- Felix Contreras and Luis Gomez become the 35th and 36th academy products to earn first-team opportunities with Republic FC on Academy Contracts
- Through three years with the club, Contreras has been selected to participate in four USYNT Regional ID Center sessions
- Gomez has been a steady contributor to the club’s U15 squad that has reached MLS Next Cup playoffs in back-to-back years
- Republic FC’s development academy is the only area club that provides youth players a direct pathway to first-team, professional development experiences
Sacramento, Calif. – Earlier today, Sacramento Republic FC announced the addition of defender Felix Contreras and midfielder Luis Gomez to the club’s first-team roster, pending league and federation approval. Both players have signed USL Academy contracts, making them eligible to join Republic FC in league matches. Both players are members of Republic FC’s Youth Development Academy.
“As the season begins, we’re excited to provide Luis and Felix the unique opportunity to train, grow, and potentially make their USL debut this season,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Both players are examples of the incredible talent pool in our region and how the youth development system supports player growth. We’re proud Luis and Felix will continue their journey with their hometown team, as well as the dozens of players who have come through our academy to the professional ranks.”
“Luis and Felix have risen to the challenge presented by the first team staff and earned this opportunity to join the club’s top team,” said Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “Our academy continues to grow young players, present them with the chance to compete, and represent Sacramento in high-level competition.”
Felix Contreras of Yuba City joined the club’s youth system in 2021. In his first season, he helped the U14 team to an undefeated season, finishing the year as the squad’s leading scorer with 11 goals. The following year, he was identified as one of the top players in his age group nationwide and earned three invitations to U.S. YNT Regional ID Centers, as well as the opportunity to join the U15 Men’s Youth National Team Talent I.D. Camp in September 2022. This season, Contreras has featured for Republic FC’s U16 and U17 academy teams and has scored two goals in 23 games. Before joining Republic FC, Felix featured for local soccer club, Elk Grove Sporting.
Elk Grove native Luis Gomez joined Republic FC’s Academy in 2021. In his first two seasons, he helped the U15 squad reach the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. He has appeared in 22 contests for the club’s youth sides this season and contributed five goals. Before joining Republic FC’s youth development program, he previously played for local club Select FC. Gomez currently attends Elk Grove Charter School – a proud partner of the club’s Academy – which allows players the flexibility to pursue dual pathways as stellar students and elite athletes.
USL Academy contracts allow academy players the chance to train and compete with the first team in professional matches while retaining their NCAA eligibility. Since its inception in 2015, Republic FC’s Academy has created a strong, local pipeline of youth players ready for professional-level competition, with 34 youth players previously earning the opportunity to join the first team on a USL Academy Contracts, 28 going on to sign professional contracts with Republic FC or other clubs. This season, four members of Republic FC’s first team roster are products of its Youth Development Academy.
Pending league and federation approval, Contreras and Gomez will be available for selection for the club’s season opener this Saturday vs. Orange County SC at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
