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Sacramento Republic FC vs Orange County SC POSTPONED

After being notified tonight of a positive COVID-19 test result from a previous opponent, tonight’s match has been postponed in an abundance of caution. Once notified, Republic FC followed prescribed protocols developed in consultation with the USL and medical experts.

The team’s weekly routine testing conducted the day following the match resulted in no positive COVID-19 test results and the team continued preparation for its match. The club will continue to support community health and wellness and follow all league, local and state protocols.

In Their Own Words: Culture. Attitude. Mentality.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Indomitable Club this week as the Indomitable Club hosts Orange County SC Wednesday night at Papa Murphy’s Park at 8 p.m. PT.

Mark Briggs’ men are fully focused on the game ahead and looking to rebound from the club’s first loss on the 2020 USL Championship season. Before they do, it’s time to take a look at what the squad had on their minds ahead of the midweek matchup against SRFC’s SoCal rival.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Indomitable Club this week as the Indomitable Club hosts Orange County SC Wednesday night at Papa Murphy’s Park at 8 p.m. PT.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On Wednesday’s opponent…
“Orange County got a great result on the weekend, they beat Phoenix, so they’ll be in good spirits. They’ll be confident coming in here. They’re a good team, they’re an experienced USL team, they have many players that have been in the USL for a number of years, they understand what it takes to win games at this level so it’s going to be a difficult game for us but it’s a game that I’ve said to the players, these are the games you want to play in. You want to play against good teams and the better players in the league and you want to show what’re capable of.”

On if the starting lineup might change given the number of games in such a short period of time…
“I’ve got a roster where I’m comfortable with whatever player I decide to select. I’m comfortable with what we’re trying to do, obviously we have three games in a very short period of period, a short period of three games within one week, which is a lot. So we have to look at rotations in certain areas, based on the amount of games we have in a short period of time so you’ll see a few changes tomorrow to the team just in regards to getting fresh legs in there and we need to be able to play the way I want them to play.”

On bringing physicality to the game…
“You have to bring that every single day. If you don’t turn up and you don’t work hard, then whatever talent you have becomes irrelevant. You have to bring the ugly side of the game every time you come out here. You have to run, you have to tackle, you have to communicate, and you have to have that desire, that hunger, that passion to win the game. For me to be better than you, for me to work harder than you if I’m playing against you, that has to be the attitude, that has to be the culture. The ability in that group is there, but the culture and the attitude and the mentality has to be there every time.”

Head Coach Mark Briggs

Drew Skundrich

On the team creating plenty of scoring chances but still searching for more goals…
“Every team goes through phases and maybe that was a phase that just hit us. It could be a mentality thing, a concentration thing, so we’re just trying to replicate realistic moments in practice, trying to get that engrained into our minds, get our confidence up and just focus on taking care of every opportunity that we have.”

On if having played a match against Tacoma was an advantage, given Sunday was Reno’s first since returning to play…
“There’s definitely a certain level of accountability. We don’t have zero accountability, but we don’t have enough yet and that’s on us as players. [Coach Briggs] can keep us accountable as much as he wants but it’s not until we start taking responsibility for our actions and what we do on the field that we get to the level that we need to be at. That’s on us as players to take care of that.”

On focusing on trying to create and capitalize off set pieces…
“That’s a huge part of the game offensively and defensively, we got scored on off a set piece last week, so we need to take care of that. We scored off a set piece against Tacoma, had a few chances against Reno and LA as well. Just getting all the timing down, the repetition from set pieces helps a lot. From an organizational standpoint, we’re still trying to all get on the same page for the entire game because there are times when we’re switching off and that can’t happen. We just need to work on the timing of when to press, where to be, when to help each other out in certain situations, so it’s a big focus.”

Drew Skundrich

Around the Leagues: USL, MLS, NWSL

Republic FC’s first road trip of the 2020 USL Championship regular season wasn’t the result Mark Briggs’ men were looking for, but the squad has the opportunity to bounce back this Wednesday night at home when Orange County SC visit Papa Murphy’s Park at 8 p.m. PT.

