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Player Features

Welcome to the 916: Get to Know Jonathan Ricketts

The Basics

  • Jersey Number: 17
  • Position: Defender
  • Most Recent Club: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
  • Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • College: Bryan College

On the Pitch

  • Earned 3 selections to the USL Championship Team of the Week in 2023
  • Ranked 2nd among league’s defenders with 210 duels won in 2023
  • Featured in each of RGV’s 9 clean sheets in 2023

In His Own Words

What are you most excited for this season?

Challenging myself and pushing for a championship with this great club and its incredible fans!

Who’s your favorite all-time soccer player?

Ronaldinho 🐐 🇧🇷

What’s your most memorable soccer moment?

Opponents cutting the lights when I scored

How do you like to start your day?

Hot tea, reading, and of course – football

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Entraña steak 🥩 🍽️

What’s your favorite snack?

Any kind of fruit

Hungry Dog GIF

What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Belize 🇧🇿

Off the pitch, Ricketts is an avid videographer, often capturing his travels around the world.

Welcome to the 916: Get to Know Trevor Amann

The Basics

  • Jersey Number: 7
  • Position: Forward
  • Most Recent Club: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One)
  • Hometown: Westminster, Colorado
  • College: Colorado School of Mines, Midwestern State University

On the Pitch

  • Holds the record for most USL League One goals in a regular season (23)
  • 2023 USL League One Player of the Year
  • 2023 USL League One All-League First Team
  • 2023 USL League One Golden Boot
  • 2021 NPSL Championship Man of the Match (Denton Diablos FC)

In His Own Words

What’s your favorite goal you’ve scored at any level?

My 2nd away goal at Madison last year.

Who’s your favorite all-time soccer player?

Lionel Messi or Robert Lewandowski

Who’s had the biggest impact on you as an athlete?

Pretty much every coach I’ve ever had. It’s tough to single just one of them out.

Outside of soccer, what’s your favorite sport you like to watch?

Basketball and hockey.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve met?

Marcelo Balboa 🇦🇷🇺🇸

If your friends could describe you in 3 words, what would they be?

Easygoing

Generous

Reliable

What’s your favorite cereal?

Lucky Charms 🍀🌈🦄

What’s your favorite snack?

Chips & queso

What’s your most used emoji?

❤️

Republic FC Forward Da’vian Kimbrough Called Up to Mexico U-15 Youth National Team

  • First selection to a national team roster
  • Made first team debut with Republic FC on October 1, becoming the youngest American player to appear in a competitive match
  • Seven goals in ten appearances for the club’s academy squads this season

Sacramento, Calif. – The Mexican Football Federation has announced that Republic FC forward Da’vian Kimbrough (pronunciation: Day-vee-Ahn Kimm-broh) has been selected to its U-15 Youth National Team roster for the 2023 Football Federations Cup tournament in Albir, Spain from December 1 to December 11. The invitation marks Kimbrough’s first selection to a National Team squad.

“As Da’vian’s development has continued, he’s repeatedly proven his ability to play at a high level with our academy and first team,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We wish him well as he embarks on a tremendous opportunity to continue his growth in another challenging environment.”

Kimbrough’s selection to El Tri’s U-15 side comes following two invitations to U-16 training camp in September and October. In joining the squad, he continues to compete with older players, as he does in Academy and First Team training and competition with Republic FC. He is the first Republic FC player called to a youth national team since last fall, when fellow first-team signee Blake Willey was selected to the United States’ U-16 roster for its trip to the 2022 edition of the tournament.

The 13-year-old forward joined Republic FC’s first team earlier this year after two seasons in the club’s academy system. On October 1, he became the youngest American player to debut in a competitive match when he came off the bench in his club’s 2-0 win over Las Vegas Lights FC in USL Championship play. Since the end of the first team season, Kimbrough has continued his development with the club’s Academy squads, scoring seven goals in ten appearances with the club’s U-15 and U-16 teams, including a game-winner for the U-15’s on November 18 against MLS side Portland Timbers.

Republic FC’s youth academy continues to be well represented in Youth National Team Programs. On November 15, eleven members of the club’s youth system were identified as top players in Northern California, receiving invitations to the U.S. YNT Regional ID Center in San Jose, which serves as a stepping-stone to YNT call ups. U-17 Head Coach and Director of Talent Identification Ivan Mirkovic recently joined the United States U-15 National Team Coaching staff for an international tournament in Lisbon, Portugal, becoming the second active Republic FC coach in as many years to serve on a national team staff.

