Republic FC Academy products midfielder Mario Penagos and defender Hayden Sargis have been part of the Indomitable Club’s youth system since the very beginning. Both talented youngsters have well-over 200 combined appearances for SRFC in United States Soccer Development Academy action and have recorded over 50 goals in academy play together since 2015. And now, the accomplished and decorated local starlets are bound for the big time with Republic FC’s USL first team.

Before they both take the pitch for the first time during a regular season league match with the first team, let’s look back on some action shots of Sargis and Penagos during the 2019 international friendlies against top tier Mexican clubs, FC Juarez and Club America’s U-20 team.

Mario Penagos

SOLID SHOOTER

Midfielder Mario Penagos, a native of Elk Grove, CA, is a versatile attacking threat with an eye for goal when given the opportunity. Penagos showcased his offensive prowess throughout the entire match against Liga MX club FC Juarez from Mexico’s top division. His 54 career goals in USSDA play indicate he has the offensive talents in his arsenal to contribute on the attacking front for Republic FC in 2020 and beyond.

SOLID SHOOTER

TREMENDOUS TOUCH

Penagos has a powerful shot, but the agile playmaker displays a delicate touch too. In the image above, the 17-year-old midfielder has no trouble dancing down the touchline with possession as he breezes by the defender from one of Mexico’s most accomplished clubs. Penagos and company collected a clean sheet against Club America’s U-20 team, 2-0, during the international friendly last July.

TREMENDOUS TOUCH

SILKY SMOOTH

During his second start with the Republic FC first team in an October friendly against FC Juarez, Penagos looked as confident and comfortable with the ball at his feet as most of the established veterans did. Penagos’s fancy footwork caused countless problems for the visiting defenders who had difficulty keeping up with the shifty young playmaker.

SILKY SMOOTH

Hayden Sargis

PHYSICAL FORCE

The 17-year-old defender doesn’t shy away from having to physically battle for a loose ball and he certainly doesn’t have any trouble asserting himself when called upon to do so. Sargis earned his first start with the first team during the 2-0 win over Club America’s U-20 in July of last year. It may have only been his first shot in the starting XI, but Sargis both looked and played like a reliable veteran.

PHYSICAL FORCE

CONFIDENT

Whether he’s defending a set piece or bringing the ball upfield, Sargis carries himself with a quiet confidence and always appears to be in complete control. Defenders don’t always make the best decisions when under pressure with possession, but that’s not the case with Sargis. The sturdy CB spots the open man well when in transition.

CONFIDENT

PRECISION PASSING

Sargis is a very fundamentally sound center back with a commanding presence on the back line. But the Turlock, CA native also has the ability to have a positive impact on the club’s counter attacking opportunities given his sumptuous long ball. Once he halts the opposing threat, Sargis is quick to get his eyes up and find the open man, and rarely does he miss the moment to create a scoring chance for his fellow teammates.

PRECISION PASSING

Ready to catch Mario and Hayden with the first team on March 7 against FC Tulsa? Secure your spot for the first regular season match by selecting a full or partial-season plan today– starting at just 5 matches. Not only will you lock in tickets for the 2020 USL Championship season, but you’ll also receive the full slate of Republic FC membership benefits and MLS priority access for the 2022 season.

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