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Snap Shots: Dan Casey

Dan Casey has been a defensive rock in the top tier of Irish soccer since 2016 and for the 2021 USL Championship season, the defender will be patrolling the backline for the boys in Old Glory Red.

The Dublin-born defender who developed his game in England with Sunderland’s youth academy, will be playing professionally for the first time in North America and will add a commanding presence to SRFC’s central defense. He also has experience playing right back as well.

But before the 23-year-old takes the pitch at Papa Murphy’s Park for the first time this upcoming campaign, it’s time to see some action shots of SRFC’s stout new defender.

Aerial Threat

The Indomitable Club’s newest signing is a sturdy defender who adds strength and grit to Republic FC’s backline for 2021. The 23-year-old Irish international, who has experience playing both right back and center back, is also a powerful presence in the air and has the ability to deliver a thunderous header – making him a dangerous threat during set pieces for SRFC.

An Eye For Goal

Since 2018, the defender has netted six goals including one brace against Shamrock Rovers during Casey’s career in the top tier of Irish soccer. Three of his half dozen strikes have come in the 70thminute of the match or later. Casey is certainly a formidable force on the back line, but his goalscoring ability shouldn’t be overlooked and underestimated.

Precision Passing

Dan Casey is an exceptional defender, a powerful presence on the pitch and when on the ball, can deliver a scintillating pass to spark an offensive push. Casey doesn’t have any career assists but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t he hasn’t been able to spring plenty of counterattacks during his time in Ireland and while developing his skills with Sunderland’s youth squads in England.

Fantastic Field Awareness

The Irish international has previously patrolled and protected the backline for Cork City and Bohemians in Ireland’s top tier of domestic soccer and has all the qualities and skills to lead from the defense. Casey’s leadership and experience are just two of the many positive qualities he’ll be bringing to his debut campaign for the boys in Old Glory Red this coming campaign.

Defender Dan Casey Set to Join Republic FC

Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced today that Defender Dan Casey will join the Indomitable Club, pending league and federation approval. He will be added to Republic FC’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Dan’s addition brings physicality, aggressiveness, and a strong pedigree to our defensive core,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His intensity and grit fit in very well to our team mentality, and he is the type of defender that opposing attackers do not like facing.”

The 23-year-old defender has experience across the backline, with a majority of his time at center back and right back. He joins Republic after spending the 2020 season with Bohemians FC in the first tier of Irish football, helping lead them to a second-place finish, as well as an FAI Cup quarterfinals appearance. Casey logged 15 starts in 18 league matches, as well as one Europa League Qualifying and an FAI Cup start.

The Dublin native played for Bohemian FC in 2017 and 2018 before joining Cork City via loan in 2019 and bolstered the defense en route to a Munster Senior Cup Championship and an FAI President’s Cup Final appearance. In four League of Ireland Premier Division seasons, he started 86% of the matches when in the gameday roster.

Casey began his career at Sunderland, spending four years in their player development system, competing with the U18 and U23 sides. Casey also has featured for Ireland’s youth national teams in the UEFA U17 and U19 Championship.

Dan Casey
Position: Defender
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 194 pounds
Number: 5
Born: Oct. 29, 1997
Age: 23
Birthplace: Dublin
Country: Ireland
Previous Club: Bohemian Football Club Dublin

21 Cases for an Exciting 2021 Championship Campaign

Heading into a new season and a new year, fans of the Indomitable Club are intending on seeing their squad compete for an eighth straight trip to the playoffs. But before the boys in Old Glory Red begin their prep for the upcoming season, here are 21 reasons to get excited about the 2021 campaign.

1 – Building on First Season with Head Coach Mark Briggs

2020 was the first season Head Coach Mark Briggs was at the helm for Republic FC and he managed to guide his team to a 30-point season and place in the postseason. Despite a four-month hiatus, the boss kept his boys focused and delivered a positive debut season on the touchline.

2 – Sophomore Seasons for Sargis/Penagos

Hayden Sargis and Mario Penagos made Republic FC history last season when they became the only players from SRFC’s youth development program to make their first team debuts in the starting lineup on opening night. With plenty of first team experience under their belts, it will be exciting to witness both players grow, mature and continue to hone their already impressive skills.

