Ahead of the season, follow along as we profile each positional group for some perspective on the faces that make up Republic FC’s roster.
Improving the attacking unit was one of Sacramento’s biggest goals this offseason. On paper, they achieved it, securing the services of a few notable names with an impressive history of putting the ball in the back of the net. Each player has their own unique style, but they’ll be trusted to produce from the start regardless of what role they play. Ahead of the season, take a look at the four strikers that will open the season up top:
Douglas Martinez Jr.
Like the other three players on this list, Martinez comes to Sacramento with a history of dominating play, and experience representing his country in international competitions.
The Honduran is a championship-caliber striker capable of leading a team, much like he did during the back half of last season on a loan with San Diego Loyal SC. His physical attributes speak for themselves – he’s a tall, strong body capable of hanging with any defender, and he has the aggression to match. He’s been quite the game changer in the past, delivering in some big moments when his club needed it most, both during the regular season and in win-or-go-home playoff competitions.
Maalique Foster
Even though he only played half a season in 2021, Foster gave everyone who watches the Indomitable Club a glimpse of what he’s capable of. His blazing speed and ability to put defenders on their heels at a moment’s noticed changed drastically how Republic FC played. He terrorized opponents weekly in September and October, to the point where he finished as the squad’s leader in expected goals per 90 minutes.
“Maalique is an absolute lightning bolt,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He’s a player we feel can produce a lot on the front line – he did a lot for us last season and should do it again this year.”
Zeiko Lewis
The Bermudan may be Sacramento’s biggest acquisition of the entire offseason, which includes players with experience in top European leagues. Throughout his career, he’s demanded attention in the attacking third, impacting the game with regularity even when he isn’t the one making the final touch.
“Lewis is a guy who can deliver balls really well,” Republic FC play-by-play broadcaster Rob McAllister back in January. He has some national team experience, and he knows what it takes to get it done and knows the level that you have to play at to be successful.”
Lewis was one of the most productive offensive players in all of USL last season, finishing in the top 10 in chances created (59) and as one of just four players with double-digit assists. He was named Charleston Battery’s team MVP, and earlier this offseason was even honored as one of the best Caribbean players currently competing in the U.S.
Luther Archimède
After missing part of the USL season last year representing Guadeloupe at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Archimède proved his worth for his club as the second half of the year went on. He appeared in all but one of New York’s matches from mid-August to the end of the year and showed flashes of excellence – netting three scores and appearing in all but two of matches for New York Red Bulls II from mid-August onward.
That production was just part of the reason New York’s MLS side took the Syracuse Orange star with the 17th overall pick in last year’s MLS SuperDraft. His sky-high potential could give any club a dangerous weapon capable of wreaking havoc on opposing backlines. The French national has shown a great ability to finish, and is very physical on the attack allowing him to gain position one-on-one with opposing backs. Those tools are what made Sacramento so excited about him, and utilizing them to benefit both the club and his development on the pitch this season will be a big focus.