A large part of football strategy lies in the final third—making the most of offensive ventures into your opponent’s side of the pitch and ultimately finding the back of the net.
For Sacramento Republic FC, that final strategy extends beyond their matches and into their season as well. In the final third of the 2016 USL season, Sacramento Republic FC have signed several players—Carlton Cole, Jeremy Hall, Wilson Kneeshaw and Elliot Hord—who have become essential playmakers for the club in their last weeks of the regular season.
While Republic FC maintained a strong performance the first half of the 2016 season, Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle knew he would need to add depth to his roster in order to ensure his team’s success.
“You’re always looking to improve the squad throughout the season,” said Buckle. “We’ve added and that’s a big part of the job, the recruitment, that’s gone on all season. We’ve recruited well…it’s something…you always have to look at.”
Throughout the season, Buckle continually reassessed his roster needs, but it wasn’t until July that the needs of the squad became more apparent.
Defender Emrah Klimenta, the all-time minutes leader in Republic FC history, suffered a season-ending ACL tear against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on July 9, creating an immediate hole in the club’s defense. To add to the loss, the San Jose Earthquakes traded forward Adam Jahn—who was a key presence up top— to Columbus Crew SC, ending his Republic FC loan.
“Once a season gets underway—you know eight or ten games—I said that we would know where we were. We had the support of the Quakes with guys like Tommy [Thompson], Mark [Sherrod] and [Adam] Jahn, and once we lost that here and there we knew that we needed to add,” said Buckle. “Injury comes into it as well, obviously we lost Emrah.”
Buckle and Director of Football Graham Smith immediately began fortifying the squad during the unexpected roster shakeup, arranging a deal to bring utility player Jeremy Hall on loan from the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The signing of Premier League and English National Team veteran Carlton Cole on Aug. 9 followed Hall’s arrival on July 21, bringing added depth to Republic FC’s offense. A subsequent wave of new signings—Wilson Kneeshaw on Aug. 11, Christian Chaney on Aug. 12 and Elliot Hord on Aug. 19—completed the late roster additions.
With the loss of Klimenta, who was also the club leader in games started and played, strengthening Republic FC’s backline became a top priority for Republic FC. In the two matches immediately after Klimenta’s injury, Republic FC gave up six goals, compared to just two in the matches prior to his injury.
To fill the missing pieces on defense, Buckle and Smith brought in Hall and Hord, who quickly created a sense of unity between Republic FC’s backline and midfield.
A large part of football strategy lies in the final third—making the most of offensive ventures into your opponent’s side of the pitch and ultimately finding the back of the net.
For Sacramento Republic FC, that final strategy extends beyond their matches and into their season as well. In the final third of the 2016 USL season, Sacramento Republic FC have signed several players—Carlton Cole, Jeremy Hall, Wilson Kneeshaw and Elliot Hord—who have become essential playmakers for the club in their last weeks of the regular season.
While Republic FC maintained a strong performance the first half of the 2016 season, Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle knew he would need to add depth to his roster in order to ensure his team’s success.
“You’re always looking to improve the squad throughout the season,” said Buckle. “We’ve added and that’s a big part of the job, the recruitment, that’s gone on all season. We’ve recruited well…it’s something…you always have to look at.”
Throughout the season, Buckle continually reassessed his roster needs, but it wasn’t until July that the needs of the squad became more apparent.
Defender Emrah Klimenta, the all-time minutes leader in Republic FC history, suffered a season-ending ACL tear against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on July 9, creating an immediate hole in the club’s defense. To add to the loss, the San Jose Earthquakes traded forward Adam Jahn—who was a key presence up top— to Columbus Crew SC, ending his Republic FC loan.
“Once a season gets underway—you know eight or ten games—I said that we would know where we were. We had the support of the Quakes with guys like Tommy [Thompson], Mark [Sherrod] and [Adam] Jahn, and once we lost that here and there we knew that we needed to add,” said Buckle. “Injury comes into it as well, obviously we lost Emrah.”
