SACRAMENTO, Calif. – An early goal by Conor Donovan and a pair of crucial saves by Danny Vitiello sent No. 1 seed Sacramento Republic FC to a 1-0 victory against No. 8 seed New Mexico United on Saturday night at Heart Health Park in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs.

Donovan’s first goal of the season got Sacramento out to an ideal start in the 13th minute as he got onto the end of a cross from the left by Rodrigo Lopez and headed home into the right corner of the net. Vitiello preserved the lead nine minutes later with a fingertip stop to keep out a shot by Greg Hurst as the visitors tried to level.

Sacramento’s Jack Gurr twice had chances to add to Republic FC’s lead, forcing a big save by New Mexico goalkeeper Andrew Thomas late in the first half before ringing the left post in the second half. The hosts held on for victory deep in stoppage time thanks to Vitiello once again as he parried wide a header by Shanyder Borgelin off a corner kick in the final moment of action before the final whistle.

Three Things That Mattered

1. Sacramento Republic FC knew it was going to get a test from an in-form New Mexico United side and that made Conor Donovan’s first goal of the season all the more important as he capitalized on a beautifully delivered cross by Rodrigo Lopez to settle the hosts into the game. Republic FC is undefeated in 20 games when it takes the lead this season (17-0-3), and Donovan’s goal allowed the side to settle into its more natural counterattacking style, which could have produced additional goals for Jack Gurr in either half. In the end, those weren’t necessary as Republic FC saw off a dangerous opponent.

2. In big games, it always helps to have the players who’ve been among your best over a campaign continue to shine. Above all for Republic FC on Saturday that was goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, who wasn’t overly busy but did produce two key moments to help his side through. The 2023 Golden Glove winner’s shutout was highlighted by his great stop midway through the first half, and it was maybe fitting that the game’s final play saw him deny a last-gasp chance for the visitors through Shanyder Borgelin. With a path to host the Championship Final now opened up, Vitiello’s play will continue to be key in Sacramento’s run.

3. New Mexico United did a lot right in terms of challenging the No. 1 seed in the conference, but was denied its first playoff victory against Republic FC due to a combination of Vitiello and a lack of clinical finishing otherwise. United outshot its hosts with 11 efforts overall but put only two on goal as its good moments didn’t turn into difference-makers. As disappointing as that will be, the clubs’ run late this campaign has built a good platform for the future. Everyone in New Mexico should be looking forward to what this club could be next season.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Game

Danny Vitiello, Sacramento Republic FC – The Republic FC shot-stopper only had two saves to make, but both were outstanding to preserve his shutout and send the hosts through into the next round.

Scoring Summary
SAC – Conor Donovan (Rodrigo Lopez) 13’

Full Box Score