Earlier today, one of Republic FC’s very own featured on one of the world’s top footballing stages. Goalkeeper Josh Cohen – who featured for Republic FC in 2018 and 2019 – and his club Maccabi Haifa FC defeated Italian club Juventus 2-0 in the UEFA Champions’ League Group Stage. The win marks the first time a former Quail earned a win in the prestigious competition. Cohen is one of 10 top American players in the tournament featuring the world’s top clubs.
Central to the victory for Maccabi Haifa was a crucial save from Cohen in the 45th minute, denying Juventus a score to cut their deficit in half. The former Sacramento keeper dove across his body to stop a header from Dušan Vlahović before the threat was cleared away.
With the talented pool of players growing, several USL clubs have transferred players abroad this season. But Republic FC was one of the leading clubs with Cohen’s 2019 transfer to the Israeli Premier League side after a spectacular debut season with the club. In 2018, Cohen nabbed all-league honors with individual single-season best 12 shutouts and 117 saves in 34 appearances. In addition to leading the club to a 2018 home playoff appearance, Josh was enrolled at Sacramento State University working toward his master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
