Academy

Academy Check-In: Back-to-Back Big Games Round Out November

Sacramento’s Youth Academy squads have risen to the challenge in recent weeks, taking on tough competition from across the West Coast. This past weekend, the U-15, U-16, and U-17 sides each faced off against their counterparts from MLS club Real Salt Lake and performed well in hostile territory. The schedule doesn’t get any easier; this weekend, Sacramento welcomes MLS side Portland Timbers for a slate of matches Saturday and Albion SC Merced on Sunday.

Last Week’s Results

Saturday, Nov. 11

U-17’s: 2-1 Win at Real Salt Lake

U-15’s: 2-3 Loss at Real Salt Lake

U-16’s: 1-0 Loss at Real Salt Lake

Sunday, Nov, 12

U-16’s: 3-0 Win vs. Atletico Santa Rosa

U-14’s: 7-0 Win vs. Atletico Santa Rosa

U-13’s: 3-2 Win vs. Atletico Santa Rosa

Strong showings from both the U-15 and U-16 squads each challenged the Utah side. For the U-15’s, an eventful first half was highlighted by goals from Sacramento’s Da’vian Kimbrough and Rylan Hashimoto, sending both sides to the break even 2-2. After 30 minutes even in the second half, a 77^th minute goal from the home side went down as the decider. The U-16s played well in a tight affair for all 90 minutes, but fell 1-0.

Sacramento’s U-17 side claimed a 2-1 win over their Utah foes, coming from behind late to take all three points. After going down in the 26^th minute of the match, Sacramento dug deep and kept RSL out of net for the rest of the contest. As time ticked down, the club netted two scores – one in the 85^th minute, and another in stoppage time – to secure all three points.

Sunday, the U-16s got back to winning ways at home, taking three points from a 3-0 win vs. Atletico Santa Rosa. The U-13’s and U-14s also came away with victories against the North Bay club, with the U-14’s posting their seventh straight match without defeat, and the U-13 team maintaining its perfect start and moving to 10-0 on the season.

This Week’s Matchup

Sacramento faces off with another challenging foe this weekend when the Portland Timbers youth sides come south to the River City. Sacramento has fared well against top competition all season long, going unbeaten against San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders, and look to do the same at Cosumnes River College this weekend. Sunday, the U-13 and U-14 teams will look to defend home turf against Albion SC Merced.

Academy Weekend Preview: Tough Midseason Test Saturday at Real Salt Lake

The MLS NEXT season continues for each of Republic FC’s youth sides this week, with big contests on the docket for each team. Sacramento’s U-15, U-16, and U-17 sides face one of their toughest tests as they head to Utah to face off with their counterparts from Real Salt Lake. On Sunday, the younger squads see the pitch on home turf.

This Week’s Matchups

SRFC v Real Salt Lake

Saturday, Nov. 11

Squads: U-15, U-16, U-17

SRFC v Atletico Santa Rosa

Sunday, Nov. 12

Squads: U-13, U-14

This season, the U-17’s have earned two victories against tough opposition in Seattle Sounders (2-1) and San Jose Earthquakes (3-1) and will look to continue the trend against their Real Salt Lake counterparts. Heading into the matchup, the squad sit atop of the standings in a loaded Northwest Division with 17 points through eight games, better than four MLS-affiliated academies and a bevy of other strong regional foes. The U-15’s – currently undefeated through seven games to open the year – earned two draws against the same opposition and are currently tied with Sounders FC in first place with 23 points.

Sacramento’s U-13 and U-14 squads each sit in second place in their respective divisions – but with games in hand will have plenty of opportunities to jump ahead. Both face off with Atletico Santa Rosa on the weekend.

Recent Results

Last weekend, all five squads faced Silicon Valley Soccer Academy and left Palo Alto with 5-of-5 wins. The U-17s’ 6-1 win was propelled by braces from forward Roman Anast and winger Sawyer Turiace, while a gritty performance in a 2-1 win kept the U-15 side undefeated on the year. For the U-14’s, a set piece score by Grayson Utush in the 72^nd minute sealed the victory. The U13’s tallied their eighth and ninth straight wins, also besting Sheriffs FC on the weekend behind a brace from Troy Reneses.