The boys in Old Glory Red fell 1-0 to LA Galaxy II over the weekend, but the Indomitable Club still maintained control of the top spot in Group A. The victory for Los Dos propelled the SoCal club up to second place with nine points in a competitive Western Conference Group B. Newcomers San Diego Loyal SC sit at the summit of the group with 10 points from five matches – most recently posting a 2-1 win over the weekend against Las Vegas Lights FC.

Surprisingly, Phoenix Rising FC sits in third place after a 2019 season that saw the Arizonian club shatter seemingly every team record imaginable. After a 1-1 draw against Orange County SC to resume play, Rising FC were recently downed 1-0 by OCSC in Irvine – Republic FC’s next opponent.

In Sacramento’s group, second place Tacoma Defiance trails the Indomitable Club by one point and does not play again until August 3 against Portland Timbers 2. Reno 1868 FC only has two games under its belt to start the season and have managed three points to currently claim possession of third. Timbers 2 is still looking for its first point of the 2020 campaign and could potentially find it Wednesday night against Reno.

Group C’s first place team New Mexico United has been a force since the restart of the regular season and is unbeaten in its last three – all of which were on the road. The most recent result was a 2-1 win on Friday night against El Paso Locomotive in the Lone Star State.

To round out the rest of the Western Conference, San Antonio FC currently has control of first place in Group D with two wins and one draw from just three matches. The club’s undefeated record was put to the test on Saturday when SAFC survived a 1-0 nail-biter over in-state rival Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

In the east, Indy Eleven is soaring in Group E with four wins from five fixtures this season. After four straight victories to open the season, a Tyler Blackwood score for Saint Louis FC handed Indy its first loss in 2020 on Sunday. Blackwood’s Saint Louis sits in second place with nine points from four matches.

With three wins from only three games during USL Championship play this year, Hartford Athletic continues to turn heads and is Group F’s current frontrunner. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is hot on Hartford’s tail with six points from four games, but the Steel City club has lost its last two straight.

Birmingham Legion FC lead Group G with seven points from three games while Tampa Bay Rowdies still maintain an unblemished record with eight points from four contests with two draws in the club’s last two fixtures.

NWSL 2020 Challenge Cup

A champion has been crowned as Houston Dash lifted the first team trophy in North American sports since the return to competitive play following the pandemic.

Houston outlasted the sweltering Utah heat – and the top-quality competition in the tournament – to lift the inaugural NWSL Challenge Cup this past Sunday. The 2-0 win over Chicago Red Stars was nationally televised for all to see, much like the tournament’s opening match in late June between Portland Thorns FC and the competition’s early favorites, North Carolina Courage.

In the final, Sophie Schmidt and Shea Groom found the back of the net to return to the city of Houston with Dash’s first piece of silverware in club history.

NWSL 2020 Challenge Cup

A champion has been crowned as Houston Dash lifted the first team trophy in North American sports since the return to competitive play following the pandemic.

In the final, Sophie Schmidt and Shea Groom found the back of the net to return to the city of Houston with Dash’s first piece of silverware in club history.

MLS is Back Tournament

After weeks of group play in Orlando, the knockout stages are in fully swing with some teams already packing their bags following defeats in the Round of 16.

By Wednesday morning, all of the Quarterfinal matchups will be set with only two Round of 16 games remaining to be played out on Tuesday evening with the winner of Portland Timbers and FC Cincinnati set to play NYCFC later this week. Whoever prevails between Columbus Crew SC and Minnesota United gets San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

After Philadelphia Union snuck by New England Revolution, 1-0, the Pennsylvanian club solidified a matchup in the Quarters against Sporting Kansas City II who survived Vancouver Whitecaps in a penalty shootout, 3-1, after playing out a scoreless draw.

On Friday, the hosts Orlando City SC will go head-to-head with high-flying LAFC after the Floridian club found a 60thminute strike from Tesho Akindele to advance past head coach Thierry Henry’s Montreal Impact. LAFC did as the West Coast club always does and had zero trouble finding the back of the net on multiple occasions. A 4-1 win over Seattle Sounders FC in the Round of 16 saw Diego Rossi bag a brace but LAFC’s playmaker was unlucky not to score more – yet Rossi still leads the tournament in goals with six.

