With that due diligence done, and having had a frank conversation with Briggs, also a native of England and a former youth player with West Brom and Shrewsbury Town, Phillips said the decision became a no-brainer. “Obviously, I’m really happy [I made the move] because it’s gone really well.
“I [came into the situation] open-minded and that has helped me adjust well,” he added. “To be honest, the lads are great, the staff is great, and they really have helped me settle in, so a lot of [the success] starts with them really.”
Feeling the U.S. Open Cup Magic
Phillips had only been training with Republic FC for a few weeks when he made his 2024 Open Cup debut for the Quails against Monterey Bay FC. It wasn’t his first experience playing in a domestic cup tournament, as he has five total FA Cup appearances with Huddersfield Town. He also played in England’s most beloved cup while on loan with Walsall FC and Morecambe FC – both in Football League 2.
Phillips’ first half goal helped lift Republic FC to a 2-0 win over the fellow USL Championship side from Monterey on May 7 in the Round of 32. Two weeks later, in the Round of 16, Phillips recorded a first-half brace against the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS in a thrilling 4-3 Cupset win in extra-time.
This prolific Round of 16 performance earned Phillips ‘Player of the Round’ honors from TheCup.us, the well-respected Open Cup-focussed media outlet, by an overwhelming margin. He’s tied for second in the tournament’s Golden Boot Race (three goals) with LAFCs Christian Olivera.
The striker’s pace and creativity around the 18-yard box have proven difficult for opposition defenders to get to grips with. His presence has also been a shot in the arm for a Republic side decimated by injuries to key attacking players like club legend and captain Rodrigo ‘RoRo’ Lopez. But don’t look to Phillips to soak up much of the credit. He points to the guys around him.
“I think it’s the team mentality,” said Phillips, who has three additional goals in league play, when asked about the secret to his success. “We played the Earthquakes and there wasn’t one person in that changing room that didn’t believe we could win. [But] in terms of myself, scoring goals is my job, so if the lads are providing good opportunities like that night, it’s my job to put them in – and thankfully I did.”
Importance of the Open Cup
With sweeping changes to the Open Cup format this year, most notably only eight MLS first teams participating and starting in the Round of 32, Phillips has his own thoughts and feelings about the importance of a robust domestic tournament.
“Back home, you grow up watching the FA Cup,” said Phillips, who’s hoping his Republic FC can match their heroics of 2022 by reaching another Final this year. “You dream about playing in a final and winning it [all]. It’s just got that little extra bit of pressure and excitement.
