Sacramento Republic FC has made the playoffs every single year of its existence.
As Mark Briggs’ men prepare for a possible eighth straight trip to the postseason, the goal is no different from the seasons before. Make the playoffs and push for USL Championship silverware.
The 2021 team looks like a promising one, built on veteran experience, youthful exuberance and quality at every single position on the field.
Sacramento Republic FC has made the playoffs every single year of its existence.
As Mark Briggs’ men prepare for a possible eighth straight trip to the postseason, the goal is no different from the seasons before. Make the playoffs and push for USL Championship silverware.
The 2021 team looks like a promising one, built on veteran experience, youthful exuberance and quality at every single position on the field.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers
Two sure-handed shot-stoppers are listed on the Indomitable Club’s roster heading into the new campaign – Rafael Diaz and Tomas Gomez.
Two sure-handed shot-stoppers are listed on the Indomitable Club’s roster heading into the new campaign – Rafael Diaz and Tomas Gomez.
Diaz dazzled during league play last year – posting a 7-0-3 regular season record – before he most recently shined on the international stage. On Jan. 25, Rafa stymied the 29th ranked FIFA team in the world – Serbia – with a stellar performance that earned his Dominican Republic Men’s National Team an impressive 0-0 draw.
Diaz dazzled during league play last year – posting a 7-0-3 regular season record – before he most recently shined on the international stage. On Jan. 25, Rafa stymied the 29th ranked FIFA team in the world – Serbia – with a stellar performance that earned his Dominican Republic Men’s National Team an impressive 0-0 draw.
Before Diaz earned his well-deserved call-up, he kicked off the 2020 campaign with a 320-minute scoreless streak in net – the second-longest in Republic FC history. By the end of the season, Diaz had been handed a pair of USL Championship Fans’ Choice Save of the Week honors for Week 8 and 12 and Rafa was also summoned into the Team of the Week following an eight-save outing for Week 15.
Gomez joins the Indomitable Club after a season in Pittsburgh where he maintained three clean sheets from eight starts with Riverhounds SC.
Before Diaz earned his well-deserved call-up, he kicked off the 2020 campaign with a 320-minute scoreless streak in net – the second-longest in Republic FC history. By the end of the season, Diaz had been handed a pair of USL Championship Fans’ Choice Save of the Week honors for Week 8 and 12 and Rafa was also summoned into the Team of the Week following an eight-save outing for Week 15.
Gomez joins the Indomitable Club after a season in Pittsburgh where he maintained three clean sheets from eight starts with Riverhounds SC.
Prior to playing in the Steel City, Gomez has grabbed two annual league-wide honors after he won the Golden Gloves award on two separate occasions with Rochester Rhinos. After two consecutive campaigns, Gomez maintained the lowest goals against average of any goalkeeper in the Championship.
Prior to playing in the Steel City, Gomez has grabbed two annual league-wide honors after he won the Golden Gloves award on two separate occasions with Rochester Rhinos. After two consecutive campaigns, Gomez maintained the lowest goals against average of any goalkeeper in the Championship.
Defenders
Defenders
Speed, strength and skills on the ball are the best way to describe the diverse mix of talents along the SRFC back line.
On the far flanks, wingbacks Shannon Gomez, Jordan McCrary and Duke Lacroix add tremendous amounts of pace and an ability to create scoring chances when pushing possession up field.
Speed, strength and skills on the ball are the best way to describe the diverse mix of talents along the SRFC back line.
On the far flanks, wingbacks Shannon Gomez, Jordan McCrary and Duke Lacroix add tremendous amounts of pace and an ability to create scoring chances when pushing possession up field.
Gomez returned to the pitch midway through the 2020 season and its excited about getting a full campaign under his belt for the first time since 2018. During Republic FC’s final nine fixtures last season, Gomez was a rock along the SRFC defense in seven of them and he still finished tied for fifth on the team with three blocks.
Gomez returned to the pitch midway through the 2020 season and its excited about getting a full campaign under his belt for the first time since 2018. During Republic FC’s final nine fixtures last season, Gomez was a rock along the SRFC defense in seven of them and he still finished tied for fifth on the team with three blocks.
