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2022 Player Awards: Maalique Foster’s Panenka Voted Play of the Year

“Big games are for big players,” Maalique Foster once said. And in his second season with Sacramento, the Jamaican proved that he is made for big moments.

With a historic trip to the U.S. Open Cup Final at stake, Foster could have easily buckled in the spotlight when he stepped up to take his penalty in the semifinal shootout with Sporting Kansas City. But instead, he delivered the most memorable moment in this year’s tournament.

The shot, the backflip, the broadcast call – Foster’s Panenka from July 27 has been voted by the team as this year’s Play of the Year.

Not only did the moment send the soldout crowd at Heart Health Park into a frenzy, but it also took the Twitter-sphere by storm. Check out some of the best Tweets:

Compartiendo la Cultura con Otros: How a Spanish Tradition Brought the Indomitable Club Together

Much of the success of this year’s Republic FC squad can be attributed to how the roster has gelled off the pitch. Repeatedly, the unselfish nature, and togetherness of the entire squad has been thrust to the forefront helping the team win tough games. What created that connection between each player came during Palm Springs training camp, when a week outside the typical environment got the team set for the season. It had, and continues to deliver, immense benefit.

From the trials and tribulation of new faces, the moments that bonded the team together on the field, to the traditions that come with training camp – sharing laughs during rookie karaoke to stories over meals, this year’s training camp set the stage for a challenging season. A slice of culture through cuisine was one of the first elements that helped bond the club’s roster, as Republic FC newcomer Keko shared some Spanish traditions with his new teammates while in Palm Springs.

Just weeks after his first trip to the United States to join the team, the Spaniard brought to his teammates not just a revered food item cherished in his home country, but an experience. Jamon Iberico is a rich, expensive Ham that’s dried and cured for up to two years, and only made in a specific region of the world spanning Spain and Portugal. It’s a regional delicacy in its place of origin – one so closely revered that its production is regulated by law – that only made its way to the United States in 2007.

In the team room, thousands of miles away from the typical comforts of home, Keko shared this prized culinary delicacy with his new brothers, slicing paper thin cuts for all to enjoy. From table to table, Keko would provide an appetizer, but also a bit of the history of the ham that is a part of Spanish culture and why it’s so important.

Much more than a taste of home, Keko introduced the values of Spanish society, and his own heritage to the team. The ham wasn’t just about food, but rather enjoying life and all that comes with it – a view shared amongst the populous in his home country.

“It’s our culture in Spain,” he said. “People want to enjoy life. We live to enjoy life, not only for work.”

That mindset has rubbed off on the remainder of the squad, who through the highs and lows of the season has always kept their heads held high and found a way to put a smile on every teammates face. From jokes on the training pitch, to the environment created during games, the Spaniard’s ever-positive demeanor has been a significant part of the clubs collective nature. For Keko, its acceptance has been comforting, and in a way, beautiful.

“I’m happy to here in this beautiful group,” he continued. “We’ve had a good a year, a good season. There are only reasons for being happy.”

That good year and season all started in a team room, as the midfielder delivered a piece of Spain to his club. It broke the ice, allowed the squad to be themselves, experience something new and bond over something special to one of their own. And it continues to as the club makes its final push before the playoffs.

Sacramento’s Tiago Suarez to Join Upcoming U.S. U19 Men’s Youth National Training Camp

Earlier today, U.S. Soccer announced the participants for the upcoming U19 Youth Men’s National Team camp in Carson, California, from July 25th to August 2nd. Seventeen-year-old defender Santiago “Tiago” Suarez, who has spent the 2022 season with Republic FC’s first team on an Academy Contract, will participate in his first national team training camp. Suarez is the only participant in the camp currently on a USL Championship roster, with 21 players coming from MLS clubs.

“Tiago has all the tools necessary to be a successful first-team player – dedicated and hardworking, a great person and a true leader on and off the field,” said Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “At a young age, he’s proven he can compete with professionals and has a bright future ahead of him with our club and on the national level. We’re proud of him and the example he has set for the players throughout the academy.”

