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Boxing Day: The Biggest Day in British Football
Across all of the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is an annual tradition rich in history.
Boxing Day itself dates back to 1871 when it became a formal holiday but historically the tradition has been a holiday staple in the U.K. for hundreds of years. The holiday originated when the wealthy would give their servants the day after Christmas off to visit families after a year of loyal work. They would also send gift boxes to staff, hence the term Boxing Day.
Across all of the United Kingdom, Boxing Day is an annual tradition rich in history.
Boxing Day itself dates back to 1871 when it became a formal holiday but historically the tradition has been a holiday staple in the U.K. for hundreds of years. The holiday originated when the wealthy would give their servants the day after Christmas off to visit families after a year of loyal work. They would also send gift boxes to staff, hence the term Boxing Day.
Forbes noted in an article earlier this month that according to 11v11.com, there have been 3,720 Boxing Day fixtures since the inaugural year of the league in 1888. However, the first Boxing Day match itself was played way back in 1860 between Hallam FC and Sheffield FC.
Forbes noted in an article earlier this month that according to 11v11.com, there have been 3,720 Boxing Day fixtures since the inaugural year of the league in 1888. However, the first Boxing Day match itself was played way back in 1860 between Hallam FC and Sheffield FC.
Like the National Football League on Thanksgiving Day or the National Basketball League on Christmas Day, the beautiful game on Boxing Day is a celebrated occasion and one best enjoyed surrounded by family and friends.
Across the Irish Sea in Ireland, Saint Stephen’s Day is celebrated and observed with a full slate of soccer as well. While St. Stephen’s Day has a religious-based history that recognizes St. Stephen who was the first Christian martyr remembered for his selfless service to those in poverty. It’s also a day where friends and families come together to enjoy each other’s company and watch an entire day’s worth of soccer fixtures.
With the U.K. increasing restrictions on gathering due to the pandemic, this year will be unlike any other as supporters will be forced to watch their clubs on television instead of singing them on to victory from the stands. As of Wednesday, just Liverpool and Everton were the lone EPL clubs permitted to allow limited fans at the match.
Like the National Football League on Thanksgiving Day or the National Basketball League on Christmas Day, the beautiful game on Boxing Day is a celebrated occasion and one best enjoyed surrounded by family and friends.
Across the Irish Sea in Ireland, Saint Stephen’s Day is celebrated and observed with a full slate of soccer as well. While St. Stephen’s Day has a religious-based history that recognizes St. Stephen who was the first Christian martyr remembered for his selfless service to those in poverty. It’s also a day where friends and families come together to enjoy each other’s company and watch an entire day’s worth of soccer fixtures.
With the U.K. increasing restrictions on gathering due to the pandemic, this year will be unlike any other as supporters will be forced to watch their clubs on television instead of singing them on to victory from the stands. As of Wednesday, just Liverpool and Everton were the lone EPL clubs permitted to allow limited fans at the match.
Just because fans will not be in attendance does not mean there will be a shortage of crucial contests on the schedule. The 2020 holiday season showcases a slew of massive matchups headlined by a heavyweight bout to kickoff Boxing Day in the Barclay’s Premier League when second-place Leicester City host third-place Manchester United.
Just because fans will not be in attendance does not mean there will be a shortage of crucial contests on the schedule. The 2020 holiday season showcases a slew of massive matchups headlined by a heavyweight bout to kickoff Boxing Day in the Barclay’s Premier League when second-place Leicester City host third-place Manchester United.
Hours later, two titans clash in heated London derby when Arsenal look to get its season back on track when USMNT standout Cristian Pulisic’s Chelsea visit the Emirates.
But of all the Boxing Day matches ever played over the years – both new and old – nothing compares to the legend of the famous ‘Christmas Truce’ in 1914. Soldiers of the British and German armies allegedly laid down their arms for a soccer match in the no-man’s land area of a World War I battlefield. Some historians have their doubts, while former soldiers have been quoted recalling the infamous friendly fixture.
England’s Football Association even paid a 100-year tribute to the event when soldiers from Germany and Great Britain competed in the ‘Game of Truce’ in December 2014.
