#5 – Sacramento goes unbeaten in June
It was a month to remember for the Indomitable Club – posting a perfect 5-0-0 record, including a victory in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal in LA. The month started with 2 shutouts: first against 2022 USL Champion San Antonio FC, and then at Detroit City FC (Le Rouge’s 1st home loss in 2 years).
Republic FC outscored opponents 9-2 and tallied 3 clean sheets, and Mark Briggs was later named June USL Coach of the Month.
#4 – Sacramento legend Randy Brink is honored as Captain of the Match
This past May, Sacramento lost one of its brightest stars. Our club and community were devastated by the news of Randy Brink’s passing.
Randy was not just a staple of Republic FC matches as our Senior Director of Pitch, but of our city. He exemplified the indomitable spirit every day. Every person who met Randy, not only knew his name but knew his heart with his friendly hello, his smile, and his love for people.
Randy always had a key to the city and was prevalent at all Sacramento sporting events, from Republic FC matches, Kings games, and RiverCats games.
His impact was felt by all in every place that he stepped into. Whether at the stadium or in the team office, he was always spreading cheer and living life to the fullest.
Randy had the opportunity come back after a two-year hiatus due COVID to be our Captain of the Match and he will forever be our captain and our Senior Director of the Pitch in our hearts. Thank you Randy for showing us what indomitable can mean every day.
#3 – U.S. Open Cup Final
On September 7, Republic FC stepped onto the national sports stage for the U.S. Open Cup Final against Orlando City SC – marking the first time that a non-MLS team reached American soccer’s national championship match since 2008. Over 25,000 filled Exploria Stadium, including hundreds of Republic FC fans who made the long trip to see their team make history.
#2 – Rafael Jauregui scores his 1st career goal & celebrates with his family
After netting his first career score, Sacramento-native Rafael Jauregui knew exactly how he wanted to celebrate. After dodging hugs and cheers from his teammates, the 17-year-old ran straight into the arms of his family and friends – a once in a lifetime moment for Republic FC’s youngest goal scorer.
#1 – U.S. Open Cup Semifinal vs. Sporting Kansas City
In front of a sold-out crowd at Heart Health Park, Republic FC made history – defeating MLS side Sporting Kansas City in dramatic fashion. After a scoreless 120 minutes, Sacramento went 5 for 5 on penalties and advanced to the Final in dramatic fashion.
From Danny Vitiello’s stop on MLS veteran Graham Zusi, to Maalique Foster’s infamous panenka and backflip, to Rodrigo Lopez’s game-winning penalty, July 27 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Republic FC and Sacramento sports history.
