Watching the boys in Old Glory Red compete on Papa Murphy Park’s pitch is something Sacramento soccer fans look forward every season. Since the pandemic isn’t currently allowing for supporters to see Republic FC in person, fans can relive some of the memorable moments and matches from over the years by way of Republic Rewind.
Watching the boys in Old Glory Red compete on Papa Murphy Park’s pitch is something Sacramento soccer fans look forward every season. Since the pandemic isn’t currently allowing for supporters to see Republic FC in person, fans can relive some of the memorable moments and matches from over the years by way of Republic Rewind.
This week’s fixture is the forever famous 2014 USL Championship match against Harrisburg City Islanders.
It was something out of a storybook.
The very first season of professional soccer in Sacramento saw the Indomitable Club make a magical playoff run, complete an improbable comeback in the Semifinals and see through victory in the Championship itself. It was such an impactful and unforgettable run, that the club brought back the original kit design as the 2020 Heritage Kit with a white top and iconic red sash.
This week’s fixture is the forever famous 2014 USL Championship match against Harrisburg City Islanders.
It was something out of a storybook.
The very first season of professional soccer in Sacramento saw the Indomitable Club make a magical playoff run, complete an improbable comeback in the Semifinals and see through victory in the Championship itself. It was such an impactful and unforgettable run, that the club brought back the original kit design as the 2020 Heritage Kit with a white top and iconic red sash.
But what ever happened to those players who gifted the Indomitable City silverware at the end of that first season? While some are still playing professionally and others have converted to the coaching side, they’ve all continued to pave their unique paths and there is no time better than now to see what each of the trophy-winners are up to now.
But what ever happened to those players who gifted the Indomitable City silverware at the end of that first season? While some are still playing professionally and others have converted to the coaching side, they’ve all continued to pave their unique paths and there is no time better than now to see what each of the trophy-winners are up to now.
Rodrigo Lopez – midfielder for SRFC
He’s back and he’s ready for more silverware! RoRo returned to Republic FC prior to the start of the 2020 USL Championship season and the midfielder is thrilled for his second stint in an Old Glory Red kit.
Jake Gleeson – assistant coach at St. Mary’s
After manning the net for SRFC in 2014, he returned to Portland Timbers from his loan deal and continued to play for Portland until the end of the 2018 season. After his time with the boys in Old Glory Red, Gleeson made over 50 MLS starts for the Pacific Northwest club before joining Saint Mary’s College as a goalkeeper coach in early 2020.
Chad Bartlome – runs soccer academy in Switzerland
He may be retired, but his love for the game still drives Bartlome as he runs the Bartlome Soccer Academy in Basel, Switzerland where he resides with his wife and son. In an interview with The Union after being inducted into the Nevada Union Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, Bartlome said – “One of the proudest moments for me has to be when I scored a header for Sacramento Republic FC in front of over 20,000 fans at Hughes Stadium. It was in the 93rdminute of one of the first home matches during the club’s first season to tie the game 1-1.”
Rodrigo Lopez – midfielder for SRFC
He’s back and he’s ready for more silverware! RoRo returned to Republic FC prior to the start of the 2020 USL Championship season and the midfielder is thrilled for his second stint in an Old Glory Red kit.
Jake Gleeson – assistant coach at St. Mary’s
After manning the net for SRFC in 2014, he returned to Portland Timbers from his loan deal and continued to play for Portland until the end of the 2018 season. After his time with the boys in Old Glory Red, Gleeson made over 50 MLS starts for the Pacific Northwest club before joining Saint Mary’s College as a goalkeeper coach in early 2020.
Chad Bartlome – runs soccer academy in Switzerland
He may be retired, but his love for the game still drives Bartlome as he runs the Bartlome Soccer Academy in Basel, Switzerland where he resides with his wife and son. In an interview with The Union after being inducted into the Nevada Union Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, Bartlome said – “One of the proudest moments for me has to be when I scored a header for Sacramento Republic FC in front of over 20,000 fans at Hughes Stadium. It was in the 93rdminute of one of the first home matches during the club’s first season to tie the game 1-1.”
