Player Features

In his first season with the Indomitable Club, defender Duke Lacroix was a constant presence—both on and off the pitch. Back for 2022, the New Jersey native will look to build on this year’s campaign and chase his first USL Championship title.

Duke put in work on both ends of the pitch and was an integral part of Republic FC’s best team goal of the season on July 31. At home against New York Red Bulls II, Lacroix followed the play as Darek Formella carried the ball up the field. Formella’s cross found the head of Luis Felipe, who then directed it to Lacroix’s chest at the top of the 18-yard box. With a single touch, Lacroix returned the ball to Felipe’s right foot – setting up the Brazilian’s second goal of the night. The play earned Lacroix a spot on the Week 15 USL Team of the Week Bench, his seventh career Team of the Week selection.

Off the pitch, Duke joined the club’s community investment initiatives without reservation. During Pride Month, he used his platform to support the LGBTQ+ community by partnering with Playing for Pride. He also made regular visits to Natomas-area schools, volunteering with the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center’s after school program.

“Just to be a role model and example for the kids I think is really special and is something that pro athletes – with the platform that we have – should do as often as we can,” he said. He later connected with Special Olympics Northern California, making it out to a training session and later helping with the awards ceremony at the organization’s Regional Showcase.

In his sixth USL season, Duke is sure to stand out as a team leader and formidable opponent on both ends of the field—as well as an ally, advocate, and mentor in the community.

Rafa Jauregui went from a 15-year old kid to a 16-year old pro in 2021, making five first-team appearances across 13 game-day selections in his second season in Old Glory Red.

Following a stint with Republic FC’s U17’s in the MLS NEXT Cup- where he netted a first half score in the semifinals to pull Republic FC back in after a tough start- he went on to earn six straight selections to the match day roster from the start of August into September, a stretch that saw Sacramento drop points just once. He returned to the game day roster for the final match of the season, nearly assisting a Cam Iwasa game winner in stoppage time

It’s worth reminding that Jauregui has three Youth National Team appearances under his belt, giving him critical developmental experience in high-leverage situations. With that in tow and a second professional season learning under Mark Briggs and a squad of knowledgeable, supportive veterans behind him, it’s a matter of when, not if, he breaks out in a big way to contribute to first team success.

Luis Felipe made an instant impression in his return to USL play in 2021, helping lead the Republic FC defense while netting five spectacular scores en route to Team MVP honors. Back for the 2022 season, the Brazilian looks to keep strong a midfield unit that generated ample offensive opportunity while assisting a defensive core that ranked in the top half in the league. 

Felipe was a regular for the Indomitable Club’s 2021 squad, starting 24 matches across 27 appearances and logging 2,000 minutes for the second time in his professional career. He was one of the club’s top contributors throughout the campaign, adding eight scores on the offensive end- nearly two better than the next best man- while rating the highest in defensive actions and as one of the best in passing among returning players.

It wouldn’t take long for the three-year MLS veteran to make an impact with Sacramento, nearly assisting a Cam Iwasa go-ahead score just moments after entering the season opener against LA Galaxy II. He tallied his first assist with the Indomitable Club four matches later on June 2, a performance that also saw him create three scoring opportunities and complete 90 percent of his passing attempts.

Additional contributions on the offensive end earned him league-wide recognition on multiple occasions- something Sacramento will be looking for him to continue as the club strives to improve its attack. On the season, Felipe took home two Goal of the Week awards, four Team of the Week Selections, and had his 35 yard banger on October 2 voted the October Goal of the Month.

Above all, Felipe’s defensive efforts constantly kept Sacramento in games throughout the year. The midfielder led the club in interceptions (51), successful tackles (81), and duels won (233), also finishing tied for second on the squad with nine blocked shots. His all-out effort in every situation made him among the most reliable players on the 2021 squad.

Returning to Sacramento for his second season, Felipe will look to back up his excellent campaign with a second round of impactful performances. His consistent presence should help keep steady the club’s strengths while adjustments are made to improve on weaknesses in the hunt for more USL hardware.

