday. Sacramento will then play LA Galaxy ll before facing LA Galaxy on the round in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals in Southern California.