Thomas Stewart – fresh off a league title and hungry for more trophies
The striker played for SRFC for three seasons prior to joining Ottawa Fury. But in 2017, he returned across the Atlantic to join Dundalk of Ireland’s top division and helped the club qualify for the Champions League. In 2018, Stewart joined Larne and lifted a league title at the end of the campaign and is looking to bring his trophy-winning pedigree to another fortunate club.
Thomas Stewart – fresh off a league title and hungry for more trophies
The striker played for SRFC for three seasons prior to joining Ottawa Fury. But in 2017, he returned across the Atlantic to join Dundalk of Ireland’s top division and helped the club qualify for the Champions League. In 2018, Stewart joined Larne and lifted a league title at the end of the campaign and is looking to bring his trophy-winning pedigree to another fortunate club.
Max Alvarez – last played for Napa Valley 1839 FC in 2019
Alvarez joined Saint Louis FC in 2017 after making over 50 starts across all competitions for Republic FC. The former Sacramento State midfielder went on trial with Todd Dunivant’s San Francisco Deltas before the Bay Area club’s one-and-done title-winning season. In 2018, Alvarez made his way back home to Napa where he grew up to join NPSL-club Napa Valley 1839 FC.
Dakota Collins – former Orange County FC striker, coaching SoCal youth soccer
The forward made double-digit appearances for the club in 2014 after Collins joined Croatian club NK HASK in 2015, he returned to the states in 2018 to join Orange County FC of the NPSL where the forward continued scoring goals in California but is now coaching youth teams in orange county.
Nemanja Vukovic – FC Tulsa Assistant Coach
After a solid career in Sacramento, Vukovic joined Indy Eleven before signing with Tulsa Roughnecks in 2018. Following the season, the defender began the transition into coaching and is now on the technical staff at FC Tulsa.
Max Alvarez – last played for Napa Valley 1839 FC in 2019
Alvarez joined Saint Louis FC in 2017 after making over 50 starts across all competitions for Republic FC. The former Sacramento State midfielder went on trial with Todd Dunivant’s San Francisco Deltas before the Bay Area club’s one-and-done title-winning season. In 2018, Alvarez made his way back home to Napa where he grew up to join NPSL-club Napa Valley 1839 FC.
Dakota Collins – former Orange County FC striker, coaching SoCal youth soccer
The forward made double-digit appearances for the club in 2014 after Collins joined Croatian club NK HASK in 2015, he returned to the states in 2018 to join Orange County FC of the NPSL where the forward continued scoring goals in California but is now coaching youth teams in orange county.
Nemanja Vukovic – FC Tulsa Assistant Coach
After a solid career in Sacramento, Vukovic joined Indy Eleven before signing with Tulsa Roughnecks in 2018. Following the season, the defender began the transition into coaching and is now on the technical staff at FC Tulsa.
Adam Jahn – Atlanta United FC striker
Jahn joined MLS-side Atlanta United in January and will be the insurance policy behind Josef Martinez. Jahn does have over 100 MLS appearances to his name and is fresh off yet another solid season at the USL Championship level where he scored the fifth-most goals in the league with 17.
Adam Jahn – Atlanta United FC striker
Jahn joined MLS-side Atlanta United in January and will be the insurance policy behind Josef Martinez. Jahn does have over 100 MLS appearances to his name and is fresh off yet another solid season at the USL Championship level where he scored the fifth-most goals in the league with 17.
Ivan Mirkovic – former Fresno FC assistant coach
Until the club ceased operations following the 2019 season, Mirkovic was a player/coach for Fresno FC after last playing a full professional season solely as a player in 2019 with Tulsa Roughnecks. After Mirkovic departed Sacramento following the 2015 season, the midfielder found some playing time with Orange County Blues in 2016 and Saint Louis FC in 2017 before signing in Oklahoma.
