SACRAMENTO, Calif. — He was the curator behind the single-greatest comeback in Republic FC history, and after he stunned LA Galaxy II with three second half strikes to overcome a two-goal deficit in the Western Conference Semifinals, he wasn’t done yet. Rodrigo Lopez proceeded to tally an assist in the USL Championship game, earning him match MVP honors following the game after helping to guide Republic FC to USL Cup glory.
Simply put, RoRo is a legend around these parts. And now, the experienced and versatile midfielder is returning to Sacramento in search of more silverware. But before Lopez laces up the boots for his second stint with the Indomitable Club, let’s look back on a few photos from his most memorable moments with the boys in Old Glory Red…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — He was the curator behind the single-greatest comeback in Republic FC history, and after he stunned LA Galaxy II with three second half strikes to overcome a two-goal deficit in the Western Conference Semifinals, he wasn’t done yet. Rodrigo Lopez proceeded to tally an assist in the USL Championship game, earning him match MVP honors following the game after helping to guide Republic FC to USL Cup glory.
Simply put, RoRo is a legend around these parts. And now, the experienced and versatile midfielder is returning to Sacramento in search of more silverware. But before Lopez laces up the boots for his second stint with the Indomitable Club, let’s look back on a few photos from his most memorable moments with the boys in Old Glory Red…

Eyeing up his shot
When it comes to dead ball free kicks, few players are as lethal as Lopez. It was from a free kick outside the box that RoRo curled into the corner and sent Sacramento supporters into ecstasy with his third and final goal of the 2014 Western Conference Semifinal showdown against Los Dos. What might be the scariest part for opposing defenses when RoRo hovers over a free kick is his ability to strike the ball with such power and pace. Regardless of how far away from goal he is, he's always a threat. I mean, come on, we’ve seen the guy score from behind the halfway line before!
Eyeing up his shot
When it comes to dead ball free kicks, few players are as lethal as Lopez. It was from a free kick outside the box that RoRo curled into the corner and sent Sacramento supporters into ecstasy with his third and final goal of the 2014 Western Conference Semifinal showdown against Los Dos. What might be the scariest part for opposing defenses when RoRo hovers over a free kick is his ability to strike the ball with such power and pace. Regardless of how far away from goal he is, he’s always a threat. I mean, come on, we’ve seen the guy score from behind the halfway line before!

Champion
Sure, he was the man behind the Miracle at Bonney, but RoRo will be the first to tell you that delivering a championship to Sacramento meant far more to him than any individual feat he accomplished while wearing Old Glory Red. After gaining tremendous experience competing against the best in Mexico, RoRo is bringing his talents back to the Indomitable Club where he’s motivated to earn another USL Championship Trophy, just like in 2014.
Champion
Sure, he was the man behind the Miracle at Bonney, but RoRo will be the first to tell you that delivering a championship to Sacramento meant far more to him than any individual feat he accomplished while wearing Old Glory Red. After gaining tremendous experience competing against the best in Mexico, RoRo is bringing his talents back to the Indomitable Club where he’s motivated to earn another USL Championship Trophy, just like in 2014.

Home is where the heart is
RoRo pursued his dream of plying his trade and Mexico, and now, the midfielder has returned home. In a recent interview with the league, Lopez mentioned how Sacramento has always felt like home and it’s wonderful to be coming back. The love goes both ways, as we saw from anxious fans waiting to greet him for his arrival at the Sacramento International Airport and again just a few days later at his press conference outside the Republic FC Team Headquarters. It’s crystal clear there’s a genuine love RoRo has for the city and fans of Sacramento, and vice versa.
Home is where the heart is
RoRo pursued his dream of plying his trade and Mexico, and now, the midfielder has returned home. In a recent interview with the league, Lopez mentioned how Sacramento has always felt like home and it’s wonderful to be coming back. The love goes both ways, as we saw from anxious fans waiting to greet him for his arrival at the Sacramento International Airport and again just a few days later at his press conference outside the Republic FC Team Headquarters. It’s crystal clear there’s a genuine love RoRo has for the city and fans of Sacramento, and vice versa.

Always in control
Lopez has a fantastic first touch, is calm and careful with possession and is a quintessential box to box midfielder with tremendous field awareness. Republic FC fans are well aware of what he’s capable of in the offensive half of the pitch, but RoRo has loads of experience as a defensive midfielder as well. Regardless of if he plays the 2020 season as a holding or attacking midfielder, Head Coach Mark Briggs knows he has a reliable field general to marshal and control the central part of the pitch.
Always in control
Lopez has a fantastic first touch, is calm and careful with possession and is a quintessential box to box midfielder with tremendous field awareness. Republic FC fans are well aware of what he’s capable of in the offensive half of the pitch, but RoRo has loads of experience as a defensive midfielder as well. Regardless of if he plays the 2020 season as a holding or attacking midfielder, Head Coach Mark Briggs knows he has a reliable field general to marshal and control the central part of the pitch.

Celebrate good times
Republic FC fans will never forget RoRo’s heroics during the 2014 USL Championship playoffs, as well as his stellar 2015 performances. Lopez loves to reflect on those memories, but when it comes to his legacy, he’s stoked to add a new chapter to his SRFC narrative. And delivering another title to the Indomitable Club’s trophy case is the driving force behind his triumphant return.
Celebrate good times
Republic FC fans will never forget RoRo’s heroics during the 2014 USL Championship playoffs, as well as his stellar 2015 performances. Lopez loves to reflect on those memories, but when it comes to his legacy, he’s stoked to add a new chapter to his SRFC narrative. And delivering another title to the Indomitable Club’s trophy case is the driving force behind his triumphant return.