Buckle and Director of Football Graham Smith immediately began fortifying the squad during the unexpected roster shakeup, arranging a deal to bring utility player Jeremy Hall on loan from the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The signing of Premier League and English National Team veteran Carlton Cole on Aug. 9 followed Hall’s arrival on July 21, bringing added depth to Republic FC’s offense. A subsequent wave of new signings—Wilson Kneeshaw on Aug. 11, Christian Chaney on Aug. 12 and Elliot Hord on Aug. 19—completed the late roster additions.
With the loss of Klimenta, who was also the club leader in games started and played, strengthening Republic FC’s backline became a top priority for Republic FC. In the two matches immediately after Klimenta’s injury, Republic FC gave up six goals, compared to just two in the matches prior to his injury.
To fill the missing pieces on defense, Buckle and Smith brought in Hall and Hord, who quickly created a sense of unity between Republic FC’s backline and midfield.
The first player to bolster the ranks of Republic FC for their final third of the season was Hall, who was initially loaned to Republic FC as a direct fill-in for Klimenta. An eight-year veteran, Hall spent his first pro season in 2009 with the New York Red Bulls, appearing in 24 matches as a right back, but he also played a holding midfielder position while with Toronto FC from 2012-2014.
“Hall was brought on as a fullback and turned into a central midfielder and that’s really helped us look after the ball better,” said Buckle.
With the exception of a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy II on Sept. 17—where he was sidelined due to an ankle injury—Hall has appeared in every match for Republic FC since joining the club on loan. The boys in Old Glory Red have lost just one match since Hall joined the team.
Hall has enjoyed being able to contribute, bring a strong, holding presence and bridge the gap between the defense and midfield since joining Republic FC.
“I’ve really just used my experience and brought that into the group. That, and knowing some of the guys, made the transition a lot easier,” said Hall. “It really comes down to knowing what to do, what the coaches want me to do on the field, and just doing my best to help the team.”
Since Hall’s role shifted to more of a holding role, Hord’s addition has proved to be the perfect fit to fill the boots of Republic FC’s right back.
The first player to bolster the ranks of Republic FC for their final third of the season was Hall, who was initially loaned to Republic FC as a direct fill-in for Klimenta. An eight-year veteran, Hall spent his first pro season in 2009 with the New York Red Bulls, appearing in 24 matches as a right back, but he also played a holding midfielder position while with Toronto FC from 2012-2014.
“Hall was brought on as a fullback and turned into a central midfielder and that’s really helped us look after the ball better,” said Buckle.
With the exception of a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy II on Sept. 17—where he was sidelined due to an ankle injury—Hall has appeared in every match for Republic FC since joining the club on loan. The boys in Old Glory Red have lost just one match since Hall joined the team.
Hall has enjoyed being able to contribute, bring a strong, holding presence and bridge the gap between the defense and midfield since joining Republic FC.
“I’ve really just used my experience and brought that into the group. That, and knowing some of the guys, made the transition a lot easier,” said Hall. “It really comes down to knowing what to do, what the coaches want me to do on the field, and just doing my best to help the team.”
Since Hall’s role shifted to more of a holding role, Hord’s addition has proved to be the perfect fit to fill the boots of Republic FC’s right back.
Hord is no stranger to Republic FC or its players, making it easy to quickly feel at home on the squad. As a UC Davis Aggie, he regularly played in the Causeway classic against Sacramento State midfielder Max Alvarez. Later, he witnessed the “Miracle at Bonney” as fan in 2014, the same year he played against James Kiffe and Agustin Cazarez earlier in the year in the PDL. Prior to signing with Republic FC, Hord played against Republic FC in a preseason friendly as a member of the Fresno Fuego.
“When you come into a new team, you have to be open minded. I think coming in my mentality wasn’t I expect this or I expect that, it was more of just I have a chance and opportunity to be here for what the team needs me for. So that’s what I’m going to do,” said Hord.
The right back quickly made his presence known for Republic FC, fitting seamlessly into the backline and even earning USL Team of the Week honors after just his third appearance for Republic FC in their 2-1 win against Orange County Blues FC on Sept. 3.