NYCFC is waiting to see who its next opponent will be after hitting three past Toronto FC for a 3-1 win on Sunday. San Jose is also anxiously awaiting to see who the Quakes will clash with on Saturday, after the Bay Area side slammed five by Real Salt Lake to complete a 5-2 thumping.

MLS is Back Tournament

After weeks of group play in Orlando, the knockout stages are in fully swing with some teams already packing their bags following defeats in the Round of 16.

Formella Focused on the Frontlines and Gunning for Domestic Glory

There should never be any doubting Dariusz Formella’s focus on the field.

Darek’s laser-sharp attention to detail in his craft is turning the former Lech Poznan player into one of the USL Championship’s most lethal assassins – and it showed when Republic FC restarted its regular season against Tacoma Defiance as Formella bagged his first career brace with the Indomitable Club.

His first goal of the game was from the penalty spot, another first for Formella when the versatile goalscorer stepped up to the spot and steered his shot into the back of the net. His second was an attempt from just inside the box that he effortlessly guided into goal; a shot that looked as if came from the foot of a pure, natural striker.

A it turns out, it did.

“I was a striker from when I started playing until I was 17 or 18, then I went to one club where there was a big star striker on the team, so the coach decided to put me on the wing,” Formella explained.

There should never be any doubting Dariusz Formella’s focus on the field.

A it turns out, it did.

“I spoke with Coach Briggs at the beginning of the season and he decided that I can give the most to the team playing as a striker. I feel really good playing as a striker and of course, I love scoring goals, everybody loves scoring goals,” he said. “I just want to give as much as I can for the team and if it’s goals, it’s going to be goals.”

In the short time the former Poland U-21 Men’s National Team player has been upfront for the boys in Old Glory Red, he’s already made a positive impression by matching his goalscoring tally from last season in just a single 45-minute half of play. But Formella credits this recent success to all the knowledge he’s obtained over his years in the game, and all the hard work he’s put in along the way.

“I feel very good there as a striker, I feel like that’s my natural position, but I think those five or six years I played as a winger helped me a lot because as a winger, you need to work more defensively, you have to take care of creating chances for other players. Now I can be the more complete player,” Darek said. “It’s not always about just scoring goals, I can pass the ball, I can create, I can hold the ball, and I think that work now has paid off.”

Over time, Formella has molded himself into an offensive player with as many skills and talents as a Swiss-army knife. He’s a multi-tool weapon for the gaffer to call upon at any time, for any attacking role.

His silky-smooth composure and delicate touch allow him to create space or find it in tight places. When the defense is breathing down his back, he showcases his poise under pressure and whether it’s an effort towards the target or a distribution to a teammate, Formella still manages to showcase his divine quality in tough matchday moments.

Offense aside, the former Polish first division league title-winner with Lech Poznan – and Polish Cup champion with Arka Gdynia – has more attributes in his toolbox than just an eye for goal. On the flanks, Formella is still as lethal as he is in the center of the pitch as a provider of services and scoring chances to his teammates.

Regardless of his strongest position, above everything else, Formella is a loyal teammate with an unbreakable commitment to giving everything he has for the men alongside him. Formella is the ultimate team player, a first-class fit for Head Coach Mark Briggs’ system, and he’s relishing the chance to play in a new role under the boss – while finding success doing it as well.

“I think it depends on the philosophy of the coach,” Formella said in response to how well he’s adapted to the new system. “If you’re just playing long balls and crosses, I think that’s very hard for me. But now I know the tactics, I know what the coach wants from me and what he wants from the team. I understand very well how he wants to play and I love the way he wants to play so I’m just trying to enjoy it.”

“I think we look at football the same way,” he said of Coach Briggs’ philosophy. “So, it’s so much easier because he wants to play short passes and create lots of chances and keep the ball, not playing football with just long balls and get into penalties and all that. He wants to take the club to the next level and I’m enjoying every training and trying to do my best.”

