This season, Republic FC’s Academy has continued on a great run of success from 2020-21. Just this spring, four of five sit at the top of the table in their respective divisions and six players have earned first-team opportunities on Academy Contracts. But the most impressive feat the club has accomplished in youth soccer may be their U13’s proving to be the best team in the entire country.
Entering this week, Republic FC’s youngest group has won 20 consecutive matches in league play. They are one of just two clubs nationwide in their age group without a draw or loss on their record, and sit at the top of the mountain in goal differential at +104. As far as results are concerned, their run of form is rivaled by maybe one other club in their age group across all of MLS NEXT in Intern Miami CF.
Allowing that to happen isn’t just a roster made up of the region’s top youth soccer talent.
It’s a direct result of how hard they work, how they’ve embraced their club’s professional approach and top-tier programming, and their excitement to take the pitch every day with each other as friends and teammates.
“The players push each other every night,” said head coach Brian Willey. “Most importantly, they love the process, they love to train, they love the club and they love competing with each other. The standard at training is extremely high and the players push each other every night.”
The squad’s success doesn’t just rest on the shoulders of one player, either – each defensive player that’s seen time has been equally dominant, from the goalkeepers to those manning the backline – combining to concede just three scores all year. Offense has come from all over the place- with five different players tallying double-digit scores through the second week of March. The midfield unit has served as the glue keeping the team connected.
That level of collective contribution serves as a reminder that Republic FC’s dedication to offering a top-tier experience for youth players, and a track to the highest levels of football, pays off. Programs like the club’s U12 Center of Excellence set the stage for those on the U13 squad to start doing big things and eventually reach the first team.
“This is a very special group of young players,” Willey continued. “Several of them are on track to become future first team players, and they understand they need to keep working, continue sharing our club’s indomitable spirit, and remain humble.”
“Our U13 team is a perfect example of what it means to be indomitable and represent a unified community- and it’s not just because they’ve yet to be beaten this season,” said Director of Talent Identification Eder Quintanilla. “Throughout the last year, they’ve exemplified perfectly what a great mindset and work ethic on the field can accomplish.”
Sacramento’s Academy will be in action again this weekend, when they travel to take on Silicon Valley Soccer Academy in Palo Alto. Full match schedules are available at mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