As I’m sitting here reflecting on my time with the club, my mind is racing. There are so many incredible memories and moments that I’ve gotten to experience that it’s hard to really put into words what it has been like. Since the announcement on Monday, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of support and congratulations from so many different people and it has meant the world to me. Each and every message is a constant reminder of how special this team is and the people who support it and I can’t wait to represent the club on the field one last time.

Tonight is the last time you’ll see me on the field, but it is far from the last time you’ll see me. Sacramento will continue to be my home as it always has been. I will continue to be a part of this team and this community as much as I can and will be at plenty of home games to help the boys feel the same support I have felt all these years. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this club and I plan on having a front row seat.

Thank you, Sacramento. For everything. I came back here as a kid fresh out of college and you’ve helped me grow into a man. You’ve done so much to shape who am as a person and have helped me create a life that I am incredibly proud of.

Now let’s go out with a bang.

–     Cam

Throughout Cameron Iwasa’s excellent career in Old Glory Red, the forward has set a number of club records and reached numerous statistical milestones. In a look back at some of his career’s notable moments, some of the most significant come to mind- those that made Iwasa the club’s top record-holder in so many categories.

Throughout Cameron Iwasa’s excellent career in Old Glory Red, the forward has set a number of club records and reached numerous statistical milestones. In a look back at some of his career’s notable moments, some of the most significant come to mind- those that made Iwasa the club’s top record-holder in so many categories.

March 21, 2015

March 21, 2015

Shortly after Sounders FC broke a 1-1 tie in the 70th minute of the 2015 season-opener, Republic FC countered with their first change of the night. Entering for Joaquin Rivas, a 21 year old Cameron Iwasa-then donning the number 14- took the field for the first time as a member of his hometown club, logging 18 minutes in his professional debut.

Shortly after Sounders FC broke a 1-1 tie in the 70th minute of the 2015 season-opener, Republic FC countered with their first change of the night. Entering for Joaquin Rivas, a 21 year old Cameron Iwasa-then donning the number 14- took the field for the first time as a member of his hometown club, logging 18 minutes in his professional debut.

September 24, 2016

September 24, 2016

In an eventful first half that saw the Indomitable Club post three scores en route to a 4-0 victory over Tulsa Roughnecks FC, Iwasa found the net in the 19th minute for his 12th goal of the season. The score tied the club record for goals in season from a single player, which he would go on to break two years later.

In an eventful first half that saw the Indomitable Club post three scores en route to a 4-0 victory over Tulsa Roughnecks FC, Iwasa found the net in the 19th minute for his 12th goal of the season. The score tied the club record for goals in season from a single player, which he would go on to break two years later.

August 25, 2018

August 25, 2018

In an emotional rivalry match with Reno 1868 FC, Iwasa made club history when he opened the scoring just after half to put the Indomitable Club up 1-0 in the Biggest Little City. The forward’s 47th minute score was the 26th of his career with the Indomitable Club- putting him past Rodrigo Lopez to become the top goal-scorer in club history.

In an emotional rivalry match with Reno 1868 FC, Iwasa made club history when he opened the scoring just after half to put the Indomitable Club up 1-0 in the Biggest Little City. The forward’s 47th minute score was the 26th of his career with the Indomitable Club- putting him past Rodrigo Lopez to become the top goal-scorer in club history.

September 8, 2018

September 8, 2018

Not two weeks after taking over as the Club’s all-time scoring leader, Iwasa captured another scoring record when he netted the first of three scores for Sacramento in a win over Sounders FC 2. Cam’s 20th minute strike to break a then scoreless tie was his 13th goal of the season, pulling him away from himself and Rodrigo Lopez to set the club record for goals scored in a season by a single player.

Not two weeks after taking over as the Club’s all-time scoring leader, Iwasa captured another scoring record when he netted the first of three scores for Sacramento in a win over Sounders FC 2. Cam’s 20th minute strike to break a then scoreless tie was his 13th goal of the season, pulling him away from himself and Rodrigo Lopez to set the club record for goals scored in a season by a single player.

