Academy

Sacramento, Calif. – Another Republic FC Academy player is being called up to the national stage. Earlier today, U.S. Soccer announced that Blake Willey has been selected to participate in the upcoming U16 Boys’ National Team Training Camp in Chula Vista, California, from August 18 to 24. This is Willey’s first call-up to a national team training camp, after previously participating in Youth National Team Regional Identification programs. He is the only participant representing a USL club and one of just two players not representing an MLS club.

“Blake is a very hard working and committed player,” said Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “He has impressed us since joining our academy in 2018, we’re thrilled for him to get this recognition at the national level.”

A Sacramento native, Willey featured for the club’s U15 squad during the 2021-2022 season. The midfielder played every minute of the season – including the MLS NEXT Cup tournament – adding two goals and one assist en route to an undefeated regular season and semifinal berth at the MLS NEXT Cup – the only USL Championship team to do so. Upon his return from Chula Vista, Willey will rejoin the academy as it trains for the upcoming MLS NEXT season which will start competition in September.

All five of Republic FC’s academy teams had a stellar 2021-2022 season. In league play, they combined for an outstanding record of 91 wins and just two losses, with all five teams finishing at the top of their division and qualifying for postseason play. At the MLS Next Cup and Showcase, they had an overall record of eight wins, five losses, and two draws – with the U19 squad reaching the Round of 16 and Willey’s U15’s making it to the Semifinals. In 2020-2021, the club saw the U17 and U19 squads reach the Semifinals and were the only club in the country to achieve that feat.

With his selection, Willey becomes the fourth academy player selected to a national team training camp this year and 18^th player to receive an invitation since the program’s inception in 2015. Other call-ups this year include U19 forward J.P. Cortez for the Guatemala U-20’s, Santiago Suarez – currently on a USL Academy Contract with Sacramento’s first team – who was the sole USL Championship participant in the July U19 U.S. Youth Men’s National Team camp – and Willey’s teammate Chance Cowell, who received two training camp invitations to Mexico’s U15 squad.

Republic FC’s first team is back in action at Heart Health Park this Wednesday, August 17 when it takes on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, who currently sits third in the Western Conference standings – just 5 points ahead of the Indomitable Club. Fans can beat the heat with 50% off select beer, wine, and cocktails, and pints of Crystal Creamery ice cream before it cools down for kickoff at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are still available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets, and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 App, as well as streaming on ESPN+.

Once again, Republic FC’s youth development academy teams made noise on the national stage. Stacked with the best players from the region, Republic FC’s five teams left a mark on the annual national tournament and showcase. The week in Frisco, Texas brings the 2021-22 Academy season to a close, and leaves the club with a lot to be proud of this year.

The 15’s squad led the charge reaching the tournament’s semifinals and serving as the only non-MLS club to reach the final four in their age group. After defeating New York Red Bulls Tuesday, Republic FC’s U15 squad took on 2021 champion Real Salt Lake in the MLS NEXT Cup semifinals on Thursday, falling 2-0 in a hard fought contest. Their appearance in the penultimate stage of youth soccer’s top competition was the third for the club in consecutive years after Sacramento’s U17 and U19 sides reached the semifinal round in the 2021 tournament.

“This was a tremendous season for our academy, both on the field and off,” said Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “We’re disappointed we didn’t get the U15’s to the final, but we have to be happy with what we achieved this season and the play of all of our teams. Our club performed incredibly, proving we are among the best in the country and that Sacramento players are some of the most talented nationwide.”

Sacramento’s U15’s capped off a spectacular regular season with MLS NEXT Cup postseason tournament wins over Toronto FC, FC United Soccer Club, and New York Red Bulls. While not ending with the hardware they wanted, it was still a memorable week for the club, and a strong showing for all teams against some of the top competition North America.

Sacramento’s U17 and U19 teams performed admirably, showing their best to top-level teams. The U19 squad won their opening match vs. Chargers Soccer Club, bagging four scores and holding on to a 4-3 result to reach the quarterfinals. Sacramento’s U17 team played excellent against Columbus Crew in the Round of 32, but went down to the Ohio club in by way of penalty shootout. The squad won their following two matches in the showcase tournament in convincing fashion.

In addition to the U15, U17, and U19 sides, Republic FC’s younger U13 and U14 teams capped off their remarkable seasons with strong performances at the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase. On the season, the U13 (30-1-0) side was the best in the nation, and the U14 squad (26-0-5) was one of three Sacramento teams alongside the U15’s (11-0-1) and U19’s (14-0-3) to go unbeaten.

