Team News

Every year, Cameron Iwasa sets a sensational club record or accomplishes an impressive career feat – and when the 2021 USL Championship rolls around, all fans will be fixated on what the Sacramento native will accomplish next in an Old Glory Red kit. 

Every year, Cameron Iwasa sets a sensational club record or accomplishes an impressive career feat – and when the 2021 USL Championship rolls around, all fans will be fixated on what the Sacramento native will accomplish next in an Old Glory Red kit. 

The Jesuit High School graduate will be entering his sixth season with the Indomitable Club on the heels of a campaign that saw the striker score his 50th career goal during league play. Iwasa joined an elite group of eleven – including himself – who have hit the half century mark. The individual accomplishment is a testament to his focus on being the best possible professional and role model he can be. 

The Jesuit High School graduate will be entering his sixth season with the Indomitable Club on the heels of a campaign that saw the striker score his 50th career goal during league play. Iwasa joined an elite group of eleven – including himself – who have hit the half century mark. The individual accomplishment is a testament to his focus on being the best possible professional and role model he can be. 

Leadership, confidence and an actions-speak-louder-than-words mentality all seep through Iwasa’s pours. His tireless worth ethic is infectious and when he speaks, the squad listens.

Iwasa’s impressive career in the league was celebrated when he scored his 50th and in the days that followed, USL Championship’s Nicholas Murray published a glowing piece on the striker’s successes over the years. Murray heaped praise on the forward when he wrote ‘Iwasa’s progression as a player has seen him go from a cocky rookie who had to quickly adapt to becoming one of the best goalscorers in the Championship’s history, gaining the respect of his peers in the process’. 

Leadership, confidence and an actions-speak-louder-than-words mentality all seep through Iwasa’s pours. His tireless worth ethic is infectious and when he speaks, the squad listens.

Iwasa’s impressive career in the league was celebrated when he scored his 50th and in the days that followed, USL Championship’s Nicholas Murray published a glowing piece on the striker’s successes over the years. Murray heaped praise on the forward when he wrote ‘Iwasa’s progression as a player has seen him go from a cocky rookie who had to quickly adapt to becoming one of the best goalscorers in the Championship’s history, gaining the respect of his peers in the process’. 

Another element of Iwasa’s game that makes him so dangerous is his ability to play multiple positions in the attack. There no question he can lead the front line, hold up the ball for possession as his teammates march forward, and punish defenses with a poacher’s mentality. Iwasa can also play behind the number nine and assist the midfield unit in transition or line up on either wing to create scoring opportunities through his pinpoint distribution – when he’s not pouncing on loose balls in the box and finding the back of the net. 

On top of the three goals and two assists Iwasa contributed during the shortened season in 2020, the striker also created 16 scoring chances on the campaign – fifth best on the squad. 

Another element of Iwasa’s game that makes him so dangerous is his ability to play multiple positions in the attack. There no question he can lead the front line, hold up the ball for possession as his teammates march forward, and punish defenses with a poacher’s mentality. Iwasa can also play behind the number nine and assist the midfield unit in transition or line up on either wing to create scoring opportunities through his pinpoint distribution – when he’s not pouncing on loose balls in the box and finding the back of the net. 

On top of the three goals and two assists Iwasa contributed during the shortened season in 2020, the striker also created 16 scoring chances on the campaign – fifth best on the squad. 

He’s made his mark on the league and the Sacramento soccer scene, but the local star continues to strive for more glory. 

He’s made his mark on the league and the Sacramento soccer scene, but the local star continues to strive for more glory. 

Republic FC Central Midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu added a physical element the Indomitable Club’s defense in his first season in Sacramento. Back for 2021, the New England native will look to build on this season’s abbreviated campaign and chase championship silverware. 

Republic FC Central Midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu added a physical element the Indomitable Club’s defense in his first season in Sacramento. Back for 2021, the New England native will look to build on this season’s abbreviated campaign and chase championship silverware. 

Despite missing some time in 2020 with an injury, Wheeler-Omiunu appeared 9 times, with 6 starts. He  finished the season strong, started three of Republic FC’s final four matches, logging 116 minutes against Phoenix Rising FC in the USL Championship Western Conference Quarterfinals. 

Despite missing some time in 2020 with an injury, Wheeler-Omiunu appeared 9 times, with 6 starts. He  finished the season strong, started three of Republic FC’s final four matches, logging 116 minutes against Phoenix Rising FC in the USL Championship Western Conference Quarterfinals. 

His contributions to the team’s staunch defense don’t show up in the box score – but are often felt by opponents and heard through out the stands. His booming voice helps guide the defensive shape, while he’s working to freeze the opponent and spring an attack. He had the second most interceptions (16) and blocked shots (3) by any SRFC midfielder in 2020.

In his very first competitive match with Republic FC – a 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa to kickoff the 2020 USL Championship campaign at Papa Murphy's Park on March 7 – Wheeler-Omiunu made a positive first impression by collecting a team-high six interceptions and his 10 possessions gained were second most on the squad. 

