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Around the Leagues: Monumental Derbies for Days

There’s no other way to put it, this weekend is simply a glorious blend of historic rivalries from all over the globe.

The biggest clubs, on the biggest stages, going head-to-head with local bragging rights on the line. What could possibly be better than sitting back and enjoying all these fantastic fixtures for the next few days?

There’s no other way to put it, this weekend is simply a glorious blend of historic rivalries from all over the globe.

Barclay's Premier League

Barclay’s Premier League

In England, Saturday’s biggest showdown is a local rivalry between two teams hungry for a win and a shot at breaking back into the top four of the league standings – The Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton. The Reds are fresh off a 2-0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig and will look to keep the momentum going when the Toffees travel the mile to visit their rivalry whose stadium is just one mile from theirs.

The action in the Barclay’s Premier League continues into Sunday when the opening match of the day is a massive London derby when fifth-place West Ham host ninth-place Tottenham. The Hammers are the surprise squad high in the standings this season while Spurs are desperate to climb back into contention to compete in Europe next season.

Just a few hours later, Arsenal host table-toppers Manchester City at the Emirates. City downed Everton midweek 3-1 to take a 10-point lead at the summit of the standings while the Gunners sit in 10th but a win and a loss for Spurs would see Arsenal leapfrog its most hated rival.

Bundesliga

Like in England, Germany has some crucial contests in the coming days including FC Bayern Munich five points clear at the top traveling to third place Eintracht Frankfurt. Veteran USMNT player Timothy Chandler has been a reliable rock on Frankfurt’s back line for over a decade.

Hours later, it’s Germany’s biggest rivalry – The Revierderby – between FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund. Also known as the Mother of all Derbies, this regional clash of clubs from the Ruhr region who battle for bragging rights as both organizations reside in the heart of the industrial region of Germany as both fan bases are a passionate and working-class group of supporters who deeply love their clubs.

This weekend’s Revierderby is big for both sides in the standings as Schalke sits in last and needs to string some positive results together if the club has any hope of avoiding relegation. Dortmund sits in sixth, but a win could see the side go level on points with Bayer Leverkusen in fifth.

Serie A

In Serie A in Italy, it’s a beautiful heavyweight bout between the first and second place sides this season – who also just so happen to reside in the same city. Sunday’s showdown sees top of the table Inter Milan visit AC Milan at the San Siro with just one point separating the two. Both Milan teams are two of Europe’s most prolific and celebrated clubs and this weekend’s Milan Derby matchup should provide another exciting chapter to an already fiercely contest rivalry that the entire world looks forward to watching.

Shortly after both Milan clubs meet is crucial clash between two clubs starving to sneak into the top four with a win this weekend when fifth-place Napoli visit sixth-place Atalanta. A win for either side and a loss for Juventus would see the victor jump into fourth.

European Leagues

In Spain, first-place Atletico Madrid sits six points above Real Madrid who travel to Real Valladolid on Saturday. Atletico host Levante just a few hours before Real kicks off so it’s possible Atletico go as high as nine points above its local rival.

Lille sits atop the Ligue 1 table in France and the squad has an away match at Lorient that is far from a guaranteed win. The same day, PSG in second place host a solid AS Monaco side that currently sits in fourth.

SheBelieves Cup

On Thursday, the SheBelieves Cup kicked off and the action continues into the weekend with the U.S. Women’s National Team taking on Brazil Sunday at noon. Against Canada, the USWNT triumphed 1-0 complements of a Rose Lavelle strike in the 79th minute. Earlier in the day, Brazil downed Argentina, 4-1.

Following the USWNT match against Brazil, the ladies will take on Argentina on Wednesday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. PT. The last time the ladies lined up against Brazil, a Tobin Heath goal in the 20th minute was the difference and the eventual game-winner in the 2019 SheBelieves Cup.

Boards for Change Coalition Member: Improve Your Tomorrow

In partnership with Boards For Change – the collaborative community beautification project with a purpose created in direct response to demonstrations in 2020 – Republic FC has created a coalition of community organizations. Sixteen organizations that impact and support Black youth locally have received a $1,000 grant and will join the club to form a new diversity and racial justice coalition to provide the club with insight and guidance.

