When it comes to passionate fans in USL PRO, they’re usually backing players draped in the Orlando City SC purple and white kit. But this year there’s a new club on the horizon with MLS ambitions, and their budding fan base is creating a valid argument.

After setting the USL PRO regular season attendance record at 20,231 in its home opener, Sacramento Republic FC has managed to sell out six of its seven home games so far this season. The west coast club’s only non-sellout consisted of 17,414 fans.

Another big crowd is expected on Thursday evening when future MLS side Orlando City SC arrive for a date with the Republic. With the home crowd behind them, Sacramento will provide a tough test for the league-leaders, as they aim to finish the Club’s final USL PRO season with an unblemished record.

“It’s going to a fantastic game,” Midfielder Anthony Pulis said of the upcoming Sacramento fixture. “We know going to Sacramento that there’s going to be a decent crowd, a decent stadium, and they are obviously a good side. It’s going to be a good test for us. I know the guys are really looking forward to it, and hopefully we can go in there and keep our unbeaten run in tact.”

An impressive fan base during Sacramento’s inaugural season in USL PRO has provided a sort of home field advantage for the hosts, as all but one of their losses has taken place away from Hughes Stadium/Bonney Field. Sacramento’s leading scorers, Rodrigo Lopez, Thomas Stewart and Adam Jahn, have all flourished at home, scoring eight of their combined 13 goals in Sacramento.

Isolated atop of the league standings, without a single loss, Orlando City has all of the tools necessary to succeed in this crucial upcoming match against Sacramento. With a roster comprised with players that have won championships, City has allowed the least amount of goals in the league (11), keeping Gallardo in first place in the Goals Allowed Average (GAA) category.

In order to keep their undefeated record alive and finish as the ‘Invincibles’, Miguel Gallardo and the Lions’ defense will have to maintain their impressive form to keep Sacramento’s attacking players at bay. Former Orlando City Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez, along with Thomas Stewart and Adam Jahn, have notched eight of their 13 combined goals in front of the Republic FC faithful.

City’s match against Sacramento is set for kick-off at 10:30 p.m. EST. Be sure to check out the live-stream by visiting, YouTube.com/SacRepublicFC.