His contributions to the team’s staunch defense don’t show up in the box score – but are often felt by opponents and heard through out the stands. His booming voice helps guide the defensive shape, while he’s working to freeze the opponent and spring an attack. He had the second most interceptions (16) and blocked shots (3) by any SRFC midfielder in 2020.

In his very first competitive match with Republic FC – a 1-1 draw against FC Tulsa to kickoff the 2020 USL Championship campaign at Papa Murphy’s Park on March 7 – Wheeler-Omiunu made a positive first impression by collecting a team-high six interceptions and his 10 possessions gained were second most on the squad. 

A veteran central midfielder with vision and awareness, he often served as an outlet for the defensive third as well as the central attack. Not only did he hold possession well on Republic’s side of the field with over a 91% successful passing percentage in SRFC's defensive half, his 82.2% overall passing percentage was third best by a Republic FC midfielder who distributed at least 100 passes. 

A veteran central midfielder with vision and awareness, he often served as an outlet for the defensive third as well as the central attack. Not only did he hold possession well on Republic’s side of the field with over a 91% successful passing percentage in SRFC’s defensive half, his 82.2% overall passing percentage was third best by a Republic FC midfielder who distributed at least 100 passes. 

But above all the strengths Wheeler-Omiunu has on the pitch, he’s an equally impeccable teammate and member of the community off of it. Even in just his first season in Sacramento, his impact on the local community was immense – whether it was supporting Boards for Change or visiting the Select FC youth team in Stockton after their equipment storage unit was vandalized – supporting those around him is Wheeler-Omiunu's most admirable attribute. 

But above all the strengths Wheeler-Omiunu has on the pitch, he’s an equally impeccable teammate and member of the community off of it. Even in just his first season in Sacramento, his impact on the local community was immense – whether it was supporting Boards for Change or visiting the Select FC youth team in Stockton after their equipment storage unit was vandalized – supporting those around him is Wheeler-Omiunu’s most admirable attribute. 

Despite being only 25, Republic FC midfielder Jaime Villarreal brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the central midfield. 

2021 will mark his fourth season with the Indomitable Club, and eighth as a pro. Before the pandemic-shortened season, Villarreal’s play commanded the respect of opponents – and earned praise from his teammates he bestowed the team MVP title on him in 2019. Sixth in club history with 74 appearances during league play, Villarreal is only five appearances away from tying Jeremy Hall for a well-deserved spot in the top five in Republic FC history. 

Despite being only 25, Republic FC midfielder Jaime Villarreal brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the central midfield. 

2021 will mark his fourth season with the Indomitable Club, and eighth as a pro. Before the pandemic-shortened season, Villarreal’s play commanded the respect of opponents – and earned praise from his teammates he bestowed the team MVP title on him in 2019. Sixth in club history with 74 appearances during league play, Villarreal is only five appearances away from tying Jeremy Hall for a well-deserved spot in the top five in Republic FC history. 

During the 2020 abbreviated season, Jamie contributed to the club’s consistent scoring with two strikes and an assist, as well as an element of the first line of stout defense in the midfield. The CM led the entire team in blocked shots with nine and he led the midfield unit in tackles (26), tackles won (17) and interceptions (17). This past season was the second campaign in a row Villarreal led the midfield with the most interceptions and his career tally during his three seasons in Sacramento is now up to 80. 

During the 2020 abbreviated season, Jamie contributed to the club’s consistent scoring with two strikes and an assist, as well as an element of the first line of stout defense in the midfield. The CM led the entire team in blocked shots with nine and he led the midfield unit in tackles (26), tackles won (17) and interceptions (17). This past season was the second campaign in a row Villarreal led the midfield with the most interceptions and his career tally during his three seasons in Sacramento is now up to 80. 

His two goals in 2020 make for a fantastic addition to his highlight reel. He found the back of the net with a perfectly placed header during a 4-0 thumping of Portland Timbers 2 on October 3. Villarreal bagged his first of the campaign after finding the back of the net during his sides’ 3-3 draw against Reno 1868 FC. In his SRFC career, the 25-year-old has five goals – two of which were game-winners. 

His two goals in 2020 make for a fantastic addition to his highlight reel. He found the back of the net with a perfectly placed header during a 4-0 thumping of Portland Timbers 2 on October 3. Villarreal bagged his first of the campaign after finding the back of the net during his sides’ 3-3 draw against Reno 1868 FC. In his SRFC career, the 25-year-old has five goals – two of which were game-winners. 

Villarreal also added an assist at a crucial time during the most recent campaign when he set up Villyan Bijev’s game-winning goal to complete the 2-1 comeback against Orange County SC on September 9. The assist was his fourth during league play with Republic FC and fifth across all competitions. 

