SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC and San Antonio FC will square off as both look to continue their pursuit of a second league title in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs on Friday night. Kickoff at Heart Health Park is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

Sacramento Republic FC (18-6-10, 64pts) – Republic FC continued its impressive form on home turf this season to advance with a 1-0 victory against New Mexico United as Conor Donovan provided the only goal in the Western Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday night. The 13th-minute goal was Donovan’s first of the season as Sacramento withstood a strong test from New Mexico that saw Championship Golden Glove winner Danny Vitiello record a two-save shutout for his 12th clean sheet of the season. Sacramento has now won four consecutive games, has lost only twice on home turf this season, and is now undefeated in its past 20 league outings in which it has recorded the opening goal of the contest.

San Antonio FC (14-6-14, 56pts) – San Antonio maintained its hex over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as Jorge Hernandez scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Toyota Field in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, keeping SAFC undefeated in 11 consecutive games against the Switchbacks in their all-time series. SAFC retained Nick Marsman in goal for its postseason opener ahead of Jordan Farr, and the Dutch shot-stopper recorded one save as his defense posted five blocked shots in a stout defensive display. San Antonio is winless in its last five road contests (0-2-3), however, with its last road win a 3-0 result at New Mexico United on August 12.

All-Time Series

Sacramento Republic FC leads the all-time series with a 5-4-3 record after going 1-0-1 in the regular season meetings between the clubs this season, including a 3-1 win at home in June. This will be the first postseason meeting between the clubs.

Opta Says

21 – Sacramento Republic FC is undefeated in its past 21 games in which it scores the opening goal in the USL Championship, winning 18 times in that span.

189 – San Antonio FC has won possession 189 times in the attacking third of the field this season, the most of any team in the USL Championship.

Players to Watch

Sacramento Republic FC – Luis Felipe Fernandes: The Brazilian midfielder recorded seven goals this season, including a late insurance marker in Sacramento’s 3-1 win against San Antonio earlier this season.

San Antonio FC – Mitchell Taintor: The reigning Championship Defender of the Year made 77 appearances for Republic FC over two stints with the club and will be key at the heart of SAFC’s defense.

Discipline Report

Sacramento Republic FC – No suspensions

San Antonio FC – No suspensions