Strong performers could quietly lead the club to new heights this season.
Ahead of the season, follow along as we profile each positional group for some perspective on the faces taking the pitch in training camp.
Coming into 2022, the Indomitable Club features a slew of new faces and every position, sure to help drive a return to playoff-caliber football after a tough 2021. This week, take a look at the three goalkeepers in camp, a group that could quietly lead Sacramento and its revamped backline to new heights with a combination of great leadership and individual ability.
Carlos Saldaña
Saldaña joined the Indomitable Club mid-way through last season and made an immediate impression. In total, he finished with 26 saves on 35 shots faced, good for a 77% save percentage, and allowed just eight scores in seven matches. He logged the first clean sheet of his USL career on October 17 in a 0-0 Draw with Tacoma Defiance, and a week later, tallied eight saves in a draw with Pacific Division leader Phoenix Rising.
He signed on to return in November, coming back to the club for a second season. He’s in a good spot to continue the good run of form that saw him go from trialist to starting XI regular.
“I want to pick up where I left off,” says Saldaña. “My approach hasn’t changed from last season. I’m not planning to slow down, and will keep pushing to help the group whatever way it needs.”
Danny Vitiello
The New York-born stopper made his way to Sacramento by way of Pittsburgh this past offseason, and brings a track record between the sticks any club would be happy to add. With Sacramento, he’ll be looking to retain his pedigree, and should be ready to be the number one immediately should his name be called even if a new city comes high expectations.
“We all want to be the best every single day, and that’s where I put myself,” he said. “My goal every single day is to be the best on the field that I can.”
On the heels of an excellent pro debut that led to him winning the league’s golden glove honor the year prior, he was stellar again in 2021. His first full season saw him tally nine clean sheets – good for fourth in the league – and stop just under three quarters of shots faced. He conceded more than one score a scant five times all year long, and even added a penalty save to his 2021 ledger in an October 10 shutout win over top-seeded Tampa Bay.
Adan Corona
As an academy player in first-team camp, Corona will have a big opportunity to benefit from exposure to professional-level players. High level training from goalkeeper coach Ross Cain and the rest of the first team staff should only further his development, especially as he learns from and works alongside two veterans. He’s split time between the U17 and U19 squads this season, leading strong defensive cores with each team.