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Around the Leagues: U.S. Women's National Team Eyeing Second Win This Week

The monumental matchups around the world this weekend kick off as early as Friday with loads of league fixtures and exciting cup competitions.

SRFC International Call-ups

There’s even a potential for a pair of Republic FC players to lace up their boots for international play. Goalkeeper Rafael Diaz got the call-up to represent the Dominican Republic National Team while defender Shannon Gomez is with the Trinidad and Tobago squad. Keep an eye out on Monday to see if Rafa gets the nod for the 23-man squad against Serbia.

MLS SuperDraft

While the offseason for clubs is very much underway in the United States, there was still plenty of soccer-related action taking place this week during Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft. The draft will be one of the first events Sacramento will partake in when the Indomitable City prepares for its first season in MLS in a few short years.

Expansion club Austin FC took Virginia Tech midfielder Daniel Pereira with the top pick while forward Calvin Harris from Wake Forest went second to FC Cincinnati and Clemson midfielder Calvin Harris was selected third by Colorado Rapids. The first five selections were all ACC schools while the powerhouse conference saw a record total of 25 players taken including a dozen in the opening round.

USWNT

It was only a few short days ago that the U.S. Women’s National Team triumphed 4-0 over Colombia in an international friendly. The two teams will meet once again this Friday at 4 p.m. PT and the match will be nationally televised on ESPN2.

In the first meeting, Sam Mewis bagged a hat trick while her sister Kristie Mewis etched her name on the score sheet as well. The three-goal game was the first of Sam’s career while defender Becky Sauerbrunn was handed the captain’s armband for the first time since donning the honor in 2016 and 2017 when she shared it with Carli Lloyd.

Friday’s fixture will be the final tune-up for the USWNT before clashing with Canada on February 18 in the opening group stage match of the SheBelieves Cup.

FA Cup

Before the USWNT takes the pitch for the second time this week, it was a glorious David versus Goliath matchup in the FA Cup when Wolverhampton Wanderers visited sixth-tier Chorley. The giant-slayers' dreams of a trip to the fifth round of the competition were cut short by Wolves, as the visitors took the win with a single goal from Vitor Ferreira.

Chorley – a club that have adopted Adele’s song Someone Like You as its inspirational anthem – is in the fourth round for the first time in its 138-year existence and is coached part-time by a primary school teacher.

The FA Cup continues throughout the weekend with Saturday’s slate including a bout between Premier League clubs Southampton playing host to Arsenal while Sunday sees Burnley visiting Fulham. But some of the big clubs have tricky trips to lower division sides including Manchester City traveling to Cheltenham Town and Leicester City heads to Brentford.

Before the USWNT takes the pitch for the second time this week, it was a glorious David versus Goliath matchup in the FA Cup when Wolverhampton Wanderers visited sixth-tier Chorley. The giant-slayers’ dreams of a trip to the fifth round of the competition were cut short by Wolves, as the visitors took the win with a single goal from Vitor Ferreira.

But of all the FA Cup clashes to look forward to, the mother of all matchups is on Sunday when Liverpool visit Old Trafford to take on heated rivals Manchester United. The two teams met on Sunday during league play but the highly anticipated fixtured finished nil-nil at Anfield.

Massive League Matchups Across Europe

League play across Europe includes no shortage of mouthwatering matchups and the big games began today with the Borussen Derby in Germany’s Bundesliga. Borussia Monchengladbach took a come from behind 4-2 win over Borussia Dortmund, which meant USMNT starlet Gio Reyna’s Dortmund dropped to fifth on the standings and two points behind Gladbach.

Germany’s topflight features a scintillating showdown on Saturday when Leverkusen can climb as high as second in the standings with a victory but will need to do so against a solid Wolfsburg team that is currently in fifth place.

In Italy’s Serie A, top of the table AC Milan will look to keep its three-point advantage at the summit intact but will need a positive result at home against a sturdy sixth place Atalanta side.

