The Sacramento Republic returned to Heart Health Field to start their 2026 home campaign by securing their 200th win in 13 seasons. They took down Tulsa F.C.
While last season brought in a new coach Neil Collins, the team relied on a lot of familiar faces to highlight their strong defense by pitching a shutout, living up to their nickname “the indomitable.”
With new faces up front like Mayele Malango (7), Forster Ajago (11) and striker Kyle Edwards (71) each played a role in matching the physicality of Tulsa, brought to the match. While it did take an hour for the Republic to open the scoring account for the season, but Freddy Keelmann opened the season with the first goal before Edwards scored the second from a strike outside the box.
“Being on this side, it feels awesome,” Edwards told The OBSERVER in a postgame interview.” I think Neill has a lot of trust in the guys, and the game plan was to just keep the ball, and then obviously, chances will come and I know when I get in, I’m gonna get a chance and that’s what I did and I put it in the back of the net.”
Sacramento Republic Forward Kyle Edwards (71) celebrates with teammates after scoring from outside the box to give the Republic a 2-0 lead in the opening home win March 7th, 2026 at Hearth Health Park.
The Republic followed up with a needed point on the road after a 0-0 draw against potent Lexington F.C. What is most impressive from the match is holding Lexington to one shot on goal. Scoring goals is important but if the team does not score then you guarantee yourself a point, adding to your season total. With the regular season, getting one point on the road against a good opponent is a good showing.
In a post game interview, head coach Collins said, “ I think starting on Wednesday, we just want to carry on where we left off against Tulsa: be aggressive, get our fans on their feet, and make it difficult for every opponent that comes into Heart Health Park. And I think we’ve done a good job of preparing us to do that over preseason.”
As the team moves to their next match against El Farolito SC, Wednesday March 18th, a tie will not help them advance in the Cup competition. but then have four straight home games;
Saturday, Mar. 21 7:00 PM Monterey Bay FC
Saturday, Mar. 28 7:00 PM El Paso Locomotive
Saturday, Apr. 4 7:00 PM Phoenix Rising FC
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