Academy

Academy Update: Sacramento Sweeps Another Regional Weekend

It’s been an exciting month for Republic FC’s youth teams. Two weeks ago, Sacramento’s U15 and U19 squads secured spots in the MLS NEXT Playoffs qualifier. This past weekend, all five teams swept their regional foes across seven matches, keeping all atop the table in their respective divisions.

The Results

U13: 2-1 Win @ Breakers FC

U14: 9-2 Win @ Breakers FC, 3-0 Win vs. Cal Odyssey

U15: 2-1 Win @ Breakers FC

U17: 6-0 Win @ Breakers FC

U19: 5-0 Win @ Breakers FC, 3-1 Win vs. SF Glens

The U14’s victories – their third and fourth in a row, inched them two points ahead of San Jose Earthquakes in the Northwest division table. Their nine-goal performance on Saturday was led by a six-score run in the first half that kicked off in just the third minute. Two scores late – which secured a hat trick – secured three more points Sunday at home against central valley foe Cal Odyssey.

Wins for every other squad secured important cushions in the standings, which could be critical to taking the top spot come the end of the season. The U15’s victory gave them a crucial 5 point advantage in the division table, and the U17’s win, a six-score clean sheet effort, kept them ahead of De Anza Force.

Sacramento’s U19’s kept their undefeated 2022 going with two victories, their second and third straight since a scoreless draw on April 9. Saturday’s 5-0 win saw each score come from a different player, and their 3-1 home win over SF Glens was won in the 81^st minute, when Sacramento netted the game winner after Glens went down to 10 men.

Academy Update: U15, U19 Squads Punch Ticket to Playoff Qualifier Tournament

Republic FC’s youth academy kept up their winning ways last weekend, taking on De Anza Force and Diablo Valley at home. Sacramento’s teams combined for a 3-0-1 slate, keeping all three squads that saw action unbeaten in spring action.

The Results:

U13’s: 5-1 Win vs. De Anza Force

U14’s: 4-0 Win vs. De Anza Force

U19’s: 0-0 Draw vs. De Anza Force, 4-0 Win vs. Diablo Valley Wolves

U13’s, U14’s Remain at the Top of the Table

Behind a four-goal second half on Saturday, Republic FC’s U13’s took another victory over a regional foe at Cosumnes River College. The 5-1 victory was their 23^rd in a row, leaving the squad as the lone undefeated team nationwide after Inter Miami’s U13 side took their first loss of the season.

An excellent run of form for the U14’s continued as well, keeping them tied in points with San Jose Earthquakes’ U14 side in the Northwest Division table. A 4-0 result Saturday saw the squad recorded their third clean sheet victory in four matches, and their tenth of the season.

Two Squads Secure Bid to Playoff Qualifiers

In addition to another lossless slate of matches for Republic FC’s older teams, the club also celebrated another important achievement. In May, Sacramento’s U15 and U19 squads will each travel to Gaithersburg, Maryland from May 13-17 to take part in the MLS NEXT Flex tournament, which serves as the qualifying competition for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in June.

Ahead of the tournament, Republic FC’s squads already know who their opponents will be; the U19’s will match up with L.A. United, South County Youth Club, and Rio Grande Valley FC, and the U15s will meet up with Southern Soccer Academy, FC United Soccer Club, and Florida Rush.

Should Sacramento’s teams win their group, they’ll secure an automatic bid to the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs, which serve as the national championship tournament for youth soccer’s highest level. Last season, Republic FC’s U17 and U19 squads each took part in the competition and advanced to the semifinal round, making the club the only participant to send teams in multiple age groups to the penultimate stage.

Republic FC’s Academy to Host Tryouts for Top Youth Players

On May 2 and 3, Republic FC’s Academy will host an opportunity for elite youth soccer players to earn a spot in the region’s only youth development program that offers a professional pathway for local youth players.The club will host two days of tryout sessions for players interested in joining the club’s U13, U14, U15, and U17 youth development academy teams for the 2022-23 season.