Ligue 1 in France includes two massive matchups with the first taking place on Saturday when fourth place AS Monaco host sixth place Marseille. But the Derby Rhône-Alpes is the famous French fixture all eyes will be on when Olympique Lyon clash with Saint-Etienne. This fiercely contested derby is one of the most historic in the country as Lyon is more aristocratic and white-collar city while Saint-Etienne is a blue-collar working city. Few fixtures in the world can be as bitter as this bout.

In Italy’s Serie A, top of the table AC Milan will look to keep its three-point advantage at the summit intact but will need a positive result at home against a sturdy sixth place Atalanta side.

Two Quails Called Into National Team Camp

While Republic FC has yet to hit the pitch in 2021, Shannon Gomez and Rafa Diaz have been called into National team service, preparing for friendlies during the offseason.

Goalkeeper Rafa Diaz turned heads in 2020 when he was a staple in Republic FC’s success including four clean sheets in 11 appearances. Diaz was called into camp for the Dominican Republic first team to face Puerto Rico and Serbia in friendlies as the team scouts talent ahead of World Cup qualifying rounds and Tokyo Olympics.

Diaz was selected to the 23-man roster for the first friendly against Puerto Rico in the 1-0 loss on January 19th. The Dominican Republic will now look ahead to facing Serbia on Monday, January 25th at 1 PM PST at Estadio Felix Sanchez Stadium. Follow along on twitter here.

Another Republic FC fan favorite, Shannon Gomez got the call to Trinidad and Tobago national team camp this window. If he is selected in the upcoming match, Gomez would face against the United States National Team in Orlando on January 31st at 4 PM PST. Tune in to the match on Fox Sports 1.

The Republic defender made his national team debut in the starting eleven for Trinidad & Tobago on March 27th, 2015 in a friendly with Panama. Gomez returned from injury midway through the 2021 season and provided a spark defensively for Republic FC.

Quality Quotes: Dan Casey

Last week, Republic FC announced Dan Casey will be joining the squad for the 2021 USL Championship campaign in what will be the defender’s first professional season competing on this side of the Atlantic.

Across the pond, Casey has previously plied his trade on the backline for Bohemians FC and Cork City in Ireland’s topflight and will bring a commanding presence to the heart of Sacramento’s defense.

Before the 23-year-old laces up his boots for the boys in Old Glory Red for the first time, it’s time to see what some of soccer’s biggest names have had to say about SRFC’s newest defender.

Cork City Manager John Caulfield

“Dan has had a major impact with Bohemians this season. He is a young player who has come back from England and made his mark in the league in the last year and a half. He’s good on the ball, very strong in the air, aggressive and has huge potential. He has tremendous hunger to go to the highest level and is a player we think will fit brilliantly into our set-up. We can see how well he did this year in a very good Bohs side. We need ambitious, hungry players and he fits that bill.”

Bohemians Manager Keith Long

“I’ve known Dan since he was with St. Joseph’s, he was a very sought-after player before going over to Sunderland. I’m delighted to sign him. He’s a big, powerful lad. He’s a player who I believe will be a good addition to the squad. We’ve got someone coming home who is hungry to succeed and who wants to play. He’s had four years as a young pro at Sunderland and has played at Under-23 lever there. Now he wants first-team football. I think we’ve got someone who feels he’s got a bit of a point to prove.”

Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs

"Dan epitomizes everything I want in the culture at this football club. He’s dedicated, he’s hungry to succeed and he has a desire to win that’s second to none. Then you add in the attributes he has on the ball – both on the ground and in the air – and his physicality. We have a player that will be amongst the best in the league."

“Dan epitomizes everything I want in the culture at this football club. He’s dedicated, he’s hungry to succeed and he has a desire to win that’s second to none. Then you add in the attributes he has on the ball – both on the ground and in the air – and his physicality. We have a player that will be amongst the best in the league.”

SuperDraft Selections Have SRFC History

When the Indomitable Club cruises into the topflight of domestic soccer in a few seasons, one of the first league-wide events Sacramento will partake in will be the Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

The draft is held every January and is the first chance for the standouts in college to make the leap to the professional ranks. Every MLS club participates with expansion clubs receiving the first pick in each of the draft’s opening rounds – Austin FC being the lone newcomer to the league this coming campaign.