Boxing Day is a staple in British culture and it’s a day circled on soccer supporters’ calendars from the moment the league’s schedule is announced. The stadiums might not have fans in them this year, but that won’t take away from our special the annual tradition is that is celebrated by all across the pond.
Hours later, two titans clash in heated London derby when Arsenal look to get its season back on track when USMNT standout Cristian Pulisic’s Chelsea visit the Emirates.
But of all the Boxing Day matches ever played over the years – both new and old – nothing compares to the legend of the famous ‘Christmas Truce’ in 1914. Soldiers of the British and German armies allegedly laid down their arms for a soccer match in the no-man’s land area of a World War I battlefield. Some historians have their doubts, while former soldiers have been quoted recalling the infamous friendly fixture.
England’s Football Association even paid a 100-year tribute to the event when soldiers from Germany and Great Britain competed in the ‘Game of Truce’ in December 2014.
Boxing Day is a staple in British culture and it’s a day circled on soccer supporters’ calendars from the moment the league’s schedule is announced. The stadiums might not have fans in them this year, but that won’t take away from our special the annual tradition is that is celebrated by all across the pond.
Formella's 2020 Year of the Brace
When Dariusz Formella joined Republic FC midway through the 2019 season, he was ready to prove himself abroad for the first time in his career.
Right off the bat, he made a positive first impression and netted two game winning goals during his debut campaign. Heading into the 2020 USL Championship season, Darek was having a dazzling preseason and was prepared to be a crucial part of Sacramento’s attractive style of attacking soccer.
When Dariusz Formella joined Republic FC midway through the 2019 season, he was ready to prove himself abroad for the first time in his career.
Right off the bat, he made a positive first impression and netted two game winning goals during his debut campaign. Heading into the 2020 USL Championship season, Darek was having a dazzling preseason and was prepared to be a crucial part of Sacramento’s attractive style of attacking soccer.
Offensively, he was a formidable force regardless of if he was lining up on the wing, leading the lines as the lone front man or working alongside another striker for the boys in Old Glory Red. So much so that at the conclusion of this past regular season, Formella was noted in the league’s top ten goalscoring list after a season where he netted a team-high eight goals en route to being voted on by his teammates as the squad’s MVP.
Offensively, he was a formidable force regardless of if he was lining up on the wing, leading the lines as the lone front man or working alongside another striker for the boys in Old Glory Red. So much so that at the conclusion of this past regular season, Formella was noted in the league’s top ten goalscoring list after a season where he netted a team-high eight goals en route to being voted on by his teammates as the squad’s MVP.
When the league returned to play after a four-month hiatus, Formella looked like he was in peak form and performed remarkably against Tacoma Defiance on July 13 during SRFC’s first game back. The match was Formella’s first on the season and he set the tone for the year ahead with a two-goal game against the Pacific Northwest club – earning him USL Championship Team of the Week honors. His first of his two scores were from the penalty spot, a first for Formella during his Sacramento career.
When the league returned to play after a four-month hiatus, Formella looked like he was in peak form and performed remarkably against Tacoma Defiance on July 13 during SRFC’s first game back. The match was Formella’s first on the season and he set the tone for the year ahead with a two-goal game against the Pacific Northwest club – earning him USL Championship Team of the Week honors. His first of his two scores were from the penalty spot, a first for Formella during his Sacramento career.
But Formella was far from finished tormenting Tacoma after that performance.
Just over one month later, Defiance visited Papa Murphy’s Park again and were handed a 3-1 loss as Cameron Iwasa scored his 50th career goal and Formella bookended the milestone with goals of his own. The multigoal game meant Darek had now scored four goals in just two games against Tacoma – an average of one goal every 44 minutes – and earned his second TOTW selection on the year.
But Formella was far from finished tormenting Tacoma after that performance.
Just over one month later, Defiance visited Papa Murphy’s Park again and were handed a 3-1 loss as Cameron Iwasa scored his 50th career goal and Formella bookended the milestone with goals of his own. The multigoal game meant Darek had now scored four goals in just two games against Tacoma – an average of one goal every 44 minutes – and earned his second TOTW selection on the year.