For the second straight season, McCrary was named the Indomitable Club’s Defensive MVP – voted for the annual accolade by his teammates. Just like in 2019, following the 2020 season McCrary lead the entire team in interceptions (25), duels won (83), tackles (36) and tackles won (24). Joining Jordan for the upcoming campaign is Duke Lacroix – an experienced fullback with experience playing as a striker before transitioning to the backline. Lacroix joins SRFC after a season where he started every single match for the 2020 Eastern Conference Quarterfinalists – Charlotte Independence.
Centrally, the defensive core is comprised of two familiar faces in Hayden Sargis and Mitchell Taintor while welcoming a new name from across the pond in Dan Casey.
Sargis stormed onto the scene last year after a decorated career with the Republic FC Youth Academy system and ultimately found his name included in the shortlist for the league’s Young Player of the Year award. The Turlock-native will look to build on a sensational first season where he led Mark Briggs’ men during the regular season in minutes (1,236), completed passes (772), and clearances (46).
For the second straight season, McCrary was named the Indomitable Club’s Defensive MVP – voted for the annual accolade by his teammates. Just like in 2019, following the 2020 season McCrary lead the entire team in interceptions (25), duels won (83), tackles (36) and tackles won (24). Joining Jordan for the upcoming campaign is Duke Lacroix – an experienced fullback with experience playing as a striker before transitioning to the backline. Lacroix joins SRFC after a season where he started every single match for the 2020 Eastern Conference Quarterfinalists – Charlotte Independence.
Centrally, the defensive core is comprised of two familiar faces in Hayden Sargis and Mitchell Taintor while welcoming a new name from across the pond in Dan Casey.
Sargis stormed onto the scene last year after a decorated career with the Republic FC Youth Academy system and ultimately found his name included in the shortlist for the league’s Young Player of the Year award. The Turlock-native will look to build on a sensational first season where he led Mark Briggs’ men during the regular season in minutes (1,236), completed passes (772), and clearances (46).
2021 also marks the return of Mitchell Taintor, who spent the 2020 campaign anchoring San Antonio FC’s back line. Not only was Taintor – who has MLS experience during his time with Toronto FC – the leader of a defensive unit in the Lone Star State where he started 16 games, but he was also a regular fixture in Sacramento’s gameday lineup in 2018 and 2019 where he made over 70 appearances for the boys in Old Glory Red across all competitions.
2021 also marks the return of Mitchell Taintor, who spent the 2020 campaign anchoring San Antonio FC’s back line. Not only was Taintor – who has MLS experience during his time with Toronto FC – the leader of a defensive unit in the Lone Star State where he started 16 games, but he was also a regular fixture in Sacramento’s gameday lineup in 2018 and 2019 where he made over 70 appearances for the boys in Old Glory Red across all competitions.
Like Taintor, Dan Casey is a towering presence and somewhat of a throwback to the CB’s of a simpler time. The Dublin-born defender is a force on the ball and easily exercises his brute power when trying to take it away. Casey spent last season making 15 starts in Ireland’s topflight with Bohemians FC where he helped to guide the club to a second-place league finish.
Like Taintor, Dan Casey is a towering presence and somewhat of a throwback to the CB’s of a simpler time. The Dublin-born defender is a force on the ball and easily exercises his brute power when trying to take it away. Casey spent last season making 15 starts in Ireland’s topflight with Bohemians FC where he helped to guide the club to a second-place league finish.
Midfielders
Midfielders
Whether it be a midfielder who can control the central part of the pitch or one that can deliver a sensational strike – the Indomitable Club’s midfield unit is loaded for the 2021 season ahead.
When it comes to doing the defensive work and helping to spring an offensive surge, Jaime Villarreal, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu and Luis Felipe all add an element of tenacity as they protect the pitch and wreak havoc between the boxes. Villarreal will be entering his fourth season in Sacramento and routinely leads the entire midfield – if not the whole team – in statistical categories such as blocked shots and tackles. In 2019, the he logged more minutes than any player on SRFC's roster.
Whether it be a midfielder who can control the central part of the pitch or one that can deliver a sensational strike – the Indomitable Club’s midfield unit is loaded for the 2021 season ahead.
