As USL teams look to reconstruct their rosters to prep for 2023, Republic FC’s core from its historic 9th season gives it a leg up on the competition. Often, teams use training camp to start to familiarize players with each other, and then get comfortable playing together.
But with 17 returning players, including six players that forge the central foundation of the team – the backbone of the team – the Quails can dive right into the task at hand, chasing silverware.
From the central midfield, through the goalkeepers that anchor the defense, Republic FC’s central core was integral to the club’s 2022 success, and returns every player for the new season. Keko, Rodrigo Lopez, Matt LaGrassa, Nick Ross, Rafa Jauregui, Mario Penagos, Lee Desmond, and Conor Donovan were a part of the column in 2022 that reached a national final, and returned Republic to the USL postseason. Luis Felipe helped ensure a connected core by signing a multi-year contract on December 20.
Goalkeepers Vitiello and Saldaña return as Mark Briggs’ goalkeeping tandem between the sticks, ready to build on a stellar season of collective production. Together, the duo combined for 12 clean sheets in league play, and each took home league honors for their work in the box, winning Save of the Week six times.
In the back, defensive MVP Donovan returns for his second season to again be the anchor of the squad’s three-back system. Desmond is set to return on the left after a rehabilitating a heel injury and build on a phenomenal first season in the U.S. The two backs will be joined by new signee Jared Timmer, formerly of Reno 1868 FC and Indy Eleven, who brings a physical presence, quality in every aspect, and experience contributing to the success of top teams.
Every central midfield player has been retained or returns on the second year of their contract – Luis Felipe, Matt LaGrassa, Team MVP Rodrigo Lopez, Nick Ross, and academy homegrowns Mario Penagos and Rafael Jauregui – after contributing to the club recording the third-most intercepted passes in the league, and creating over 300 scoring opportunities in the run of play.
Having that returning core gives the club an excellent foundation to build on going into 2023. Established contributors, with established chemistry will provide the club a leg up on others in cohesion and allow them to hit the ground running on day one. Moreso, every individual already has an idea of the kind of football they want to play, as well as what it takes to execute it day in and day out. The game plan is already set – now it’s just time to fine tune and put it into action.
Sacramento adds forward Russell Cicerone from Pittsburgh Riverhounds to an impressive and connected squad. The Michigan native brings a direct, aggressive style and excellent instincts to the Indomitable City; perfect for converting on the slew of opportunities the midfield unit is capable of creating.
As the central formation is where matches can be won and lost, the Quails slew of returners will be ready to pick up right where they left off. Early chemistry should benefit the squad on the field early on, when opposing teams will still be getting to know each other – like Sacramento had to at the start of the 2022 campaign – as well as late in the year during a potential playoff race.
