Pronunciation: How-rreh-gee
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Weight: 160 lbs
Born: December 20, 2004
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Nationality: United States
Previous Club: Sacramento Republic FC Academy
2022 Season (Republic FC)
USL: 6 starts in 12 appearances, 517 minutes (career high), 1 goal (1st career goal), 9 shots, 3 shots on target, became youngest goal scorer in club history
Career Bio
In December 2020, Rafa signed his first professional contract with Republic FC after joining the club’s youth development academy in 2017. He spent part of the 2020 season with the first team on a USL Academy Pro contract. He was available for selection in 13 of the club’s 16 matches and made five appearances (101 minutes) and made one start—setting the record for youngest starter in club history.
During the 2021 season, he made five first-team appearances across 13 game-day selections. Part of a group of seven academy products who logged nearly 4,000 combined first team minutes—the most in a season in club history—Rafa continued his development in a big way throughout the season. He proved himself capable of hanging with established players at the professional level in his 127 minutes of action, reminding fans just how strong he and the club’s youth academy are on the field.
After making his season debut on June 5, 2021—a performance that saw him complete 89% of his passes—Jauregui earned his second career start four days later. In 73 minutes against a Real Monarchs SLC squad featuring six players who logged MLS minutes in 2021, he led all 22 starters with 92% passing accuracy. He also appeared for the Republic FC’s U17 Academy team in the MLSNext Cup, where he netted a first half goal in the semifinals.
Prior to signing with the first team, Rafa scored 32 goals in 82 U.S. Development Academy games, earning the young midfielder a U.S. Youth National Team call up. He’s represented for country at three international competitions, including the U-15 Boys’ team for the 2019 Concacaf Championship – starting three games and netting two goals – helping his side to the competition’s semifinals.
