What’s the best way to cap off a night of Republic FC soccer? With more soccer, of course!
After the final whistle for the First Team match, fans are invited to stick around, keep the energy going, and experience another special moment at Heart Health Park as the Unified Teams from Sacramento and Colorado Springs take to the pitch.
The Unified Team is a true celebration of how the game of soccer can connect people from different backgrounds and experiences. In partnership with Special Olympics Northern California and with the support of BlueDAG, the roster features individuals with and without intellectual disabilities playing alongside one another as teammates and friends.
Since March, the team has held weekly practices, played matches throughout California, and even travelled alongside Republic FC’s First Team for a match in Colorado Springs back in June.
Now, they’re ready to close out another memorable season on home turf. And for the players taking part, having the stands filled with supporters makes the experience even more meaningful.
“I’m looking forward to getting a good game, passing the ball, communicating a lot, and just having a good time playing with my team on Saturday night,” said #17 Junior Flores.
Flores, who is in his second season with the Unified Team, is also a regular fixture in the stands for Republic FC home matches, chanting and cheering with the Tower Bridge Battalion. He hopes that the supporters will bring that same energy and passion to his match this weekend: “It feels really nice to play in front of the home fans because they support us so much. This game is going to be really special for us, so I really want the stands to be full for it.”
Anthony Acosta, who is closing out his first season with the Unified Team, echoes his teammate’s hopes for the match. “Getting to play in front of our home fans means everything to us. We want to show up and try our best for them.”
So when the First Team match ends on Saturday, don’t rush for the exits. Stay in your seats, keep the vibes up, and let’s cheer on the incredible Unified Team players.