Formella continued his fine season, scoring in back-to-back matches in mid-September before finishing the regular season on a high. On October 3 at home against Portland Timbers 2, Formella found the back of the net in the second minute and again in the fourth to set a new club record for the fastest brace scored in Republic FC history.
Again, Formella found his name as a TOTW selection – his third on the season.
Formella continued his fine season, scoring in back-to-back matches in mid-September before finishing the regular season on a high. On October 3 at home against Portland Timbers 2, Formella found the back of the net in the second minute and again in the fourth to set a new club record for the fastest brace scored in Republic FC history.
Again, Formella found his name as a TOTW selection – his third on the season.
With a full season waiting for Formella in 2021, SRFC fans will be looking forward to another campaign of the Polish playmaker curating no shortage of offensive brilliance and stunning strikes.
With a full season waiting for Formella in 2021, SRFC fans will be looking forward to another campaign of the Polish playmaker curating no shortage of offensive brilliance and stunning strikes.
Around the Leagues: Holiday Weekend Hosting Great Games
The festive season is in full swing and so are the colossal holiday clashes in global soccer.
While the Major League Soccer season came to a close over a week ago, some clubs have still been competing in the Concacaf Champions League.
The festive season is in full swing and so are the colossal holiday clashes in global soccer.
While the Major League Soccer season came to a close over a week ago, some clubs have still been competing in the Concacaf Champions League.
On Tuesday, LAFC met Tigres U.A.N.L. in the CCL Final and despite taking a 1-0 lead in the second half, the SoCal club fell 2-1 to the Liga MX-side. In the 61st minute, Diego Rossi netted the first goal of the game before Tigres’ Hugo Ayala and Andre-Pierre Gignac found the back of the net to ensure their club was headed home with silverware.
On Tuesday, LAFC met Tigres U.A.N.L. in the CCL Final and despite taking a 1-0 lead in the second half, the SoCal club fell 2-1 to the Liga MX-side. In the 61st minute, Diego Rossi netted the first goal of the game before Tigres’ Hugo Ayala and Andre-Pierre Gignac found the back of the net to ensure their club was headed home with silverware.
Next season, LAFC will be joined by Austin FC as an expansion club in MLS – taking the league total up to 27 teams.
In Europe, Christmas Eve features fixtures from a pair of big European league in the Turkish Super Lig and the Israeli Premier League.
While the rest of the world takes Christmas Day off from competing, Bolivia’s top tier of professional soccer – Bolivian Liga Profesional – offers four fixtures including one team competing on Friday by the name of Club Always Ready.
Saturday marks a special day in United Kingdom – Boxing Day – which is always celebrated the day after Christmas and is loaded with action from all leagues across England, Wales and Scotland.
Next season, LAFC will be joined by Austin FC as an expansion club in MLS – taking the league total up to 27 teams.
In Europe, Christmas Eve features fixtures from a pair of big European league in the Turkish Super Lig and the Israeli Premier League.
While the rest of the world takes Christmas Day off from competing, Bolivia’s top tier of professional soccer – Bolivian Liga Profesional – offers four fixtures including one team competing on Friday by the name of Club Always Ready.
Saturday marks a special day in United Kingdom – Boxing Day – which is always celebrated the day after Christmas and is loaded with action from all leagues across England, Wales and Scotland.
Boxing Day kicks off with a mouthwatering matchup when second-place Leicester City host third-place Manchester United early Saturday morning. A few hours later, Arsenal will hope to get their season back on track when London rivals Chelsea – led by USMNT star Christian Pulisic – host the Blues at the Emirates.
Boxing Day kicks off with a mouthwatering matchup when second-place Leicester City host third-place Manchester United early Saturday morning. A few hours later, Arsenal will hope to get their season back on track when London rivals Chelsea – led by USMNT star Christian Pulisic – host the Blues at the Emirates.
Up north in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers will hope to build on its massive lead at the top of the table when Hibernian visit Glasgow on Saturday. Second-place Celtic need a positive result hours later when the legendary Scottish-side visit Hamilton Academical.