August 7, 2019

August 7, 2019

Before a crowd of 10,000+, Iwasa’s appearance against Las Vegas Lights FC marked a very special occasion for the forward. The match marked his 100th career appearance with the club, making him just the third player to reach the century mark in Sacramento after former teammates Emrah Klimenta and James Kiffe.

Before a crowd of 10,000+, Iwasa’s appearance against Las Vegas Lights FC marked a very special occasion for the forward. The match marked his 100th career appearance with the club, making him just the third player to reach the century mark in Sacramento after former teammates Emrah Klimenta and James Kiffe.

June 2, 2021

June 2, 2021

In the first ever meeting between Republic FC and new NorCal rival Oakland Roots SC, Iwasa opened his 2021 scoring account by burying a 60th minute attempt in the near corner. The left-footed strike- one of six goals scored in an exciting contest with the Bay Area side- marked the 50th goal of his career with Sacramento, a milestone only he has reached.  

In the first ever meeting between Republic FC and new NorCal rival Oakland Roots SC, Iwasa opened his 2021 scoring account by burying a 60th minute attempt in the near corner. The left-footed strike- one of six goals scored in an exciting contest with the Bay Area side- marked the 50th goal of his career with Sacramento, a milestone only he has reached.  

When talking about one of the cornerstones of Sacramento Republic FC, it’s difficult to pinpoint Cam Iwasa’s best goals in Old Glory Red. It’s not just his game winners – even though he’s scored 18 of those over his career. It’s the goals that will go down in history for what they meant to Iwasa, the Indomitable Club, and its fans. 

We’ve narrowed it down to five. 

When talking about one of the cornerstones of Sacramento Republic FC, it’s difficult to pinpoint Cam Iwasa’s best goals in Old Glory Red. It’s not just his game winners – even though he’s scored 18 of those over his career. It’s the goals that will go down in history for what they meant to Iwasa, the Indomitable Club, and its fans. 

We’ve narrowed it down to five. 

5. The First Goal – April 2, 2015

5. The First Goal – April 2, 2015

13 days after signing a professional contract with Republic FC and initiating one of the greatest careers in franchise history, a 21-year-old Cam Iwasa opened his scoring account. 

It was the 61st minute at Timbers 2, and Joaquin Rivas had just split two defenders. Rivas stayed on the ball, laid it off to Iwasa to his right and left the rest to the Sacramento native, who connected with his right foot from 15 yards out to put SRFC up 1-0. 

13 days after signing a professional contract with Republic FC and initiating one of the greatest careers in franchise history, a 21-year-old Cam Iwasa opened his scoring account. 

It was the 61st minute at Timbers 2, and Joaquin Rivas had just split two defenders. Rivas stayed on the ball, laid it off to Iwasa to his right and left the rest to the Sacramento native, who connected with his right foot from 15 yards out to put SRFC up 1-0. 

4. The Celebration – October 26, 2019

4. The Celebration – October 26, 2019

The scene was the 2019 Western Conference Quarterfinal in the Donner Pass Derby at Reno 1868 FC. In the 70th minute, a perfectly positioned Iwasa received a ball in the attacking third that he took one clean touch with before booting it into the near post with a right foot and giving Republic FC the 2-1 lead in Nevada. 

The ensuing midair fist pump and team hug at the corner flag topped off the moment.

The scene was the 2019 Western Conference Quarterfinal in the Donner Pass Derby at Reno 1868 FC. In the 70th minute, a perfectly positioned Iwasa received a ball in the attacking third that he took one clean touch with before booting it into the near post with a right foot and giving Republic FC the 2-1 lead in Nevada. 

The ensuing midair fist pump and team hug at the corner flag topped off the moment.

3. Cam Scores No. 50 – August 15, 2020

3. Cam Scores No. 50 – August 15, 2020

Another milestone was checked off an already lengthy bucket list in mid-August of 2020. In the 33rd minute of Sacramento’s late summer fixture with Tacoma, Villyan Bijev streaked down the middle of the pitch with a defender on his heels before laying it off to his left for Iwasa. Iwasa rolled the ball into the back of the net with his right foot and the two shared a celebratory hug in the six-yard box for a 2-0 lead and Iwasa’s 50th career goal in Old Glory Red. 