Suarez joined Republic FC’s youth development academy in 2016, after previously playing for Blues FC of NorCal Premier. In March after participating in the club’s training camp, the Rocklin native signed a USL Academy Contract making him eligible to compete in league matches. Suarez has been named to Republic FC’s matchday roster three times, most recently on June 18 against LA Galaxy II. He started the club’s final pre-season friendly against Monterey Bay FC and was named to the season-opening matchday selection against El Paso Locomotive FC.

He began the 2021-22 Academy season with the club’s U17 squad, later joining the U19 squad mid-way through the campaign. After moving to the U19s, the defender helped his squad to an unbeaten spring slate including winning group play at the MLS NEXT Flex tournament, first place in the MLS NEXT Northwest Division, and a second consecutive appearance in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.

With his invitation, Suarez becomes the 17th player from Republic FC’s academy system invited to a national team program. Earlier this year, Suarez’s academy teammate JP Cortez was selected to the Guatemala U20 National Team, and U14 forward Chance Cowell joined the Mexico U15 National Team.

Suarez will be available for selection ahead of Saturday’s match against Phoenix Rising FC. Kickoff from Chandler, AZ is set for 7:30 p.m. The match will be broadcast in English and Spanish on FOX40.com and Antenna TV 40.2, as well as streaming on ESPN+. Small Business Showcase Winner At Ease Brewing Company is hosting a Keep The Pint Night watch party this weekend with the Indomitable Club. Join the party in Midtown at 1825 I St., Sacramento, CA 95811 as early as 6:00 p.m. to claim a complimentary pint glass.

Republic FC Players to Throw Out Ceremonial First Pitch at Saturday’s Sacramento River Cats Game

This Saturday, May 21, Republic FC defender Lee Desmond and midfielder Rodrigo Lopez will join the Sacramento River Cats ahead of their matchup with the Tacoma Rainers. Before the contest, Sacramento’s captains will each throw out the ceremonial first pitch as a part of the festivities on the club’s Salute to Armed Forces night.

First pitch for Saturday’s River Cats game is scheduled for 6:37 p.m, and at the game, fans can participate in the club’s Military Jersey Auction for a chance to win special team gear. Tickets to the game are available at RiverCats.com/tickets, and a special Saturday Night Firework show will follow the final out.

Republic FC returns to the pitch on Wednesday, May 25, when the club welcomes Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes to Heart Health Park in one of the biggest matches in club history. Sacramento remains one of 16 teams remaining in the nation’s longest running soccer tournament, and the historic match is the first time that Republic FC will host a Round of 16 match in U.S. Open Cup play. As a part of the festivities, fans can enjoy select $2 Beers, Soda, and water. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets and the contest will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Republic FC’s Rodrigo Lopez Named to USL Championship’s Week 4 Team of the Week

Sacramento, Calif. – On Tuesday, the USL Championship announced Republic FC’s Rodrigo Lopez was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 4 for his performance in the club’s 2-1 home victory against Monterey Bay FC at Heart Health Park.

Sacramento’s captain netted his second goal of the season for Republic FC in the 78th minute, breaking a stalemate between Sacramento and Monterey from the penalty spot. After Duke Lacroix was taken down in the penalty area, Lopez stepped up for the attempt and converted to put Republic FC up 1-0. The midfielder also finished the contest second on the squad with three shots and tallied a match-high four chances created. He nearly assisted two scores early in the first half, but a pair of well-placed crosses played into his teammates were stopped by the visitor’s backline.

This week’s honor is Lopez’s 15th career selection to Team of the Week. He last earned the honor in Week 1 after scoring his 30th career goal in USL Championship play in Sacramento’s home opener. He earned four selections to the league’s Best 18 in 2021 with Rio Grande Valley FC.