The following day in EPL play, league leaders Liverpool host West Bromich Albion who recently fired manager Slaven Bilic just over a week ago. Sunday’s showcase also sees Wolverhampton Wanderers host sixth-place Tottenham Hotspur to close out the weekend fixtures in England’s topflight.
The world’s game starts to slowly return globally on Sunday as well as the Portuguese Liga, Spanish Copa del Rey, Dutch Eredivisie, Brazilian Serie A and Argentina Liga Profesional de Futbol all host a slew of league showdowns in each of their respective countries around the world.
Up north in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers will hope to build on its massive lead at the top of the table when Hibernian visit Glasgow on Saturday. Second-place Celtic need a positive result hours later when the legendary Scottish-side visit Hamilton Academical.
The following day in EPL play, league leaders Liverpool host West Bromich Albion who recently fired manager Slaven Bilic just over a week ago. Sunday’s showcase also sees Wolverhampton Wanderers host sixth-place Tottenham Hotspur to close out the weekend fixtures in England’s topflight.
The world’s game starts to slowly return globally on Sunday as well as the Portuguese Liga, Spanish Copa del Rey, Dutch Eredivisie, Brazilian Serie A and Argentina Liga Profesional de Futbol all host a slew of league showdowns in each of their respective countries around the world.
Making Spirits Bright With Winter Wishlist Deliveries
After last Thursday’s coat and toy donation drive — that stuffed an entire school bus in only 6 hours!!!, a cadre of volunteers used Tuesday morning to help spread some holiday cheer. With 1,000 coats and toys donations – collected and purchased by Republic FC, KHTK and their partners, and $40,000 in gift cards from Raley’s, as well as holiday meal boxes provided by the Optimist Club of Sacramento, the team of volunteers set out to fulfill holiday wishes in North Sacramento. Today’s smiles and gratitude would not have been possible without the generosity of Republic FC fans and the Indomitable community.
After last Thursday’s coat and toy donation drive — that stuffed an entire school bus in only 6 hours!!!, a cadre of volunteers used Tuesday morning to help spread some holiday cheer. With 1,000 coats and toys donations – collected and purchased by Republic FC, KHTK and their partners, and $40,000 in gift cards from Raley’s, as well as holiday meal boxes provided by the Optimist Club of Sacramento, the team of volunteers set out to fulfill holiday wishes in North Sacramento. Today’s smiles and gratitude would not have been possible without the generosity of Republic FC fans and the Indomitable community.
Robla School District is one of the oldest school districts in the region, and faces many challenges in serving its 2,600 students – ages 5-12. Inside of the district, there are no social or health services available for families to access. And 90% of the district’s families live at or below the federal poverty line, with 20% of the students unable to call a permanent address home. The staff and teachers in the district are not just educators, but often a lifeline and resource for daily life.
Robla School District is one of the oldest school districts in the region, and faces many challenges in serving its 2,600 students – ages 5-12. Inside of the district, there are no social or health services available for families to access. And 90% of the district’s families live at or below the federal poverty line, with 20% of the students unable to call a permanent address home. The staff and teachers in the district are not just educators, but often a lifeline and resource for daily life.
The first 100 families in the district received special deliveries today to help address food insecurity in the region. Families received a fresh turkey and all the fixings for a home cooked holiday meal. Forward Kharlton Belmar donned his Santa hat and helped make some holiday memories for a few special families.
The first 100 families in the district received special deliveries today to help address food insecurity in the region. Families received a fresh turkey and all the fixings for a home cooked holiday meal. Forward Kharlton Belmar donned his Santa hat and helped make some holiday memories for a few special families.
And at stop after stop, volunteers were greeted by smiling children and warm thank you signs, cards and more.
And at stop after stop, volunteers were greeted by smiling children and warm thank you signs, cards and more.
Each child in the 100 families in the Robla School District was surprised with a brand-new coat for the winter chill and an unwrapped toy to enjoy for the holiday season. The giving-nature of the Sacramento community made many families-in-need holiday season and is one of the many reasons it’s nicknamed ‘Indomitable’
Each child in the 100 families in the Robla School District was surprised with a brand-new coat for the winter chill and an unwrapped toy to enjoy for the holiday season. The giving-nature of the Sacramento community made many families-in-need holiday season and is one of the many reasons it’s nicknamed ‘Indomitable’
Score During SRFC's Seven Days of Giving
On Tuesday, Republic FC launched its Seven Days of Giving to offer fans the chance to win a variety of unique prizes during the holiday season.