Another milestone was checked off an already lengthy bucket list in mid-August of 2020. In the 33rd minute of Sacramento’s late summer fixture with Tacoma, Villyan Bijev streaked down the middle of the pitch with a defender on his heels before laying it off to his left for Iwasa. Iwasa rolled the ball into the back of the net with his right foot and the two shared a celebratory hug in the six-yard box for a 2-0 lead and Iwasa’s 50th career goal in Old Glory Red. 

2. Hat Trick Hero – March 24, 2019

2. Hat Trick Hero – March 24, 2019

A beautiful Sunday afternoon in Sacramento called for a beautiful display of class from number 31.

Iwasa opened the scoring against OKC in the 16th minute on a left-footed rocket from outside the box for his second goal on the year, but that was just the start. Five minutes later, a cool, calm and collected Iwasa buried a penalty to the right for goal number two on the day. 

The Sacramento native completed the hat trick in the 27th minute after Mitch Taintor whipped in a ball from the right side of the midfield. Iwasa, dangerously sitting all alone in the 18, took it out of air and one-timed the cross into the opposite corner before celebrating with a back flip. 

A beautiful Sunday afternoon in Sacramento called for a beautiful display of class from number 31.

Iwasa opened the scoring against OKC in the 16th minute on a left-footed rocket from outside the box for his second goal on the year, but that was just the start. Five minutes later, a cool, calm and collected Iwasa buried a penalty to the right for goal number two on the day. 

The Sacramento native completed the hat trick in the 27th minute after Mitch Taintor whipped in a ball from the right side of the midfield. Iwasa, dangerously sitting all alone in the 18, took it out of air and one-timed the cross into the opposite corner before celebrating with a back flip. 

1. Quick Cam – June 18, 2016

1. Quick Cam – June 18, 2016

Talk about putting your laces into it. 

It didn’t take long for Iwasa to record his fourth goal of the season in Republic FC’s June 18, 2016 home match with Rio Grande Valley FC. The forward got on the ball in the midfield and took three long touches with his head up before rocketing a shot from the top of the box off the right post and in. 

Talk about putting your laces into it. 

It didn’t take long for Iwasa to record his fourth goal of the season in Republic FC’s June 18, 2016 home match with Rio Grande Valley FC. The forward got on the ball in the midfield and took three long touches with his head up before rocketing a shot from the top of the box off the right post and in. 

The 28-year-old goalkeeper recently found a way to combine his Mexican and Colombian cultures through food here in Sacramento: “I found a Mexican restaurant that serves Colombian food, including empanadas, which are my favorite.” In fact, food is how Tomas likes to stay connected to his background. “When I’m back in St. Louis with my family, we always find time to go out and get some good Colombian food. And my mom is very good at cooking Colombian beans, which is something that my grandma on my dad’s side made when I was growing up. I try to cook Colombian food too, but it’s never the same as having my family’s cooking, so getting to experience that when I’m back home is very special to me.”

On how he can connect even more with his Mexican and Colombian heritage, Tomas hopes to get better at speaking Spanish: “My dad always watches soccer games in Spanish, so being fluent in Spanish would help me understand the broadcasters better and allow us to connect on a different level. Plus I hope to travel to Colombia and Mexico, so it would be a very helpful thing to learn.”

The 28-year-old goalkeeper recently found a way to combine his Mexican and Colombian cultures through food here in Sacramento: “I found a Mexican restaurant that serves Colombian food, including empanadas, which are my favorite.” In fact, food is how Tomas likes to stay connected to his background. “When I’m back in St. Louis with my family, we always find time to go out and get some good Colombian food. And my mom is very good at cooking Colombian beans, which is something that my grandma on my dad’s side made when I was growing up. I try to cook Colombian food too, but it’s never the same as having my family’s cooking, so getting to experience that when I’m back home is very special to me.”

On how he can connect even more with his Mexican and Colombian heritage, Tomas hopes to get better at speaking Spanish: “My dad always watches soccer games in Spanish, so being fluent in Spanish would help me understand the broadcasters better and allow us to connect on a different level. Plus I hope to travel to Colombia and Mexico, so it would be a very helpful thing to learn.”