Sacramento’s players also had a season to remember individually, with nine earning first team opportunities on academy contracts. In November, and again in June, more than 10 players were invited to U.S. Youth National Team ID camps. Two players – 13-year-old forward Chance Cowell, and the U19’s J.P. Cortez – earned national team callups, and Republic FC also sent off 18 to the next level, the largest ever outgoing group to move on to collegiate soccer.

Republic FC’s youth teams will break for the remainder of the summer, and return to action in September for the start of the 2022-23 season.

2022 MLS NEXT Cup Results

U13

• Tuesday (6/28): 3 – 2 Loss vs. Albion SC San Diego
• Wednesday (6/29): 2 – 0 Win vs. New York Soccer CLub
• Friday (7/1): 3 – 0 Win vs. St. Louis Scott Gallagher

U14

• Tuesday (6/28): 2 – 2 Draw vs. Strikers FC
• Wednesday (6/29): 2 – 2 Draw vs. Weston FC
• Friday (7/1): 2 – 1 Loss vs. St. Louis Scott Gallagher

U15

• Saturday’s Round of 32: 1 – 1 (3 – 2 in penalties) Win vs. Toronto FC
• Monday’s Round of 16: 2 – 1 Win vs. FC United Soccer Club
• Tuesday’s Quarterfinal: 3 – 1 Win vs. New York Red Bulls
• Thursday’s Semifinal: 2 – 0 Loss vs. Real Salt Lake

U17

• Sunday’s Round of 32: 2 – 2 (3 – 5 in penalties) Loss vs. Columbus Crew
• Monday’s Showcase Match: 3 – 1 Win vs. Beachside Soccer Club
• Wednesday’s Showcase Match: 6 – 2 Win vs. St Louis City SC

U19

• Sunday’s Round of 32: 4 – 3 Win vs. Chargers Soccer Club
• Monday’s Round of 16: 1 -0 Loss to San Francisco Glens
• Wednesday’s Showcase Match: 1 – 0 Loss vs. Sockers FC

On Tuesday morning, Republic FC’s youth ranks continued their climb towards hardware in the MLS NEXT Cup. After advancing to the quarterfinals over the weekend, Sacramento’s U15 squad matched up with their counterparts from New York Red Bulls, claiming a 3-0 victory and pushing ahead to the final four in their age group.

Republic FC’s effort was led by forward Omar Marquez, who netted a hat trick to send his squad along to the next round. Marquez put his club ahead in just the 11^th minute, finishing a cross sent in from the right by Jackson Martin. Marquez followed with another score just before the half-hour mark, sending an attempt from nearly 40 yards out over the line after New York’s goalkeeper left the net open clearing out a threat from the top of the box. He netted a third from the top of the penalty area in the final moments of the match.

Sacramento’s remaining teams joined the forward in celebration of the squad’s advance to the final four. Marquez was named the Man of the Match for his efforts, which in addition to his three scores included a pair of dangerous chances that had New York on their heels in the first half.

The U15 squad is leading the Academy’s MLS Next Cup run, building on last year’s success that saw the 17s and 19s reaching the semifinals. They’ll take on Real Salt Lake – who they bested 5-1 this past February – on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. PT. Sacramento’s U15s are the only club remaining in their age group not representing an MLS side. The full tournament bracket and schedule can be viewed at MLSSoccer.com/MLSNEXT.

MLS NEXT CUP Results:

U15

• Saturday’s Round of 32: 1 – 1 (3 – 2 in penalties) Win vs. Toronto FC
• Monday’s Round of 16: 2 – 1 Win vs. FC United Soccer Club
• Tuesday’s Quarterfinal: 3 – 1 Win vs. New York Red Bulls

U17

• Sunday’s Round of 32: 2 – 2 (3 – 5 in penalties) Loss vs. Columbus Crew

U19

• Sunday’s Round of 32: 4 – 3 Win vs. Chargers Soccer Club
• Monday’s Round of 16: 1 -0 Loss to San Francisco Glens

Republic FC’s Academy squads are showing their mettle at this year’s MLS NEXT Cup. After the first two days of match play, the club’s youth development teams have a pair of positive results and have shown their resolve across four matches – with one more tonight. While the U17 squad battled with Columbus Crew’s youth side taking a 2-2 match straight into a penalty shootout.

