Sacramento Republic FC will head to the east coast to round out Week 9 in the 2022 USL Championship season for a second meeting in club history with the New York Red Bulls II as both teams look to get back in the win column on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s a look ahead to the action.

New York Red Bulls II vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Venue: MSU Soccer Park
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: NY 21%, SAC 56%, Draw 25%

The Lowdown: The New York Red Bulls II will try to break a six-game winless streak and turn the tables on Sacramento Republic FC as the sides meet for the second time in as many seasons at MSU Soccer Park. Republic FC took a 3-1 victory at Heart Health Park when the teams met last July as Luis Felipe Fernandes scored a pair of goals and will be hoping for a repeat result after playing to draws in each of their past two outings. Sacramento was held to a 0-0 draw in its last outing against New Mexico United on Wednesday night as Rodrigo Lopez missed a late penalty kick for the hosts at Heart Health Park to end their perfect home record this season. The Red Bulls II saw Jeremy Rafanello find the net when they last met Sacramento, and the attacking playmaker has been a bright spot for a side that has lost five of its last six outings. New York fell 2-0 to Detroit City FC last Saturday night in its most recent outing, conceding both goals in the final 10 minutes, and has scored only once in its past three games with only four goals overall this campaign.

Spotlight Players
New York Red Bulls II – Jeremy Rafanello: The 22-year-old has recorded two goals this season and six chances created and will be key if Red Bulls II attack is to find a turnaround from its early-season difficulties.

Sacramento Republic FC – Luther Archimede: The Guadeloupe international made the move from the Red Bulls II to Republic FC this offseason and could get the opportunity to square off with his former club on Sunday.