Republic FC Central Midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu added a physical element the Indomitable Club’s defense in his first season in Sacramento. Back for 2021, the New England native will look to build on this season’s abbreviated campaign and chase championship silverware.
Republic FC Central Midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu added a physical element the Indomitable Club’s defense in his first season in Sacramento. Back for 2021, the New England native will look to build on this season’s abbreviated campaign and chase championship silverware.
Despite missing some time in 2020 with an injury, Wheeler-Omiunu appeared 9 times, with 6 starts. He finished the season strong, started three of Republic FC’s final four matches, logging 116 minutes against Phoenix Rising FC in the USL Championship Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Despite missing some time in 2020 with an injury, Wheeler-Omiunu appeared 9 times, with 6 starts. He finished the season strong, started three of Republic FC’s final four matches, logging 116 minutes against Phoenix Rising FC in the USL Championship Western Conference Quarterfinals.
His contributions to the team’s staunch defense don’t show up in the box score – but are often felt by opponents and heard through out the stands. His booming voice helps guide the defensive shape, while he’s working to freeze the opponent and spring an attack. He had the second most interceptions (16) and blocked shots (3) by any SRFC midfielder in 2020.
In his very first competitive match with Republic FC – a 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa to kickoff the 2020 USL Championship campaign at Papa Murphy's Park on March 7 – Wheeler-Omiunu made a positive first impression by collecting a team-high six interceptions and his 10 possessions gained were second most on the squad.
His contributions to the team’s staunch defense don’t show up in the box score – but are often felt by opponents and heard through out the stands. His booming voice helps guide the defensive shape, while he’s working to freeze the opponent and spring an attack. He had the second most interceptions (16) and blocked shots (3) by any SRFC midfielder in 2020.
In his very first competitive match with Republic FC – a 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa to kickoff the 2020 USL Championship campaign at Papa Murphy’s Park on March 7 – Wheeler-Omiunu made a positive first impression by collecting a team-high six interceptions and his 10 possessions gained were second most on the squad.
A veteran central midfielder with vision and awareness, he often served as an outlet for the defensive third as well as the central attack. Not only did he hold possession well on Republic’s side of the field with over a 91% successful passing percentage in SRFC's defensive half, his 82.2% overall passing percentage was third best by a Republic FC midfielder who distributed at least 100 passes.
A veteran central midfielder with vision and awareness, he often served as an outlet for the defensive third as well as the central attack. Not only did he hold possession well on Republic’s side of the field with over a 91% successful passing percentage in SRFC’s defensive half, his 82.2% overall passing percentage was third best by a Republic FC midfielder who distributed at least 100 passes.
But above all the strengths Wheeler-Omiunu has on the pitch, he’s an equally impeccable teammate and member of the community off of it. Even in just his first season in Sacramento, his impact on the local community was immense – whether it was supporting Boards for Change or visiting the Select FC youth team in Stockton after their equipment storage unit was vandalized – supporting those around him is Wheeler-Omiunu's most admirable attribute.
But above all the strengths Wheeler-Omiunu has on the pitch, he’s an equally impeccable teammate and member of the community off of it. Even in just his first season in Sacramento, his impact on the local community was immense – whether it was supporting Boards for Change or visiting the Select FC youth team in Stockton after their equipment storage unit was vandalized – supporting those around him is Wheeler-Omiunu’s most admirable attribute.