Players from each age group will have an opportunity to showcase their skills with Republic FC’s coaching and talent identification staff. Tryouts will take place on both days from 5:00PM to 6:30PM for players born in 2010 and 2011 (U13), from 6:30PM to 8:00PM for players born in 2008 and 2009 (U14 and U15), and from 8:00PM to 9:30PM for players born in 2006 and 2007 (U17). All sessions will be held at the Cosumnes River College Stadium. Registration is now open at SacRepublicFC.com/talentid

Republic FC’s youth development system offers the region’s leadingpathway to professional soccer for talented youth players.Teams in the club’s academy compete at the highest level of youth soccer in the nation – MLS NEXT – which aims to deliver a world-class player development platform. MLS NEXT players and clubs get access to thehighest levels of competition and training in North America to prepare them for their futures in soccer and life.

Since the Academy’s inception in 2015, 27 players have earned USL Academy contracts, which allow youth players to compete with the first team while maintaining college eligibility, 18 have signed professional contracts, and over 60 have gone on to feature for intercollegiate programs across the nation. Earlier this season, three former Republic FC academy players signed contracts with MLS clubs or their affiliates through transfer or the MLS SuperDraft. Currently, eight players on Republic FC’s first team roster logged minutes for the club’s development academy or are currently academy members.

For more information, visit SacRepublicFC.com/academy.

Academy Weekend Recap: Sacramento’s Youth Go Unbeaten for Fourth Straight Week

All five of Republic FC’s youth sides took the field last Saturday, taking their talents to the Bay Area for another regional battle with Silicon Valley Soccer Academy. What resulted was another weekend without defeat across all five fixtures – the fourth week in a row Sacramento has emerged lossless in MLS NEXT play.

The Results

U13’s: 3 – 2 Win @ SVSA

U14’s: 4 – 0 Win @ SVSA

U15’s: 3 – 0 Win @ SVSA

U17’s: 2 – 2 Draw @ SVSA

U19’s: 2 – 0 Win @ SVSA

With the U19’s victory on Saturday, the squad recorded their third straight shutout victory – a run of form rivaled only by the U13 squad this season.

After the first half ended with the score line even, two back-to-back goals in the 51^st and 54^th minutes for Republic FC gave the club a lead they wouldn’t give back. Great defensive work staved off chances throughout the closing minutes, giving Sacramento their second straight victory by multiple scores and their ninth in a row.

Continuing a hard fought spring, Republic FC’s U17’s put in a gritty effort. The squad went down 1-0 early, conceding a score from the hosts in the 33^rd minute. Behind a handful of changes at the break, Sacramento battled back, scoring in the 51^st minute to equalize. The club pulled ahead with what looked to be a late game-winner in the 83^rd, but a recycled set piece score from the hosts pulled Silicon Valley back even for a draw with just two minutes to go.

Sacramento’s U14’s and U15’s each extended their squad’s respective win streaks. The U15 side tallied their eighth straight win, putting in two first half scores and seeing yet another multi-goal performance from their center forward. The U14 side got going immediately following the opening whistle, putting in two scores in the 2^nd and 4^th minutes and never looking back for their fourth consecutive three-point effort.

Republic FC’s academy teams will be in action again this weekend on the road, taking on Diablo Valley, Ballistic United, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Full schedules are available at MLSSoccer.com/MLSNEXT.

Sacramento’s J.P. Cortez Selected to Guatemala U-20’s

Earlier this week, Republic FC Academy forward J.P. Cortez was extended an official invitation to the Guatemala U-20 Men’s National Team camp for the March 27 – April 2 training cycle.

The 18-year-old forward has featured for Sacramento’s U19 squad in each of the last two seasons. In 2021, he helped his team reach the MLS NEXT Cup semifinals, appearing in all four of the squad’s matches. This season, Cortez has appeared in 15 matches in league and tournament play, scoring four goals. His performance landed him a USL academy contract earlier this month, allowing him to train and compete with the first-team squad without forgoing his amateur status for the second straight year after earning his first Academy Contract last July.