Formella is fully focused on buying into the boss’s style of play, similarly to when he was ready to focus on pursuing an entirely new chapter in his pro soccer career, playing professionally in North America – and it was a move he wasn’t exactly expecting years before.

“Honestly, when I was 19 or 20, I did play in Europa League, I did play in the qualification of Champions League, and of course in that moment when you are in Poland, you don’t think about America, you think about the west side of Europe like France, Germany,” Formella said. “But then I made some bad decisions, went nine months without a club, and then I had an injury and my situation changed a lot. So, I thought it was a good move to go to America, change continents, change everything and try to achieve success in a different league.”

“I came because I spoke with Todd [Dunivant] and we had a conversation that Sacramento wants to go to MLS and for me, that was a priority because I don’t want to be here and play for seven clubs in USL, that’s not my way,” a driven and determined Formella explained. “I decided for Sacramento because I knew that it was a big project and it’s a good club with good fans, and playing in MLS is something that if you came from Poland and you played in MLS, you achieved success and you did something and you did something well in your life in soccer.”

But Formella doesn’t just dream of perhaps one day reaching these goals, he puts in the work to earn them. He didn’t come to the scenic west coast of the United State just for a vacation, the Polish playmaker moved across the Atlantic in search of soccer glory.

And he makes no secret of that.

“I have to improve in all the games that I can score in, I can give something extra to the team and I can make a difference, because honestly, I didn’t come here just to be in California and post on Instagram that I live in California. I came because I have a target, I want to go to MLS and it would be perfect if I get to do that in Sacramento,” he said.

“That’s my target. I know it’s very hard. I know that not a lot of people from USL go to MLS and I know how the reality looks like maybe one, maybe two, maybe three players stay at the club and I know every player who is with the club right now is dreaming of it.”

In order to achieve that dream, he knows full well all he has to do is continuing to focus on himself while trying to improve his game, and the rest will fall into place.

“Everything I do on the pitch is up to me,” Formella said. “Of course, not everything is up to me, obviously I’m not the boss, I don’t make decisions on anything outside of what I do on the pitch, so I need a little bit of luck, but the rest is up to me. I believe it, I have a big hope to do it, I know that I can achieve it. I’m thinking about it every day when I go outside to training for the game. I’m thinking about my targets and it’s very nice to score two goals but still, there are a lot of things that I need to improve and a lot of things I need to do.”

Formella’s goalscoring talents speak for themselves – don’t forget he scored back-to-back game-winning goals in 2019 during the club’s heated playoff push – but when the forward does speak, he does everything he can to make his word impeccable and speak with purpose.

“When I say something, I try to say something for something, not just talk to talk,” he explained. “When I say something, I just want to give advice or give some good information that somebody can use. But as I said, it doesn’t matter, the most important thing is that we understand on the pitch.”

Having that on-field understanding is vital for a squad’s success, and Formella recognizes that full well.

In order to achieve that dream, he knows full well all he has to do is continuing to focus on himself while trying to improve his game, and the rest will fall into place.

Having that on-field understanding is vital for a squad’s success, and Formella recognizes that full well.

“The middle or eastern side of Europe is different than American culture. Sometimes I’m pretty sure I behave in a weird way for American players, sometimes what American players do is weird for me, it’s a really long way – 9,000 miles – a completely different world, but the most important thing is we understand each other on the pitch,” Formella said.

The forward may have traveled thousands of miles to play in Sacramento, and he may have at one time played in some of Europe’s most illustrious leagues but delivering glory to the California Capital is the one thing Formella firmly has his sights set on.

“I didn’t leave my family, I didn’t leave my home city, I didn’t leave my whole life just to be here and enjoy the sun in California. I came here to do something and achieve something,” the decorated Polish playmaker said. “I’m happy to be here and I’m happy to have the chance to achieve something big in my life.”

Since his arrival roughly one year ago, Formella has played the role of hero netting game-winning goals, he’s dished out an assist in a playoff game, overcome tremendous adversity to thrive under difficult circumstances, and is one of the primary weapons threats leading the Indomitable Club’s attack in search of Championship Cup silverware in 2020.