Through December 21, participants can enter once per day on the club’s website here with some of the daily surprises including player-worn jerseys and virtual greetings from player. Be sure to keep an eye on the Indomitable Club’s social channels each day to see what’s unveiled as the one-of-a-kind SRFC daily prize.
Friday marked day four of the Seven Days of Giving and the one-of-a-kind surprise waiting for one lucky fan is a Republic FC Mystery Box. Some have already claimed the daily prizes including a lucky fan who snagged a personalized video from a Republic FC player while Tuesday’s surprise was a player-worn jersey and yesterday’s prize was a Republic FC gift card.
On Tuesday, Republic FC launched its Seven Days of Giving to offer fans the chance to win a variety of unique prizes during the holiday season.
Through December 21, participants can enter once per day on the club’s website here with some of the daily surprises including player-worn jerseys and virtual greetings from player. Be sure to keep an eye on the Indomitable Club’s social channels each day to see what’s unveiled as the one-of-a-kind SRFC daily prize.
Friday marked day four of the Seven Days of Giving and the one-of-a-kind surprise waiting for one lucky fan is a Republic FC Mystery Box. Some have already claimed the daily prizes including a lucky fan who snagged a personalized video from a Republic FC player while Tuesday’s surprise was a player-worn jersey and yesterday’s prize was a Republic FC gift card.
For the fan in the giving spirit looking for that perfect Indomitable Club-inspired gift, the Republic FC Team Store is open during the holidays with safety protocols in place and curbside pickup available Monday through Saturday. All shoppers can find the perfect gift for the soccer supporter in their life at the Team Store – located at 1050 20th Street, Suite #200 and open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT Monday through Saturday. Complimentary gift wrapping is available for shoppers and doors for the Team Store will be open on Christmas Eve for the ultimate last-second shopper.
Participants in the Seven Days of Giving can enter once per day and may only win one time over the period of seven days.
For the fan in the giving spirit looking for that perfect Indomitable Club-inspired gift, the Republic FC Team Store is open during the holidays with safety protocols in place and curbside pickup available Monday through Saturday. All shoppers can find the perfect gift for the soccer supporter in their life at the Team Store – located at 1050 20th Street, Suite #200 and open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT Monday through Saturday. Complimentary gift wrapping is available for shoppers and doors for the Team Store will be open on Christmas Eve for the ultimate last-second shopper.
Participants in the Seven Days of Giving can enter once per day and may only win one time over the period of seven days.
Veteran Reporter Joins The Breakaway To Talk Impact MLS Has on Youth
On this week’s episode of The Breakaway: A Republic FC Podcast, 30-year veteran reporter and journalist from the Sac Bee, Joe Davidson was interviewed about the influence an MLS franchise will have on youth in the Sacramento area.
On this week’s episode of The Breakaway: A Republic FC Podcast, 30-year veteran reporter and journalist from the Sac Bee, Joe Davidson was interviewed about the influence an MLS franchise will have on youth in the Sacramento area.
Davidson has been covering sports in the region for many years and has extensive knowledge about high school and college sports. He recalled the effect of bringing a professional basketball team to Sacramento in 1985 and how the sport grew in popularity particularly with young players.
“A new team, a new visibility makes it fun,” Davidson stated. “I think if you’re a little kid and you’re going to a Republic game, that’s what they are going to want to do and that’s how you hook them.”
Davidson has been covering sports in the region for many years and has extensive knowledge about high school and college sports. He recalled the effect of bringing a professional basketball team to Sacramento in 1985 and how the sport grew in popularity particularly with young players.
“A new team, a new visibility makes it fun,” Davidson stated. “I think if you’re a little kid and you’re going to a Republic game, that’s what they are going to want to do and that’s how you hook them.”
