Throughout Republic FC’s history, the club has celebrated the success stories of countless players to wear its crest. Ten years on from the club’s inaugural season, one stands out – and remains the club’s most notable transaction to date.
On this Day in 2019, Republic FC officially announced the transfer of Goalkeeper Josh Cohen to Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Haifa. The 2018 All-League First Team honoree and Mountain View native would go from the Indomitable City to a side with over 100 years of history, twelve league titles, ten domestic cups, and earned its way to the UEFA Champions league on more than one occasion. It was the club’s first player sale to a top-flight club and one of the most notable in league history at the time, setting the bar for other USL Championship clubs to do the same. Since, USL sides have made waves in the international transfer market, fetching a new record setting fee nearly every season.
Cohen has since gone on to become one of Haifa and the IPL’s best players. In addition to contributing to three league titles, one domestic cup and one Super Cup, his talents have been recognized beyond his club. He was named the 2020-2021 Israeli Footballer of the Year, and this past season, led his side to the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League – where the Greens matched up with global powerhouses PSG, Juventus, and Benfica in the world’s top club football competition. In the tournament, Cohen lined up opposite arguably the World’s top attacking trio at Paris of Leo Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. Naturally, he wasn’t fazed by the challenge.
“This move is bittersweet for the club and our fans because Josh has been absolutely outstanding for us,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant at the time of the transfer. “But we are grateful for his contributions to Republic FC and to Sacramento, and aren’t surprised that his talents were noticed from a top club halfway across the world. We wish Josh all the best with his new club.”
Cohen joined Republic FC ahead of the 2018 season in a homecoming – as the Mountain View Native returned to Northern California for the first time in his professional career after stops at Orange County Blues (now Orange County SC) and Phoenix Rising FC. He returned to Sacramento earlier this season – taking in the club’s June 17 match at Heart Health Park vs. Monterey Bay FC.