He’s already done so much for Sacramento, but Formella will be the first to tell you that the best is still yet to come.

RECAP: Sacramento Republic FC 0-1 LA Galaxy II

CARSON, California (July 25, 2020)– Republic FC’s first road game of the 2020 USL Championship regular season ended in a 1-0 loss to LA Galaxy II in Southern California on Saturday night.

Mark Briggs’ men created no shortage of chances over the course of the encounter against Los Dos – 14 to LA’s 3 – but couldn’t quite break the Los Dos backline. Despite the unfavorable result, Sacramento still stands at the top of Group A and will have the chance to build on its lead in the division with a match at home against Orange County SC only four days away.

Early into Saturday’s showdown, goalkeeper Adam Grinwis was called into action and the Michigan Man delivered a massive save in the sixth minute. A powerful shot from striker Augustine Williams was denied by the former Wolverine and kept the Indomitable Club firmly in the match.

Just shy of half an hour later, Grinny came up big again. This time, a headed effort was halted by the Republic FC ‘keeper at the near post.

On the cusp of halftime, Hayden Sargis steered a header straight for the corner, but the Los Dos goalkeeper Abraham Romero – who finished the night with five saves against the boys in Old Glory Red – got a hand to Sargis’ shot and denied the Republic FC Academy product his first career goal with the first team.

Two minutes later, USL Team of the Week selection for Week Four Dariusz Formella broke free and tried to tuck his shot just inside the far post but his attempt kissed the outside of the woodwork and left the game level at nil-nil heading into the break.

Grinwis made another pair of sensational stops in the second half but come the 72nd minute, the home side found the lone goal of the game when Williams fired a left-footed shot from close-range by the previously undefeated goalkeeper during his time with SRFC.

The boys in Old Glory Red have a quick turnaround ahead of them as Orange County visits Papa Murphy’s Park this Wednesday, July 29 at 8:00 p.m. PT. Three days later and for the first time in club history, the Indomitable Club will travel to San Diego to take on Loyal SC. The game in San Diego will be the first of a three game road trip for SRFC.

Sacramento Republic FC 0-1 LA Galaxy II

USL Championship Match

Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California

July 25, 2020

Sacramento Republic FC 0-1 LA Galaxy II

USL Championship Match

Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California

July 25, 2020

Scoring Summary: LA – Augustine Williams (72’)

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Jordan McCrary (caution) 16, Jaime Villarreal (caution) 27, Cameron Iwasa (caution) 67; LA – Jesus Vazquez (caution) 36, Jorge Hernandez (caution) 90+7.

Sacramento Republic FC – Adam Grinwis; Ashkanov Apollon, Hayden Sargis, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Jordan McCrary, Jaime Villarreal (Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu 79’), Drew Skundrich ©, Rodrigo Lopez (Rafael Jauregui 79’), Sam Werner, Villyan Bijev (Kharlton Belmar 57’), Dariusz Formella (Cameron Iwasa 57’).

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Dekel Keinan, Matt Mahoney.

Stats – Shots: 20, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 9, Offsides: 1.

LA Galaxy II – Abraham Romero; Isaac Bawa, Jalen Neal, Jesus Vazquez ©, Mauricio Cuevas; Adam Saldana, Adrian Vera (Sebastian Nava 74’), Omar Ontiveros (Alejandro Alvarado 49’), Jorge Hernandez; Augustine Williams, Ivan Gutierrez (Victor Valdez 60’).

Unused substitutes: Anthony Ramos, Marcus Ferknanus, Adrian Gonzalez, Carson Klein

Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 5, Fouls: 18, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 3.

Scoring Summary: LA – Augustine Williams (72’)

Misconduct Summary: SAC – Jordan McCrary (caution) 16, Jaime Villarreal (caution) 27, Cameron Iwasa (caution) 67; LA – Jesus Vazquez (caution) 36, Jorge Hernandez (caution) 90+7.

Unused substitutes: Rafa Diaz, Dekel Keinan, Matt Mahoney.

Stats – Shots: 20, Shots on Goal: 5, Saves: 3, Fouls: 14, Corner Kicks: 9, Offsides: 1.