Thursday, Republic FC re-enter the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – U.S. Soccer’s annual national championship tournament open to all amateur and professional teams. Sacramento will face off with USL League Two side Portland Timbers U-23; Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. from Heart Health Park, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets.

Sacramento’s J.P. Cortez Selected to Guatemala U-20’s

Earlier this week, Republic FC Academy forward J.P. Cortez was extended an official invitation to the Guatemala U-20 Men’s National Team camp for the March 27 – April 2 training cycle.

The 18-year-old forward has featured for Sacramento’s U19 squad in each of the last two seasons. In 2021, he helped his team reach the MLS NEXT Cup semifinals, appearing in all four of the squad’s matches. This season, Cortez has appeared in 15 matches in league and tournament play, scoring four goals. His performance landed him a USL academy contract earlier this month, allowing him to train and compete with the first-team squad without forgoing his amateur status for the second straight year after earning his first Academy Contract last July.

“The club is extremely proud of J.P. for this very special invitation,” said Academy Head Coach Eder Quintanilla. “It’s not a surprise to see another academy player from our club get a tremendous opportunity to showcase their talent at the next level or on the international stage.”

Cortez joined Republic FC’s Academy in 2019 from North Coast FC. His invitation makes him the 34th player from Sacramento’s academy system to receive an invite to a national team program.

Three Republic FC Players Selected for USL Championship Team of the Week

Sacramento, Calif. – On Tuesday, the USL Championship announced Republic FC’s Douglas Martínez Jr., Rodrigo Lopez, and Ferrety Sousa were named to the Week 1 USL Championship Team of the Week for their performance during the club’s 3-1 win over El Paso Locomotive FC in the season opener on March 12.  

Martínez netted the eventual game-winner for Republic FC with five minutes remaining. The Honduran striker finished the night with two shots, 12 duels won, and one assist on Keko Gontan’s 90th minute score. Sousa was excellent on the backline, finishing Saturday second on the squad in clearances (4), interceptions (3), and passing accuracy (83%). He also tallied his first assist on the season, sending a well-placed long ball ahead to Martínez for the forward’s goal in the 85th minute.

Lopez was named to Team of the Week for his performance in Republic FC’s midfield. Sacramento’s captain got his club on the board just before the break, converting a penalty for his 30th career score in USL Championship play. He finished the contest successful in 9 of 13 duels, and second on the squad in completed passes (26).

The selection is the seventh all-time for Martínez, first for Sousa, and 14th for Lopez. Martínez previously earned the honor six times during the 2019 season with Real Monarchs SLC, and Lopez previously earned 9 selections in his first stint with Sacramento, and four last year with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

Republic FC is back in action this weekend when the club heads south for their second match of the season against San Diego Loyal SC. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. from Torero Stadium, and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, on FOX40.com and the FOX 40 App, and streamed live on ESPN+.

Republic FC Represented in League’s “Top 10” for Each Position Heading Into Opening Night

Heading into opening weekend, USL Championship has been giving fans a glimpse into the some of the exciting things expected for the 2022 season – including a list of the top players to watch in each position and the first round of Power Rankings. The Boys in Old Glory Red were well-represented throughout the week, with one player recognized in each category, as well as a top 10 ranking for the entire squad.

To kick it off, Sacramento newcomer Danny Vitiello was named among the league’s best goalkeepers. The 2020 Golden Glove winner signed with the Indomitable Club at the end of 2021 after earning the starting spot with Pittsburgh Riverhounds midway through 2020 and maintaining a fantastic record through last season. USL’s Nicholas Murray writes, “Vitiello has recorded a save percentage of 72.7 percent as well as 14 shutouts…A full season with that level of play in goal should provide a major boost to a Republic FC side that has reloaded its squad in anticipation of serious title challenge.”

For the defenders, it was Irishman and second year Republic FC player, Dan Casey, who stood out to Murray. Not only did Casey lead the team in clearances and blocked shots in 2021, but he was also one of the best center backs across the league. Murray explains, “[Casey’s] cumulative performance saw him rank second among center backs in Goals Added Above Replacement at +5.17 according to American Soccer Analysis.”