3 – More Fixtures for Formella to Work With

The Polish playmaker finished his second season in Sacramento with a team-best eight goals and set a club record for fastest brace scored in SRFC history in just four minutes. Formella joined the Indomitable Club midway through the 2019 season and since 2020 was a shortened campaign, 2021 will potentially be the first full season Darek will have to impress SRFC supporters.

Formella’s already been a force to be reckoned with during league play but his best may still be yet to come.

4 – Cam Continuing His Legacy

After scoring his 50thcareer goal during USL Championship play, Cameron Iwasa became one of just eleven players in league history to hit the half century mark. The prolific goalscorer holds seemingly every offensive statistical record in club history but the Jesuit High School graduate will not rest until he delivers silverware to his hometown of Sacramento.

5 – Another 50-Goal Scorer within Striking Distance

Kharlton Belmar has been recognized by the USL Championship as a Rookie of the Year in 2015 and has since made a name for himself as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers. Belmar led SRFC in assists last season with four and his lone goal on the year elevated his career tally up to 43 goals during Championship play.

If Belmar can bag seven more in 2021, he’ll join Iwasa in a very exclusive club.

6 – A New Rivalry

It was extremely sad to see the departure of Reno 1868 FC after a number of successful seasons in the USL Championship but the boys in Old Glory Red will have a new regional rivalry to look forward to against newcomers Oakland Roots. Prior to the pandemic, Roots and Republic FC were slated to clash in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup before the competition was called off. Looks like 2021 will be the first competitive meeting between the Northern California clubs.

7 – The Return of Mitch

Speaking of CB's, SRFC fans can look forward to the return of experienced defender – Mitchell Taintor. After spending a season with San Antonio FC where he anchored a defensive unit that allowed the fewest goals in the Western Conference alongside San Diego, Taintor returns to the Indomitable Club where he previously played two seasons patrolling the back line and scoring one of Republic FC’s most memorable goals.

Speaking of CB’s, SRFC fans can look forward to the return of experienced defender – Mitchell Taintor. After spending a season with San Antonio FC where he anchored a defensive unit that allowed the fewest goals in the Western Conference alongside San Diego, Taintor returns to the Indomitable Club where he previously played two seasons patrolling the back line and scoring one of Republic FC’s most memorable goals.

8 – The Debut of the Finnish League’s Back-to-back Best Midfielder

SRFC made a big splash this offseason when the Indomitable Club announced the signing of midfielder Petteri Pennanen – the Finnish Veikkauliiga Midfielder of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Pete has featured for Finland’s youth and senior national teams and 2021 will be his first stint in North America during his impressive 16-year pro career.

9 – A Dynamic New Winger Bringing a Wealth of International Experience

Recently signed winger Maalique Foster brings to Sacramento with him an eye for goal, sizzling speed and first team international experience with the Jamaican Men’s National Team. With eight caps under his belt, Foster was a member of the Reggae Boyz squad that marched all the way to the 2019 Gold Cup Semifinals.

10 – The Indomitable Club’s Newest Netminder

While manning the net for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in 2020, goalkeeper Tomas Gomez helped to guide the Eastern Conference club to the USL Championship playoffs while competing for the starting job with the league’s Golden Gloves winner – Danny Vitiello. This coming campaign, Gomez will join Rafa Diaz as another reliable option for Head Coach Mark Briggs to confidently call up to stop shots for Sacramento in 2021.

11 – Additional Academy Players Earning First Team Nods

In 2020, SRFC Youth Academy products Hayden Sargis, Mario Penagos, Rafael Jauregui and Julian Chavez all saw first team minutes while Diego Ramos was available as a substitute off the bench in a number of Championship fixtures. This coming season, it will be exciting to see if any other young players in the youth ranks earn an opportunity to train with and potentially play for the first team.

12 – Flying Down the Flanks

Head Coach Mark Briggs encourages an attractive and attacking style of soccer so to create as many offensive opportunities as possible, it’s important to have defensive players that can add to the attack. Retuning for 2021 are versatile fullbacks Jordan McCrary and Shannon Gomez who can contribute on both ends of the pitch while the Indomitable Club also welcomes left back Duke Lacroix who not only is a formidable force on the back line but he entered the league as a striker and definitely hasn’t lost his eye for goal.

13 – Return of U.S. Open Cup Play

Speaking of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, North America’s oldest knockout soccer competition is hopingto return in 2021. In years past, the Indomitable Club upset and eliminated MLS-clubs Seattle Sounders FC in 2018 and Real Salt Lake in 2017. The 2021 squad has the perfect mix of veteran experience and young stars on the rise to make a run in the next edition of the tournament.