Welcome to Sacramento: Trevor Amann’s Top Scores From 2023

Earlier this week, Republic FC made its first addition to the squad for the 2024 season, bringing in USL League One Player of the Year Trevor Amann from Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. A proven scorer through two professional seasons, Amann not only claimed the League One Golden Boot with his 23 regular season goals, but his 27 goals across all competitions ranked among the most of any professional player in the United States.  

With the Colorado native set to come westward, have a look at some of his top strikes from 2023.

For the season, Amann was one of the most dangerous players in League One through the air, with six headed goals. The first two scores here highlight that effort, as he rises above the entire Knoxville and Omaha backlines – not easy for any striker in a crowded penalty area expecting service. For contrast, the 2023 USL Championship leader in aerial scores netted just four by way of the header.

His ability to make an impact more than once throughout a game was a constant factor for his squad. For the year, he tallied eight multi-score games – something never accomplished in the history of even the USL Championship – with seven braces and one hat trick. Further, his longest scoring drought was only three games.

In addition, a deadly left foot, strong play in space, and one of the best conversion rates of any attacker in USL at 22% always serves players well. Highlighted here by goals against North Carolina FC and Forward Madison, Amann takes advantage of every inch provided to him by the opposing backline, before putting untouchable shots by the keeper each time. Against Union Omaha, a 30+ yard attempt went cleanly into the net as he caught the keeper off his line.

CONCACAF Nations League Roundup: Archimède, Lewis Feature for National Team Squads

This past week has seen a wealth of international football fixtures take place during the first international window of 2023. Here in North America, the Concacaf Nations League held its final matchdays ahead of the 2022-23 iteration’s final stages this summer – with Republic FC’s Luther Archimède and Zeiko Lewis participating for their respective nations.  

Last Thursday, Archimède saw his first international action since Summer 2021 at the Concacaf Gold Cup, logging 10 minutes off the bench for Guadeloupe as they took on Antigua and Barbuda. The forward started and logged 90 minutes in his squad’s second contest Sunday, a 1-0 defeat to Cuba as Guadeloupe earned qualification for the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer.

Lewis started both contests for his home nation of Bermuda, tallying one shot and complete 78% of his passes Saturday in a 2-0 loss to Guyana. Tuesday against Haiti, he assisted his squad’s lone score – chipping over the top for forward Jai Bean in the 75th minute – while intercepting twice.

Both players will return to Republic FC later this week ahead of the club’s Saturday clash with Louisville City FC on Saturday, April 1. They’ll be ready to contribute immediately – despite two weeks away, they’ll be in form and confident after training constantly and taking on some of North America and the Caribbeans’ best. Their participation should benefit them and the club as Sacramento takes on each of the 2022 USL Championship title game participants the next two weeks.

Saturday’s kick off from Heart Health Park is set for 7:00 p.m. Tickets are still available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets, and the match will be broadcast live on FOX40, Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+.  

Ready for 2023: Big-Impact Potential at No. 9 Position

Republic FC’s front line enters the 2023 season a talented unit, full of potential. Two of three players return to the squad, while one addition bolsters the group from overseas. As the club enters its 10th season, the strikers will be counted on to convert the slew of opportunities the midfield is sure to create and find the net.

Douglas Martínez

Throughout last season, Martinez reminded fans and opponents he’s always capable of impacting the game.  One of the league-leaders in fast break opportunities (7), he, was one of the best at breaking lines to find free space, and distributed well to the tune of 26 chances created. He scored five times in league play, in addition to an result-sealing score late in the Open Cup Round of 32, and was named a nominee for March Player of the Month after a stellar start to the season.

He still possesses the pedigree that earned him a collection of national team caps for Honduras, 22 appearances in Major League Soccer across three seasons and a four-score game all before his 25th birthday. With a boosted supporting cast, his capabilities could easily shine further – hopefully with greater consistency to help his club become one of the best attacking squads in USL.

Luther Archimède

In 30 league matches last season, the Guadeloupe international was the league’s 5th most frequently used substitute. Archimède came off the bench 25 times to help boost Sacramento’s attack and frequently pushed opposing defenders to their limits, allowing him to impact the result even if he didn’t find the back of the net. Even still, he netted five scores for the year – including two eventual winners – and assisted three more while logging 1,000 minutes for the first time in his young career.