No list of the league’s top midfielders would be complete without Rodrigo Lopez, who returns for his third stint with Sacramento. The USL veteran was called upon last year to lead Rio Grande Valley FC on the field and in the locker room – and helped deliver the Toros to their first playoff berth since 2017. At 34-years old, Lopez proved that he is still one of the league’s best midfielders, adding six goals, six assists, and an exciting energy that he expects to continue in Sacramento this season.

Rounding out the list of Republic FC’s players earning league-wide recognition was forward Douglas Martinez Jr. “Douglas is a game-changer who has all the tools along with a championship pedigree,” explained Republic FC’s President & General Manager Todd Dunivant earlier this year. And it looks like Murray agrees, writing “A centerpiece for Real Monarchs SLC in its drive to claiming the 2019 Championship title, Martinez has averaged a goal every 161.8 minutes…with a supporting cast that can provide him the chances he’ll need consistently to deliver, the potential for an even bigger 2022 campaign than the one he produced three years ago is on the cards.”

Power Rankings

Not only is Sacramento expected to have a stand out player in each position, but Murray expects the entire squad to perform well this year, giving the Boys in Old Glory Red a 9th place spot in the league’s Power Rankings heading into Week 1. As for why Republic FC fans should be excited for this upcoming season, Murray explains it best, writing, “The overhaul conducted on Republic FC’s roster was filled with major moves, all of which look really strong on paper. Saturday’s visit from El Paso Locomotive FC should be appointment viewing and could be the start of something big at Heart Health Park this season.”

Sacramento’s 9th season kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, March 12 at Heart Health Park when Republic FC hosts El Paso Locomotive FC. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are still available. The match will be broadcast live on 40.2 Antenna TV in English and Spanish, as well as streaming live on the Fox40 mobile app, on smart televisions and through FOX40.com. The match will also be available on ESPN+.

The Squad in Camp: Meet Sacramento’s Forwards

Ahead of the season, follow along as we profile each positional group for some perspective on the faces that make up Republic FC’s roster.

Improving the attacking unit was one of Sacramento’s biggest goals this offseason. On paper, they achieved it, securing the services of a few notable names with an impressive history of putting the ball in the back of the net. Each player has their own unique style, but they’ll be trusted to produce from the start regardless of what role they play. Ahead of the season, take a look at the four strikers that will open the season up top:

Douglas Martinez Jr.

Like the other three players on this list, Martinez comes to Sacramento with a history of dominating play, and experience representing his country in international competitions.

The Honduran is a championship-caliber striker capable of leading a team, much like he did during the back half of last season on a loan with San Diego Loyal SC. His physical attributes speak for themselves – he’s a tall, strong body capable of hanging with any defender, and he has the aggression to match. He’s been quite the game changer in the past, delivering in some big moments when his club needed it most, both during the regular season and in win-or-go-home playoff competitions.

Maalique Foster

Even though he only played half a season in 2021, Foster gave everyone who watches the Indomitable Club a glimpse of what he’s capable of. His blazing speed and ability to put defenders on their heels at a moment’s noticed changed drastically how Republic FC played. He terrorized opponents weekly in September and October, to the point where he finished as the squad’s leader in expected goals per 90 minutes.

“Maalique is an absolute lightning bolt,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He’s a player we feel can produce a lot on the front line – he did a lot for us last season and should do it again this year.”

Zeiko Lewis

The Bermudan may be Sacramento’s biggest acquisition of the entire offseason, which includes players with experience in top European leagues. Throughout his career, he’s demanded attention in the attacking third, impacting the game with regularity even when he isn’t the one making the final touch.

“Lewis is a guy who can deliver balls really well,” Republic FC play-by-play broadcaster Rob McAllister back in January. He has some national team experience, and he knows what it takes to get it done and knows the level that you have to play at to be successful.”