“The club is extremely proud of J.P. for this very special invitation,” said Academy Head Coach Eder Quintanilla. “It’s not a surprise to see another academy player from our club get a tremendous opportunity to showcase their talent at the next level or on the international stage.”

Cortez joined Republic FC’s Academy in 2019 from North Coast FC. His invitation makes him the 34^th player from Sacramento’s academy system to receive an invite to a national team program.

CONVOCATORIA #SeleSub20
📆Semana No.8 – / Campamento de Preparación / del 28 de marzo al 01 de abril 2022.#VamosGuate #ModoSelección pic.twitter.com/e8RRXq9zz3
— FEDEFUT GUATE (@fedefut_oficial) March 25, 2022

Academy Spotlight: Undefeated U13’s at the Top – Nationwide

This season, Republic FC’s Academy has continued on a great run of success from 2020-21. Just this spring, four of five sit at the top of the table in their respective divisions and six players have earned first-team opportunities on Academy Contracts. But the most impressive feat the club has accomplished in youth soccer may be their U13’s proving to be the best team in the entire country.

Entering this week, Republic FC’s youngest group has won 20 consecutive matches in league play. They are one of just two clubs nationwide in their age group without a draw or loss on their record, and sit at the top of the mountain in goal differential at +104. As far as results are concerned, their run of form is rivaled by maybe one other club in their age group across all of MLS NEXT in Intern Miami CF.

Allowing that to happen isn’t just a roster made up of the region’s top youth soccer talent. It’s a direct result of how hard they work, how they’ve embraced their club’s professional approach and top-tier programming, and their excitement to take the pitch every day with each other as friends and teammates.

“The players push each other every night,” said head coach Brian Willey. “Most importantly, they love the process, they love to train, they love the club and they love competing with each other. The standard at training is extremely high and the players push each other every night.”

The squad’s success doesn’t just rest on the shoulders of one player, either – each defensive player that’s seen time has been equally dominant, from the goalkeepers to those manning the backline – combining to concede just three scores all year. Offense has come from all over the place- with five different players tallying double-digit scores through the second week of March. The midfield unit has served as the glue keeping the team connected.

That level of collective contribution serves as a reminder that Republic FC’s dedication to offering a top-tier experience for youth players, and a track to the highest levels of football, pays off. Programs like the club’s U12 Center of Excellence set the stage for those on the U13 squad to start doing big things and eventually reach the first team.

“This is a very special group of young players,” Willey continued. “Several of them are on track to become future first team players, and they understand they need to keep working, continue sharing our club’s indomitable spirit, and remain humble.”

“Our U13 team is a perfect example of what it means to be indomitable and represent a unified community- and it’s not just because they’ve yet to be beaten this season,” said Director of Talent Identification Eder Quintanilla. “Throughout the last year, they’ve exemplified perfectly what a great mindset and work ethic on the field can accomplish.”

Sacramento’s Academy will be in action again this weekend, when they travel to take on Silicon Valley Soccer Academy in Palo Alto. Full match schedules are available at mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.

Academy Weekend Recap: U19’s Dominate Napa in Fourth Straight Win

Three of Republic FC’s youth teams saw action this weekend, claiming three points in every contest yet again. The U13’s continued their undefeated streak, while the U19’s broke out with a 6-0 victory in their lone contest.

The Results

U13s: 8-0 Win vs. Napa United (Saturday)

1-0 Win vs. WSC Crush (Sunday)

U14s: 4-2 Win vs. Napa United (Saturday)

5-0 Win vs. WSC Crush (Sunday)

U19s: 6-0 Win vs. Napa United

U19’s Extend Win Streak to Four

Republic FC closed out Saturday’s slate of contests with a big performance against Napa United, claiming three points for the U19’s. A tight first half saw the Indomitable Club go up 1-0 in the 34^th minute, and take that advantage into the break.