14 – Coming soon… more community courts

Since 2019, Republic FC has refurbished unused tennis courts into futsal courts for the entire community to share. Two refreshed, safe places to play have added more resources for the community to keep health at the forefront and sharpen soccer skills. The development of the next set of courts has yet to be determined, but there’s no doubt that those discussions are in the works with local community leaders.

15 – On the Mend and Full Speed Ahead

Injuries are part of the game, but it’s always heartwarming to see a player return to the field after an unexpected absence. In 2020, Shannon Gomez made his return to the pitch after over a year of rehabilitation and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu was sidelined for a number of matches with a high-ankle sprain. It will be exciting to see both dynamic players giving their all for SRFC in 2021.

16 – Continued Development of the Youth Academy

The pandemic has made youth soccer, like all youth sports, a difficult area to navigate regarding gatherings and the regulations and restrictions in different states. As teams slowly return to action, no group is itching to return to developing their skills more than the SRFC Youth Academy squads.

17 – Diaz Dazzling In Net Again

When Rafael Diaz first stepped in goal in 2020, he immediately shined, and his brilliance never faded. Rafa earned the Fans’ Choice Save of the Week twice last year and made the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 15. His stellar performances made him one of the most reliable GK’s in the league and was just 15 minutes shy of tying a club-record for longest streak without allowing a goal.

18 – First Times

Not only will the match against Oakland Roots be a first for competitive play between the two, but a first will also be the first time Republic FC will host Western Conference club San Diego Loyal SC in Sacramento. Last season, the two teams played out a nil-nil draw in SD which was the first-ever meeting between the two California clubs.

19 – More Episodes of The Breakaway

Since the start of the pandemic, Connor Sutton has chatted with the most impactful individuals, players, and coaches on The Breakaway: A Republic FC Podcast. With the turn of a new year comes new episodes to look forward to both leading up to and during the 2021 USL Championship campaign.

20 – Jauregui Officially a First Team Player

Rafael Jauregui signed his first professional contract in December after joining the first team in July when he signed a USL Academy contract. Weeks later, Rafa became the youngest player in club history to appear in a league match when he entered as a second half sub against Reno in July and on September 30 against Tacoma Defiance, he became the youngest in club history to start for SRFC during USL play.

21 – An Abundance of International Soccer Tournaments

Since EURO 2020 was bumped one year to 2021 due to the pandemic, soccer supporters have a slew of major tournaments to look forward to watching this calendar year. The beautiful game for both men’s and women’s will be on center stage at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo this summer as well as the Concacaf Gold Cup where Mexico will look to defend its title. In South America, The 2021 Copa America competition will go on as planned and same goes for national teams in the midst of their World Cup Qualifying campaign.

Around the Leagues: Liga BBVA MX Kicks Off New Campaign

The festive fixture schedule across the United Kingdom included no shortage of sensational showdowns and with the arrival of this weekend’s FA Cup clashes, the exciting soccer action in England – and around the world – will continue on.

This past week in English soccer also featured the semifinals of the Carabao Cup, headlined by a Wednesday afternoon Manchester Derby that saw Man City triumph 2-0 over United on Wednesday. City will meet Tottenham Hotspur in the final after Spurs survived Championship-side Brentford FC 2-0 on Tuesday. If the north London club can claim silverware in the Cup Final, it will end Spurs’ trophy drought of 13 years.

Not to mention, the final – which is scheduled to take place on April 25 at Wembley Stadium – will be another chapter to the enticing managerial rivalry between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.

FA Cup

But the knockout competition across the pond that’s much richer in history than the Carabao Cup is the FA Cup – the world’s oldest knockout competition for the beautiful game. A pair of matches that pit two Premier League clubs against one another will kick off on Friday when Aston Villa host Liverpool and Crystal Palace visit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

What makes the FA Cup so special isn’t always when the big clubs clash against one another, rather, it’s when the giants play the minnows or old rivalries can be restored.

On Saturday, West London rivals Fulham and Queens Park Rangers clash but Sunday sees mighty Tottenham travel to tiny Marine – the lowest ranked team remaining in the competition. Marine’s 3,185-person stadium is just six miles from Anfield where Liverpool play.

