A pair of goals four minutes apart in the first half sent Sacramento Republic FC to a 2-0 victory against USL Championship rival Monterey Bay F.C. to send the hosts into the Round of 16 in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night as Republic FC remained undefeated this campaign in all competitions.

Sacramento will play host to the San Jose Earthquakes at Heart Health Park in the Round of 16 on May 21-22 as the sides meet for the first time since Republic FC took victory two seasons ago on the way to reaching the Open Cup Final.

Republic FC opened the game in positive fashion as Rafael Jauregui had a pair of early chances before Kieran Phillips was denied by Monterey Bay goalkeeper Carlos Herrera. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute in fortuitous fashion, however, as Damia Viader’s effort from the top-left edge of the penalty area took a wicked deflection off MBFC defender Kai Greene and found the net for what was ruled an own goal.

Four minutes later, Phillips ensured there was no doubt over the scorer as a slick combination through midfield saw a passing move between Rodrigo Lopez, Russell Cicerone and Jauregui play Phillips into the left side of the penalty area for a lifted finish past the advancing goalkeeper and a two-goal lead.

Monterey Bay had limited chances in the second half to find a way back into the game, including a pair of efforts that forced saves from Sacramento goalkeeper Danny Vitiello. The hosts saw out the game comfortably overall, however, and will now get their chance to welcome another squad from MLS to its home in the next round.

Scoring Summary
SAC – Kai Greene (own goal) 27’
SAC – Kieran Phillips (Rafael Jauregui) 31’