With the new year upon us, Republic FC’s academy squads are gearing up for a return to the pitch after a break for the holiday season. Sacramento’s youth teams finished their fall schedules in a big way – the U15, U17, and U19 squads went undefeated at the MLS NEXT Showcase in Norco, CA and the U13’s and U14’s faced off with some of the Southwest’s best clubs at Surf Cup in San Diego. A four-month slate of matches this spring is set to serve as a prologue for MLS NEXT Cup playoff competition in June.
The Academy will start the spring with a big reminder of their success. On January 11, two former Academy players were selected in the MLS SuperDraft. Defender Erik Centeno was selected 19th overall by Atlanta United as one of eight players awarded a Generation adidas contract, and midfielder Gio Aguilar was selected 49th overall by Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
What Lies Ahead?
Entering the spring half of their season, all of Republic FC’s age groups are in a good spot for a second-half push. Each side has proven their strength already at youth soccer’s top level, but with additional contests against nationally competitive clubs on the schedule comes a bevy of opportunities to further prove why they deserve a shot at MLS NEXT hardware.
Big matchups await each squad – regional bouts with De Anza Force, Breakers FC, and Silicon Valley Soccer Academy all will take place in the next few weeks as each side aims to establish early momentum. A February 26 meeting for the U15’s and U17’s with their counterparts from Real Salt Lake – which will serve as a crucial evaluation point – is already circled on the calendar. The most important action of the season may come as it winds down, when the U13 and U14 teams play host to San Jose Earthquakes, and the U19’s head north for a chance at upsetting a strong side from Portland Timbers on May 7.
Eyes on the Prize
To reach their goals for the season – the most significant of which is a postseason appearance for a chance at the MLS NEXT Cup – each squad has their direction set towards constant development for players and teams as a whole. Defensive growth will be a big focus for the coaching staff, which will immediately begin implementing their visions to provide every player a high-level individual and collective approach to adhere to. “It’s important that we go game by game, and step by step in the process,” said U15 head coach Eder Quintanilla. “To improve both individually and collectively, we can’t leave anything behind and need to have a sound approach on all fronts.”
Off the pitch, getting players ready for their next step to the collegiate level or on an Academy contract with the first team will be a priority as the USL season approaches. After a 2021 season that saw record-setting first team success for academy players, more exposure to the professional level is sure to come for Sacramento’s youth, who will need to be ready for any challenge thrown at them. It may be a lot, but they’ve has risen to the challenge before, and surely possesses the competitors and players capable of doing whatever it takes