What makes the FA Cup so special isn’t always when the big clubs clash against one another, rather, it’s when the giants play the minnows or old rivalries can be restored.

Liga BBVA MX

Hours after Friday’s FA Cup action in England, league play in Mexico returns when Liga BBVA MX features three evening fixtures. The opening match of the season will see Puebla host C.D. Guadalajara.

The 2020 league champions – Leon – will look to begin its title defense on Saturday when the titleholders travel to a Tigres UANL team that lifted the Concacaf Champions League trophy on Dec. 22 after triumphing over MLS-side LAFC, 2-1.

European Leagues

Each of the major European leagues also have a handful of mouthwatering matchups and all the action began today with the league-leaders in Germany’s Bundesliga – FC Bayern Munich – dropping a two-goal lead and falling 3-2 to seventh-place Borussia Monchengladbach. Tomorrow, second-place RB Leipzig will look to leapfrog the Bavarian club in the standings but will need to secure all three points at home against USMNT star Gio Reyna’s fourth-place Borussia Dortmund.

The surprise of Spain’s La Liga this season so far has been the success of fourth-place Real Sociedad and the club will look to continue turning heads when it travels to sixth-place Sevilla FC on Saturday.

Like La Real in Spain, Stade Rennes in France’s Ligue 1 has been lingering around the top of the table with the big boys and this weekend’s fixture is a chance to prove it is worthy of pushing for a league title. Fourth-place Rennes will host table-toppers Lyon on Saturday.

Serie A’s most enticing weekend matchup in Italian soccer falls on Sunday when AS Roma in third place host the club three points above them in the standings – Inter Milan.

Last but certainly not least, is a classic and historic clash in Dutch soccer when Ajax host PSV Eindhoven on Sunday. This particular De Topper is an extremely important one as second-place PSV trail the league leaders from Amsterdam by just one point in the standings.

Serie A’s most enticing weekend matchup in Italian soccer falls on Sunday when AS Roma in third place host the club three points above them in the standings – Inter Milan.

Republic FC Adds Goalkeeper Tomas Gomez to Roster

Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced today that Goalkeeper Tomas Gomez will join the Indomitable Club for its 2021 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are very happy to welcome Tomas to the club. He will bring valuable experience that further solidifies our goalkeeping position,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He knows this league well, has had a lot of success in USL, and shares our indomitable mentality.”

The 27-year-old shot-stopper is set to join Republic FC after a season with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, where he started 8 matches and earned three clean sheets. Before joining Pittsburgh, Gomez spent two seasons with Saint Louis FC, recording 42 starts across USL Championship and US Open Cup competitions – including a 2019 Open Cup run to the Quarterfinals after defeating MLS side FC Cincinnati. In 2016 and 2017, he manned the net for the Rochester Rhinos earning the league’s Golden Glove award for lowest goals-against average in back-to-back seasons (.69 GAA in 2016, 0.73 in 2017.) Over his five-year USL Championship career, Gomez has made 87 appearances, made 202 saves, tallied 35 clean sheets with a .98 goals-against average.

Gomez was a four-year starter at Georgetown University, where he led the Hoyas to a 50-16-13 record from 2011-14. Gomez was named to the All-BIG EAST Conference team three times (2012-14), the All-Region team three times (2012-14), and was selected as the BIG EAST Co-Goalkeeper of the Year in 2013.

In 2012, he was selected for the US U-20 Men’s National Team camp. Gomez was drafted by the Columbus Crew in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft before signing with San Jose Earthquakes in 2015.

Tomás Gómez
Pronunciation: Toe-mah-sus Goh-Mez
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs
Number: 27
Born: May 20, 1993
Age: 27
Birthplace: Montemorelos
Country: Mexico
Previous Club: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Snap Shots: Dariusz Formella

Dariusz Formella adds more than just a sensational goalscoring touch to Republic FC’s high-powered offensive attack.

After his second season in Sacramento, Darek finished 2020 with a team-high eight goals during a shortened campaign due to the pandemic. Not only did he find the back of the net while playing as the squad’s lead striker at times, he also added a threatening element on either wing or from the central midfield in an attacking role.

His offensive versatility makes him the perfect weapon in Head Coach Mark Briggs’ arsenal heading into the 2021 USL Championship season. Following a 3-1 win over Tacoma Defiance last season, the gaffer had nothing but glowing comments to say about his Polish playmaker.