Unused substitutes: Anthony Ramos, Marcus Ferknanus, Adrian Gonzalez, Carson Klein

Stats – Shots: 8, Shots on Goal: 4, Saves: 5, Fouls: 18, Corner Kicks: 3, Offsides: 3.

In Their Own Words: Adapt. Prepare. Focus.

For the first time this season, Republic FC will be on the road as the team travels south to clash with LA Galaxy II on Saturday night at 7 p.m. PT.

The rivalry against Los Dos dates back to the inaugural season and the all-time series is ripe with memorable moments and unforgettable goals. But this particular matchup will be the first and only meeting between the two California clubs during the 2020 USL Championship regular season.

Before both sides square up in Carson on Saturday night, let’s see what the boss and the boys in Old Glory Red had on their minds heading into this weekend’s Western Conference heavyweight bout.

For the first time this season, Republic FC will be on the road as the team travels south to clash with LA Galaxy II on Saturday night at 7 p.m. PT.

Before both sides square up in Carson on Saturday night, let’s see what the boss and the boys in Old Glory Red had on their minds heading into this weekend’s Western Conference heavyweight bout.

Head Coach Mark Briggs

On how to prepare for matches without fans in the stands…
“We have to adapt, we have to make sure we’re focused, we have to make sure we’re prepared, but it’s a little different. Each person has to find their inner-most motivation and I think it’s about individually turning up now. We’ve had two games now so that excuse is gone. It’s about understanding what we’re here to do, understanding the preparation, and understanding now that when we show up, we have to win games. We have to get points.”

“You’ve got to find what gets you going, what gets you prepare and what gets the best out of yourself.”

On what kind of team Republic FC will be up against this weekend…
“They have a number of good players that can hurt us. I won’t say one or two players because they probably have five players that can do damage if we’re not on our game. They play an attacking formation, they play an attacking brand of football, they have speed in the right areas, so we have to be on our game. We have to be prepared and we have to be ready to go.”

On if there’s been a particular player who has impressed the boss the most this season…
“I’m happy with the group as a whole. I’m happy with how we’re cohesively coming together, I’m happy with how they're taking the tactics and understanding my expectations and understanding what I want from them in possession of the ball and without possession of the ball. So, I think as a group, we’re collectively going in the right direction. Now, there are a lot of good individual performances within the group, but right now I think it’s about the group heading in the right direction.”

On if there’s been a particular player who has impressed the boss the most this season…
“I’m happy with the group as a whole. I’m happy with how we’re cohesively coming together, I’m happy with how they’re taking the tactics and understanding my expectations and understanding what I want from them in possession of the ball and without possession of the ball. So, I think as a group, we’re collectively going in the right direction. Now, there are a lot of good individual performances within the group, but right now I think it’s about the group heading in the right direction.”

Villyan Bijev

On his overall thoughts on the win against Reno…
“It was a great win on the weekend, a really good result for us moving forward. I think we’re still trying to get in our full stride, normally you have one to two months of preseason before preparing for games. With our current situation, we weren’t able to do that, so we’re making the most out of our situation and I think with each week we’re making strides closer and closer to putting together more and more complete performances which is really exciting for us, that’s what we want to do. So that result we had on the weekend, to show that grit and heart and determination to not give up goals from our whole team – to our backline and our goalkeeper having the shutout was huge. We don’t want teams to come here and get goals.”

On if having played a match against Tacoma was an advantage, given Sunday was Reno’s first since returning to play…
“I think the more practice you have in anything helps you so from that aspect, I think it did, but also, I think we came out with a fire and a grit and a desire to win. We know there’s no fans in the stands, but there were a few fans out on the levee and we know all of our fans are watching at home so for us to be able to get a win against a rival was huge and that kind of pushed us to try a little harder, to work a little harder, give all 100% we could. We had to make subs early because guys aren’t as 100% game fit how we’d like to be but everyone who subbed in made an impact and helped us win the game.”

