SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A spectacular finish by midfielder Nick Ross lifted Sacramento Republic FC to a 1-0 victory against Oakland Roots SC on Wednesday night at Heart Health Park and into a spot in the Round of 32 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Both sides were patient early, and it wasn’t until the 30th minute that the first real chance arrived as Roots SC’s Joseph Nane had his effort saved by Sacramento goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña after a cross for the visitors from the left.

After the game went to the break scoreless, however, Ross found the breakthrough. The Scottish midfielder picked up possession on the left side and curled a shot to the bottom-right corner to put Sacramento ahead. Republic FC nearly doubled its lead on the hour mark when Jack Gurr attempted a volley off a Russell Cicerone cross but was unable to capitalize.

Sacramento held firm defensively the rest of the way, earning a solid victory while posting a seventh shutout in all competitions this season as it heads into the Round of 32 draw on Thursday afternoon.