Throughout Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, Republic FC will highlight players and staff with Hispanic and Latinx connections. This week, midfielder Emil Cuello talks about connecting to his Argentinian heritage, even when he’s far from home.

Throughout Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, Republic FC will highlight players and staff with Hispanic and Latinx connections. This week, get to know more about goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña, who signed with the club earlier this month after training with Republic FC earlier in the season.

Throughout Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, Republic FC will highlight players and staff with Hispanic and Latinx connections. This week, get to know more about goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña, who signed with the club earlier this month after training with Republic FC earlier in the season.

Mexican Heritage is a significant part of Saldaña’s life. His family moved from Mexico to the United States shortly after he was born, and he spent his youth with a deep connection to his family history. Carlos eventually moved to Mexico, taking advantage of an opportunity to play soccer at the youth, reserve team, and first team levels for Chivas.

For the Saldaña’s, their connection to their Mexican heritage is very important to them. Carlos and his family still speak Spanish at home, something he’s come to cherish as a constant, positive reminder of his parents’ sacrifices and ability to show him the great world of being Mexican-American. 

Mexican Heritage is a significant part of Saldaña’s life. His family moved from Mexico to the United States shortly after he was born, and he spent his youth with a deep connection to his family history. Carlos eventually moved to Mexico, taking advantage of an opportunity to play soccer at the youth, reserve team, and first team levels for Chivas.

For the Saldaña’s, their connection to their Mexican heritage is very important to them. Carlos and his family still speak Spanish at home, something he’s come to cherish as a constant, positive reminder of his parents’ sacrifices and ability to show him the great world of being Mexican-American. 

“I was really able to appreciate it down in Mexico,” he said. “I was fully able to grasp what it means to be Mexican, play on an all-Mexican team, and be proud of my American background as well.”

While playing in Mexico, Carlos was able to bring some of what he liked from his life here in the U.S. to his friends and teammates, as well. Most significantly, the amount of them that wanted to practice or improve their English made him feel a little more at home. He also acknowledged that some of the American music he brought with him was a big hit with some of his teammates, who liked the rock and old-school hip hop music he listened to more than he thought. 

“I was really able to appreciate it down in Mexico,” he said. “I was fully able to grasp what it means to be Mexican, play on an all-Mexican team, and be proud of my American background as well.”

While playing in Mexico, Carlos was able to bring some of what he liked from his life here in the U.S. to his friends and teammates, as well. Most significantly, the amount of them that wanted to practice or improve their English made him feel a little more at home. He also acknowledged that some of the American music he brought with him was a big hit with some of his teammates, who liked the rock and old-school hip hop music he listened to more than he thought. 

“In addition to some of the big artists, a bunch of them really liked Mac Dre, which was both really surprising and fun to see,” he said.

While Carlos isn’t far from home as a native of nearby Vallejo, he’s already come to appreciate the significant Mexican-American community in Sacramento, which celebrates and appreciates its uniqueness in the same loud and proud fashion he’s been accustomed to his whole life. It doesn’t take much for him to go to a restaurant, event, or even a soccer game and be quickly reminded of what things were like both in Mexico and at home growing up. Seeking that out – through any means – is how he stays connected to his past.  

“Feeling that vibe all around is really awesome and taking it in is a big way I connect how things are here in Sacramento to where I’ve been before.”

“In addition to some of the big artists, a bunch of them really liked Mac Dre, which was both really surprising and fun to see,” he said.

While Carlos isn’t far from home as a native of nearby Vallejo, he’s already come to appreciate the significant Mexican-American community in Sacramento, which celebrates and appreciates its uniqueness in the same loud and proud fashion he’s been accustomed to his whole life. It doesn’t take much for him to go to a restaurant, event, or even a soccer game and be quickly reminded of what things were like both in Mexico and at home growing up. Seeking that out – through any means – is how he stays connected to his past.  

“Feeling that vibe all around is really awesome and taking it in is a big way I connect how things are here in Sacramento to where I’ve been before.”