“We added Elliot Hord and it’s been a brilliant signing for us,” said Buckle.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the pitch, late season additions have also made the difference for Republic FC as they’ve clinched home pitch advantage for at least one playoff match.
Prior to the arrival of Cole and Kneeshaw, Republic FC’s offense held their own. Forward Cameron Iwasa has tied the club record for most goals in a regular season with 11, while midfielder Danny Barrera is tied for the lead for most assists in the USL alongside Portland Timbers 2’s Villyan Bijev with nine assists.
However, the additions of Cole and Kneeshaw have proved to be the perfect spark for Republic FC’s offense, adding further fuel to Barrera and Iwasa’s offensive streaks.
Hord is no stranger to Republic FC or its players, making it easy to quickly feel at home on the squad. As a UC Davis Aggie, he regularly played in the Causeway classic against Sacramento State midfielder Max Alvarez. Later, he witnessed the “Miracle at Bonney” as fan in 2014, the same year he played against James Kiffe and Agustin Cazarez earlier in the year in the PDL. Prior to signing with Republic FC, Hord played against Republic FC in a preseason friendly as a member of the Fresno Fuego.
“When you come into a new team, you have to be open minded. I think coming in my mentality wasn’t I expect this or I expect that, it was more of just I have a chance and opportunity to be here for what the team needs me for. So that’s what I’m going to do,” said Hord.
The right back quickly made his presence known for Republic FC, fitting seamlessly into the backline and even earning USL Team of the Week honors after just his third appearance for Republic FC in their 2-1 win against Orange County Blues FC on Sept. 3.
“We added Elliot Hord and it’s been a brilliant signing for us,” said Buckle.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the pitch, late season additions have also made the difference for Republic FC as they’ve clinched home pitch advantage for at least one playoff match.
Prior to the arrival of Cole and Kneeshaw, Republic FC’s offense held their own. Forward Cameron Iwasa has tied the club record for most goals in a regular season with 11, while midfielder Danny Barrera is tied for the lead for most assists in the USL alongside Portland Timbers 2’s Villyan Bijev with nine assists.
However, the additions of Cole and Kneeshaw have proved to be the perfect spark for Republic FC’s offense, adding further fuel to Barrera and Iwasa’s offensive streaks.
While Republic FC signed Cole on Aug. 9, he did not make his debut until Aug. 27, due to delays in travel documents, in a scoreless draw against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. Despite the scoreline, Cole’s unparalleled experience as a Premier League and English National Team star brought an immediate sense of strength and confidence to Republic FC’s offense.
“He’s given such a depth of experience, just talking about what he’s been through and some of those situations,” said fellow newcomer Kneeshaw. “It’s helped me and it’s helped the team. The team obviously loves having him around…it’s like an abyss of absolute of great experience that we can just lean on.”
Cole’s presence—from matches to training to team bonding—has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge that has been a positive difference maker for the team.
“Obviously [as a Premier League] player, I knew about his attitude toward the game, his attitude toward his teammates have been spot on,” said Buckle, who reinforced that the team’s late season success has been due to a united attitude. “It’s like when we had Didier [Drogba] in [for training], he’s a top person. That’s important.”
While Republic FC signed Cole on Aug. 9, he did not make his debut until Aug. 27, due to delays in travel documents, in a scoreless draw against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. Despite the scoreline, Cole’s unparalleled experience as a Premier League and English National Team star brought an immediate sense of strength and confidence to Republic FC’s offense.
“He’s given such a depth of experience, just talking about what he’s been through and some of those situations,” said fellow newcomer Kneeshaw. “It’s helped me and it’s helped the team. The team obviously loves having him around…it’s like an abyss of absolute of great experience that we can just lean on.”
Cole’s presence—from matches to training to team bonding—has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge that has been a positive difference maker for the team.