Unlike in year’s past, the 2021 draft will take place virtually instead of in-person, but the first round will be available to view on MLSsoccer.com this Thursday.

When the Indomitable Club cruises into the topflight of domestic soccer in a few seasons, one of the first league-wide events Sacramento will partake in will be the Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

Unlike in year’s past, the 2021 draft will take place virtually instead of in-person, but the first round will be available to view on MLSsoccer.com this Thursday.

Eligible players include college seniors, Generation adidas signings and players who have opted to play in a domestic pro league and waived their eligibility to compete in college. This year, a few of the top targets include Clemson midfielder Philip Mayaka, Virginia Tech midfielder Daniel Pereira and Wake Forest forward Calvin Harris – all three expected to sign Generation adidas deals.

Last year, Inter Miami CF took Clemson forward Robbie Robinson with the first pick while a pair of defenders followed – Indiana’s Jack Maher went to Nashville SC while Miami went with Georgetown’s Dylan Nealis having acquired the third pick via a 2019 trade with Cincinnati.

Some of the most notable names in MLS history have been selected in the SuperDraft including Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution, 2004, 8th overall), Michael Bradley (New York Red Bulls, 2004, 36th overall), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA, 2005, 2nd overall) and Carlos Bocanegra (Chicago Fire, 2000, 4th overall).

Over the years, Republic FC has managed to attract a number of the former draftees to wearing an Old Glory Red kit and help to compete for USL Championship silverware. Since the Indomitable Club’s inaugural campaign in 2014, a total of 17 former and current Republic FC players have been selected in the draft including SRFC GM Todd Dunivant who was selected sixth overall in the 2003 draft before going on to win five MLS Cup trophies.

Heading into the 2021 USL Championship campaign, the Indomitable Club’s roster dons seven players who starred at the collegiate level and went on to get selected by a topflight club. Two of those names are new to the club – goalkeeper Tomas Gomez and Tucker Bone – while Mitchell Taintor returns to Republic FC after a season with San Antonio FC. Returning to the team this season are Cameron Iwasa, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Jordan McCrary and Kharlton Belmar all heard their names called on draft day.

Of all the players who have donned the Old Glory Red kit for Republic FC, here’s a list of each player selected in the SuperDraft:

Tucker Bone (Seattle Sounders FC, 2019, 20th overall)
Drew Skundrich (LA Galaxy, 2018, 40th overall)
Tomas Hilliard-Arce (LA Galaxy, 2018, 2nd overall)
Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (Atlanta United, 2017, 46th overall)
Justin Schmidt (Real Salt Lake, 2017, 35th overall)
Jordan McCrary (New England Revolution, 2016, 10th overall)
Mitchell Taintor (Toronto FC, 2016, 59th overall)
Chase Minter (Columbus Crew, 2016, 21st overall)
Cole Seiler (Vancouver Whitecaps, 2016, 16th overall)
Kharlton Belmar (Portland Timbers, 2015, 34th overall)
Cameron Iwasa (Montreal Impact, 2015, 65th overall)
Stefano Bonomo (New York Red Bulls, 2015, 39th overall)
Tomas Gomez (Columbus Crew, 2015, 60th overall)
Mackenzie Pridham (Vancouver Whitecaps, 2014, 58th overall)
JJ Koval (San Jose Earthquakes, 2014, 9th overall)
Jeremy Hall (New York Red Bulls, 2009, 11th overall)
Todd Dunivant (San Jose Earthquakes, 2003, 6th overall)

Stellar Strikes: Tucker Bone

Tucker Bone was a mainstay in the Reno 1868 FC midfield during the shortened 2020 season where he contributed four goals and one assist.

After his lone campaign in Nevada, the 24-year-old midfielder will bring his versatile skill sets to Sacramento where he’ll join the boys in Old Glory Red in their hunt of USL Championship Cup silverware this season.

Before Bone laces up his boots for the Indomitable Club in 2021, it’s time to relive some of the Air Force Academy graduate’s best goals while patrolling the pitch.

Long Range Effort

When the San Diego goalkeeper’s poor clearance fell directly to Bone’s foot, the midfielder punished him with an impressively accurate attempt on target from distance. A weak clear went straight to SRFC’s newest signing who delivered a perfectly placed shot from well-outside the box into an abandoned Loyal SC net.