Octavio Guzman – Oakland Roots midfielder
The Mexican midfielder was a reliable option for SRFC from 2014-2016 until Guzman made his was to Saint Louis FC for the 2017 season. But in 2019, Guzman joined Oakland Roots where he made a handful of appearances for the Bay Area club.
Mickey Daly – retired
After Daly left Sacramento, the defender played in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Oklahoma before making his way back to California in 2018 to play for FC Fresno. Daly was a staple in a sturdy Fresno backline but in February 2020, Daly hung up his boots and called it a career. In his parting message to fans on Instagram, he included a picture of the 2014 title-winning team hoisting the coveted silverware.
Ivan Mirkovic – former Fresno FC assistant coach
Until the club ceased operations following the 2019 season, Mirkovic was a player/coach for Fresno FC after last playing a full professional season solely as a player in 2019 with Tulsa Roughnecks. After Mirkovic departed Sacramento following the 2015 season, the midfielder found some playing time with Orange County Blues in 2016 and Saint Louis FC in 2017 before signing in Oklahoma.
Octavio Guzman – Oakland Roots midfielder
The Mexican midfielder was a reliable option for SRFC from 2014-2016 until Guzman made his was to Saint Louis FC for the 2017 season. But in 2019, Guzman joined Oakland Roots where he made a handful of appearances for the Bay Area club.
Mickey Daly – retired
After Daly left Sacramento, the defender played in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Oklahoma before making his way back to California in 2018 to play for FC Fresno. Daly was a staple in a sturdy Fresno backline but in February 2020, Daly hung up his boots and called it a career. In his parting message to fans on Instagram, he included a picture of the 2014 title-winning team hoisting the coveted silverware.
Tommy Thompson – San Jose Earthquakes player
Thompson – from Sacramento – has been part of the ‘Quakes organization since 2014 and has endured a few loan spells, including 2014-2016 in Sacramento. The defender has well-over 100 MLS appearances to his name and started both matches of San Jose’s 2020 season that has since been cut short. Thompson also appeared alongside current Republic FC midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu during week two of MLS Idle’s hidden talent show.
Tommy Thompson – San Jose Earthquakes player
Thompson – from Sacramento – has been part of the ‘Quakes organization since 2014 and has endured a few loan spells, including 2014-2016 in Sacramento. The defender has well-over 100 MLS appearances to his name and started both matches of San Jose’s 2020 season that has since been cut short. Thompson also appeared alongside current Republic FC midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu during week two of MLS Idle’s hidden talent show.
James Kiffe – El Paso Locomotive FC LB in 2019
The left back left SRFC following the 2017 season and joined Reno 1868 FC before reaching an agreement with Charlotte Independence during the 2018 campaign. In 2019, Kiffe was a staple for El Paso Locomotive’s defense and his services over the years have been recognized by The Athletic as an honorable mention at left back for the USL and NASL combined team of the decade.
Jack Avesyan – last played for Republic FC
His last professional game was back in 2014 with the Indomitable Club but in 2012 Avesyan played alongside current Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs while the two were with Wilmington Hammerheads.
Gilberto – midfielder for Goias EC
The Brazilian midfielder is still going strong and Gilberto is plying his trade in his home country with Goias EC in Brazil’s top division Serie A. In 2019, he made 20 appearances during league play and even scored his first career goal.
James Kiffe – El Paso Locomotive FC LB in 2019
The left back left SRFC following the 2017 season and joined Reno 1868 FC before reaching an agreement with Charlotte Independence during the 2018 campaign. In 2019, Kiffe was a staple for El Paso Locomotive’s defense and his services over the years have been recognized by The Athletic as an honorable mention at left back for the USL and NASL combined team of the decade.
Jack Avesyan – last played for Republic FC
His last professional game was back in 2014 with the Indomitable Club but in 2012 Avesyan played alongside current Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs while the two were with Wilmington Hammerheads.
Gilberto – midfielder for Goias EC
The Brazilian midfielder is still going strong and Gilberto is plying his trade in his home country with Goias EC in Brazil’s top division Serie A. In 2019, he made 20 appearances during league play and even scored his first career goal.