“Darek is a player that can play in a number of positions and he brings something different in eachposition that he plays,” Briggs said during a postgame press conference on August 15. “Tonight, you've seen him play as nine, you've seen him play as a 10, tonight he played as an 11, and he ended up getting two goals and he brought a lot to the team. You still haven't seen the best of Darek, you've seen glimpses of it, I think there's a lot more to come from him. But I was happy with him tonight playing as the 11 out wide on the left, and I thought he gave us a good dimensioning attack and he helps us retain possession a lot when we win the ball.”

Next season will be the first time in Formella’s Sacramento career he’ll have a full season to showcase his goalscoring prowess. But before all eyes are on the 2021 campaign, it’s time to take a look back at some of the unforgettable images from Darek’s time in the Indomitable City.

“Darek is a player that can play in a number of positions and he brings something different in eachposition that he plays,” Briggs said during a postgame press conference on August 15. “Tonight, you’ve seen him play as nine, you’ve seen him play as a 10, tonight he played as an 11, and he ended up getting two goals and he brought a lot to the team. You still haven’t seen the best of Darek, you’ve seen glimpses of it, I think there’s a lot more to come from him. But I was happy with him tonight playing as the 11 out wide on the left, and I thought he gave us a good dimensioning attack and he helps us retain possession a lot when we win the ball.”

First Appearance

It was on August 7, 2019 against Las Vegas Lights FC at home when Dariusz Formella first graced the pitch for Republic FC. The attacker entered the match as a second half substitute and logged 13 minutes during his sides’ 0-0 draw against the Sin City club. He may not have scored on his debut, but his fancy footwork was enough to excite fans about the Indomitable Club’s newest signing.

Emotional Game-Winner

During the 2019 USL Championship regular season, Formella bagged back-to-back game winning goals in the midst of SRFC’s heated playoff push in September. Three days after netting the game-winner against Austin Bold FC to seal a 2-1 win, Darek came on as a second half sub against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros only to snag another winning strike.

Clinical Finisher

In 2020, Formella played a slew of offensive positions but made a positive impact in every single one. He showcased his goalscoring versatility from all over the pitch which speaks volumes to his overall quality on the pitch. With a full season to look forward to in 2021, Formella will be eyeing another promising campaign tormenting opposing defenses.

Fighting for Possession

Dariusz Formella definitely doesn’t shy away from a challenge. In the image, Formella sacrifices himself to get the ball back against Reno 1868 FC during a 2019 USL Championship playoff match. Darek helped to guide his side to a 3-1 win and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals while contributing an assist to seal the postseason road victory in Nevada.

Always a Threat

Opposing defenses can’t afford to give Formella an inch of space in the box or the Polish playmaker will conjure up a dangerous goalscoring chance. As a T2 defender closes down on Formella on the edge of the box during the 2020 season, the attacker still manages to get a right-footed shot off despite all the defensive pressure.

Driving to Score

Formella is probably best known for his eye for goal but when lining up on the wing, defenders should always be on their toes when the Polish playmaker drives forward. His delicate touches combined with his lightning-quick acceleration and impressive ball control makes Formella an extremely difficult player to defend in one-on-one situations.

Around the Leagues: The Old Firm Headlines Weekend of Famous Fixtures

2020 has been a year unlike any other and before the calendar rolls over into 2021, some of the global games’ most prestigious clubs have some massive matchups lined up over the next few days.

After a handful of notable leagues took their annual two-week hiatus for a brief winter break, the beautiful game in the United Kingdom never slowed down. If anything, the action ramped up even more for the festive season.

2020 has been a year unlike any other and before the calendar rolls over into 2021, some of the global games’ most prestigious clubs have some massive matchups lined up over the next few days.

Boxing Day – the day after Christmas rich in tradition and history in the U.K. – hosted a slew of massive matchups that included a 2-2 draw between Leicester City and Manchester United, Arsenal’s 3-1 home victory over Chelsea and Everton left it until late to snag a 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

In the days that followed, fixtures across England continued but what would have been a crucial contest on Monday between Everton and Manchester City was postponed due to COVID-19.

Aside from the EPL, top European leagues are slowly returning to play after a brief break, including Spain’s La Liga with two matchups scheduled for New Year’s Eve. Athletic Bilboa will host Real Sociedad before Alaves travel to Osasuna.