Academy Check In: All Five Teams in Dominating Form Through Seasons First Two Months

Republic FC’s Youth Development Academy has gotten off to a hot start in its ninth all-time campaign.

Through the season’s opening two months, the club’s youth squads have posted an outstanding combined record of 33-5-4, taking on Northern California’s top youth competition along the way. Two of the club’s youth sides – the U-13 and U-15 squads – have opened the year unbeaten in MLS NEXT play, while the U-14, U-16 and U-17 sides each have just one loss to their records on the season.

The results have not been a surprise to the Academy’s staff. The club’s taste of the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs in 2022/23 have driven each squad to improve and work hard, as has seeing a collection of their peers – now-pro Da’vian Kimbrough, academy-contract signees Blake Willey, Ermias Yohannes, and Ethan Kelly, and others – earn opportunities with the first team and youth national team programs.

“Every player has shown incredible drive, character, and a strong work ethic through the opening part of the season,” said Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “Every night, each team has trained at a very high level and made each other better on and off the pitch. We’re happy with what we’ve accomplished – but there’s still a lot of work to be done this season.”

Recent Results

On the heels of an unbeaten weekend vs. Bay Area counterpart San Jose Earthquakes last week, Sacramento again posted a remarkable run of results. The club’s U-15, U-16, and U-17 combined to claim five wins from six contests against Napa United and De Anza Force from October 28-29. After a tough loss Saturday at Napa United, the U-17 side bounced back Sunday at home with a strong 2-0 win over De Anza Force. Behind a pair of braces – one each from Rylan Hashimoto and Sean Hanafee – the U-15’s recorded their seventh and eighth straight unbeaten results to open the season. In a 3-1 win, the U-16’s tallied their fifth straight victory since falling in a hard-fought contest on the opening weekend of the year.

What’s Coming Up

As the calendar changes to November, Sacramento has a collection of big games on the schedule. This weekend, Sacramento will look to defend home turf with all five squads up against Silicon Valley SA from the road in Palo Alto. It’s the first of three meetings between the two academies this season. On November 11, the U-15, U-16, and U-17 sides each head to Utah to face off with their counterparts from Real Salt Lake. Republic FC and RSL have faced off in each of the past two seasons, with the two clubs each protecting their home ground. Sacramento went unbeaten in two contests in February 2022, before RSL had the upper hand last November.

Academy Weekend Recap: Wins by U-13s, U-17s Highlight Unbeaten Weekend vs. San Jose Earthquakes

More stellar performances for Republic FC’s youth academy squads continued the club’s strong start to MLS NEXT play this past weekend. In a spirited slate of regional derbies, four contests against the San Jose Earthquakes saw Sacramento’s youth sides club claim two wins and two draws. The results marked the third straight unbeaten weekend for the Academy in MLS NEXT play.

The Results:

U-13:

1-0 Win vs. San Jose Earthquakes

U-15

1-1 Draw vs. San Jose Earthquakes

U-14

4-4 Draw vs. San Jose Earthquakes

U-17

3-1 Win vs. San Jose Earthquakes

for the first time this season. Sacramento’s U-17 squad put in a stellar performance in the first of the four contests, as scores from Chibi Ukaegbu, Luis Gomez and Zach Looney led the way to a 3-1 victory. The result keeps the U-17’s unbeaten through its first six matches this season with four wins and two draws. The day’s second win came from the U-13 side, who held scoreless their Bay Area foes in a 1-0 result. A first half score proved to be all the squad needed as the club’s backline held on for its for its seventh straight win to open the season, and sixth consecutive clean sheet.

