Sacramento’s outside backs served as a spark to the club’s attack in 2022, as well as force to lockdown opposing attackers. With much of the same cast as last season, 2023 should see the club continue to pose a threat on the flanks against every opponent.
Jack Gurr
Many may recall that it was quick action from Gurr that created some of the clubs most dangerous chances and memorable scores in 2022. As the season went on, he proved to be the club’s energizer bunny, never taking a single minute off when on the pitch. He fit right in to the three-back system instituted in May that pushed him further forward, making Sacramento’s flanks dangerous at every turn – by the end of the year, he ranked third among all defenders league wide in chances created (49).
With much of the same returning core, few stand to benefit as much as Gurr, for whom 2023 will mark the first time as a professional he’ll play a second full season in the same city as the year prior. His connection with the club’s attackers, midfield, as well as his comrades on the backline will only grow stronger to the benefit of the on-field result.
Damia Viader
The Spanish defender came to Sacramento off a Defender of the Year campaign with League One Champion Union Omaha, and still managed to be one of the surprises of the season. His first year in the higher division went more than just well – it was remarkable. He scored less than a minute into his first league match, before proving himself as one of the best left backs in the league by going toe to toe with top strikers all season – and outdueling Johnny Russell for 120 minutes in the Open Cup Semifinal.
2022 also saw the Spaniard rank fifth on the club in total shots on target and chances created, as well as nab a Goal of the Month Nomination in June. On the defensive side of the ball, he won 115 one-on-one duels and took possession away from opponents 59 times in league play, sixth on the club in each category. In 2023, his role will stay the same; he’ll be relied upon to continue locking up the left side of the pitch in tandem with Lee Desmond, and build forward to threaten opposing sides on the attack.
Ferrety Sousa
Sousa’s contributions helped Sacramento secure points throughout the season – including from crucial wins on opening night against El Paso Locomotive, against LA Galaxy II ahead of the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal, and on the road at Charleston Battery on July 30 – three of the club’s biggest league wins. In matches he appeared in across all competitions, the club only lost four times, and when on the pitch he was crucial to the club being difficult to break down and staying cohesive no matter who was in the lineup.
Entering training camp, he’ll have as much opportunity as anyone. The veteran brings another captain’s presence to the locker room, quality on both ends and works as hard as anyone on the squad – all aspects of his game that will give him opportunities to contribute throughout the club’s 2023 season.