New Year’s Day is best known in the United States for college football bowl games, but the Barclay’s Premier League has two matchups for the soccer fan slated to kick off 2021 with West Ham United visiting Everton before Manchester United host Aston Villa.

While Saturday’s global soccer schedule is loaded with games, one sticks out far more than the others. In Scotland’s top tier of domestic soccer, two of the world’s most storied clubs will clash in one of the oldest and most famous derbies on the planet – The Old Firm – between Celtic and Rangers.

In the days that followed, fixtures across England continued but what would have been a crucial contest on Monday between Everton and Manchester City was postponed due to COVID-19.

Historically, both Glasgow clubs are the two most decorated clubs in Scottish soccer and the heated derby has deep political, social and religious reasons that divide both fanbases. Celtic supporters were traditionally Catholics and Irish-Scots who aligned with the Republican party while Rangers fans were Protestants and identified as native Scots and Loyalists.

The following day, all eyes keeping tabs on the EPL will be on Manchester City traveling to Chelsea pending the Mancunian-side can compete.

In Athens, Greece, local rivals clash when AEK Athens visit Olympiacos in one of the world’s most passionate neighborhood derbies. Local bragging rights are always on the line in this fixture but fourth-place AEK can cut its rivals' point deficit in the table to five points. Olympiacos currently sit at the summit of the Greek Super League with an impressive 32 points from only 12 matches.

The following day, all eyes keeping tabs on the EPL will be on Manchester City traveling to Chelsea pending the Mancunian-side can compete.

In Athens, Greece, local rivals clash when AEK Athens visit Olympiacos in one of the world’s most passionate neighborhood derbies. Local bragging rights are always on the line in this fixture but fourth-place AEK can cut its rivals’ point deficit in the table to five points. Olympiacos currently sit at the summit of the Greek Super League with an impressive 32 points from only 12 matches.

Best of 2020: Best Off-the-Field Moments Through Pictures

By The Numbers: Maalique Foster

The boys in Old Glory Red are building their roster for the upcoming USL Championship season and Sacramento’s newest playmaker – Maalique Foster – could be a force to be reckoned with on the wing.

Foster brings experience on the international stage with him having been called into camp for the Jamaican Men’s National Team where he was a member of the 2019 Gold Cup squad that reached the semifinals of the competition.

The versatile attacker also has playing experience up top as a striker as well as lining up on either wing, making him a multi-positional threat for Head Coach Mark Briggs during the upcoming 2021 campaign. But before Foster takes the field for the first time, it’s time to take a look at the winger’s statistical brilliance over his professional career.

1 – number of domestic trophies Foster has claimed in his professional career. He was a key contributor on Portmore United’s 2017-2018 title-winning campaign in Jamaica’s National Premier League

2 – number of weekly selections to the USL Championship Team of the Week in 2019 for his performances during Week 7 and Week 11

5 – number of goals scored in just one dozen matches with playing with Santos de Guápiles FC in the Costa Rican Primera División Apertura in 2019

7 – number of goals scored in the final 20 minutes of a match – two of which Foster netted during stoppage time

8 – number of international caps Foster has while representing his home country of Jamaica for the Reggae Boyz

11 – number of career USL Championship appearances Foster made in 2019 with RGVFC while on loan from Alajuelense (10 of which were starts) while scoring three goals and providing four assists.

12 – number of career goals across all club competitions since Foster made his pro debut with Portmore United

2 – number of weekly selections to the USL Championship Team of the Week in 2019 for his performances during Week 7 and Week 11

5 – number of goals scored in just one dozen matches with playing with Santos de Guápiles FC in the Costa Rican Primera División Apertura in 2019

7 – number of goals scored in the final 20 minutes of a match – two of which Foster netted during stoppage time

8 – number of international caps Foster has while representing his home country of Jamaica for the Reggae Boyz

11 – number of career USL Championship appearances Foster made in 2019 with RGVFC while on loan from Alajuelense (10 of which were starts) while scoring three goals and providing four assists.

12 – number of career goals across all club competitions since Foster made his pro debut with Portmore United

SRFC’s Memorable Off The Field Moments

2020 was a year unlike any other that featured some difficult moments but it was a year that also brought out the best in so many around Sacramento.