Throughout the podcast, Davidson relays the message that while there might not be exact statistics, it’s clear that soccer has grown and is expanding, and with the signing of academy product, Rafa Jauregui, there is a path to professional soccer that cannot happen in other sports.
“It’s amazing that at 15 years-old you can grow up in Sacramento go through an academy process and sign a contract and he doesn’t even have to leave town, it is truly remarkable,” Davidson stated.
For more episodes, listen to The Breakaway online and on all major podcast platforms including Apple and Spotify.
Throughout the podcast, Davidson relays the message that while there might not be exact statistics, it’s clear that soccer has grown and is expanding, and with the signing of academy product, Rafa Jauregui, there is a path to professional soccer that cannot happen in other sports.
“It’s amazing that at 15 years-old you can grow up in Sacramento go through an academy process and sign a contract and he doesn’t even have to leave town, it is truly remarkable,” Davidson stated.
For more episodes, listen to The Breakaway online and on all major podcast platforms including Apple and Spotify.
Around the Leagues: Festive Soccer Schedule About to Enter Full Swing
The weather outside might be frightful but the beautiful game action on television this weekend will help to keep soccer supporters warm and cozy inside while enjoying all the big matches.
The weather outside might be frightful but the beautiful game action on television this weekend will help to keep soccer supporters warm and cozy inside while enjoying all the big matches.
Unlike last week, there’s no domestic silverware on the line after Columbus Crew SC triumphed over Seattle Sounders FC in Ohio, 3-0, to lift the 2020 Audi MLS Cup. Lucas Zelarayan bagged a brace and Derrick Etienne found the back of the net in the first half to lift the Crew to its second MLS Cup.
Unlike last week, there’s no domestic silverware on the line after Columbus Crew SC triumphed over Seattle Sounders FC in Ohio, 3-0, to lift the 2020 Audi MLS Cup. Lucas Zelarayan bagged a brace and Derrick Etienne found the back of the net in the first half to lift the Crew to its second MLS Cup.
Just because the 2020 MLS season came to a close last weekend doesn’t mean all North American clubs are done for the year.
Just because the 2020 MLS season came to a close last weekend doesn’t mean all North American clubs are done for the year.
Concacaf Champions League
Concacaf Champions League
The Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League this weekend features a mouth-watering matchup between two extremely talented clubs loaded with quality when LAFC clash with Liga MX powerhouse Club America at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
The semifinal showdown – which pits two former national team head coaches against one another when USMNT’s Bob Bradley and Miguel Herrera who previously coached El Tri manage their respective sides– also sees Mexican striker Carlos Vela hoping to bring an end to America’s cup run.
The survivor of Saturday’s single elimination semifinal fixture will take on the winner from U.A.N.L of Liga MX and Honduran club CD Olimpia.
The Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League this weekend features a mouth-watering matchup between two extremely talented clubs loaded with quality when LAFC clash with Liga MX powerhouse Club America at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
The semifinal showdown – which pits two former national team head coaches against one another when USMNT’s Bob Bradley and Miguel Herrera who previously coached El Tri manage their respective sides– also sees Mexican striker Carlos Vela hoping to bring an end to America’s cup run.
The survivor of Saturday’s single elimination semifinal fixture will take on the winner from U.A.N.L of Liga MX and Honduran club CD Olimpia.
European Leagues
European Leagues
Across the pond in England, Saturday’s slate sees surprising third-place Southampton hosting Manchester City before fifth-place Everton host a struggling Arsenal side currently hovering just above the bottom three. Tottenham Hotspur trail league leaders Liverpool by just three points but face a tough task on Sunday when the North London-club host fourth-place Leicester City.
Sunday’s schedule also includes the West Midlands Derby when West Bromwich Albion host Aston Villa while two classic rivals clash when Manchester United host Leeds United. The action even carries over into Monday when two London clubs go head-to-head as USMNT star Christian Pulisic’s Chelsea host West Ham United.
In the Bundesliga, German giants FC Bayern Munich currently sit in second place but have the opportunity to claim the top spot on Saturday when the Bavarian club trave to first-place Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Sunday’s slate will be the final fixtures in German soccer for 2020 as the league takes its annual winter break before returning to play on January 2, 2021.