The U-14 and U-15 squads showed incredible resilience in the day’s ensuing contests. The U-15’s played well in a come from behind result, securing a 1-1 draw after going down in the opening minutes. A back-and-forth game for the U-14 side saw eight goals scored – four for each side by the time the final whistle sounded. Sacramento went up early, before fighting off pressure from a strong opponent the rest of the match to secure a point.

What Comes Next

Republic FC’s older squads each will return to action next weekend. Saturday, the U-15, U-16, and U-17 sides travel to take on Napa United, before welcoming De Anza Force to Cosumnes River College on Sunday. The U-13 and U-14 teams will be off for a bye week, before returning to the pitch on November 4 when all five teams squads up with Silicon Valley SA in the Bay Area. Each side has a busy schedule in the coming weeks, highlighted by big away matches for the U-15, U-16, and U-17 squads against their counterparts from Real Salt Lake and Portland Timbers in November.

Academy Weekend Preview: Regional Derbies on the Docket Sunday vs. San Jose

This week, Republic FC’s Academy squads face their toughest test of the 2023/24 season. A regional derby is on the docket, with four games Sunday against the San Jose Earthquakes. The club’s youth sides will look to continue their strong start to the season and defend home turf.

The Matchup: SACvSJ

Sunday, October 22

Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA

It’s always a competitive day against the Bay Area side as each plays for NorCal supremacy. The U-15s and U-17s return to action after a bye week and will look to continue their undefeated start. The last time each took the pitch, both squads went unbeaten against Seattle Sounders FC, earning a draw and a win, and will look to carry that confidence into the weekend.

The U-13s’ perfect start will be put to the test; San Jose is likely the strongest opponent they will have faced at this point in the season. The squad has come out of the gates with impressive performances each time out, going a perfect 6-0 and recording four straight clean sheets. The U-14s will look to extend their winning streak to three after bouncing back last weekend with big wins over Ballistic United and Lamorinda Soccer Club. Last season, Sacramento’s U-13s went unbeaten in two meetings against San Jose, claiming a win and a draw.

Alongside the regional derby contests, an important road fixture awaits the club’s USL Academy U-20’s. Saturday, the squad heads south for a matchup against Central Valley Fuego FC – who sits just three points up on Republic FC in the standings. The two sides have split their previous two results, with the Fresno side winning on September 16, and Sacramento taking all three points on October 7.

Academy Weekend Preview: U13’s, U14’s Prep for Two-Match Weekend

It’s been a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign for Republic FC’s youth academy sides. Through the season’s opening month, each has showed well against top regional opponents in MLS NEXT play. This week, Republic FC’s younger sides each remain in action as the U-13 and U-14 sides look to defend home turf. The club’s older players have another important contest in USL Academy action.

This Week’s Matchups

U-13s

Saturday, October 14 vs. Ballistic United

Sunday, October 15 vs. Lamorinda SC

U-14s

Saturday, October 14 vs. Ballistic United

Sunday, October 15 vs. Lamorinda SC

U-20s

Saturday, October 14 @ Newark FC

Through the season’s opening weeks, Sacramento’s U-13 and U-14 teams have combined for seven wins and just one loss. The U-13 side has gone undefeated in its opening four matches, including consecutive clean sheets in its last two. Sunday’s action is sure to be spirited as Sacramento and Lamorinda faced off just a week ago.

The U-20 squad’s Saturday contest is an important one as they look to reach the top spot in the league table. With just a few matches remaining in the season, Sacramento sits in second place – but has two games in hand on first-place Central Valley Fuego FC. Should they jump the Fresno side, they’ll secure a berth to the USL Academy Playoffs – giving them an opportunity to reach the USL Academy Cup next spring.

Last Week’s Results

From October 7-8, each side academy side saw the pitch in a full slate of matches against San Francisco Glens and Lamorinda SC. On the road in Fresno, the U-20 squad earned a much needed victory over Central Valley Fuego FC. On Saturday, The U-13 squad earned a 2-0 win on the road against while the U-14s suffered a 3-5 loss to their Lamorinda SC counterparts. Sunday, all five sides went unbeaten with four wins and a draw – highlighted by three clean sheets from the U-13, U-14, and U-17 teams. A standout individual performance from Rylan Hashimoto – who netted the academy’s first hat trick of the season – led the U-15’s to a 3-1 win, while the U16’s netted five scores to claim their third straight victory.