During Black History Month, Republic FC is hosting another auction with Boards For Change – with the funds to benefit more organizations focused on supporting Black youth in Sacramento. Bidding on 17 selections is now open at www.sacrepublicfc.com/change. The club will also profile several coalition members, and provide opportunities to support the tremendous work in Sacramento.

Improve Your Tomorrow is a non-profit organization that currently serves nearly 2,000 young men of color in the greater Sacramento region and provides mentorship, member development, and a guide to help students attend and graduate high school and college.

The organization was created in 2013 to break the school to prison pipeline by helping young men of color and has grown into the largest education nonprofit only serving young men of color in the country. Improve Your Tomorrow allows students to enter the program as early as 7th grade and can remain in the program for up to 12 years or until college graduation. IYT also hires their own college students to be on staff as directors, mentors, and tutors creating a ‘community pipeline’.

Students enter the program with partnerships with the schools or through a non-profit partner and then put on a path to success with a focus on education, and development. With the guidance in place for men in the program, males of color have a drastically higher probability of academic achievement and a decreasing likelihood of delinquency.

"Boys and men of color are not always represented in the places they need to be," Lynch said in an interview in 2020, "We need to build a stronger pipeline to our schools."

Through the IYT programs, students have a 99% high school graduation rate up from 67.9% rate from African American males and 76.3% Latino males. The college attendance and persistence numbers are even more staggering as males in the ITY system have nearly a 40% greater chance to attend college.

“Boys and men of color are not always represented in the places they need to be,” Lynch said in an interview in 2020, “We need to build a stronger pipeline to our schools.”

Improve Your Tomorrow’s impact on young men of color has changed the lives of many in our region and continues to be a beacon for groups that do not have equal opportunity to secede and excel as others.

Supporters can donate to Improve Your Tomorrow here and find additional information including how to become a mentor on IYT’s website.

This Week On The Breakaway: Vice President of Community Investment, Scott Moak & More on Boards For Change Grantee Project Optimism

On this week’s episode of The Breakaway, podcast host Connor Sutton discusses the importance of Republic FC goalkeeper, Rafa Diaz getting a clean sheet against Serbia in his debut performance for the Dominican Republic National Team.

Vice President of Community Investment for Republic FC Scott Moak chatted about supporting the region during a pandemic and the various projects the community investment department finished in a unique year.
Moak explained how the Indomitable Hands program was created that delivered ready-to-eat bags courtesy of Indomitable Partner, Raley’s to vulnerable, home-bound seniors that were at-risk.
“When the pandemic started we knew that quickly that were being told to stay indoors,” said Scott Moak. “We knew that there was an isolated group of people, our elders or seniors, who did not have access to quality food.”

The Indomitable Hands program resulted in over $74,000 raised, and over 7,400 meals delivered to seniors throughout the region – some of the most vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

Scott shared his insights on major community projects – including ClassZoom, Republic FC Kickstart, and Boards For Change — that made a major impact on the Sacramento community in 2020.

Project Optimism’s co-founder Armoni Easley joined the conversation to talk about the impact of being optimistic and filling the gaps for youth in the Sacramento and Los Angeles communities.

Easley explained the reason for starting the non-profit and noted that the organization uses optimistic mindsets to give mentors a positive outlook to youth that are falling through the gaps.

“There is something that we always say especially in our mentorship programs is having an optimistic mindset,” Easley says, “which is look a whatever situation you go through in life as a lesson, a blessing, or an opportunity to grow and that’s our superpower that we try to infuse into our young people every day!”

Learn more about Boards For Change Coalition member Project Optimism in this recent Black History Month profile.

The Indomitable Hands program resulted in over $74,000 raised, and over 7,400 meals delivered to seniors throughout the region – some of the most vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

Scott shared his insights on major community projects – including ClassZoom, Republic FC Kickstart, and Boards For Change — that made a major impact on the Sacramento community in 2020.

Project Optimism’s co-founder Armoni Easley joined the conversation to talk about the impact of being optimistic and filling the gaps for youth in the Sacramento and Los Angeles communities.

Easley explained the reason for starting the non-profit and noted that the organization uses optimistic mindsets to give mentors a positive outlook to youth that are falling through the gaps.

Learn more about Boards For Change Coalition member Project Optimism in this recent Black History Month profile.