Entering this season just 23 years old, Archimède is primed to take the next step especially with the combination of size, strength and speed he brings. A strong start would boost his confidence in a tremendous way, and possibly unlock a player that has immense potential. His second season with the Quails could be a big one if he earns additional minutes and takes advantage of his opportunities.

Sebastian Herrera

Herrera signed just last week, bringing the striker to the United States for the first time from his native Colombia. An 11-year veteran of the professional level at just 28 years old, he’s a proven finisher with a 20-score campaign, 83 career goals, and six seasons of top-flight football under his belt. He could make a splash in his first foray in the American game especially with his ability to find the net in any way, be it through the air or with his strong right foot.

Especially in recent years, the forward has been a prolific scorer. In 2019 he was electric, scoring 24 times in 39 matches with Colombian club Cortuluá. The following season, he earned a contract in the Ecuadorian top-tier with Macará, where he scored 11 times. Even when he doesn’t find the net he demands defenders’ attention, both in the run of play and in set piece opportunities.

Ready for 2023: Wide Forwards Pose Threats at Every Spot

Read up on the other three wide-playing attackers on Republic FC’s roster here

Sacramento’s wide attacking threats enter 2023 a similar unit to that of last season. A combination of veterans and youth make for a versatile group, All six players, regardless of the role they play, will be counted on throughout the year to create chances and convert when opportunities arise.

Rodrigo Lopez

When Lopez returned to Sacramento after spending 2021 with Rio Grande Valley FC, few could have expected what the club’s talisman would bring to the pitch. Sacramento’s captain had a strong campaign, earning All-League First Team designation, becoming the club’s all-time assists leader, and creating the eighth-most chances in the entire league (65). His performances netted him the U.S. Open Cup Player of the Tournament honor from TheCup.US, Team MVP, and the league’s August Player of the Month award.

He led the way for the squad as they ventured through the highs and lows of the season. In 2023, more lofty expectations will be placed on the club’s first ever signing. He’ll continue to lead his club on the pitch, be relied upon to deliver when it’s needed most, and support his teammates like he already does day-to-day.

Rafa Jauregui

In his second pro season and third with the first team, Jauregui made a jump in his development. He tripled his appearances total from a season ago – featuring 12 times as compared to four in 2021 – and logged over twice the minutes (526) he did in the previous two seasons combined (227). His most memorable moment came June 18, when he netted his first professional score against LA Galaxy II. The youngster earned a spot in the matchday roster in big games throughout the season, including the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match at home against the San Jose Earthquakes, Semifinal against Sporting Kansas City and first-round playoff match against New Mexico United.

Progress from the youngster is inevitable this coming season, especially as he continues to work hard and learn from surrounding veterans. Additional big moments like his first career score appear to be on the horizon. The coaching staff, and his teammates all see his immense potential for the future.

Keko

Keko made a great impression in his first season in the U.S. from Spain, ranking among the club’s leaders in every offensive category. After tallying his first score on opening night, he followed with four more throughout the year, and finished the year second on the club in total shots (36) and assists (4). He created more scoring opportunities for his team (37) than only two other players.

His La Liga background translated well to the American game, where his poise on the ball helped him work through tight spaces and open up windows to pass or shoot few other players can. Because of those attributes, the Spaniard will again be a threat for the Boys in Old Glory Red this coming season. Especially having now adjusted to what he’ll encounter, he’s set for what could be a big campaign.

Ready for 2023: Wide Forwards Strengthened With Key Addition

Read up on the other three wide-playing attackers on Republic FC’s roster here

Republic FC’s attacking core was one of the league’s best in creating opportunities and putting pressure on their foes in 2022. Bolstered with a new addition, Sacramento’s already deep attacking unit could see every player make an impact in 2023 while they continue to do just that. Three players round out the wide-playing forwards for Mark Briggs’ roster, with eyes on a big season.

Russell Cicerone

Upon his acquisition Cicerone was welcomed to Sacramento with open arms, and as an exciting get for the Indomitable Club. His pedigree speaks for itself – he’s been one of the league’s best the past two seasons – and already has fans excited to watch him play in 2023. He fits right into the club’s system that generates chances in all forms and scores in a variety of ways, and possesses tremendous instincts that should pair well with the club’s creative midfield. He joins Republic FC coming off of two stellar campaigns with Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Eastern Conference.

