Possession Without Promise

 

A tactically intriguing USL rivalry sees San Antonio FC and Sacramento Republic FC innovate on possession. The data from nine seasons of games suggests that these rivals focus less on ball control and more on seizing key moments. This article analyzes how overall possession between 2017–2025 exposes a rivalry where control isn't the same as success, and effectiveness often dictates the outcome.

The SAFC–SAC Republic FC rivalry persists in questioning standard control concepts, as possession stats sometimes contrast with game scores. During 2025, San Antonio FC achieved 134% cumulative possession but managed a single win and a single draw. Even with only 74%, Sacramento equaled SAFC's points, a recurring event in this closely fought series. In 2023, a parallel situation unfolded where both teams went over 140% possession combined from multiple matchups, but Sacramento came out on top with a 2-1-1 record.

Looking at the last eight seasons, greater cumulative possession did not always mean more wins. San Antonio FC's average seasonal possession is 104.7% versus Sacramento's 109.6%, but their wins, losses, and draws are almost equal. The data reveals that this rivalry is decided not by possession, but by the team that converts during crucial opportunities. Efficiency wins out, even when control doesn't guarantee victory.

The 2017–2025 possession battles between San Antonio FC (black) and Sacramento Republic FC (red) reveal a rivalry marked by different approaches and shifting control. SAFC achieved peak possession in 2023 and 2025—around 145% and 134% cumulatively—suggesting dominance, but this didn't consistently translate to wins. Sacramento, however, also utilized high-possession strategies, mainly in 2023 and 2018, and these correlated with notable success. Alternating yearly control is clear in the chart, but it also confirms possession isn't always key to match outcomes. Here, maximizing moments outweighs ball control, making efficiency more crucial than dominance during this tactical contest.

Source:
FBRef.com