Italy’s Serie A features an interesting Sunday showcase as Atalanta hosts fourth place AS Roma while Lazio are hoping to climb back towards to the top of the table when the club host fifth-place Napoli.
Ligue 1 – France’s top tier of professional soccer – may have the ultimate massive matchup of the weekend when league leaders Lille host Paris Saint-Germain hot on their tails in second place on Sunday.
Across the pond in England, Saturday’s slate sees surprising third-place Southampton hosting Manchester City before fifth-place Everton host a struggling Arsenal side currently hovering just above the bottom three. Tottenham Hotspur trail league leaders Liverpool by just three points but face a tough task on Sunday when the North London-club host fourth-place Leicester City.
Sunday’s schedule also includes the West Midlands Derby when West Bromwich Albion host Aston Villa while two classic rivals clash when Manchester United host Leeds United. The action even carries over into Monday when two London clubs go head-to-head as USMNT star Christian Pulisic’s Chelsea host West Ham United.
In the Bundesliga, German giants FC Bayern Munich currently sit in second place but have the opportunity to claim the top spot on Saturday when the Bavarian club trave to first-place Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Sunday’s slate will be the final fixtures in German soccer for 2020 as the league takes its annual winter break before returning to play on January 2, 2021.
Italy’s Serie A features an interesting Sunday showcase as Atalanta hosts fourth place AS Roma while Lazio are hoping to climb back towards to the top of the table when the club host fifth-place Napoli.
Ligue 1 – France’s top tier of professional soccer – may have the ultimate massive matchup of the weekend when league leaders Lille host Paris Saint-Germain hot on their tails in second place on Sunday.
Republic FC Re-sign Dariusz Formella
Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced today the club has reached an agreement with Dariusz Formella, re-signing the attacking player pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
2021 will mark his third season with Republic FC. In July 2019, Formella signed in Sacramento after seven seasons in Poland’s top division. In 27 career matches for the boys in Old Glory Red, ‘Darek’ has scored 10 goals and contributed two assists.
Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced today the club has reached an agreement with Dariusz Formella, re-signing the attacking player pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
2021 will mark his third season with Republic FC. In July 2019, Formella signed in Sacramento after seven seasons in Poland’s top division. In 27 career matches for the boys in Old Glory Red, ‘Darek’ has scored 10 goals and contributed two assists.
“Darek’s offensive versatility and his overall quality were just two of the many reasons why we're so excited to bring him back,” Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant said. “We can’t wait to see what Darek can do with a full season to work with in 2021.”
“Darek’s offensive versatility and his overall quality were just two of the many reasons why we’re so excited to bring him back,” Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant said. “We can’t wait to see what Darek can do with a full season to work with in 2021.”
The 2020 Championship season was a breakout year for the Polish playmaker as he found the back of the net eight times in 15 appearances – tied for 10th most goals across the league. Formella bagged three multigoal games on the year – twice against Tacoma Defiance and registered the fastest brace in club history against Portland Timbers 2. He was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week three times (Week 4, Week 8 and Week 15.) Darek led the team in shots (28) and goals (8) on his way to earning team MVP honors, as selected by his teammates.
The 2020 Championship season was a breakout year for the Polish playmaker as he found the back of the net eight times in 15 appearances – tied for 10th most goals across the league. Formella bagged three multigoal games on the year – twice against Tacoma Defiance and registered the fastest brace in club history against Portland Timbers 2. He was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week three times (Week 4, Week 8 and Week 15.) Darek led the team in shots (28) and goals (8) on his way to earning team MVP honors, as selected by his teammates.
Prior to playing for Republic FC, Formella won a league title and two Polish SuperCups with Lech Poznan, as well as lifting the Polish Cup with Arka Gdynia. He also competed in both the UEFA Europa League and in UEFA Champions League Qualifiers with Lech Poznan. Formella has also represented Poland at the youth national team level, most recently with Poland’s U-21 squad.