Insider’s Look into the 2021 Boys in Old Glory Red: Attackers

With a full season ahead, the boys in Old Glory Red are looking to launch an explosion of offense. For 2021, the squad is ripe with options at the No. 9 and 10 positions on the field.

The club is bringing back two USL scorers at the top of the record books – Cam Iwasa and Kharlton Belmar. Iwasa’s 50 and Belmar’s 43 – rank both in the top 13 of active players – are examples of how both strikers can find the back of the net.

Behind them in the attacking midfield, fans will find a rising star in the club and a new face from Finland, ready to add his championship mentality to the club house. Mario Penagos is back for his second pro season and is ready to build on his Home Opener Debut and his first pro goal in the thriller against T2 last summer. Petteri Pennanen may be new to American football, but is intent on winning from day 1. The back-to-back midfielder of the year and Veikkausliiga champion is ready to test his skills in the USL.

The attacking options set to feature in the offensive third this season are sure to give SRFC fans another reason to cheer.

Petteri Pennanen

No. 8
Age: 30

Signed on December 7 after an impressive career in the topflight of Finnish soccer, ‘Pete’ joins Republic FC as a proven leader and experienced professional.

Pennanen has previously played for Finland’s youth and senior national teams over his 16-year professional first team club career including stints in Indonesia, Poland, the Netherlands and Finland. The Finnish midfielder – who can line up on the left wing, in the central midfield or further up field in a more attacking role – also has experience competing in UEFA Europa and Champions League qualifying matches.

Following the 2018 and 2019 league campaigns, Pete earned the Finnish Veikkausliiga Midfielder of the Year two consecutive years in a row – helping to guide his side to a title run in 2019 where he led Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) in minutes. Pete also led the entire league with nine assists during that championship-winning season.

Over his decorated career that covers almost 350 matches, Pete has featured in an impressive 97% of his club’s matches and accumulated over 26,000 minutes, 60 goals and 43 assists.

The 2021 USL Championship season will be Pennanen’s first on this side of the Atlantic and given his versatile skill sets he brings to the squad, Pete will be a welcomed and exciting addition to Sacramento this coming campaign.

Over his decorated career that covers almost 350 matches, Pete has featured in an impressive 97% of his club’s matches and accumulated over 26,000 minutes, 60 goals and 43 assists.

Mario Penagos

No. 23
Age: 18

After five solid seasons honing his skills in Republic FC’s Youth Academy system, Mario Penagos earned his well-deserved first team contract prior to the start of the 2020 season.

Alongside fellow teammate Hayden Sargis, Penagos became one of the only two players in club history to start his first team debut during a league match on Republic FC’s opening night.

After five solid seasons honing his skills in Republic FC’s Youth Academy system, Mario Penagos earned his well-deserved first team contract prior to the start of the 2020 season.

Alongside fellow teammate Hayden Sargis, Penagos became one of the only two players in club history to start his first team debut during a league match on Republic FC’s opening night.

Following his first USL Championship campaign, Penagos registered over 80 minutes of first team play from four appearances. Penagos has previously been an available substitute off the bench the season before, having signed a USL Academy contract allowing him to train and compete with the first team in 2019.

But his moment of magic from this past season came on September 2 when Penagos delivered a sensational strike that put his side up 1-0 late in the match against Portland Timbers 2. The goal was his first of his senior team career and was a pivotal moment in the club’s heated playoff push last season.

After a shortened season due to the pandemic, 2021 will be Mario’s first full USL campaign with the first team and he will look to build on last season’s successes and continue to be a promising young star in Sacramento’s midfield unit.

Kharlton Belmar

No. 9
Age: 28

Only seven goals away from joining Cam in the exclusive 50 goal club is Kharlton Belmar.

Belmar joined the Indomitable Club prior to the start of the 2020 season and led the entire team in assists during the shortened campaign with four. He also added one goal, created 14 scoring chances and earned himself a Championship Team of the Week selection for Week 12.

But with a full season to look forward to in 2021, Belmar is looking to build on a solid first season and break out as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking threats. When he first entered the league in 2015 with Portland Timbers 2, he instantly shined and earned the USL Rookie of the Year honor.

The VCU graduate previously led two of the clubs he previously played for in goals during a single season including a dozen in his debut season with T2. Of those 12 goals, four just so happened to be game winners.

Prior to playing for T2, Belmar was drafted by Portland’s MLS-side in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft with the 34thpick. But the attacker finally earned his first MLS appearance two years later with Sporting Kansas City, before spending the majority of his time with Swope Park Rangers – rebranded to Sporting Kansas City II.

To this day, Kharlton is still Sporting KC II’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 25 strikes.

Cameron Iwasa

No. 31
Age: 27

Cam Iwasa has staked claim to several records in the club’s seven-year history.

And perhaps one of the most special nights of his career with the boys in Old Glory Red was on August 15 this past season when Iwasa nabbed his 50th career goal during league play – a feat only eight players accomplished before him. That unforgettable night also just so happened to be Iwasa’s 100th career start with the Indomitable Club.

After back-to-back seasons where Iwasa set the single season scoring record with 17 goals during USL Championship action, the Sacramento-native finished a shortened campaign with three goals and two assists. Of his five seasons in the Indomitable City, Iwasa has netted double digit goals in three of them.

On top of his goalscoring feats, Iwasa also leads SRFC history across all competitions in minutes played (over 10,500), appearances (141), and starts (105). The prolific goal scorer also registered the fastest hat trick in club history when it took all of 27 minutes for Iwasa to break the OKC Energy FC back line for three scores back in 2019.

Support Local During Black History Month: Hundreds Unit

During the month of August of 2020, Republic FC and Suncrest Bank teamed up to help small businesses suffering from the effects of the pandemic. The program, Republic FC Kickstart, focused on giving $10,000 in grants to Black-owned businesses that had been heavily impacted by coronavirus.

The Hundreds Unit is a Sacramento-based diverse network of women who work out collectively for 6-8 weeks, to perform at professional events.

The Hundreds Unit concept was created by Venetia James in 2016 and has since performed all over Sacramento including Republic FC matches, Kings and River Cats games, V101 concerts, California State Fair, Cal Expo, Black Women United marches, Oakland’s Black Joy Parade, and a 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium.

The events draw hundreds of people and the idea behind the Unit is to inspire women to commit to the entirety of the 6-8-week dance and fitness program. The process exposes women to different workout regimes and encourages them to stive to accomplish their health and wellness goals. Essentially, the program is designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul, long term, through empowerment provided through the Units.

“I know how amazing it feels to dance in front of an audience, and I wanted to give that opportunity to other women,” Venetia James told Sac Mag in a June 2020 article. “The brand itself is about every woman, every shape, every size and ability. We’re about diversity and building each other up.”

Since its inception, James has encouraged and inspired hundreds to join the fitness group and even though the organization promotes health and wellness, it’s the internal impact that makes Hundreds Unit so special and important for the community.

“That is the whole point, to inspire and celebrate women to the point of changing lives,” James said in the article. “If you feel good about yourself, you’re going to be a better mother, wife and friend. Not only are you stepping outside of your comfort zone; you are also going after a dream that never was realized because of how you felt about yourself or maybe you didn’t have the training or the look. It’s less intimidating because you know you are part of a community.”

Learn more about Hundreds Unit and see select performances at 100sUnit.com.

Don't miss a minute of the action this season and secure your priority for Major League Soccer. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season. Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

Don’t miss a minute of the action this season and secure your priority for Major League Soccer. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season. Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

Black Trailblazers in Football: Gil Heron

Throughout February, Republic FC will honor different trailblazers and pioneers in the soccer community through Black History Month. Each week, a new profile will look at how Black men and women have contributed to the game we love, and how there is still more work to be done as a society.

Gil Heron became the first Black professional soccer player in the United States on June 7th, 1946

The 24-year-old Heron made his debut for the Detroit Wolverines – members of the NASFL, and instantly became one of the league’s most exciting players. In his first professional match, he scored a hat trick and eventually led the league in its first year of existence.

Even though the striker was the league’s top scorer, he was only paid 25 dollars a game compared to 100 dollars per game paid to white player Pete Matevich, who scored fewer goals than Heron.

Heron bounced around the NASFL, taking the pitch for Chicago Sparta and Windsor Corinthians before joining a couple of all-star teams that put his skills even more on display. His break came in 1951 when Scotland’s Celtic FC traveled to America for a friendly match and Heron caught the eyes of Celtic’s scouts offering him an invite for a trial.

On trial, Gil Heron blossomed scoring twice in his first match, and was immediately signed to the first team.

On August 18th, 1951 Heron became the first Black footballer to play for one of Scotland’s largest clubs, Celtic FC in a match against Morton breaking another color barrier. Heron scored in his debut in a Celtic’s 2-0 victory.

Heron was well-known for his pace and was called the ‘Black Flash’ or ‘The Black Arrow’ by the Celtic fans. The impact of his play on the field as a hero for the Black community still holds true today with a major Black culture soccer platform is named after him- Black Arrow FC, which focuses on the intersection of soccer and Black culture.

Gil Heron became the first Black professional soccer player in the United States on June 7th, 1946

Even though the striker was the league’s top scorer, he was only paid 25 dollars a game compared to 100 dollars per game paid to white player Pete Matevich, who scored fewer goals than Heron.

On trial, Gil Heron blossomed scoring twice in his first match, and was immediately signed to the first team.

In a 1951 Scottish newspaper Heron spoke about the chance to play for a big club like Celtic, “Gee, I was tickled,” Heron says. “Glasgow Celtic was the greatest name in football to me.”

Heron only stayed a year at Celtic, playing only four first-team matches, scoring twice, and was eventually demoted to the reserves.

Gilbert St. Elmo Heron was born in Jamaica on April 9, 1922. It wasn’t until 1938 that he moved to Cleveland, OH where he was an outstanding athlete – excelling in many sports, football, baseball, soccer, track and field, and boxing.

Prior to his professional soccer career, Heron served in World War II with the Canadian Air Force, still being a British citizen. Following the war, Heron moved to Detroit and in 1945 was playing for the soccer club Venetia in the Detroit District Soccer League. The center-forward was an immediate star scoring 44 goals in just 14 games and earned the attention of the newly formed North American Soccer Football League.

In a 1951 Scottish newspaper Heron spoke about the chance to play for a big club like Celtic, “Gee, I was tickled,” Heron says. “Glasgow Celtic was the greatest name in football to me.”

Heron only stayed a year at Celtic, playing only four first-team matches, scoring twice, and was eventually demoted to the reserves.

Heron may also be not as well-known as his son Gil Scott-Heron a famous soul and jazz poet who influenced hip hop culture in the 70s and 80s with his spoken-word mixed with blues performances. Scott-Heron is considered by many to be the first rapper ever and received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

While many might not know the story of Gil Heron the football trailblazer, his impact in sports and society is everlasting and he continues to be a cog in the fight against racism.

On November 27th, 2008 Gil Heron passed away at the age of 86 as an American football hero who broke barriers that had never before been broken and paved the way for others reaching far beyond the soccer field.

While many might not know the story of Gil Heron the football trailblazer, his impact in sports and society is everlasting and he continues to be a cog in the fight against racism.

Don't miss a minute of the action this season and secure your priority for Major League Soccer. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season. Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits and more

Don’t miss a minute of the action this season and secure your priority for Major League Soccer. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season. Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits and more

Indomitable Club’s History of Engaging Local Creative Community Continues With Artist Spotlight

Earlier this month Republic FC, alongside partner Arden Fair, introduced a new program that invites local artists and fans to help support the club’s vision and share community voice during the 2021 season.

Applications are open until February 19th and local talent can have their shot to design and create vital club initiatives such as Pride month merchandise, commemorative can designs, and celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month.

In addition to helping the club create unique artistic selections that showcase the region’s creativity throughout the year, artists will be profiled on the club’s website and social media channels, as well as have an opportunity to be showcased through the Arden Fair UnchARTed program.

Republic FC has always supported and promoted local art and artists and through this new avenue, Sacramento’s creativity can shine alongside important mediums. Republic FC will select artists based on various project needs and can be included on matchday posters, decorative can and bottle designs, and official merchandise collections. Chosen artists will assist the club by celebrating the heritage and diversity of the region that they represent.

Most recently, Republic FC worked with Boards For Change to encourage artwork to be put on display during fan-less matches during the 2020 season and transformed a rundown tennis-futsal court hybrid into a resurfaced culturally inclusive court with artwork and design by Marco Estrada.

Focusing on local artwork and highlighting artists has been a focal point for Republic FC for many years going back to Paint the Park Night that beautified the fence scrim around Papa Murphy’s Park by utilizing its partnership with Wide Open Walls and putting work from 50 local artists on display at home matches.

Republic FC’s Block Party celebrating the club’s acceptance into Major League Soccer was headlined by one of the greatest artists to come from the Sacramento area, David Garibaldi, as he performed on-stage to finish off the night’s festivities and putting artwork on display in front of 10,000 fans.

The club has hosted an annual Fan Can artwork competition and has collaborated with artists to create season scarves and fan-favorite apparel.

Some of the 2021 season designs will have more Sacramento-included artwork than ever before because it will be envisioned and created by the culturally diverse city that embodies it.

Artists can apply from now until Friday, February 19th to enter and have a chance to include their pieces during Republic FC’s 2021 season.

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/artist-spotlight.

Some of the 2021 season designs will have more Sacramento-included artwork than ever before because it will be envisioned and created by the culturally diverse city that embodies it.

Artists can apply from now until Friday, February 19th to enter and have a chance to include their pieces during Republic FC’s 2021 season.

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/artist-spotlight.

Boards for Change Coalition Member: Sacramento Area Youth Speaks

Founded in 2008 at UC Davis by Dr. Vajra Watson, Sacramento Area Youth Speaks is a social justice moment that transforms educations and breaks the barriers of underachievement by elevating the voices of students as the authors of their own lives and agents of change.

The leadership cohort organization is an innovative critical literacy program whose services support the improvement of schools through teacher professional development, classroom instruction, and after-school programming. At the core of their model is a commitment to equity, as the organization utilizes evidence-based practices to narrow the achievement gap.

Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS) engages in three domains of work, all centered around the empowerment of students, teachers and families. SAYS trains poet-mentor educators from the neighborhood to work alongside teachers and after-school providers, building a critical bridge between the community and the school site along while providing direct instruction to students and conducting large-scale professional development both in and out of the classroom through their residency programs and training of teacher leaders.

Supporters can donate to SAYS here and find additional information on the organization’s website.

Insider’s Look into the 2021 Boys in Old Glory Red: Defensive Midfielders

Sometimes the stats that mean the most don’t always show up in a traditional box score.

While goals and assists are glorified, contributions such as clearances, interceptions, tackles and scoring chances created are the most crucial statistical categories of all.

And currently listed on Republic FC’s roster are three players with plenty of experience getting physical between the boxes and springing an offensive surge when an opportunity presents itself.

Before the boys in Old Glory Red come together for training camp, it’s time to take a look at each of the central defensive midfielders who never seem to shy away from a tackle or 50-50 challenge.

Sometimes the stats that mean the most don’t always show up in a traditional box score.

While goals and assists are glorified, contributions such as clearances, interceptions, tackles and scoring chances created are the most crucial statistical categories of all.

And currently listed on Republic FC’s roster are three players with plenty of experience getting physical between the boxes and springing an offensive surge when an opportunity presents itself.

Before the boys in Old Glory Red come together for training camp, it’s time to take a look at each of the central defensive midfielders who never seem to shy away from a tackle or 50-50 challenge.

Jaime Villarreal

No. 24
Age: 25

Since he joined from MLS-side LA Galaxy in 2018, Jaime Villarreal has become a staple in the heart of Republic FC’s central midfield.

Villarreal has finished the last two campaigns with the most interceptions on the team by a midfielder and in 2020, the Inglewood-native led Sacramento in blocked shots with nine and led the SRFC midfield unit in tackles (26) and tackles won (17).

The former Major League Soccer midfielder has been an interictal part of the squad and led the boys in Old Glory Red in minutes played, appearances and starts following the 2019 season.

But for all the tremendous qualities Villarreal brings to the defensive side of the game, he’s also a dangerous scoring threat and has the skills to create a scoring opportunity from very little to work with. Across all competitions during his time in Sacramento, the SRFC workhorse in the midfield has five goals and five assists. Of those, two goals were game-winners and two assists set up the game winning strike for Republic FC.

The former Major League Soccer midfielder has been an interictal part of the squad and led the boys in Old Glory Red in minutes played, appearances and starts following the 2019 season.

Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu

No. 28
Age: 26

The powerful player joined Republic FC prior to the start of the 2020 regular season and Wheeler-Omiunu not only brought a tenacity to the midfield unit, but a MLS Cup to his name as well.

He previously played with Atlanta United during the club’s title-winning run before heading to Arizona to play for Phoenix Rising FC and FC Tucson.

Right from the get-go, the midfielder impressed the coaching staff and earned a spot in the starting eleven for Sacramento’s season opener against FC Tulsa on March 7. Wheeler-Omiunu played the full 90 minutes and lead the entire squad with five interceptions.

It was an outstanding first impression prior to the pandemic, but shortly after the league returned to play, he suffered a high ankle sprain – causing him to miss eight of Sacramento’s 16 regular season fixtures. When he returned, Wheeler-Omiunu appeared in the club’s final three matches before the Western Conference playoffs when the Harvard grad logged 116 minutes against the eventual conference champions.

Now, a healthy Wheeler-Omiunu can’t wait to get a full season of Championship play under his belt with the boys in Old Glory Red.

Luis Felipe

No. 96
Age: 25

An experienced and versatile midfielder, Felipe Luis joins the Indomitable Club after three seasons competing in Major League Soccer with the San Jose Earthquakes.

During his time in San Jose, the defensive minded midfielder appeared in 21 matches and logged 1,210 minutes of first team action. During his debut campaign with the ‘Quakes, Felipe started 11 of the 15 matches he was included in the 18-man squad.

In his ninth appearance during his first season in SJ, Felipe dished out his first career assist during a league match against Sporting Kansas City on September 15. He might be touted for his brilliant play between the boxes, but Felipe can create chances just as quickly as he can take them away.

Despite all his experience at the top level of domestic soccer, the 25-year-old has laced up his boots in the USL with Reno 1868 FC prior to playing in the Bay Area. He impressed during Reno’s record-breaking season when the squad scored 75 goals during the year and Felipe added five of his own.

In 2014, SRFC’s newest midfield signing was called into the U.S. U-20 National Team under head coach Tab Ramos.

My Debut: Mario Penagos

Not many players can say their professional debut was on opening night in front of a sell-out crowd.

And not many players can say they were one of just two Republic FC academy graduates to earn his first professional start during Sacramento’s season opener.

But Mario Penagos can.

The Sacramento-native first joined the Indomitable Club in 2015 for the academy’s inaugural campaign and ever since then, Penagos has continued to hone his skills and eventually earn a pro contract.

Then, on March 7 at Papa Murphy’s Park against FC Tulsa, he got that well-deserved opportunity to grace the pitch as a professional soccer player for the first time in a league fixture – a match Mario will never forget.

Not many players can say their professional debut was on opening night in front of a sell-out crowd.

And not many players can say they were one of just two Republic FC academy graduates to earn his first professional start during Sacramento’s season opener.

But Mario Penagos can.

When did you first find out you were going to be included in the 18-man squad?

“I think it was training that week, maybe towards the middle of the week when he told me. Coach told Hayden [Sargis] and I that we were going to be in the starting lineup. So it wasn't a total surprise on that Saturday, we both knew going into it.”

“I think it was training that week, maybe towards the middle of the week when he told me. Coach told Hayden [Sargis] and I that we were going to be in the starting lineup. So it wasn’t a total surprise on that Saturday, we both knew going into it.”

What do you remember about the day itself leading up to the match?

“As far as the morning routine, it was kind of just the same. I was a little nervous leading up to the game but once I got into the locker room, I was fine. I felt good, I was excited. All through warm-ups I was feeling confident and I was feeling excited. And then, when we were walking out, I remember walking out with the little kid who was holding my hand and I saw everybody in the stands. That's when I got a little nervous then because there was so many people there, it was opening night. But it was a good. The weather was good, there were a lot of people there. And I just remember right when they blew the whistle for kickoff, everybody got up and was cheering and there was smoke everywhere I was like ‘wow, there's a lot of people here’!”