The 15s opening round also would end up with a match up from the spot, but some goalkeeping heroics would keep Republic FC alive in the tournament with a 3-2 result over Toronto FC. The 15’s would then carry the momentum into Monday’s matchup and take a 2-1 win over FC United Soccer Club.

On Tuesday morning, the U15 squad will take on their counterparts from New York Red Bulls for a spot in the semifinals tomorrow morning at 7AM PT. The match will be live-streamed on Major League Soccer’s Twitch and YouTube channels.

The 19s opened tournament play on Sunday with a 4-3 win over Chargers Soccer Club. The squad enters the tournament with a target on their back named as a pre-tournament contender. Tonight, the squad will square off against the San Francisco Glens side at 5:00 pm. PT. Should the U19’s emerge victorious in their contest tonight, they’ll advance to the quarterfinals and take on the winner of FC Delco v Shattuck St. Mary’s on Wednesday at 9AM PT. The full tournament bracket and schedule for each age group can be found at MLSSoccer.com/MLSNEXT.

Republic FC’s U13 and U14 squads kick off their runs in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase tomorrow, giving Sacramento’s younger teams another chance to impress against top-tier competition. The two sides’schedule for the tournament, which runs through July 3, is already set:

U13

• 6/28 – Strikers FC Irvine vs Sac Republic @ 3:00pm
• 6/29 – Empire United SA vs Sac Republic @ 5:00pm (Field 16 – Toyota Soccer Center)
• 6/30 – OFF (possible friendly)
• 7/1 – Sac Republic vs Achilles Academy @ 9:00am (Field 2 – Toyota Soccer Center)

U14

• 6/28 – Sac Republic vs Indiana Fire Academy @ 9:00am (Field 17 – Harold Patterson Complex)
• 6/29 – Sac Republic vs LAFC @ 3:00pm (Field 6 – Toyota Soccer Center)
• 6/30 – OFF (possible friendly)
• 7/1 – Sac Republic vs Colorado Rapids @ 11:00am (Field 18 – Harold Patterson Complex)

MLS NEXT CUP Results:

U15

• Saturday’s Round of 32: 1 – 1 (3 – 2 in penalties) Win vs. Toronto FC
• Monday’s Round of 16: 2 – 1 Win vs. FC United Soccer Club

U17

• Sunday’s Round of 32: 2 – 2 (3 – 5 in penalties) Loss vs. Columbus Crew

U19

• Sunday’s Round of 32: 4 – 3 Win vs. Chargers Soccer Club

Republic FC’s Youth Academy teams are looking to build on the momentum from Tuesday’s massive win in Los Angeles. For the second year in a row, Republic FC’s youth development teams are heading to Frisco, Texas to close out the season at the annual MLS NEXT Cup.

The Indomitable Club’s youth teams are going to the tournament and showcase with an impressive collection of accolades. No other club in the country – MLS-affiliated, pro pathway, or independently operated – won its division at every age group. That’s right. Republic FC’s U13, U14, U15, U17, and U19 squads all took home the top spot in their division during the 2021-22 season. In addition, the U14, U15, and U19 squads all completed the regular season undefeated.

In addition to holding down the top spot, the national youth soccer ranking platform Top Drawer Soccer has high praise for the Quails development system. All five of the club’s teams are in the top 15 of the most recent national rankings – with four teams in the top five. The U13s have a special distinction, finishing with the most points across all MLS Next U13 squads.

While the U13s and U14s will play in a trio of showcase matches to close out the season, the U15, U17, and U19 sides enter the single-elimination tournament with high hopes for hardware. The squads are looking to build on last year’s semifinal appearances by both the U17 and U19 teams. Each takes the pitch starting Sunday, June 25. Complete match schedules, results, and brackets for each tournament can be found at MLSSoccer.com/mlsnext.

Upcoming Match Schedules as of June 24:

U13

• 6/28 – Strikers FC Irvine vs Sac Republic @ 3:00pm (Field 1 – Harold Patterson Complex)
• 6/29 – Empire United SA vs Sac Republic @ 5:00pm (Field 16 – Toyota Soccer Center)
• 6/30 – OFF (possible friendly)
• 7/1 – Sac Republic vs Achilles Academy @ 9:00am (Field 2 – Toyota Soccer Center)

U14

• 6/28 – Sac Republic vs Indiana Fire Academy @ 9:00am (Field 17 – Harold Patterson Complex)
• 6/29 – Sac Republic vs LAFC @ 3:00pm (Field 6 – Toyota Soccer Center)
• 6/30 – OFF (possible friendly)
• 7/1 – Sac Republic vs Colorado Rapids @ 11:00am (Field 18 – Harold Patterson Complex)

