Season in view for Republic FC at training camp mid-way point
Week three of training camp has now come and gone for the Boys in Old Glory Red, bringing the start of the season within view at the preseason’s midway point.
Following an intense and productive trip to Southern California that included their first closed-door test against an opposing side, Republic FC returned home to Cosumnes River College this week. After a short recovery period, they began to build on what they accomplished in the desert, upping the intensity to get closer to game-speed, and prepare for possibly their biggest test of the preseason – a tune up meeting with a San Jose Earthquakes club getting set for their season opener just days away.
With everyone acquainted, the week was all about getting back to work, and evaluating the progress that’s been made since Feb. 1. Some healthy competition took place as well, serving as a platform to continue development as a unit on the pitch. A select group of academy players continued to show what they can do in a first team setting, providing crucial developmental opportunities.
“Everything’s coming together at the right pace,” said midfielder Matt LaGrassa. “I think we’re getting more ready every day, and we’re well prepared for what we will see when the season starts in March.”
“We saw lots of positives last week against Las Vegas” said Head Coach Mark Briggs. “We now want to see what we worked on progress, and come together as the guys build on it.”
Rounding things out for the squad was their second closed-door test. Friday, the club took to the Bay Area, where they squared off with San Jose Earthquakes. The result was a tough one – Sacramento suffered from some injuries to their backline leaving some key contributors out – but it was a good learning experience for the squad to take on a side in top form ahead of the start of the MLS season.
What lies ahead serves as another test for the club. Next week they welcome two more sides to Sacramento for tune-up contests. Bay Cities FC will visit on Tuesday, followed by a showdown with Fresno’s Central Valley Fuego FC Saturday.