Prior to playing for Republic FC, Formella won a league title and two Polish SuperCups with Lech Poznan, as well as lifting the Polish Cup with Arka Gdynia. He also competed in both the UEFA Europa League and in UEFA Champions League Qualifiers with Lech Poznan. Formella has also represented Poland at the youth national team level, most recently with Poland’s U-21 squad.
Dariusz "Darek" Formella
Pronunciation: DAH-ree-oosh "DAH-rek" for-MEH-la
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 179 lbs
Number: 10
Born: October 21, 1995
Age: 25
Birthplace: Gdynia
Country: Poland
Previous Club: Sacramento Republic FC
How Acquired (Transaction): Re-signed on Dec. 17, 2020
Dariusz “Darek” Formella
Pronunciation: DAH-ree-oosh “DAH-rek” for-MEH-la
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 179 lbs
Number: 10
Born: October 21, 1995
Age: 25
Birthplace: Gdynia
Country: Poland
Previous Club: Sacramento Republic FC
How Acquired (Transaction): Re-signed on Dec. 17, 2020
Defender Mitch Taintor Signs With Sacramento
Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced today the return of defender Mitchell Taintor for the 2021 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“Mitch is a proven leader who shares our indomitable mentality, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming him back to the club,” Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant said. “Mitch had two strong seasons here but also recognizes the unfinished business of bringing a trophy to Sacramento.”
Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced today the return of defender Mitchell Taintor for the 2021 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“Mitch is a proven leader who shares our indomitable mentality, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming him back to the club,” Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant said. “Mitch had two strong seasons here but also recognizes the unfinished business of bringing a trophy to Sacramento.”
The 26-year-old center back previously played for the Indomitable Club in 2018 and 2019, where he made 71 appearances across all competitions and logged nearly 6,000 minutes. He was placed in the starting lineup for 94% of the club’s fixtures in two seasons. In his first stint in Sacramento, Taintor has scored three goals and contributed four assists in his two previous seasons patrolling Sacramento’s backline.
The 26-year-old center back previously played for the Indomitable Club in 2018 and 2019, where he made 71 appearances across all competitions and logged nearly 6,000 minutes. He was placed in the starting lineup for 94% of the club’s fixtures in two seasons. In his first stint in Sacramento, Taintor has scored three goals and contributed four assists in his two previous seasons patrolling Sacramento’s backline.
Last season with San Antonio FC, Mitch was named to the starting eleven for 16 of 17 matches in 2020 including the club’s Western Conference Quarterfinals playoff fixture. Taintor was a staple for a defensive unit that conceded the fewest goals in the Western Conference, 15 tied with San Diego. He also scored once and was selected to the USL Championship Team of the Week (Week 9) in the abbreviated season.
Last season with San Antonio FC, Mitch was named to the starting eleven for 16 of 17 matches in 2020 including the club’s Western Conference Quarterfinals playoff fixture. Taintor was a staple for a defensive unit that conceded the fewest goals in the Western Conference, 15 tied with San Diego. He also scored once and was selected to the USL Championship Team of the Week (Week 9) in the abbreviated season.
Before joining the boys in Old Glory Red prior to the 2018 Championship season, Taintor spent two years with Toronto FC II after being drafted by the club’s MLS-parent side in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. In 2018 after he signed with Republic FC, Taintor was loaned to Toronto FC where he scored in his MLS debut.
Before joining the boys in Old Glory Red prior to the 2018 Championship season, Taintor spent two years with Toronto FC II after being drafted by the club’s MLS-parent side in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. In 2018 after he signed with Republic FC, Taintor was loaned to Toronto FC where he scored in his MLS debut.
Name: Mitchell Taintor
Pronunciation: TAYN-tur
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185 lb
Jersey Number: 4
Born: September 11, 1994
Age: 26
Birthplace: Willimantic, Connecticut
Country: United States
Previous Club: San Antonio FC
How Acquired (Transaction): Signed on Dec. 3, 2020
Name: Mitchell Taintor
Pronunciation: TAYN-tur
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185 lb
Jersey Number: 4
Born: September 11, 1994
Age: 26
Birthplace: Willimantic, Connecticut
Country: United States
Previous Club: San Antonio FC
How Acquired (Transaction): Signed on Dec. 3, 2020