Jaime Villarreal

On the weekend win over Reno…
“On Sunday I thought we had a really good game as a team as a whole, I thought our attack was on point. We need to be a little bit better at finishing, but I thought we had some good opportunities. And to prepare for this match, I think it’s going to be a difficult match because they’re coming off a good result against San Diego, so we need to be prepared for that. These young kids are going to be flying and eager to play us and trying to a point to the first team that they’re ready for that next step, so we have to be careful and come out with urgency like Sunday.

On the midfield depth SRFC has…
“I think this is probably the best midfield that I’ve been a part of. It’s so competitive, anybody could play at any point. I didn’t start last game and just being able to rotate everybody, that just shows how good the midfield is."

Eder Quintanilla Bolsters Academy Staff as New Academy Director of Talent Identification & U15 Head Coach

Republic FC added Eder Quintanilla to its Academy staff in a dual role — as the new Academy Director of Talent Identification and U15 head coach. Eder joins the staff after spending the last four years with Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes, most recently as head coach of their U19 team. Eder has played an integral role in developing numerous professional players, including Jack Harrison of Leeds United and Oihan Sancet of Athletic Bilbao, amongst others.

“We could not be more excited for Eder to join our club and academy,” Republic FC Academy Director Dennis Sanchez said. “Eder’s character, experience, and expertise will help accelerate our growth as we continue to develop an optimal learning environment for our players to maximize their potential. Most importantly, Eder’s personality aligns with our club’s culture and the values we believe in. With the addition of Eder to our current academy technical staff, we are well positioned for the future.”

“I want to thank Dennis, Todd, Mark, and the entire Sacramento Republic organization for the incredible opportunity,” Eder Quintanilla said. “I could immediately notice their humility and desire to grow as a club, which motivated me to believe in their process and taking the next step in my career. We share the same philosophy and aspire to make Sacramento Republic a reference in player development domestically and internationally. I am excited about the future of the club and what we can accomplish together.

Eder currently holds the Spanish Football Federation UEFA “A” License and U.S. Soccer “A” Senior License. He has also completed the Elite Football Formation License through the partnership of the French Football Federation and Major League Soccer, regarded as the best youth coaching license in the world.

Eder has over 10 years of professional experience coaching and scouting in Spain, Mexico, and United States. Previously, he was the U12 coach and scout in the historic club of the Spanish “La Liga” Athletic Club Bilbao, considered a one of the top development Academy’s in Europe. Eder was also an assistant coach for the prestigious Wake Forest University men’s soccer program.

His professional playing career included time in the Spanish 3rd Division at clubs including Deusto SD SD Indautxu, and SD Erandio. Quintanilla graduated from the University of the Basque Country in 2009 and holds a Master’s degree from INEDI School in Spain. Eder is also fluent in four different languages including Spanish, Basque, English, and French.

GALLERY: #SACvRNO

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Around the Leagues: USL, NWSL, MLS

Now that the United Soccer League Championship is officially in full swing, joining NWSL’s 2020 Challenge Cup and the MLS is Back Tournament, soccer has made its glorious return throughout the country.

Republic FC rounded out the league action over the weekend with a dramatic 1-0 win at home over Reno 1868 FC on Sunday night and took control of the top spot in Group A. The boys in Old Glory Red have another rival lined up for this weekend when SRFC travels to LA Galaxy II on Saturday with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.

The win was the Indomitable Club’s first-ever win over its regional rivals in Sacramento during a Championship fixture and first win on the 2020 league campaign.

Speaking of firsts, LA Galaxy II clashed with a former standout from its MLS parent-club and USMNT legend, Landon Donovan. The former Galaxy star – now Loyal SC’s Head Coach – had his side playing strong heading into Sunday’s match and were unbeaten in their inaugural Championship campaign before falling to Los Dos over the weekend, 1-0.

Leading up to all the weekend action, Orange County SC hosted Phoenix Risings SC as the two Western Conference Group B heavyweights clashed on Thursday night but the bout ended in a 1-1 draw. But it turned out the Western Conference club that provided the most excitement was Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC after pulling off a come-from-behind win on the road against title-defending Real Monarchs. Down 3-1 in the 89thminute, Switchbacks FC scored twice in the dying minutes to earn an emotional point away from home in Group C action.