Academy Midfielder Blake Willey Earns U.S. Youth National Team Camp Invite

Last week, two of Republic FC’s young players earned invitations to the national stage. In addition to forward Da’vian Kimbrough’s invitation to Mexico’s U-16 training camp, Academy midfielder Blake Willey participated in U.S. Soccer’s U-17 Men’s Youth National Team Domestic Camp in Portland, Oregon from October 2-8.

Willey’s invitation made him the fifth academy player from the club invited to a national team program this year, following U-14 standouts Preston Thao, Julian Nunez-Corona, and Warren Boyce in February, and U-15 forward Chance Cowell in March and April. The invite marked Willey’s third to U.S. youth ranks – in 2022, he earned two call-ups to the U-16 national team, once for training camp in August and again for a tournament in November.

“It was really good experience being around a lot of good players and coaches,” Willey reflected. “It’s a rare opportunity, so when you get them, you have to make the most of them. Everyone’s a top-level player and it makes you work a lot harder to fight for the opportunity to play.”

A native of Sacramento, Willey has featured in the club’s youth development academy since 2018, appearing at every age level. Throughout this year, he’s earned opportunities to train and compete with the first-team on an Academy Contract, and been selected twice to the matchday roster for USL Championship contests. In the opening weeks of the Academy’s 2023/24 campaign, he’s helped the U-17 squad to an unbeaten start to the season, including in a come-from behind effort against MLS-affiliated Seattle Sounders FC on September 30 where he netted the equalizer. Sacramento’s U-17 side has recorded three wins and two draws in its first five games.

The club’s youth development academy has enjoyed a strong start to the 2023-24 MLS NEXT season, combining for 21 wins, three draws and three losses and outscoring their opponents 94-26. The club’s USL Academy U-20 squad, which provides additional competition for the development of the club’s older players, currently sits in second place in the standings of the NorCal Division.

Republic FC Forward Da’vian Kimbrough Earns Second Invitation to Mexico U-16 National Team Camp

Kimbrough’s second international call-up; was selected to last month’s camp roster from September 17-20
Forward made professional debut on October 1 against Las Vegas Lights FC at Heart Health Park becoming youngest player to play in a pro match in the United States

Sacramento, Calif. – The Mexican Football Federation announced Republic FC forward Da’vian Kimbrough (pronunciation: Day-vee-Ahn Kimm-broh) has again been invited to join the Mexico U-16 Youth National Team for training camp from October 8 to 11. The invitation is Kimbrough’s second national team selection this season, after joining the Mexico U-16 squad last month from September 17 to 20.

“Da’vian continues to earn opportunities at advanced levels of the game that will showcase his talent and further his development,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His professional debut last week was a big stepping stone, and he will continue to supplement his first team reps with academy matches, high potential player trainings, and international exposure with the Mexican national team.”

Kimbrough continues to compete with older players. He will once again join Mexico’s U-16 team – two age divisions higher than his birth year group – as they prepare for an upcoming tournament in Albir, Spain, in December. On Sunday, October 1, he became the youngest professional to appear in a competitive match aged 13 years, 7 months, and 7 days against Las Vegas Lights FC at Heart Health Park. In 2023, four products of Republic FC’s academy system have earned opportunities with the first team, including Kimbrough, and six have been invited to national team programs.

Republic FC returns to Heart Health Park for its final regular season match of the 2023 season this Saturday, October 14 against Eastern Conference side Miami FC. Throughout the match, the club will celebrate Fan Appreciation night, saluting the club’s supporters who have cheered for the squad all season. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, Antenna TV 40.2, and streaming on ESPN+. Limited tickets remain available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.

