Soccer

See the Sacramento Republic FC’s playoff run end with last-minute loss to Phoenix

By Hector Amezcua

There won’t be a USL championship game in Sacramento next week.

With its 2-1 loss to Phoenix Rising FC in Saturday night’s Western Conference final, the hopes came to an end that the No. 1-seeded Sacramento Republic could play for a title in their home stadium.

The Republic took the lead in the 31st minute on Russell Cicerone’s goal. But Phoenix evened the score in the 81st minute, and Emil Cuello kicked the game winner in stoppage time.

Sacramento Republic FC and Phoenix Rising stand for the National Anthem during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC and Phoenix Rising stand for the National Anthem during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. HECTOR AMEZCUA Sacramento Bee file
Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone (11) shoots the first goal against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone (11) shoots the first goal against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone (11) celebrates the first goal against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone (11) celebrates the first goal against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone (11) celebrates his goal with fans against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone (11) celebrates his goal with fans against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone (11) has words with a line judge as his team falls 2-1 against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC forward Russell Cicerone (11) has words with a line judge as his team falls 2-1 against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Sacramento Republic FC defender Conor Donovan (24) chases the ball against Phoenix Rising FC forward Dariusz Formella (29) during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC defender Conor Donovan (24) chases the ball against Phoenix Rising FC forward Dariusz Formella (29) during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Sacramento Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs watches his team as they fall behind the Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs watches his team as they fall behind the Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Phoenix Rising FC midfielder C. Harvey (67) teases the crowd after scoring in the second half against Sacramento Republic FC during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Phoenix Rising FC midfielder C. Harvey (67) teases the crowd after scoring in the second half against Sacramento Republic FC during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Sacramento Republic FC forward Rodrigo Lopez (8) reflects on the 2-1 loss against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC forward Rodrigo Lopez (8) reflects on the 2-1 loss against Phoenix Rising during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Phoenix Rising FC midfielder C. Harvey (67) celebrates with teammates after a 2-1 victory against the Sacramento Republic FC during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento.
Phoenix Rising FC midfielder C. Harvey (67) celebrates with teammates after a 2-1 victory against the Sacramento Republic FC during the USL Western Conference finals on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
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