Since 2014, Republic FC’s annual Open Tryouts have provided a unique opportunity for the region’s best players to forge their path to the professional ranks. Every year, at least one player has been invited to join the first team for training camp and five have gone on to sign professional contracts with the Indomitable Club, kickstarting careers in USL, MLS, and even international call-ups.
With the club hosting its 10th year of Open Tryouts taking place this weekend, let’s take a look back at some the of players who got their start right here in Sacramento.
Emrah Klimenta (2014)
Bay Area native Klimenta became Sacramento’s first-ever player signed from Open Tryouts in the club’s inaugural 2014 season and remained with Republic FC through 2018. In his four seasons in Sacramento, Klimenta made 115 appearances and logged nearly 10,000 minutes – both second-most all-time in the club’s history – and added 10 goals and five assists. Not only was Emrah a standout in USL, but he made a name for himself on the international level as well, earning several call-ups to the Montenegrin National Team – including World Cup Qualifiers and UEFA Nations League.
Since 2018, Klimenta has featured for MLS side LA Galaxy, as well as USL Championship clubs LA Galaxy II, Reno 1868 FC, San Diego Loyal SC, and Oakland Roots SC where he currently plays.
Max Alvarez (2014)
Following four years at Sac State, Alvarez joined fellow tryout participant Klimenta on Republic FC’s inaugural roster. From 2014-2016, Alvarez made 55 appearances for the Indomitable Club, adding two goals and three assists. He went on to sign with USL side Saint Louis FC before starting a new career as a coach – returning to his native Napa, California to serve as the Director of Boys Programs at Napa Sport SC and assistant coach at Napa Valley Community College. In 2022, Alvarez’s soccer career came full circle when he joined Sacramento State Men’s Soccer as an assistant coach.
Mackenzie Pridham (2016)
The signing of Canadian-born Pridham is a great example of how tryouts provide clubs the opportunity to bring standout players – even players that have already been in the league – directly in front of them for scouting. Prior to attending the 2016 Open Tryout, Pridham had already seen his share of professional experience. He was selected 58th overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC, before signing with then-NASL side Minnesota United and USL side Whitecaps FC 2, and also joining Pittsburgh Riverhounds on loan.
After his contract with Whitecaps 2 expired, Pridham made his way back to California and attended Republic FC’s open tryout. He clearly impressed the club’s technical staff and earned an invitation to training camp, and appearing in two preseason matches against MLS sides, he cemented his spot on the roster with an 8th-minute goal against San Jose Earthquakes. In 2016, he made 19 appearances for Sacramento and netted three goals.
Elliott Hord (2016)
UC Davis alum Hord had a very unique path from tryouts to the professional ranks. Fresh out of college, he attended Republic FC’s inaugural tryouts in 2014 and impressed the technical staff – but according to the club’s former Director of Football Graham Smith, “At the time, we were looking for a more experienced player.” Despite not signing Hord in 2014, Republic FC kept its eye on Hord as he played for PDL side Fresno Fuego and then went overseas to join Swedish third division club Yxhults IK.
When Hord returned to the states, Sacramento signed him midway through the 2016 season and he remained with the club until 2019. He made 61 appearances and added 9 assists, as well as a goal against MLS side LAFC in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. He finished out his career on loan to Harford Athletic, where he made eight appearances and notched two assists.
Ashkanov “Ash” Apollon (2020)
Following years in the pros in Thailand, Vietnam, and France, Apollon made his way onto the U.S. professional stage in 2020. After impressing Republic FC’s technical staff at Open Tryouts, the Boston native inked a contract with the club, making him the fifth tryout participant to join the first team since 2014. “Ash’s journey with us is a great story of what is possible when you take your opportunity,” said Republic FC President & General Manager Todd Dunivant.
In the abbreviated 2020 season, Apollon became a regular on Republic FC’s gameday roster, making 12 appearances and among the team’s leaders in tackle & duel success rate, earning him a USL Team of the Week selection. After joining NISA side San Diego 1904 FC in 2021, Ash made the move back to USL Championship later that year when he was acquired by Hartford Athletic, and has re-signed with the Connecticut club ahead of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Since 2020, Apollon has earned several call-ups to the Haitian National Team and made seven appearances across all competitions, including CONCACAF Nations League B and World Cup Qualifiers.