U15

• 6/25 – Sac Republic vs Toronto FC @ 9:00am (Field 10 – Toyota Soccer Center)

U17 

• 6/26 – Sac Republic vs Columbus Crew @ 9:00am (Field 17 – Toyota Soccer Center)

U19

• 6/26 – Sac Republic vs Chargers Soccer Club @ 11:00am (Field 15 – Toyota Soccer Center)

This week, eleven players from Republic FC’s Youth Development academy received invitations to U.S. Soccer’s Youth National Team ID centers taking place in Davis, CA – offering another chance for Sacramento’s high level players to prove their abilities in front of Youth National Team coaches and talent evaluators. Five Republic FC players from the U14 squad and six from the U15 squad will join just over 30 total players from each age group at the first ID center of 2022.

Only one other club had as many invitees as Republic FC, also receiving 11 invitations. In 2021, Republic FC had 14 players invited to U.S. Soccer’s Spring and Fall IDC’s – making up a quarter of all of the players that participated. All of the participating players compete with clubs at the top level of youth soccer – MLS NEXT – which offers the top youth player development platform in North America.

Youth National Team ID centers serve as a critical part of the federation’s player identification and Youth National Team selection processes. Players participate in a single-day program reminiscent of Youth National Team Camps, and based on their performances, could receive a call up to the Youth National Team in their age group for international competitions, including friendlies and competitive tournaments. Since the inception of Republic FC’s academy program, 36 players have received invitations to Youth National Teams, including two so far this year.

With Republic FC’s tickets to postseason competitions in all age groups punched, Sacramento’s U13 and U14 sides took to Southern California from May 26-30 for a final tune-up in the Nexen Manchester City Cup in San Diego. The weekend saw Sacramento squads take just one loss, and although neither finished atop their respective groups, more excellent performances primed them for an appearance in the MLS NEXT Showcase later this month.  

The Results

Highlighting the weekend were two victories for the U14’s over two prestigious opponents – their counterparts from Premier League champion Manchester City, and Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy. The wins allowed the squad to finish the week unbeaten going 2-0-1 in out-of-group play, and 1-0-2 in Supergroup play.

While the U13’s finished third in their group, they showed strong, posting an impressive +12 goal differential and recording three clean sheets. They took down this year’s Dallas Cup Champion Legends FC in their third of four straight victories to close the tournament, issuing the club its only defeat.

Looking ahead, each team will have a few weeks of rest after finishing their MLS NEXT League Schedule, before taking to Texas to close out their season the last week of June. Both squads will participate in the MLS NEXT Cup showcase for younger age group teams, which don’t have a playoff competition, pitting them against the best of the best in MLS NEXT throughout the 2021-22 season from June 28 to July 1.

For the second year in a row, Republic FC’s youth teams are gearing up for the chance at hardware in youth soccer’s most prestigious competition.

This past weekend, Republic FC’s U15 and U19 squads took to Maryland for the MLS NEXT Flex tournament, pitting them against clubs from across the country. Sacramento’s top age group took on three squads in group play – LA United FC, Springfield SYC, and their counterparts from Rio Grande Valley FC. Republic FC took two wins and split points once, finishing the tournament with seven points and as the champions of Group P to earn an automatic berth to the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

The U15 squad ended the tournament just a point out of the top spot in their group, taking wins over Florida Rush and Southern Soccer academy, but falling to FC United. Their road to the postseason is not yet over, however; they still have a chance to qualify through their results in league play, which wraps up the first week of June. Should they finish their season at the top of the Northwest Division, they’ll get an automatic berth and a chance to represent their club on the national stage alongside the U19 side. The same is true for Sacramento’s U17 squad, which can punch their playoff ticket with a victory in one of their final two league matches against Breakers FC and Ballistic United.

Just 64 teams from each age group qualified for MLS NEXT Flex, which grants clubs an additional player identification platform and an opportunity to claim a playoff berth outright before the end of their league schedules. Only 16 teams claimed a MLS NEXT Cup playoffs berth through tournament, and Republic FC was the only U19 squad representing a USL Championship club to claim top honors in their group.

Last season, Republic FC’s U15, U17, and U19 squads each qualified for the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs, with the U17 and U19 teams reaching the semifinal stage before being eliminated. Republic FC was the only club to advance more than one team to the penultimate stage of the tournament. This season’s MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs are currently set to be held from June 25 to July 3 at the Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas.