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Matt Mahoney’s defensive contributions and assist leading to last Wednesday’s game-winning goal against Portland Timbers 2, earned the center back his first USL Championship Team of the Week Selection with the boys in Old Glory Red. 

Matt Mahoney’s defensive contributions and assist leading to last Wednesday’s game-winning goal against Portland Timbers 2, earned the center back his first USL Championship Team of the Week Selection with the boys in Old Glory Red. 

Mahoney – who made his fourth start of the season for the Indomitable Club – picked out Julian Chavez on the wing, whose late heroics secured another three point on the road. The assist was the second of his SRFC career with the first coming against New Mexico United during a 3-0 win on the road in June 2019. 

The sturdy CB also registered three tackles against T2, recorded one clearance and tied Hayden Sargis for a team-high three interceptions on the afternoon. His 85 passes and 73 completed passes were also the most on the day for the boys in Old Glory Red. 

Mahoney is the Indomitable Club’s eighth Team of the Week selection during the 2020 campaign – fifth to the starting eleven TOTW after Dariusz Formella picked up a pair of honors this season, Ash Apollon being named to his first career selection for Week 8 and Jordan McCrary earning a spot for his Week 9 performance. A trio of SRFC players have been named to the TOTW bench including Juan Barahona (Week 1), Hayden Sargis (Week 7) and Cam Iwasa (Week 8). 

Republic FC return home on Wednesday, September 9 for a midweek matchup against in-state rival Orange County SC. The match will be broadcast locally on KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento, as well as streamed on ESPN+ with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. PT. 

Mahoney – who made his fourth start of the season for the Indomitable Club – picked out Julian Chavez on the wing, whose late heroics secured another three point on the road. The assist was the second of his SRFC career with the first coming against New Mexico United during a 3-0 win on the road in June 2019. 

The sturdy CB also registered three tackles against T2, recorded one clearance and tied Hayden Sargis for a team-high three interceptions on the afternoon. His 85 passes and 73 completed passes were also the most on the day for the boys in Old Glory Red. 

Mahoney is the Indomitable Club’s eighth Team of the Week selection during the 2020 campaign – fifth to the starting eleven TOTW after Dariusz Formella picked up a pair of honors this season, Ash Apollon being named to his first career selection for Week 8 and Jordan McCrary earning a spot for his Week 9 performance. A trio of SRFC players have been named to the TOTW bench including Juan Barahona (Week 1), Hayden Sargis (Week 7) and Cam Iwasa (Week 8). 

Republic FC return home on Wednesday, September 9 for a midweek matchup against in-state rival Orange County SC. The match will be broadcast locally on KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento, as well as streamed on ESPN+ with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. PT. 

Since his arrival in 2019, Jordan McCrary has been a mainstay in the Republic FC defense. 

Since his arrival in 2019, Jordan McCrary has been a mainstay in the Republic FC defense. 

This season alone, the reliable right back leads the team with two assists and 20 interceptions and is also second on the squad in tackles (21), tackles won (13), duels won (47). 

He’s been flying all over the field all season, having an impact on both ends of the pitch including creating seven scoring chances on the USL Championship campaign – second most on the team by a defender. 

McCrary’s individual success has even been recognized by the league following a 2-1 win on August 22 against Portland Timbers 2 when the defenderearned a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week for his performance on both fronts including assisting the game winning goal. His stout defensive play helped preserve the club’s fourth straight win and McCrary finished the night having won six of eight duels, recorded two clearances, one interception and led the team with three tackles. 

But the right back will be the first to tell you, it’s all about the success of the group that guarantees the results needed to potentially compete in the postseason. 

“We got a good group of guys that are all going to work for each other. Bottom line, that’s what you really need,” McCrary said. “And then from there we have a lot of good players. So, whoever is back there [in the back line], we’re making something of it and we’re sticking together to keep as many balls out of the goal as possible and trying to do what we can do to get as many shutouts.”

This season alone, the reliable right back leads the team with two assists and 20 interceptions and is also second on the squad in tackles (21), tackles won (13), duels won (47). 

He’s been flying all over the field all season, having an impact on both ends of the pitch including creating seven scoring chances on the USL Championship campaign – second most on the team by a defender. 

McCrary’s individual success has even been recognized by the league following a 2-1 win on August 22 against Portland Timbers 2 when the defenderearned a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week for his performance on both fronts including assisting the game winning goal. His stout defensive play helped preserve the club’s fourth straight win and McCrary finished the night having won six of eight duels, recorded two clearances, one interception and led the team with three tackles. 

But the right back will be the first to tell you, it’s all about the success of the group that guarantees the results needed to potentially compete in the postseason. 

“We got a good group of guys that are all going to work for each other. Bottom line, that’s what you really need,” McCrary said. “And then from there we have a lot of good players. So, whoever is back there [in the back line], we’re making something of it and we’re sticking together to keep as many balls out of the goal as possible and trying to do what we can do to get as many shutouts.”

“When it comes down to it, we’re just a bunch of guys that want to compete.”

McCrary’s drive to compete is glaringly apparent in everything he does – offensively and defensively. But that doesn’t mean he’s fully content with what he brings to the table. If anything, he has an endless hunger to refine his game and it’s something that’s constantly on his mind.

“My focus is on how I can build on what I have,” he said. “So, for me, I think crossing and that final third and that final pass is always something that I can build on and improve. That's definitely something I'm continuously thinking about.”

The right back joined the Indomitable Club with double digit appearances in Major League Soccer matches during his time with Seattle Sounders FC – but that doesn’t mean McCrary’s experience in the beautiful game deters him from trying to improve his individual one. Specifically, for this season, he wants to be better offensive provider from the flanks. 

“The attacking third I think is the main thing [in my game] that I want to become really good at, providing better services into the box and doing it consistently,” McCrary explained. “So that's mainly the one thing I've been trying to focus on is how I could do more in the attack and in the final third because I think I do pretty well throughout the backline and defending-wise and trying to find those first few passes, but I just want to keep building on that and just keep getting better and better and just being more of an offensive presence.”

“When it comes down to it, we’re just a bunch of guys that want to compete.”

McCrary’s drive to compete is glaringly apparent in everything he does – offensively and defensively. But that doesn’t mean he’s fully content with what he brings to the table. If anything, he has an endless hunger to refine his game and it’s something that’s constantly on his mind.

“My focus is on how I can build on what I have,” he said. “So, for me, I think crossing and that final third and that final pass is always something that I can build on and improve. That’s definitely something I’m continuously thinking about.”

The right back joined the Indomitable Club with double digit appearances in Major League Soccer matches during his time with Seattle Sounders FC – but that doesn’t mean McCrary’s experience in the beautiful game deters him from trying to improve his individual one. Specifically, for this season, he wants to be better offensive provider from the flanks. 

“The attacking third I think is the main thing [in my game] that I want to become really good at, providing better services into the box and doing it consistently,” McCrary explained. “So that’s mainly the one thing I’ve been trying to focus on is how I could do more in the attack and in the final third because I think I do pretty well throughout the backline and defending-wise and trying to find those first few passes, but I just want to keep building on that and just keep getting better and better and just being more of an offensive presence.”

“He’s given me that confidence in myself, he gives us the foundation on which we need to play within the kind of style or formation,” McCrary said. “It’s good that he gave us a platform and knowing where to start, where to gain certain positions, but then from there, it gives you the confidence to be you. So, for me, I love defending so I defend first at outside back and try to attack as much as I can and it's been opening up the space for me to get up and down the line, and then try and be positive with the ball, just trying to create as many opportunities as I can.” 

Few teams have done that better than the boys in Old Glory Red who have created a total of 117 scoring chances on the season – an average of almost 12 goal scoring opportunities per game. Even though McCrary’s side is flying high right now, the humble defender is aware there is still work to be done and places on the pitch to improve. 

“He’s given me that confidence in myself, he gives us the foundation on which we need to play within the kind of style or formation,” McCrary said. “It’s good that he gave us a platform and knowing where to start, where to gain certain positions, but then from there, it gives you the confidence to be you. So, for me, I love defending so I defend first at outside back and try to attack as much as I can and it’s been opening up the space for me to get up and down the line, and then try and be positive with the ball, just trying to create as many opportunities as I can.” 

Few teams have done that better than the boys in Old Glory Red who have created a total of 117 scoring chances on the season – an average of almost 12 goal scoring opportunities per game. Even though McCrary’s side is flying high right now, the humble defender is aware there is still work to be done and places on the pitch to improve. 

“I think we're motivated. I think that with the success that we've had so far, we’re still finding things we need to do better, so I think we're not there yet, we're still building on that but that's exactly what you need right now. It's only halfway through the year, you don't need to be there yet right now. But as long as you continue to keep pushing and fixing the minor details and make these games smoother so we can close them out better, I think that will help.”

The right back and his side have continued to look sharper and sharper as the season has meandered along and are currently in the midst of a five game winning streak. During the unbeaten run, not once has McCrary and his teammates surrendered more than one goal during a match. 

“I think we’re motivated. I think that with the success that we’ve had so far, we’re still finding things we need to do better, so I think we’re not there yet, we’re still building on that but that’s exactly what you need right now. It’s only halfway through the year, you don’t need to be there yet right now. But as long as you continue to keep pushing and fixing the minor details and make these games smoother so we can close them out better, I think that will help.”

The right back and his side have continued to look sharper and sharper as the season has meandered along and are currently in the midst of a five game winning streak. During the unbeaten run, not once has McCrary and his teammates surrendered more than one goal during a match. 

Republic FC defender Ashkanov Apollon recently spoke with The Sacramento Bee’s Cameron Salerno about his fascinating story from first picking up the game at the age of 17 to featuring regularly after impressing at an open tryout. 

Ash joined the Indomitable Club prior to the 2020 USL Championship regular season and he did it the hard way. Surrounded by hundreds of other hopeful future professionals, Apollon impressed Head Coach Mark Briggs and General Manager Todd Dunivant during January’s open tryout enough to earn a spot on the preseason roster as a trialist. 

Republic FC defender Ashkanov Apollon recently spoke with The Sacramento Bee’s Cameron Salerno about his fascinating story from first picking up the game at the age of 17 to featuring regularly after impressing at an open tryout. 

Ash joined the Indomitable Club prior to the 2020 USL Championship regular season and he did it the hard way. Surrounded by hundreds of other hopeful future professionals, Apollon impressed Head Coach Mark Briggs and General Manager Todd Dunivant during January’s open tryout enough to earn a spot on the preseason roster as a trialist. 

“It’s very satisfying (when you sign a player at tryouts). For us, it shows that we always have an open mind to good players. It doesn’t matter their background or where they’re coming from, if they fit our profile and can help our team, we’re gonna take a chance on them. Ash was somebody that came in and obviously with the injury to Juan (Barahona) a door opened even further for him. It shows when you take a chance, you never know what can happen.”

“It’s very satisfying (when you sign a player at tryouts). For us, it shows that we always have an open mind to good players. It doesn’t matter their background or where they’re coming from, if they fit our profile and can help our team, we’re gonna take a chance on them. Ash was somebody that came in and obviously with the injury to Juan (Barahona) a door opened even further for him. It shows when you take a chance, you never know what can happen.”

On the 2020 campaign, Apollon leads the team in tackles (24), tackles won (17), duels (94) and duels won (55). His nine scoring chances created are the most on the squad by a defender. 

Check out the full interview with Ash to learn more about his Haitian past, European and Asian soccer excursions and more. 

On the 2020 campaign, Apollon leads the team in tackles (24), tackles won (17), duels (94) and duels won (55). His nine scoring chances created are the most on the squad by a defender. 

Check out the full interview with Ash to learn more about his Haitian past, European and Asian soccer excursions and more. 

Republic FC left it until late to break both deadlocks and down Portland Timbers 2-1 in Oregon. 

Wednesday’s win lifted the Indomitable Club’s current streak to five straight after a pair of stunning late strikes from Mario Penagos and Julian Chavez saw Sacramento pull off a dramatic road victory. 

Many will remember the score line, but a powerful demonstration by the players set a solemn tone for all to witness. In the 7th minute, both T2 and SRFC stopped play and joined together at midfield to take a knee in solidarity over injustice and recognize a time for social change. The box score will reflect the final score, but the one minute and 46 seconds of two rivals taking a knee midgame reflects both sides’ push for diversity, equality and inclusivity. 

With less than five minutes left in regulation and the match still tied at zero, the offensive explosion was yet to come. A flurry of goals from both teams saw a scoreless stalemate turn into a historic finish for two local youngsters. 

Republic FC left it until late to break both deadlocks and down Portland Timbers 2-1 in Oregon. 

Wednesday’s win lifted the Indomitable Club’s current streak to five straight after a pair of stunning late strikes from Mario Penagos and Julian Chavez saw Sacramento pull off a dramatic road victory. 

Many will remember the score line, but a powerful demonstration by the players set a solemn tone for all to witness. In the 7th minute, both T2 and SRFC stopped play and joined together at midfield to take a knee in solidarity over injustice and recognize a time for social change. The box score will reflect the final score, but the one minute and 46 seconds of two rivals taking a knee midgame reflects both sides’ push for diversity, equality and inclusivity. 

With less than five minutes left in regulation and the match still tied at zero, the offensive explosion was yet to come. A flurry of goals from both teams saw a scoreless stalemate turn into a historic finish for two local youngsters. 

Five Wins from Five Fixtures 

The Indomitable Club have now racked up five consecutive wins from the last five straight matches as the squad continues to stay in contention for the top spot in Group A. 

Republic FC are level on points with first place Reno 1868 FC with 21 but the Nevadan club’s +11 goal differential is the only bit of separation between the two sides while SRFC is currently +6. 

The last time Sacramento won five straight USL Championship regular season fixtures was the inaugural campaign in 2014 when the eventual league champions won six straight games from July 27 to August 27. 

Five Wins from Five Fixtures 

The Indomitable Club have now racked up five consecutive wins from the last five straight matches as the squad continues to stay in contention for the top spot in Group A. 

Republic FC are level on points with first place Reno 1868 FC with 21 but the Nevadan club’s +11 goal differential is the only bit of separation between the two sides while SRFC is currently +6. 

The last time Sacramento won five straight USL Championship regular season fixtures was the inaugural campaign in 2014 when the eventual league champions won six straight games from July 27 to August 27. 

SRFC Academy Stars Shine in Second Half

With the game tied in the 87th minute, Cameron Iwasa played a perfectly weighted ball to Mario Penagos who slammed his first career Championship goal by the T2 goalkeeper to grant his side a 1-0 lead. The strike was Penagos’ first on the USL stage after a decorated career with the academy where the local standout netted 54 career goals during USSDA play. 

After Portland found a late equalizer, another SRFC Academy product stepped up to the big stage and showcased his maturity with a stunning curler that found its way into the near corner of the net. JuJu weaved through a pair of T2 defenders before powering his left-footed shot into goal to seal the win with the very last kick of the game. 

Both Penagos and Chavez are just 18 years old, both spent a number of years developing their game in the Republic FC Academy system, and both look to have an extremely promising future ahead of them. 

SRFC Academy Stars Shine in Second Half

With the game tied in the 87th minute, Cameron Iwasa played a perfectly weighted ball to Mario Penagos who slammed his first career Championship goal by the T2 goalkeeper to grant his side a 1-0 lead. The strike was Penagos’ first on the USL stage after a decorated career with the academy where the local standout netted 54 career goals during USSDA play. 

After Portland found a late equalizer, another SRFC Academy product stepped up to the big stage and showcased his maturity with a stunning curler that found its way into the near corner of the net. JuJu weaved through a pair of T2 defenders before powering his left-footed shot into goal to seal the win with the very last kick of the game. 

Both Penagos and Chavez are just 18 years old, both spent a number of years developing their game in the Republic FC Academy system, and both look to have an extremely promising future ahead of them. 

Defense Dons Another Powerful Performance

Over the course of the Indomitable Club’s five game winning streak, not once has the Republic FC defense allowed more than one goal in each of the five fixtures. 

Wednesday’s match was another stout showing from the SRFC backline that nearly went the distance to notch a fifth clean sheet this season. 

Centrally, Hayden Sargis finished the match with a 90.3% passing percentage while his fellow CB Matt Mahoney was heavily involved as well as he led his side in total passes (85) and helped set up the game winning goal. While in possession late in the match, Mahoney picked out Chavez on the wing who proceeded to etch his name in SRFC history with the game-winner at the death. Sargis and Mahoney also finished the afternoon tied for a team-best three interceptions. 

On the flanks, Shannon Gomez – who started his first match in over one year – notched a team-high four tackles while Jordan McCrary lead Sacramento with three clearances in Portland. 

Defense Dons Another Powerful Performance

Over the course of the Indomitable Club’s five game winning streak, not once has the Republic FC defense allowed more than one goal in each of the five fixtures. 

Wednesday’s match was another stout showing from the SRFC backline that nearly went the distance to notch a fifth clean sheet this season. 

Centrally, Hayden Sargis finished the match with a 90.3% passing percentage while his fellow CB Matt Mahoney was heavily involved as well as he led his side in total passes (85) and helped set up the game winning goal. While in possession late in the match, Mahoney picked out Chavez on the wing who proceeded to etch his name in SRFC history with the game-winner at the death. Sargis and Mahoney also finished the afternoon tied for a team-best three interceptions. 

On the flanks, Shannon Gomez – who started his first match in over one year – notched a team-high four tackles while Jordan McCrary lead Sacramento with three clearances in Portland.