While this year’s Republic FC squad is one of the most diverse and international rosters the club has ever put together, there is also an undeniable chemistry and togetherness that has brought the squad success both on and off the pitch. Much of this can be attributed to the typical team bonding activities that happen year after year – preseason training camp, group outings, and simply being together nearly every day since the beginning of February.
But Sacramento’s true ace in the hole for bringing the team together isn’t an activity or event, but one very special person: Equipment Manager Alejandro “Capi” Caparelli. For the Kitman, bringing people together and welcoming people into the extended Republic FC family is nothing new – it’s how he was raised and one of the most important aspects of life in his native Argentina.
Capi is often the first person to arrive before training and matches. One by one, players and coaches stop by his room to pick up their gear for the day. They are typically greeted by some sort of loud music, along with Capi, who always takes the time to check in with everyone – both in English and Spanish, which isn’t always as straightforward as one might think.
“A lot of these guys speak Spanish, but can’t always understand each other because they are from different countries,” said Capi. “But because I have worked and played with so many different clubs, I know a lot of the different dialects. So sometimes I help the players understand each other better.”
Although he only joined Republic FC’s technical staff in 2020, Capi has been working for soccer clubs since 2008. Most recently, he was the Equipment Manager for Real Monarchs and Real Salt Lake. He has also served as the Equipment Manager and Assistant Coach for Chivas USA.
Born to Italian immigrants, Capi grew up surrounded by family in Argentina. In his immediate family, he falls right in the middle of seven siblings. With extended family, he is one of over 25 first cousins. And while a family of this size might overwhelm some people, for Capi and his family, the more the merrier.
“In Argentina, family is the most important thing,” he said. “No matter how busy everyone got, we always came together for family dinner and celebrations. My mom would always welcome friends and family no matter what, and I try to be the same way.”
One of the ways Capi does this is by inviting the entire team over to his house for a barbeque, something he does at least once every season. His favorite thing to make is steak with chimichurri sauce – the most well-known element from Argentinian cuisine.
“This sport can be very stressful, so I like to have everyone over to kick back and relax for a little bit,” he said. “And I get to introduce them to authentic Argentinian chimichurri, which is how I share a part of me and my family.”
Most of Capi’s family is now in the United States, mainly in Southern California, and still makes it a point to get together regularly. But that hospitality and generosity doesn’t just apply to family.
“If my mom hears that a friend is going to be near her, she always invites them over and cooks for them,” he explains. She even hosted the entire Real Monarchs team during one of their road trips. They haven’t been able to arrange a visit for Republic FC yet, but Capi is looking forward to the day that his mom and his family can welcome his current club: “I can’t wait for our team to go over and visit. My mom makes the best food and says that it’s the best way to welcome people to your home…and that’s what I try to do no matter where I’m living.”