Villarreal also added an assist at a crucial time during the most recent campaign when he set up Villyan Bijev’s game-winning goal to complete the 2-1 comeback against Orange County SC on September 9. The assist was his fourth during league play with Republic FC and fifth across all competitions. 

The shortened season definitely did not deter Villarreal from being a positive presence on both ends of the pitch for Mark Briggs’ men and the midfield engine will look to continue to be a formidable force for the Indomitable Club in 2021. 

The shortened season definitely did not deter Villarreal from being a positive presence on both ends of the pitch for Mark Briggs’ men and the midfield engine will look to continue to be a formidable force for the Indomitable Club in 2021. 

Republic FC goalkeeper Rafael Diaz’s brave back-to-back saves to deny a pair of Reno 1868 FC forwards from finding the back of the net on August 12 in Nevada has advanced into the Quarterfinals of the 2020 Fans’ Choice Save of the Year bracket.

Republic FC goalkeeper Rafael Diaz’s brave back-to-back saves to deny a pair of Reno 1868 FC forwards from finding the back of the net on August 12 in Nevada has advanced into the Quarterfinals of the 2020 Fans’ Choice Save of the Year bracket.

Rafa received the majority of the votes from league-wide supporters in the Round of 16 bracket to advance past Portland Timbers 2 GK Hunter Sulte.  

The 16-save bracket was unveiled last Tuesday on USLChampionship.com and fans must vote for each matchup in each round. Diaz’s double-stop is the second matchup in the Quarterfinals of the contest and fans are encouraged to vote before the polls close at 9:00 a.m. PT on Friday, November 20 and can do so by clicking below. 

Rafa received the majority of the votes from league-wide supporters in the Round of 16 bracket to advance past Portland Timbers 2 GK Hunter Sulte.  

The 16-save bracket was unveiled last Tuesday on USLChampionship.com and fans must vote for each matchup in each round. Diaz’s double-stop is the second matchup in the Quarterfinals of the contest and fans are encouraged to vote before the polls close at 9:00 a.m. PT on Friday, November 20 and can do so by clicking below. 

With the game between the regional rivals deadlocked midway through the first half, a Reno cross found an open Corey Hertzog on the doorstep of Diaz’s net. The prolific USL Championship scorer rifled an attempt from point-blank that a courageous Diaz kicked aside. The save fell to Christiano François who steered a shot on goal, but Diaz was there to smother the threat. 

Rafa’s Quarterfinal opponent in the bracket is Sporting Kansas City II’s Brooks Thompson. The player that accumulates the most votes will advance to the Semifinals.  

With the game between the regional rivals deadlocked midway through the first half, a Reno cross found an open Corey Hertzog on the doorstep of Diaz’s net. The prolific USL Championship scorer rifled an attempt from point-blank that a courageous Diaz kicked aside. The save fell to Christiano François who steered a shot on goal, but Diaz was there to smother the threat. 

Rafa’s Quarterfinal opponent in the bracket is Sporting Kansas City II’s Brooks Thompson. The player that accumulates the most votes will advance to the Semifinals.  

Republic FC goalkeeper Rafa Diaz’s thrilling kick-save against Reno 1868 FC back on August 12th has been nominated for 2020 Fan Choice Goal of the Year.

USLChampionship.com unveiled the 16-save bracket that fans are encouraged to vote for before the Round of 16 polls close at 9:00 AM PST on November 17th. To cast your ballot for Rafa, vote for the first three other round of 16 matchups and select Diaz when you get to the 4th pairing.

Republic FC goalkeeper Rafa Diaz’s thrilling kick-save against Reno 1868 FC back on August 12th has been nominated for 2020 Fan Choice Goal of the Year.

USLChampionship.com unveiled the 16-save bracket that fans are encouraged to vote for before the Round of 16 polls close at 9:00 AM PST on November 17th. To cast your ballot for Rafa, vote for the first three other round of 16 matchups and select Diaz when you get to the 4th pairing.

In a thrilling low scoring match against Reno 1868 FC, Rafa Diaz’s crucial save was the key to victory in one of many clean sheets this year for the St. John’s grad. Diaz was left one-on-one with Reno striker Corey Hertzog, who tried to steer the ball into the back of the net, was denied by the sliding right foot of the Republic FC keeper.

In a thrilling low scoring match against Reno 1868 FC, Rafa Diaz’s crucial save was the key to victory in one of many clean sheets this year for the St. John’s grad. Diaz was left one-on-one with Reno striker Corey Hertzog, who tried to steer the ball into the back of the net, was denied by the sliding right foot of the Republic FC keeper.

Diaz’s first round opponent in the round of 16 bracket is Portland Timbers II keeper, Hunter Sulte. The save that receives the most votes will advance to the Quarterfinals set to begin on November 17th.

Diaz’s first round opponent in the round of 16 bracket is Portland Timbers II keeper, Hunter Sulte. The save that receives the most votes will advance to the Quarterfinals set to begin on November 17th.