“Obviously [as a Premier League] player, I knew about his attitude toward the game, his attitude toward his teammates have been spot on,” said Buckle, who reinforced that the team’s late season success has been due to a united attitude. “It’s like when we had Didier [Drogba] in [for training], he’s a top person. That’s important.”
Lastly, forward Kneeshaw has worked alongside Cole and has proven a pivotal gamechanger for Republic FC in the second half. Kneeshaw’s stats speak to his importance for Republic FC as a power substitute. In just 98 minutes over the course of four matches, Kneeshaw has scored three goals, or an average of just under a goal every 33 minutes.
He is already one of just five Republic FC players to score three or more goals this season, joining defender Mike da Fonte (4), midfielder Tommy Thompson (3) and fellow forwards and Iwasa (11) and Harry Williams (3).
Wilson’s addition to the squad was less one of need and more of gradual recruitment, noted Buckle, though a signing that is clearly paying big dividends for the club.
“It was a case where Graham put players in front of me and it was a no brainer to get him in here and have a look at him. Once I saw him train I thought ‘yeah he can fit into this group,’” said Buckle “He’s something we haven’t got up front in terms of pace. We’ve got guile, we’ve got good box players, but he’s got that pace and he can finish.”
While Republic FC’s new additions have proved key for the club in their final matches of the season, it will take a team effort in their regular season finale to claim the Western Conference title.
“We’ve got a group of players here that have been at this club who understands how the team works, how I work—guys like Fonzy, Maxie and Danny Barrera—the list goes on, they educate the new boys on how we do things,” said Buckle. “The new boys don’t change us, the come in to learn what we do and become part of the club.”
Republic FC travel to face Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday in their final regular season match of the season. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. PT. A win, accompanied by a Colorado Switchbacks FC loss or draw, will secure Republic FC’s first-ever regular season conference title.
“We take every game as the first game we’ve got to deal with,” said Kneeshaw. “We got to win the league first—beat Tulsa…see how the other results pan out and then we’ll go from there.”
After the regular season finale, the squad will have to readjust their focus quickly to prepare for the USL Playoffs, which kick off next week. Republic FC will host a to be determined opponent in the first round of playoffs of Saturday, Oct. 1. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.
Lastly, forward Kneeshaw has worked alongside Cole and has proven a pivotal gamechanger for Republic FC in the second half. Kneeshaw’s stats speak to his importance for Republic FC as a power substitute. In just 98 minutes over the course of four matches, Kneeshaw has scored three goals, or an average of just under a goal every 33 minutes.
He is already one of just five Republic FC players to score three or more goals this season, joining defender Mike da Fonte (4), midfielder Tommy Thompson (3) and fellow forwards and Iwasa (11) and Harry Williams (3).
Wilson’s addition to the squad was less one of need and more of gradual recruitment, noted Buckle, though a signing that is clearly paying big dividends for the club.
“It was a case where Graham put players in front of me and it was a no brainer to get him in here and have a look at him. Once I saw him train I thought ‘yeah he can fit into this group,’” said Buckle “He’s something we haven’t got up front in terms of pace. We’ve got guile, we’ve got good box players, but he’s got that pace and he can finish.”
While Republic FC’s new additions have proved key for the club in their final matches of the season, it will take a team effort in their regular season finale to claim the Western Conference title.
“We’ve got a group of players here that have been at this club who understands how the team works, how I work—guys like Fonzy, Maxie and Danny Barrera—the list goes on, they educate the new boys on how we do things,” said Buckle. “The new boys don’t change us, the come in to learn what we do and become part of the club.”
Republic FC travel to face Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday in their final regular season match of the season. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. PT. A win, accompanied by a Colorado Switchbacks FC loss or draw, will secure Republic FC’s first-ever regular season conference title.
“We take every game as the first game we’ve got to deal with,” said Kneeshaw. “We got to win the league first—beat Tulsa…see how the other results pan out and then we’ll go from there.”
After the regular season finale, the squad will have to readjust their focus quickly to prepare for the USL Playoffs, which kick off next week. Republic FC will host a to be determined opponent in the first round of playoffs of Saturday, Oct. 1. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.