“As far as the morning routine, it was kind of just the same. I was a little nervous leading up to the game but once I got into the locker room, I was fine. I felt good, I was excited. All through warm-ups I was feeling confident and I was feeling excited. And then, when we were walking out, I remember walking out with the little kid who was holding my hand and I saw everybody in the stands. That’s when I got a little nervous then because there was so many people there, it was opening night. But it was a good. The weather was good, there were a lot of people there. And I just remember right when they blew the whistle for kickoff, everybody got up and was cheering and there was smoke everywhere I was like ‘wow, there’s a lot of people here’!”

Was there anything a friend or family member told you during the day that really stuck with you?

“A lot of my family was texting me or calling me just saying good luck and how they're so proud of me.I think probably like 30 or 40 of my family members was there at the game!”

“A lot of my family was texting me or calling me just saying good luck and how they’re so proud of me.I think probably like 30 or 40 of my family members was there at the game!”

You’ve prepared for hundreds of games in your life but did this one feel any different?

“I was nervous, but I knew once the game would start all those nerves would kind of go away. So I was just waiting for the game to start the whole time.”

What do you remember about the warm-ups and was there anything you remember that a coach or teammate told you that really motivated or inspired you?

“I know everybody was super hyped up and we were all just trying to get focused. In the warm up, we’re just trying to get, our passes right, just get our minds right. Just getting focused.”

“[The veteran players were] talking to us specifically, just telling us ‘we're starting for a reason’, ‘don't be nervous, know you can do it’ and they just helped us get confident for the game.”

“[The veteran players were] talking to us specifically, just telling us ‘we’re starting for a reason’, ‘don’t be nervous, know you can do it’ and they just helped us get confident for the game.”

Is there a player on the team you look up to for inspiration?

“I would say somebody like Cam who's been here for a while, who's a big name within the Republic fans and he scores goals like how I like to. I would say somebody like Cam for sure.”

“I would say somebody like Cam who’s been here for a while, who’s a big name within the Republic fans and he scores goals like how I like to. I would say somebody like Cam for sure.”

Where were you looking when you first walked out of the tunnel right before kickoff?

“I was looking to find my family, but I wasn't sure where they were! Because like I said, there were a lot of fans there so I was wondering if I would just find them scattered or if they're all together someplace. I couldn't really find them all. I was just kind of looking at how many people were there. It wasn't like I was looking for anybody really in specific, just to see where my family was and just how many people were there.”

“I was looking to find my family, but I wasn’t sure where they were! Because like I said, there were a lot of fans there so I was wondering if I would just find them scattered or if they’re all together someplace. I couldn’t really find them all. I was just kind of looking at how many people were there. It wasn’t like I was looking for anybody really in specific, just to see where my family was and just how many people were there.”

What do you remember about the match and how did you feel about your performance?

“The best thing would have been to score. I had a chance early. I felt I did good and then hearing those stats, I mean, the main thing I want to do is help the team any way I can. Whether it's scoring goals or tackles or whatever, so I mean, yeah, I was happy overall with it.”

“The best thing would have been to score. I had a chance early. I felt I did good and then hearing those stats, I mean, the main thing I want to do is help the team any way I can. Whether it’s scoring goals or tackles or whatever, so I mean, yeah, I was happy overall with it.”

What did the team tell you after the match?

“To me specifically, they're proud. Coach Mark was really proud of me and Hayden just to just to go out there and like I said, do whatever we could to help the team, so I was happy to hear that. He told me that and it gave me more confidence.”

“To me specifically, they’re proud. Coach Mark was really proud of me and Hayden just to just to go out there and like I said, do whatever we could to help the team, so I was happy to hear that. He told me that and it gave me more confidence.”

What do you remember about the ride home and the hours after your debut?

“I rode home with my parents and my two brothers, and we were just kind of talking about the game. They would always talk to me after a game just about everything I did or what they liked that I did or whatever. They were just telling me how proud they were but then when I got home, I just went to sleep! I think we had to wake up early for training in the morning and I was tired, so I just want to sleep. That's pretty much how that went!”

Do you think about that night often?

“I definitely think about that, how we had fans in the stadium and how I wished I would have scored the goal with fans in the stadium. I definitely think about that but, I mean, I still like playing – fans or not – but it's just a little different when there's fans cheering.”

“I definitely think about that, how we had fans in the stadium and how I wished I would have scored the goal with fans in the stadium. I definitely think about that but, I mean, I still like playing – fans or not – but it’s just a little different when there’s fans cheering.”