From 2021-2022 he scored 31 goals, tied for second in the league during that timeframe, and recorded 14 assists. However, what stood out most was his efficiency – among the league’s top scorers during that timeframe, he posted the best conversion rate at 26.7%. The closest runner up bagged 12 fewer goals and played in half as many matches.

Zeiko Lewis

Lewis appeared in 25 league contests for Sacramento in 2022, starting eight and substituting in 17. He was excellent when he featured, helping Sacramento in crucial matches down the stretch even if bouts with injury limited his minutes. He netted two scores on the year, one of which came against his former club on July 30 – a big league win to help Republic on its quest for the playoffs, and another in the U.S. Open Cup Second Round against Portland Timbers U23.

From the start, Lewis will battle for minutes in what’s likely to be a competitive season between the players up top. But a healthy campaign could easily return the form he showed in his ten-assist 2021 with Charleston, when he was voted his club’s most valuable player. At his best, he’s capable of being one of the league’s most dangerous in the offensive half.

Mario Penagos

2023 will mark Penagos’ fourth pro season since signing out of the club’s academy. He spent part of 2022 on loan to FC Cincinnati 2, where he gained crucial experience in a MLS training environment. The 20-year old academy product appeared 14 times for the Ohio side, logged 159 minutes and netted his second career goal on August 22 against Toronto FC II – then an equalizing score in the 79th minute.

He’ll compete for minutes in 2023, but the players that Sacramento possesses around him stand to make him better. The homegrown product still has plenty of potential to make an impact with his hometown side – don’t forget, he logged over 1,000 minutes and appeared in 20 contests for the club in 2021.

In for 2023: Russell Cicerone’s Top Strikes

Republic FC’s first acquisition of the offseason turned heads, bringing a bona-fide scorer to the River City for the club’s 10th season. In each of the last two campaigns, the Michigan native led his club in goals, posing a constant offensive threat in part due to excellent instincts and an accurate right foot.  Ahead of Russell Cicerone’s first season in Old Glory Red, check out the forward’s top strikes of 2022.

October 29 v Louisville City FC

His second score of the night put the Hounds up 2-0 entering the second half as they threatened to upset the league’s top squad in the Conference Semifinal round. Moving aggressively to fill space and create an opportunity forced the ball his way.

April 23 v Atlanta United 2

Even with a 3-0 advantage late, his club continued to push for more. Here, Cicerone perfectly times his run to stay onside, before staying calm through traffic to perfectly curl a shot around the goalkeeper and inside the right post.

July 1 v New York Red Bulls II

The forward’s second goal of the evening against New York capped off a memorable contest. Marking the first brace of the season, and the fourth multi-goal effort of his USL career, a decisive finish gave Pittsburgh a 3-0 result that kicked off a seven match unbeaten run in which he scored six times.

September 4 v Loudoun United FC

A perfectly placed shot seldom gives goalkeepers a chance. That’s what Cicerone achieved here, after providing a great passing window for his teammate to find him in stride.

August 6 v Indy Eleven

Early on in a road contest at Indy Eleven, Cicerone got his club on the board with his head. Lunging forward for a net-splashing score earned him the first of two goals he’d put in before being lifted ahead of the hour mark.

2022 Player Awards: Rodrigo Lopez Voted Team MVP

Team Captain, USL Championship All-League First Team, U.S. Open Cup leader in goals and assists – and now, Rodrigo Lopez has been voted Republic FC’s Team MVP for the 2022 season.

In addition to his 7 goals, 8 assists, and 59 chances created in the regular season – all a team-best—the 35-year-old veteran also hit several career milestones during the campaign, including:

  • 50th career goal
  • 300th career appearance
  • 100th appearance for Republic FC
  • 50th career assist – now Sacramento’s all-time assist leader

His leadership and standout performances earned recognition throughout the league all season long – including a 2nd career All-League First-Team selection, August Player of the Month award, and six selections to the USL Championship Team of the Week.

Even more impressively, he accomplished all of that in a season that saw Sacramento compete in two separate competitions. In the club’s historic run to the U.S. Open Cup Final, RoRo led the tournament with 4 goals and 4 assists. And his game-winning penalty to down MLS side Sporting Kansas City in the Semifinals will go down as one of the greatest moments in Republic FC history.

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