When it comes to doing the defensive work and helping to spring an offensive surge, Jaime Villarreal, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu and Luis Felipe all add an element of tenacity as they protect the pitch and wreak havoc between the boxes. Villarreal will be entering his fourth season in Sacramento and routinely leads the entire midfield – if not the whole team – in statistical categories such as blocked shots and tackles. In 2019, the he logged more minutes than any player on SRFC’s roster.
Wheeler-Omiunu will be entering his second season with SRFC. He made an extremely positive first impression in his first match, leading the team with five interceptions following a 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa on March 7. As Republic FC approached the crucial closing stretch of its regular season schedule, Wheeler-Omiunu became a reliable rock in the central midfield where he started three of the club's final four matches including 116 minutes of his sides’ USL Championship Quarterfinal clash with Phoenix.
Wheeler-Omiunu will be entering his second season with SRFC. He made an extremely positive first impression in his first match, leading the team with five interceptions following a 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa on March 7. As Republic FC approached the crucial closing stretch of its regular season schedule, Wheeler-Omiunu became a reliable rock in the central midfield where he started three of the club’s final four matches including 116 minutes of his sides’ USL Championship Quarterfinal clash with Phoenix.
Felipe joins the midfield ranks for the first time this season after three years with MLS-side San Jose Earthquakes. Felipe brings a wealth of experience competing at the top tier of domestic soccer, but the gritty midfielder also has logged minutes in the USL with Reno 1868 FC where he tallied five goals in 2017.
On the attacking front, Sacramento is fortunate to have a player with a tremendous amount of experience competing in Europe in Petteri Pennanen and another who is just starting to begin his promising career in Mario Penagos.
Felipe joins the midfield ranks for the first time this season after three years with MLS-side San Jose Earthquakes. Felipe brings a wealth of experience competing at the top tier of domestic soccer, but the gritty midfielder also has logged minutes in the USL with Reno 1868 FC where he tallied five goals in 2017.
On the attacking front, Sacramento is fortunate to have a player with a tremendous amount of experience competing in Europe in Petteri Pennanen and another who is just starting to begin his promising career in Mario Penagos.
‘Pete’ has 16 years of senior team experience to his name and has won the Midfielder of the Year award twice in Finland’s topflight. His versatility allows him to line up in the central midfield, the left wing or even further up the field towards the front line where the newly acquired playmaker will look to make a name for himself on this side of the Atlantic for the first time in his impressive professional career.
‘Pete’ has 16 years of senior team experience to his name and has won the Midfielder of the Year award twice in Finland’s topflight. His versatility allows him to line up in the central midfield, the left wing or even further up the field towards the front line where the newly acquired playmaker will look to make a name for himself on this side of the Atlantic for the first time in his impressive professional career.
Following the shortened 2020 season, Penagos managed to log over 80 minutes of first team play including the opening match where he became one of only two players in SRFC history to start his senior side debut on opening night. The Elk Grove-native also bagged a crucial goal during his sides’ heated playoff push late in the season.
On the wings, two fresh faces join two others who made significant strides this past season in Sacramento.
Following the shortened 2020 season, Penagos managed to log over 80 minutes of first team play including the opening match where he became one of only two players in SRFC history to start his senior side debut on opening night. The Elk Grove-native also bagged a crucial goal during his sides’ heated playoff push late in the season.
On the wings, two fresh faces join two others who made significant strides this past season in Sacramento.
Returning on the flanks for 2021 is Rafael Jauregui and Dariusz Formella. ‘Darek’ finished the 2020 season with eight goals – the most of any SRFC player last year – while tallying three multigoal games. One of which he managed to find the back of the net twice in four minutes to secure the fastest brace in club history. The Polish playmaker will be excited to build on his breakout year and this season will be the first full campaign Formella will have in Sacramento.
Returning on the flanks for 2021 is Rafael Jauregui and Dariusz Formella. ‘Darek’ finished the 2020 season with eight goals – the most of any SRFC player last year – while tallying three multigoal games. One of which he managed to find the back of the net twice in four minutes to secure the fastest brace in club history. The Polish playmaker will be excited to build on his breakout year and this season will be the first full campaign Formella will have in Sacramento.
