Over 130 players tried out on Jan. 27-28 for a chance to suit up in Republic FC's Old Glory Red. Two are being invited back. Onah Power and Khalid Arramdani joined the team for the start of the training camp this week with the hopes of turning this incredible opportunity into a professional contract.
“My expectations are to sign a contract,” said Power, who is currently studying economics at UC Davis. “I’m not so worried about the financial aspect of things, just looking to develop as much as I can. I have no doubt that under Simon Elliott, who was a former center midfielder like myself, I will grow exponentially as a player.”
Power is no stranger to Northern California, having attended high school in Oakland, California. Surprisingly due to his impressive level of play, the Nigerian midfielder only began playing soccer in high school before making the drive up I-80 to play collegiately as a central midfielder for UC Davis, where he has been for the past two years. Onah hopes to become the next Aggie alum soccer player to suit up for Sacramento Republic FC, joining defender Elliott Hord on the current roster.
“The tryouts were interesting,” Power said. “It was my first time being at an open tryout. The second day was super competitive. There were a lot of talented college players from many schools."
Arramdani was born in Morocco and played collegiately at Canada College in Redwood City, Calif., where he was named to the 2013 NSCAA Junior College Men's Division III All-American Second Team and the 2013 NSCAA Junior College Men's Division III All-West Region First Team.
The 6-foot forward will reunite with Republic FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen in training camp, as the two played together for the Burlingame Dragons during the 2015 PDL season. Cohen is starting his first season as Republic FC’s goalkeeper after arriving from Phoenix Rising FC in January.
“The tryout was very well organized and attracted a lot of talented players chasing their dreams,” said Arramdani. “The 7v7 exercise was a very good idea on the first day and to finish it off with a 11v11 on the second day was perfect, really getting to show what you’ve got in a full match format. I’m really just blessed to get called up for preseason and to get an opportunity to work hard and earn a roster spot. I know Sacramento Republic FC is a great organization to play for and I know their fans are the best in the USL.”
Sacramento Republic FC began training camp Feb. 1 as they squad work towards their first two friendlies of the season at Papa Murphy’s Park against MLS sides Seattle Sounders FC on Feb. 15 and Los Angeles Football Club on Feb. 25. To see the full schedule, visit https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/republicfc-schedule.
Over 130 players tried out on Jan. 27-28 for a chance to suit up in Republic FC’s Old Glory Red. Two are being invited back. Onah Power and Khalid Arramdani joined the team for the start of the training camp this week with the hopes of turning this incredible opportunity into a professional contract.
“My expectations are to sign a contract,” said Power, who is currently studying economics at UC Davis. “I’m not so worried about the financial aspect of things, just looking to develop as much as I can. I have no doubt that under Simon Elliott, who was a former center midfielder like myself, I will grow exponentially as a player.”
Power is no stranger to Northern California, having attended high school in Oakland, California. Surprisingly due to his impressive level of play, the Nigerian midfielder only began playing soccer in high school before making the drive up I-80 to play collegiately as a central midfielder for UC Davis, where he has been for the past two years. Onah hopes to become the next Aggie alum soccer player to suit up for Sacramento Republic FC, joining defender Elliott Hord on the current roster.
“The tryouts were interesting,” Power said. “It was my first time being at an open tryout. The second day was super competitive. There were a lot of talented college players from many schools.”
Arramdani was born in Morocco and played collegiately at Canada College in Redwood City, Calif., where he was named to the 2013 NSCAA Junior College Men’s Division III All-American Second Team and the 2013 NSCAA Junior College Men’s Division III All-West Region First Team.
The 6-foot forward will reunite with Republic FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen in training camp, as the two played together for the Burlingame Dragons during the 2015 PDL season. Cohen is starting his first season as Republic FC’s goalkeeper after arriving from Phoenix Rising FC in January.
“The tryout was very well organized and attracted a lot of talented players chasing their dreams,” said Arramdani. “The 7v7 exercise was a very good idea on the first day and to finish it off with a 11v11 on the second day was perfect, really getting to show what you’ve got in a full match format. I’m really just blessed to get called up for preseason and to get an opportunity to work hard and earn a roster spot. I know Sacramento Republic FC is a great organization to play for and I know their fans are the best in the USL.”
Sacramento Republic FC began training camp Feb. 1 as they squad work towards their first two friendlies of the season at Papa Murphy’s Park against MLS sides Seattle Sounders FC on Feb. 15 and Los Angeles Football Club on Feb. 25. To see the full schedule, visit https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/republicfc-schedule.