As a new season gets underway, the Republic FC Academy continues to build on a foundation of consistency, experience, and a shared commitment to developing the next generation of players. This year’s technical staff features a full slate of returning coaches, with several stepping into elevated roles to support the ever-growing landscape of the sport, as well as the success-driven aspirations of the club.
“Having the same coaching staff back allows us to continue building on what we started last year. The coaches understand our culture, expectations, and methodology,” said Academy Director Eder Quintanlla. “For us, having a great staff is about more than experience. We want coaches who are great teachers, strong communicators, good role models, and truly care about developing players and people.”
Here’s who will be on the sidelines for the youth teams this season:
Eder Quintanilla – Academy Director
Quintanilla returns for his 7th season in Sacramento. He first joined the Indomitable Club in 2020 as the Director of Talent Identification & U15 Head Coach before being elevated to the role of Academy Director in 2022. Under Quintanilla, Republic FC’s teams have consistently finished at the top of the division and made deep runs in the postseason. Last year, the club qualified five teams for the MLS NEXT Cup, the only California club to do so.
Axel Duarte – Head of Talent ID & U17 Head Coach
A member of Republic FC’s Academy staff since 2024, Duarte has expanded his role this year. In addition to coaching his own team, he will now work alongside Academy and First Team staff to create pathways and opportunities for players to train and compete at the highest level. Prior to SRFC, he was a U13 and U14 coach for Lou Fusz Athletic in St. Louis, Missouri, where he also helped develop the club’s training curriculum for young players. As a player, he featured for Swedish fourth division side Gimo IF, Venezuelan second division club Estudiantes de Caracas, as well as stateside for the Major Arena Soccer League’s St. Louis Ambush from 2017-2021.
Juan Aguilar – U16 & U19 Head Coach
Coach Aguilar returns for his third season in Sacramento and will continue to lead the club’s oldest players, while also coaching a new age group. Last year’s U19s won their league division and made the club’s deepest postseason run of the year – reaching the MLS NEXT Cup Quarterfinals. Five players joined the First Team on USL Academy contracts, while over a dozen committed to Division I colleges. Aguilar joined Republic FC in 2024 and for the last 10 years has established himself as an elite youth coach in Northern California.
David Jimenez – Academy Scout & U15 Head Coach
Jimenez has been a part of Republic FC’s Academy and youth programming staff for eight years and beginning this season will support the club’s player identification and recruitment efforts. Last year, Jimenez led the U15s to qualify for the postseason by topping their group in the MLS NEXT Flex tournament, where they didn’t concede a single goal. His U16 also reached the playoffs after winning the Pacific Northwest Division and winning their group in the Flex tournament with a 2-0 win over MLS club Chicago Fire.
Rodrigo Lopez – U14 Head Coach
Longtime Republic FC Captain and all-time club legend Rodrigo Lopez steps into a full-time coaching position with the Academy. After retiring from a 22-year playing career at the conclusion of the 2025 season, Lopez has spent the last year as a Player Development Coach, splitting his time between the Academy and First Team. Lopez has been training regional youth players for decades and is now moving his professional experience across the US and Mexico into Republic FC’s youth development system. He is currently pursuing his A-Senior coaching license through U.S. Soccer.
Brian Willey – U13 Head Coach
Willey has played an integral part of Republic FC’s academy since its founding, bringing 27 years of coaching and a long-standing commitment to youth player development in the Sacramento region. He leads the club’s youngest players through a foundational stage of their development, which includes introducing them to the values and standards of Republic FC. Last year, Willey led the U13 team to make their first-ever MLS NEXT Cup appearance, where they reached the Round of 16.
Kris Hall – Goalkeeper Coach
Hall returns for his second season with Sacramento, supporting the goalkeepers across every age group. His 20 years of coaching experience touches various levels of the game, including NCAA Division I & II programs, elite youth academies, and professional clubs. In addition to his position with Republic FC, Hall serves as the CEO of Maverick Goalkeeper Academy and the Executive Director for Vacaville United Soccer Club.
Oscar Galvan – Performance Coach
Galvan is an experienced Strength & Conditioning Coach with nearly 20 years of experience in athletic performance. Oscar has spent six years working with Republic FC, helping its youth athletes build strength, speed, fitness, and endurance to support their on-field performance.
Freddy Oregel – Academy Manager
Oregel is heading into his second full season with Republic FC. A Yuba City native, he first joined Republic FC as a youth programming coach, before switching over to his current role with the Academy in March of 2025. Freddy plays a vital role in the Academy’s day-to-day operations and is responsible for a wide range of administrative duties, including scheduling, player/team communication, registration, travel arrangements, and more.
