Republic FC defender Aldair Sanchez is set to return for 2024 as another impact player from the 2023 squad. The 21-year-old played a key role in the club’s league-best defense in his first pro season, while contributing on the attack whenever called upon. His sophomore season is unique – not just because he’s one of 17 returning players from 2023, but that he’s the only player on the roster to come through the club’s Open Tryout process, and have his contract extended by club option.
Looking to continue his playing career, Sanchez found Republic FC’s Open Tryout as an opportunity to showcase his skills. He earned an invite to the club’s Training Camp after impressing Head Coach Mark Briggs and President and General Manager Todd Dunivant at the club’s annual Open Tryouts. The opportunity started an exciting chain of events for the youngster – he went on to impress the club’s staff at training camp before becoming the sixth Open Tryout attendee to sign a professional contract with the club.
“The year before, I was literally at home doing nothing,” Sanchez reflected recently. “Then this next year, I’m playing in the USL playoffs, so it’s just such a wild thing to think about.”
During the 2023 Training Camp, the Indomitable Club faced off with MLS clubs just eight days after the beginning of camp. Sanchez stepped on the field and made his case for why he can compete. Going up against Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake’s attackers in near-season form proved a challenge, but something Aldair was ready to embrace. His early performances made the case for him to join the roster in early March before the start of the season.
Throughout the year, he never played the role of a trialist fighting for more. He tallied two assists to fuel a late comeback win in the U.S. Open Cup in April. A month later, he recorded another assist as Sacramento bested Hartford Athletic in a tough road matchup. When injuries left the squad thin over the summer, he stepped up and helped the Quails keep getting results without skipping a beat. Through the entire campaign, he appeared 30 times – with 17 starts – out of the club’s 34-match season.
“Everyone’s path is different, and this is just another one of those paths,” Sanchez said. “People might be like, well, it’s just an open trial. But that’s what it is – it’s a chance to show what you have. If you’re on the brink of saying like yes or no, I think you should always go and try and put yourself out there and see what happens.”
“Aldair impressed us at the open tryout and only got better throughout the preseason with our first team,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant of Sanchez when his signing was announced. “He plays with a fearlessness that will strengthen our depth at left wingback and fit seamlessly within our locker room.”
Sanchez appreciates the fact that the club gives players such a legitimate chance. If there’s a player who they think is up to the task, they’re going to give them a fair opportunity to show what they can do and prove they can handle the professional level. In fact, because of Aldair’s experience, the same friend who convinced him to attend tryouts a year ago has plans to attend again and show Republic FC’s staff what he can do for the second straight year.
“They’re not just only going to bring you or give you a week of training – they really want to see you play and see what you have, he continued. “[The club] takes this seriously and this is a real opportunity that people can take advantage of.”
Republic FC’s 2024 Open Tryouts are on January 20 and 21 at Hal Bartholomew Sports Park in Elk Grove. Registration is still open – but interested players are advised to sign up as soon as possible as space is limited. The annual tryout regularly fills up and limited space remains. Since 2014, six players – including Sanchez – have signed a professional contract after attending Open Tryouts.
For more information or to register for 2024 Open Tryouts, visit SacRepublicFC.com/tryouts.