Sacramento broke out in the second half to post five scores, including braces from two different players. Not ten minutes after the half, a great strike in traffic doubled the host’s advantage. Additional scores in the 64^th, 72^nd, 78^th, and 86^th sent Sacramento home with their third consecutive victory and marked the third time they’ve won three straight this season.

U13’s, U14’s Sweep High-Demand Weekend

Sacramento’s younger age groups had a lot on their plate, seeing action on back to back days. Each side welcomed Napa United on Saturday and WSC Crush on Sunday, and took a victory in each contest for another undefeated weekend. The two squads combined for 12 goals Saturday, upending their foes with ease while conceding just two.

On Sunday, each squad worked hard, proving that back-to-back contests were no problem. After letting through two scores in their Saturday contest, the U14’s took three points in an 5-0 shutout that saw each goal come off the foot of a different player. The U13’s played the most competitive match of their season thus far, edging out their foes 1-0 on a 46^th minute score and extend their winning streak to 20.

Academy Weekend Recap: U15s Take Down Ballistic in 9-0 Blowout

In a slate of home and away matches, Sacramento Republic FC’s academy teams came away with a perfect weekend. Across four contests for the U13, U14, U15, and U17 squads, Republic FC took four wins, and conceded just one score while netting 17 of their own.

The Results

U13s: 4-0 Win @ Atletico Santa Rosa

U14s: 2-0 Win @ Atletico Santa Rosa

U15s: 9-0 Win vs. Ballistic United

U17s: 2-1 Win vs. Ballistic United

Golden Sombrero Leads 15’s Past Ballistic

Dominating the weekend was the U15’s strong showing – their eighth in a row by more than one score. Things got off to a strong start for Sacramento, bagging two within moments of each other in the 12^th and 13^th minute. By the end of the contest, Sacramento would put seven more on the board and secure their second clean sheet in as many weeks.

The squad’s offensive showcase included a golden sombrero by one of the team’s strikers, who after bagging one in the 13^th minute to put Sacramento up 2-0, found the net three more times in the 60^th, 67^th, and 69^th minutes. With four in the bag this week, his tally went up to seven scores over his squad’s last three matches.

U14’s Shut Down Santa Rosa

Sacramento’s U14s stretched their run of strong form with a 2-0 win over Atletico Santa Rosa. Their third clean sheet win in their last four matches was highlighted by strong play from the backline, who in addition to a strong day netted both of Republic FC’s scores.

With the win, the side stays unbeaten in league play with a record of 15 wins, 0 losses, and 3 draws, just a point back of San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS NEXT Northwest Division.

Republic FC Signs Six Youth Players to AcademyFirst-Team Contracts Ahead of 2022 Season

Sacramento, Calif. – Earlier today, Sacramento Republic FC announced the addition of six local youth players from the club’s development academy to the first-team roster. The six players – Santiago Suarez, J.P. Cortez, Chase Tanon, Corey Hart, Fernando “Pepe” Venegas, and Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez, have all signed USL Academy Contracts, making them eligible to join Republic FC for USL Championship matches, pending league and federation approval. All six players are members of Republic FC’s U19 Academy squad.

“Our youth academy continues to produce top-level talent that further bolsters our first-team roster,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “These guys have been excellent throughout preseason and are deserving of this opportunity to contribute to our professional team.”

Cortez, Venegas and Sanchez have signed their second USL Academy Contract with Republic FC. In 2021, all three were provided the opportunity to sign an Academy contract after training with the first team. Cortez and Venegas were awarded contracts following Republic FC’s U17s team making a run to thesemi-finals of the inaugural 2021 MLS Next Cup.

Cortez, an 18-year-old forward from Petaluma, joined Republic FC’s Academy in 2019 from North Coast FC of NorCal Premier. Venegas, a 17-year-old defender from Sacramento, has been with Republic FC’s academy since 2015 after spending time with Placer United of NorCal Premier. Sanchez, an18-year-old Madera native, joined the first team for training camp last season and was a member of the 18-man game-day roster 13 times during the 2021 season as the team’s backup goalkeeper.