Emrah Klimenta – San Diego Loyal SC CB
The player with the second-most appearances for SRFC is still plying his trade here in California. After Klimenta joined MLS-side LA Galaxy, the defender was loaned to Los Dos before returning to Sacramento in 2018. Klimenta joined Reno 1868 FC in 2019 before signing with Landon Donovan’s SD-side this offseason.
Emrah Klimenta – San Diego Loyal SC CB
The player with the second-most appearances for SRFC is still plying his trade here in California. After Klimenta joined MLS-side LA Galaxy, the defender was loaned to Los Dos before returning to Sacramento in 2018. Klimenta joined Reno 1868 FC in 2019 before signing with Landon Donovan’s SD-side this offseason.
Justin Braun – retired
When Braun arrived in the California capital, he brought with him over 100 MLS appearances under his belt and over 25 goals. Braun continued scoring during his two seasons in Sacramento – netting a dozen – before joining Eastern Conference USL-side Indy Eleven where his last pro season was in 2018.
Carlos Martinez – last played for Tulsa Roughnecks
The San Pedro-native started nine matches for SRFC and netted his only goal in a friendly against Scottish-side Rangers FC. Martinez joined Tulsa Roughnecks in 2016 where he made over 20 appearances for the club from the Sooner State and scored his only goal during his debut match.
Dominik Jakubek – began transitioning into coaching in 2019
The veteran netminder spent four seasons with the Indomitable Club before joining Reno 1868 FC in 2018 and when he did, he claimed the title of USL’s oldest player at the age of 39. When he signed with Reno, it was to be a third ‘keeper/goalie coach so Jakubek is starting to consider the next phase of his impressive soccer career.
Justin Braun – retired
When Braun arrived in the California capital, he brought with him over 100 MLS appearances under his belt and over 25 goals. Braun continued scoring during his two seasons in Sacramento – netting a dozen – before joining Eastern Conference USL-side Indy Eleven where his last pro season was in 2018.
Carlos Martinez – last played for Tulsa Roughnecks
The San Pedro-native started nine matches for SRFC and netted his only goal in a friendly against Scottish-side Rangers FC. Martinez joined Tulsa Roughnecks in 2016 where he made over 20 appearances for the club from the Sooner State and scored his only goal during his debut match.
Dominik Jakubek – began transitioning into coaching in 2019
The veteran netminder spent four seasons with the Indomitable Club before joining Reno 1868 FC in 2018 and when he did, he claimed the title of USL’s oldest player at the age of 39. When he signed with Reno, it was to be a third ‘keeper/goalie coach so Jakubek is starting to consider the next phase of his impressive soccer career.
Harrison Delbridge – center back for Melbourne City
The Australian defender joined fellow USL clubs Portland Timbers 2 and FC Cincinnati after his 2014 season with the boys in Old Glory Red and continued to accumulate minutes in the Championship. After the 2017 season in Ohio, Delbridge made the move back to his home country and joined Melbourne City where he’s a regular fixture in the A-League teams’ back line. In the 2019-2020 campaign, Delbridge was named in his sides' starting eleven 15 times and recorded one goal on the season.
Harrison Delbridge – center back for Melbourne City
The Australian defender joined fellow USL clubs Portland Timbers 2 and FC Cincinnati after his 2014 season with the boys in Old Glory Red and continued to accumulate minutes in the Championship. After the 2017 season in Ohio, Delbridge made the move back to his home country and joined Melbourne City where he’s a regular fixture in the A-League teams’ back line. In the 2019-2020 campaign, Delbridge was named in his sides’ starting eleven 15 times and recorded one goal on the season.
Cristian Gonzalez – last played with SRFC
The Mexican defender joined Republic FC from the Houston Dynamo Academy system and made six starts for the Indomitable Club in 2014 which wound up being his final professional season.
Gabe Gissie – joined Rhode Island Reds FC in December
The Liberian forward represented Republic FC until 2017 but Gissie has recently found a new home in the Northeast with Rhode Island Reds FC of the NPSL.