Competing with Republic FC for the top spot in Group A is Tacoma Defiance with four points from as many matches and the Pacific Northwest club is now hot on the Indomitable Club’s tail after recording an impressive 3-0 win at home over Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday.

As for the rest of weekend play in the west, OKC Energy FC beat Austin Bold FC in Texas 3-1 and Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and San Antonio FC played out a 1-1 draw as both matches were between Group D clubs.

In notable Eastern Conference action – North Carolina FC scored two second half strikes to avenge a 2-0 deficit and escape Tampa Bay with a 2-2 draw against Rowdies, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC trounced Philadelphia Union 2 6-0, Memphis 901 FC bagged an equalizer in extra time on the road to Atlanta United 2 to close out a 2-2 result and a Tyler Blackwood second half strike was all it took for Saint Louis FC to sink Louisville City FC in Kentucky, 1-0.

Alongside Republic FC currently at the summit of each of their respective groups in the Western Conference is Risings FC in Group B, El Paso Locomotive FC lead Group C with an unbeaten 1-0-2 record, and OKC Energy FC are the current leaders in Group D but are level on points with San Antonio FC. As for the East, Indy Eleven are a pristine three wins from three games and control Group E, Pittsburgh lead Group F but Hartford Athletic is level on points with Riverhounds SC, Birmingham Legion FC have an early advantage in Group G from just two fixtures and at the front of the pack in Group H is Tampa Bay Rowdies with seven points from three contests.

The win was the Indomitable Club’s first-ever win over its regional rivals in Sacramento during a Championship fixture and first win on the 2020 league campaign.

NWSL 2020 Challenge Cup

After a round of Quarterfinal contests that featured a trio of penalty shootouts and a massive upset that saw the favorite in the competition bow out in the elite eight as North Carolina Courage were stunned by Portland Thorns FC, 1-0, the 2020 Challenge Cup is on to the Semifinals starting Wednesday morning.

After a 4-0 record in the group stage, Courage were beaten by Thorns FC who march on to play Houston Dash – a side that advanced 3-2 on penalty kicks against Utah Royals after both sides played out a 0-0 draw. Houston and Portland will go head-to-head in the first of two Semifinals on Wednesday at 9:30 am PT at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Another stalemate that went into PKs over the weekend was Sky Blue FC and Washington Spirit. Sky Blue advanced 4-3 on penalties and will take on Chicago Red Stars, another club that needed penalty kicks to advance in the tournament. After yet another 0-0 draw in the Quarters, Chicago managed to prevail 4-3 over OL Reign, securing a spot in the Semis against Sky Blue on Wednesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.

MLS is Back Tournament

The MLS Bubble in Orlando has experienced explosive and electric derbies, riveting last-gasp game winners, golazos galore in the short two-weeks the competition has been in full swing.

With the group stages well under way, some clubs are already beginning to secure their places in the Round of 16 – which start as early as this weekend – such as Orlando City SC, Toronto FC, Columbus Crew SC and San Jose Earthquakes. There’s even a knockout fixture already set in stone for 7:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, July 25 when Philadelphia Union clash with New England Revolution for a spot in the Quarterfinals.

In notable recent action over the weekend – Toronto FC took the first Floridian Canadian Classique over Head Coach Thierry Henry’s Montreal Impact on Friday, 4-3, a Graham Zusi extra time winner lifted Sporting Kansas City to a 3-2 win over Colorado Rapids, and LAFC cruised to a 6-2 victory in El Trafico over LA Galaxy with Diego Rossi firing four goals by the local rival.

While teams have already won their groups outright just like Orlando (Group A), San Jose (Group B), Toronto (Group C) and Columbus (Group E) – a few first place finishes are still up for grabs like in Group D where a win for Minnesota United FC will see the Loons leapfrog Sporting Kansas City for the top spot and Group F where LAFC still have a shot at beating out Portland Timbers for first.

The MLS Bubble in Orlando has experienced explosive and electric derbies, riveting last-gasp game winners, golazos galore in the short two-weeks the competition has been in full swing.