Suarez, Tanon, and Hart are signing their first USL Academy contract with Republic FC. Sixteen-year-old Suarez,a defender from Rocklin, CA, started the 2021-22 season with Republic FC’s U17s, before joining the U19 squad mid-way through the campaign. He joined Sacramento’s academy in 2016, previously playing for Blues FC of NorCal Premier. Tanon, an 18-year-old forward from Lincoln, joined Republic FC’s academy in 2019 after featuring for Placer United’s youth club, and has committed to represent UC Davis next Fall. Both players were integral in Republic FC’s 2021 MLS Next Cup run, where it was the only club to advance multiple teams to the semifinal round.

Hart, a native of Tennessee by way of his home country of England, joined Republic FC on trial earlier this year after impressing the club’s technical staff at open tryouts. The 18-year-old midfielder joined Republic FC’s academy system earlier this year after spending time with Atlanta United FC’s academy. His contract will be completed upon ITC and federation approval.

Through the club’s partnership, two of the six academy players are currently enrolled at Elk Grove Charter School, allowing them the flexibility to continue their pathway as elite athletes while continuing their academic journey.

USL Academy contracts allow academy players the chance to play with the first team in professional matches while retaining their NCAA eligibility. Since its founding, Republic FC’s youth development academy has created a pipeline of youth players earning first-team opportunities, including current first-teamers Mario Penagos and Rafael Jauregui. Twenty-seven elite youth players have earned the opportunity to join the first team on a USL Academy Contract.

In addition to offering local players an opportunity to develop their skills against professionals, Republic FC’s academy is successfully launching players into top-flight leagues. Three academy members have been selected in the last two MLS SuperDrafts – Defender Nabi Kibunguchy, Defender Erik Centeno and Midfielder Giovanni Aguilar. And after two seasons with Republic FC’s first-team, academy standout Hayden Sargis was transferred to MLS side D.C. United.

Pending approval, the players on USL Academy contracts will be available for selection for this Saturday’s match at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2 in the Sacramento Region, FOX40.com and on the FOX40 App, as well as streamed on ESPN+. Fans can purchase tickets to the match at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets.

Academy Update: U19s Nab Victory Late vs. SF Glens

Republic FC’s youth ranks were back at work against regional opponents this past Saturday, taking on teams sure to challenge them in their quest for a berth in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs. Three of the five squads claimed three points, with all three winners recording clean sheets and the U13 squad extending an already impressive winning streak in league play.

Recap: U19s Upend Glens with Late Score

The lone squad to see action at home this past week was Sacramento’s U19’s, who faced off with San Francisco Glens. The first meeting between the two sides since November was tight from the start – neither squad could break their opposition’s strong defensive approach.

A few changes in the second half gave Sacramento life. Republic FC would come close to breaking the 0-0 tie on a pair of corner kicks just after the hour mark. Midfielder Josemaria Barrera would eventually get Republic FC on the board in the 76^th minute by finding the net after a cross into traffic was headed out to him running the flank.

The score would be all Sacramento needed to secure a 1-0 win and upend the U19 Northwest Division leaders. The victory also earned the squad points in its seventh consecutive match, and a clean sheet for the fifth time in seven weeks since the end of January.

U13s Extend Streak to 17

In the Bay Area, Republic FC’s U13 squad defeated San Francisco Elite Academy 4-0. The result was their 17^th consecutive win in league play – a streak dating to the start of the season in September.

Since the resumption of the season in January, Sacramento’s U13s have been a force on all fronts. Defensively, they’ve allowed just one goal in five contests. On the attack, they’ve posted at least four goals in every single match they have played – allowing them to outscore their opponents 30-1 and enter this coming week as one of just two teams in their age group nationwide without a draw or loss on their record.

Next week, all of Republic FC’s teams will be in action against a new set of Bay Area foes. The U13, U14 and U19 squads will face off with Atletico Santa Rosa, while the U15 and U17 sides will welcome Ballistic United to Cosumnes River College for a pair of late-morning matchups.