Jauregui made history last season as well, becoming the youngest player in SRFC history to appear in a league match and two months later he became the youngest to start a USL fixture. ‘Rafa’ logged over 100 minutes of first team action and will be looking forward to developing his game and earning more minutes in his already promising young career.
The newcomers on the flanks for 2021 include Maalique Foster and Tucker Bone – both are crafty and creative players with a handful of Championship game experience.
Jauregui made history last season as well, becoming the youngest player in SRFC history to appear in a league match and two months later he became the youngest to start a USL fixture. ‘Rafa’ logged over 100 minutes of first team action and will be looking forward to developing his game and earning more minutes in his already promising young career.
The newcomers on the flanks for 2021 include Maalique Foster and Tucker Bone – both are crafty and creative players with a handful of Championship game experience.
Foster – who has been capped by the Jamaican Men’s National Team – is a proven playmaker who scored three goals in 11 games during the first half of the 2019 season with Rio Grande Valley FC. Along with competing on the international stage, the speedy and creative winger has experience playing in Costa Rica, Israel and Jamaica where he registered two goals during Concacaf League play and lifted the domestic league trophy with Portmore United.
Foster – who has been capped by the Jamaican Men’s National Team – is a proven playmaker who scored three goals in 11 games during the first half of the 2019 season with Rio Grande Valley FC. Along with competing on the international stage, the speedy and creative winger has experience playing in Costa Rica, Israel and Jamaica where he registered two goals during Concacaf League play and lifted the domestic league trophy with Portmore United.
Bone – who has previously drafted by Seattle Sounders FC – scored four goals and added one assist during the 2020 campaign with Reno 1868 FC where he earned a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 9 and 11. His two-goals against Portland Timbers 2 in early September was the second-fastest brace in 1868 FC’s history.
Bone – who has previously drafted by Seattle Sounders FC – scored four goals and added one assist during the 2020 campaign with Reno 1868 FC where he earned a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 9 and 11. His two-goals against Portland Timbers 2 in early September was the second-fastest brace in 1868 FC’s history.
Forwards
Forwards
Heading into the 2021 season, Cameron Iwasa and Kharlton Belmar are two experienced and prolific goal scorers expected to lead the lines for Sacramento.
Iwasa has netted over 50 goals during league play over his USL career while Belmar is hot on his tail with 43 goals to his name.
Heading into the 2021 season, Cameron Iwasa and Kharlton Belmar are two experienced and prolific goal scorers expected to lead the lines for Sacramento.
Iwasa has netted over 50 goals during league play over his USL career while Belmar is hot on his tail with 43 goals to his name.
On the night Iwasa made his 100th career start with SRFC, he also happened to hit the half century mark with his 50th goal during USL play. Prior to him, only eight players have hit the 50-goal club. Iwasa finished 2020 with three goals and two assists during a season shortened by the pandemic after previously scoring 17 goals in back-to-back seasons – a record that still stands as the most goals during a single season by a Republic FC player.
On the night Iwasa made his 100th career start with SRFC, he also happened to hit the half century mark with his 50th goal during USL play. Prior to him, only eight players have hit the 50-goal club. Iwasa finished 2020 with three goals and two assists during a season shortened by the pandemic after previously scoring 17 goals in back-to-back seasons – a record that still stands as the most goals during a single season by a Republic FC player.
Belmar joined SRFC prior to the 2020 season and after his first stint with Sacramento, the attacker contributed one goal and led the entire team with four assists. Prior to the regular season, the Virginia Beach-native found the back of the net twice during SRFC's preseason campaign. He also earned a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 12 and will look to build on his promising first year with the boys in Old Glory Red.
Belmar joined SRFC prior to the 2020 season and after his first stint with Sacramento, the attacker contributed one goal and led the entire team with four assists. Prior to the regular season, the Virginia Beach-native found the back of the net twice during SRFC’s preseason campaign. He also earned a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 12 and will look to build on his promising first year with the boys in Old Glory Red.
Don't miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.
Don’t miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.