Cool Under Pressure

Not even two full minutes into a match against Portland Timbers 2 in 2020 and Bone had his side in front. After a dangerous cross was deflected towards Bone in the middle of the box, the midfielder confidently controlled the ball with two Portland defenders closing down on him and fired an attempt on goal that beat the visiting GK. Bone generated some solid power on his shot despite little room to work with and he showcased how capable he is of capitalizing on an unexpected opportunity.

Tremendous Touch

Bone scored this goal against T2 off of a deflection, but it was his ability to create the opportunity with a silky-smooth touch and turn that left his defender in the dust. Three touches after receiving the pass, Bone had already blown by his opponent and barreled towards the central part of the pitch. After pulling the ball back onto his right foot, Bone had created just enough space to rifle an attempt on target. Sure enough, it made its way to the back of the net and was the shot that elevated 1868 FC to a 3-0 lead.

Fearless Header

Shortly after the two-minute mark on the highlight video above, his first career goal scored for Colorado Springs Switchbacks was a special one and leveled the match at 2-2 late in the game against San Antonio FC. From a dead ball free kick in the 82nd minute, a dangerous cross made its was to Bone in the box and the midfielder steered a sensational header into the back of the net. The goal was the first of his young career and showcased his fearlessness and unflinching composure in front of net when it matters most.

Republic FC Sign Midfielder Tucker Bone

Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced today that Midfielder Tucker Bone will join Republic FC on its 2021 roster, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Tucker’s team-first mentality and tenacity add another dangerous player to our attacking group,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He’s a dynamic and versatile player that is one of Sacramento’s own, and we are excited to welcome him home.”

The 24-year-old joins Republic FC following a season with Reno 1868 FC, where he started 24 regular season matches, two playoff matches and scored four goals and contributed one assist. In the abbreviated 2020 campaign, Bone was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for his performances in Week 9 and 11. In the second half of the 2019 season, he signed his first pro contract with Colorado Springs Switchbacks where he made 16 appearances (8 starts) and recorded his first pro goal and assist.

Tucker was selected 20th by Seattle Sounders FC in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, after a decorated four-year collegiate career at the Air Force Academy. He was a two-time MAC Hermann Trophy semi-finalist, and earned Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year accolades in his senior season.

He is a back-to-back First Team All-America recipient, awarded to the best eleven collegiate players annually. In the past decade, only 15 players out of 110 have been selected to receive the honor twice. Bone recorded 25 goals and 22 assists in his career with the Falcons. Prior to attending Air Force Academy, Tucker was a two-sport letterman at Jesuit High School in Carmichael and played for area youth clubs, Placer United and Sacramento United.

Tucker Bone
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 162 pounds
Number: 7
Born: January 23, 1996
Age: 24
Birthplace: Tacoma, Washington
Country: United States
Previous Club: Reno 1868 FC

Boards For Change, Republic FC Prepare Black History Month Auction to Benefit Community Organizations

The partnership between Sacramento Republic FC and Boards for Change is set to build on the over $21,000 raised to support local organizations that work with Black youth throughout the community. Boards for Change is the collaborative community beautification project with a purpose created in direct response to demonstrations in 2020, created by Lina Washington, Kimberly Prince, and Shannan O’Rourke. The trio of women curated a collection of community art, that decorated the boards covering Sacramento businesses during protests last summer.

As a result of a donation campaign and art auction, sixteen organization will receive a $1,000 grant – with more organizations to be selected, and work with the club to create a coalition that discusses diversity and inclusion issues in our community. In February, as part of the club’s Black History Month indicatives, a new auction and expanded pop-up exhibition featuring additional works will be launched to raise more funds and award more community grants.

“We are thrilled to provide these grants to local organizations enriching the lives of young people in Sacramento. We launched Boards For Change with a $2,000 fundraising goal and thanks to our generous community we've exceeded that exponentially, raising more than $21,000 to be directly invested back into local programs,”said Boards For Change Co-founder Lina Washington. “None of this would be possible without the support of Sacramento Republic FC, local creatives, and business owners working together in the most trying times. Let's keep going!”