Lewis was one of the most productive offensive players in all of USL last season, finishing in the top 10 in chances created (59) and as one of just four players with double-digit assists. He was named Charleston Battery’s team MVP, and earlier this offseason was even honored as one of the best Caribbean players currently competing in the U.S.

Luther Archimède

After missing part of the USL season last year representing Guadeloupe at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Archimède proved his worth for his club as the second half of the year went on. He appeared in all but one of New York’s matches from mid-August to the end of the year and showed flashes of excellence – netting three scores and appearing in all but two of matches for New York Red Bulls II from mid-August onward.

That production was just part of the reason New York’s MLS side took the Syracuse Orange star with the 17th overall pick in last year’s MLS SuperDraft. His sky-high potential could give any club a dangerous weapon capable of wreaking havoc on opposing backlines. The French national has shown a great ability to finish, and is very physical on the attack allowing him to gain position one-on-one with opposing backs. Those tools are what made Sacramento so excited about him, and utilizing them to benefit both the club and his development on the pitch this season will be a big focus.

The Squad in Camp: Meet Sacramento’s Midfielders – Pt. 2

Ahead of the season, follow along as we profile each positional group for some perspective on the faces making up Republic FC’s roster

This past offseason, Republic FC’s midfield unit easily was the most significantly bolstered on paper. As the season draws closer, take a look at the final four players that’ll man the middle for Sacramento this coming season. Check out Part 1 here.

Mario Penagos

Penagos shined in his sophomore season, proving he belonged at the professional level by leading all past or present academy players in appearances and match-day selections.

Entering his third pro season, things won’t get any easier for the youngster, who will now fight for minutes with a number of established veterans. But a challenge has never fazed the midfielder, and he’ll be ready to continue proving what Sacramento’s youth products are capable of both off the bench and in the starting XI. He’s faced off with some of the USL’s best in each of the last two seasons, and broke out in 2021, appearing in 21 matches and notching two assists. 

Rodrigo Lopez

Sacramento put a smile on the face of the fans in January when they announced the acquisition of one of the club’s most storied players.  Coming over in a transfer from Rio Grande Valley, 2022 will mark Rodrigo Lopez’s third stint with the club and his second in three seasons. The 33 year-old has already proved he’s got plenty left in the tank – since returning to the United States in 2020, also with Republic FC, he’s been as reliable as ever. He led his club to the Western Conference semifinals in 2021, and before then appeared in all but one match, tallied a career-high for minutes in a season with just over 2,300, and notched six goals and six assists. He’s led the charge thus far in training camp for Sacramento, most recently scoring three times in two scrimmage matches.

“I’m excited to be back for another stint with this club,” Lopez told The Breakaway in February. “I feel like some of the vibes coming into this season have been excellent, and the group we have is really strong both on the pitch and off it.”

Rafa Jauregui

Coming off his second professional season, the 17 year-old is in a really good spot to continue his development as a first-team caliber player.

Jauregui proved he could hang with established pros again in 2021. He may only have appeared nine times, but that number appears ready to rise in 2022, especially with what he’s shown in training this preseason alongside a squad full of established playmakers and decorated vets. The sky remains the limit for the academy product, and Mark Briggs technical staff remains excited about his potential, even with a tough schedule ahead this coming season.

Nick Ross

Ross’s signing with Republic FC may have flown under the radar when it was announced. But on the pitch, Sacramento is getting a stalwart from one of the league’s strongest sides the past three seasons in El Paso. The midfielder didn’t miss a match in 2021- starting 26 of 32 contests and coming off the bench in the remainder. While his stat line may not blow you away, his contributions elsewhere was a big reason his club scored the sixth-most goals in the league and was the best in the business in passing and distribution. He completed nearly 90% of his passing attempts, and created 35 chances on the year – good for second on his club.

Upon his signing, Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant echoed those same attributes. “Nick is a strong box to box midfielder who can make a difference anywhere on the field,” he said. “He’s going to bring a lot of leadership and experience to our organization this coming season.”

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