In this episode of State of the Republic, we break down Sacramento Republic FC’s dramatic 2–0 extra time win over El Farolito in the First Round of the U.S. Open Cup. We talk through the key moments from the match, how Republic FC finally broke through in extra time, and what the result means moving forward in the tournament.

We also discuss the post-match brawl and chaotic scenes, including the confrontation involving El Farolito players and fans, and share our thoughts on how everything unfolded. Plus, we go over this week’s Podcast Winner Dinner results, with plenty of points up for grabs in this Open Cup matchup, and more!

Image: Sac Republic FC

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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In this episode of State of the Republic, we recap Sacramento Republic FC’s 0–0 draw on the road against Lexington SC in the club’s second match of the season. While it was Republic’s first tie of the year, the match also marked another clean sheet for goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, continuing his impressive USL clean sheet record.

We also preview Sacramento’s upcoming U.S. Open Cup matchup against El Farolito, the NPSL side famously known as The Burrito Boys, and discuss what to expect from the cup clash. Plus, we look ahead to next Saturday’s USL Championship match when Republic returns home to face Monterey Bay FC.

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

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In this episode of State of the Republic, we’re joined by Lee Desmond, captain of Sacramento Republic FC, for a wide-ranging conversation about his career, leadership, and life in Sacramento. Lee talks about how the opportunity to join Republic came about, what it’s like leading a squad with many new players this season, and how he helps teammates adapt to both the club and the city.

We also look back at the club’s memorable run to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Final, hear Lee’s favorite moments from those matches, and get his perspective as a defender — from handling one-on-one situations to organizing one of the league’s top defensive groups. Plus, we wrap up the interview with some rapid-fire questions and a few fun topics off the pitch.

After the interview, the SOTR crew talks about Republic’s 2–0 home opener win over FC Tulsa, preview the upcoming match against Lexington SC, and make our weekly picks for Podcast Winner Dinner, the show’s Sacramento Republic prediction contest.

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

Support State of the Republic by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/state-of-the-republic