“It has been an honor to play a role in the Boards for Change initiative benefiting nonprofits focused on serving the underserved right here in our community,” said Republic FC President and COO Ben Gumpert. “There couldn’t have been a more fitting way to use our stands last

year than to fill them with these boards. The mission never stops – we will continue to find ways to partner and support the incredible work happening in our neighborhoods.”

“Architects of Hope Inc. is honored to receive this donation from Boards for Change and Sacramento Republic FC. With this donation we will be able to further our mission to create civically engaged leaders in our schools and communities by providing much needed support to run our programs for at risk Sacramento youth,” Architects of Hope Inc. CEO and Co-Founder Jairon Jackson. “Over the last five years, we have been able to serve over one thousand youth across eight different school campuses and multiple school districts. We look forward to the opportunity to continue a partnership with SRFC!”

During the 2020 season, Republic FC hosted over 40 original works of art curated by Boards for Change in the North Stand / Supporters Section of Papa Murphy’s Park. As a result of the pandemic, the club transformed the loudest fan section into an art gallery with powerful expressions of creativity that reflected the wide range of emotions connected to the global calls for justice for generations of racism and discrimination. Through the club-host auction, fans and members of the community purchased 19 selections.

The first group of $1,000 grants have been distributed to local groups including Project Optimism, INC., United College Auction Network, Sacramento Area Youth Speaks, Square Root Academy, Architects of Hope, Improve Your Tomorrow, The Arik Armstead Academic Project, JUMA, Studio T Arts & Entertainment, Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, Sisters of Nia, St. HOPE, Hawk Institute, and more. These organizations, with more to be added, will provide insight and guidance as part of a new diversity and racial justice coalition with Republic FC.

On February 1, Republic FC will launch the next Boards for Change Auction with over 20 works by local artists, including new custom designed shoes. A series of custom cleats donated by Republic FC players will also be available for purchase. During Black History Month, Republic FC will highlight the work of these organizations and more – while providing opportunities for the community to learn more and support their efforts.

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/change.

“We are thrilled to provide these grants to local organizations enriching the lives of young people in Sacramento. We launched Boards For Change with a $2,000 fundraising goal and thanks to our generous community we’ve exceeded that exponentially, raising more than $21,000 to be directly invested back into local programs,”said Boards For Change Co-founder Lina Washington. “None of this would be possible without the support of Sacramento Republic FC, local creatives, and business owners working together in the most trying times. Let’s keep going!”

year than to fill them with these boards. The mission never stops – we will continue to find ways to partner and support the incredible work happening in our neighborhoods.”

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/change.

By The Numbers: Tomas Gomez

The Indomitable Club added another reliable goalkeeper to the 2021 roster when it was announced last week that Tomas Gomez would be joining Sacramento for the upcoming campaign.

The 27-year-old shot-stopper was originally drafted by MLS-side Columbus Crew SC but Gomez signed with San Jose Earthquakes after a decorated career at Georgetown University. In 2016, he signed with Rochester Rhinos and has been a rock in net during USL Championship play ever since.

But before Gomez graces the pitch for the boys in Old Glory Red for the first time, it’s time to take a look at the numerical reasons why the GK was such a sensational signing for SRFC heading into 2021.

2 – number of USL Championship Golden Glove honors Gomez has received over his career (2016 and 2017)

3 – number of times Gomez was named to the ALL-BIG EAST Conference Team from 2012-2014 while manning the net for Georgetown

4 – number of consecutive seasons Gomez was the starting goalkeeper for Georgetown University from 2011-2014 where he left the Hoyas to a 50-16-13 record

8 – number of matches Gomez started for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in 2020 where he recorded three clean sheets

35 – number of clean sheets over the course of the Mexican-born GK’s Championship career with a .98 goals-against average

42 – number of starts Gomez made during his two seasons with Saint Louis FC prior to playing for Pittsburgh

87 – number of career appearances Gomez has made during his five-year career competing in the USL Championship

202 – number of career saves Gomez has made during his time with Rochester, Saint Louis and Pittsburgh