From the initiatives the club was a part of prior to the pandemic putting the season on hold, to the community endeavors that displayed the California Capital’s indomitable spirit during the toughest of times, Republic FC was committed to supporting everyone in need. The Indomitable Club stood up for social rights and will continue to fight the battle for positive social change and inclusivity for all – a stance woven into the very fabric of the club.

2020 was a year unlike any other that featured some difficult moments but it was a year that also brought out the best in so many around Sacramento.

After a tumultuous campaign that included a hiatus longer than the actual offseason, it’s time to look back on Republic FC’s five most memorable contributions off the field that offered so much more to the local community than the successful matchday results on it.

Indomitable Hands

When the pandemic put the world on pause and quarantine forced everyone to stay home, getting essential groceries was extremely difficult for at-risk seniors. But SRFC wanted to make sure home-bound individuals weren’t stuck without the necessities and teamed up with Raley’s to start the Indomitable Hands program.

Ready to Eat Bags that contained a mix of freshly cooked and a variety of heat-and-eat entrees and salads to seniors aged 65 and older in self-isolation. Nearly a thousand nominations were received and well over 900 bags were delivered – a total of almost 7,500 meals delivered by over 300 volunteers who selflessly gave over 600 collective hours of their time to help those in need. Over $74,000 was donated to the charitable cause as well, showcasing the Indomitable City’s thoughtfulness for those who could not leave the comforts of home.

Make-A-Wish

Power soccer is a sport that Michael Watson fell in love with the moment he first played the sport and when he wished to one day have his very own chair to play alongside his teammates, Sacramento Republic FC joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to get the teenager his coveted chair.

Michael – who plays for Sac Valley Flames – has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and has always dreamed of joining his friends to play sports. On September 22 at Republic FC’s training grounds at Consumnes River College, the goalkeeper’s wish was granted as the electric power soccer chair was unveiled to the surprised competitor who thought he was attending training to meet the team. But to his astonishment, Cameron Iwasa brought the new chair to Michael who promptly put it to use in goal to showcase his skills.

Futsal Courts for the Community to Share

Not once but twice since the end of the 2019 USL Championship campaign did the Indomitable Club convert an unused space into the perfect place for kids to safely gather and play futsal.

On September 29, Republic FC unveiled its second court in the community – this time at Northgate Park in Natomas. The Carrillo Courts at Northgate Park – named in honor of local soccer coach Arturo “Art” Carrillo – hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony that concluded with the kids from Azteca FC breaking in the brand-new courts along with SRFC Academy product Julian Chavez. The artistic design on the courts were created by local artist Marco Estrada whose design incorporates elements of Mexican culture and heritage meant to serve as a reminder of the diversity of our community and our unwavering commitment to learn about different cultures and traditions.

Republic FC Give a Gift to Select FC

When vandals sabotaged the storage container housing soccer equipment for a youth soccer team in Stockton, the boys in Old Glory Red made it a priority to visit the squad and turn a negative situation into a positive one.

Head Coach Mark Briggs – along with SRFC players Villyan Bijev and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu – not only gave a pep talk and instructional demonstration to the Select FC players, but the Indomitable Club gifted the youth team an entirely new storage container filled with balls and other soccer equipment after the previous one was robbed and set ablaze.

Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and Republic FC President & COO Ben Gumpert both spoke to the team, coaches and parents in attendance – expressing their support for the young squad and showcasing kindness in response to an unfortunate situation.

Building Success with Minority Owned Businesses

The Indomitable Club is extremely supportive of local businesses in the neighborhood and to prove that very statement, Republic FC wanted to put words into action and financially help support a local shop.

During National Black Business Month, SRFC partnered up with Suncrest Bank and the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce to create a crowdsourced program that called on Republic FC supporters to nominate Black-owned businesses. The first-place award was a $5,000 grant that was won by Sugar Coated Cupcakes by way of public voting while Classy Hippie Tea Company took the second-place vote and won $2,500 and third place grants of $1,000 each went to Hundreds Unit, Playmakers Elite and Feed Sacramento Homeless.

The first round was such a success that the Indomitable Club launched a second Republic FC Kickstart – the Republic FC Kickstart LatinX edition to local, LatinX-owned small businesses throughout the region during Hispanic Heritage Month. The first-place award was a $5,000 grant that was won by Custom Fitness while Todo un Poco took the second-place vote and won $2,500 and third place grants of $1,000 each went to Casa de Español, Health Bridges of Northern California, and Paquitas Mexican Grill.