JJ Koval – retired, currently studying dentistry
Between 2014-2015, Koval was on loan from MLS-side San Jose Earthquakes but made the move permanent in 2016 when he made nearly 30 appearances for the Indomitable Club across all competitions. Now retired, Koval is attending Creighton University School of Dentistry to pursue a career as a dentist.
Cristian Gonzalez – last played with SRFC
The Mexican defender joined Republic FC from the Houston Dynamo Academy system and made six starts for the Indomitable Club in 2014 which wound up being his final professional season.
Gabe Gissie – joined Rhode Island Reds FC in December
The Liberian forward represented Republic FC until 2017 but Gissie has recently found a new home in the Northeast with Rhode Island Reds FC of the NPSL.
JJ Koval – retired, currently studying dentistry
Between 2014-2015, Koval was on loan from MLS-side San Jose Earthquakes but made the move permanent in 2016 when he made nearly 30 appearances for the Indomitable Club across all competitions. Now retired, Koval is attending Creighton University School of Dentistry to pursue a career as a dentist.
Izzy Tandir – competing in some of Europe’s topflight leagues
The Bosnian-American forward only made one appearance for the boys in Old Glory Red but has since become quite the globe-trotting professional. Tandir joined Norwegian club Breidblik in 2015 before signing with clubs in the top leagues in Serbia, Bosnia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Tandir is now currently on-loan with the Slovakian club FC Pohronie from SK Sigma Olomouc in the Czech First League.
Izzy Tandir – competing in some of Europe’s topflight leagues
The Bosnian-American forward only made one appearance for the boys in Old Glory Red but has since become quite the globe-trotting professional. Tandir joined Norwegian club Breidblik in 2015 before signing with clubs in the top leagues in Serbia, Bosnia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Tandir is now currently on-loan with the Slovakian club FC Pohronie from SK Sigma Olomouc in the Czech First League.
Agustin Cazarez – recently was on-trial with Ostersund FK
Four seasons Cazarez spent with Republic FC until the midfielder joined Fresno FC in 2018. Nowadays, Cazarez is still pushing to find a place in a top league as the Reseda, California-native most recently was on-trial with Swedish Premier League Club Ostersund FK in the summer of 2019.
Steven Evans – University of Portland coach
Evans spent a single season with SRFC in 2014 while on-loan from MLS’s Portland Timbers where he made double digit appearances and scored one goal. The midfielder returned to Timbers for the 2015 season and retired following the Pacific Northwest club’s topflight campaign. He has since returned to his alma mater in 2016 as a coach for the University of Portland.
Preki – Seattle Sounders FC assistant coach
The former USMNT player and SRFC title-winning head coach is still managing at the highest level as an assistant for MLS-side Seattle Sounders FC. After coaching Saint Louis FC for the 2017 season, Preki joined the Seattle coaching staff where he continues to help develop the top young talent and share his priceless soccer wisdom.
Agustin Cazarez – recently was on-trial with Ostersund FK
Four seasons Cazarez spent with Republic FC until the midfielder joined Fresno FC in 2018. Nowadays, Cazarez is still pushing to find a place in a top league as the Reseda, California-native most recently was on-trial with Swedish Premier League Club Ostersund FK in the summer of 2019.
Steven Evans – University of Portland coach
Evans spent a single season with SRFC in 2014 while on-loan from MLS’s Portland Timbers where he made double digit appearances and scored one goal. The midfielder returned to Timbers for the 2015 season and retired following the Pacific Northwest club’s topflight campaign. He has since returned to his alma mater in 2016 as a coach for the University of Portland.
Preki – Seattle Sounders FC assistant coach
The former USMNT player and SRFC title-winning head coach is still managing at the highest level as an assistant for MLS-side Seattle Sounders FC. After coaching Saint Louis FC for the 2017 season, Preki joined the Seattle coaching staff where he continues to help develop the top young talent and share his priceless soccer wisdom.