After clinching its spot in the 2023 USL Championship playoffs on September 16, Republic FC has now secured hosting rights for a first-round home playoff match to be played on Saturday, October 21 at 7 p.m. at Heart Health Park. Tickets for the Western Conference Semifinal Round are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/playoffs.

Academy Check-In: U-15s, U-17s Go Unbeaten vs. Seattle Sounders FC

Republic FC’s youth ranks continued MLS NEXT play this past weekend – earning three unbeaten results as the U-15 and U-17 squads hosted Seattle Sounders FC Academy and the U-16s traveled to Orinda to take on Lamorinda Soccer Club. Each side continued a stellar start to the 2023/24 campaign for Sacramento’s academy, which has recorded 14 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws to open the season.

The Results

U-15s

1-1 Draw vs Sounders FC

U-16s

8-0 Win vs Lamorinda SC

U-17s

2-1 Win vs. Sounders FC

The big game of the day came from the U-17s, who earned three big points against the Sounders FC Academy in a 2-1 come-from-behind win. Sounders FC got on the board first, scoring in the final minutes of the first half. But Sacramento came out of the break strong – midfielder Blake Willey leveled the score in the opening minutes of the second half after the ball landed at his feet just outside the six-yard box. Luis Garcia scored the go-ahead goal just minutes later, after receiving the ball inside the penalty box and redirecting it past the goalkeeper.

The U-15 side continued its unbeaten start with a point against the Washington side in the day’s earlier contest. Forward Rylan Hashimoto scored the U-15s lone goal after combining with Sean Hanafee. In the Bay Area, the U-16 squad earned a thrilling 8-0 shutout win against Lamorinda Soccer Club, extending their win streak to four games.

Next Week’s Games

A full slate of games awaits the club’s youth sides this coming weekend on October 7 and 8. On Saturday, the U-13s and U-14s travel to Orinda to face Lamorinda SC, looking to each secure a third straight win to open the season. The club’s USL Academy U-20 side heads to Fresno to take on Central Valley Fuego FC. The squad is fighting for position in the table – while currently in second place in the NorCal Division, they have games in hand and another matchup with the Fresno side on the schedule later in the year.

On Sunday, all five MLS NEXT squads face off against San Francisco Glens. Here in Sacramento, the U-13s and U-14s host the peninsula club at Cosumnes River College. The three older teams all head to the Bay Area for their fixtures, each’s last match before a bye week from league play.

Academy Weekend Preview: Youth Squads Travel for Season’s First Road Test

After two strong weeks to open the 2023/24 Season, Republic FC’s development academy squads set out for their first contests away from home. All five MLS NEXT squads face off with Breakers FC from the Central Coast on Saturday afternoon.

The Matchup: Republic FC v Breakers FC

Sunday, September 24

Watsonville, CA

Sacramento’s youth sides will look to continue their momentum from a successful Week 2 of the season. Last week, each faced off against Ballistic United in MLS NEXT play, earning five victories. In USL Academy action, the U-20 squad faced off against Central Valley Fuego, falling by a narrow 2-1 score line.

The U-15 squad enters Saturday on a two-game winning streak, hoping to continue a perfect start to their season. They opened the campaign with a tight 2-1 victory over local rival Sacramento United before a dominating performance earned them a 12-1 victory last week. The U-16 and U17 sides will each be looking to make it two in a row after dominating clean sheet wins of their own. The U-13 and U-14 squads will each also be in action, after each kicked off their seasons last week with wins.

Combined Strong Start

Through two weeks of play, Republic FC’s youth sides have combined for six wins, one draw and one loss in MLS NEXT play. Each has been stellar on the offensive end, where Sacramento has outscored its opponents 39-9 – a combined average of nearly five goals per game.

The club’s USL Academy U20 squad – providing the club’s older players an additional competition opportunity – has performed well at the season’s start. Sacramento currently sits in second place in the NorCal Division at 18 points. But with two games in hand, and two head-to-head meetings remaining with current leader Central Valley Fuego FC, Republic FC will have plenty of opportunities to gain ground in the table when play resumes in October.