Scenes from our 2023 Open Tryouts, presented by Western Health.
GALLERY: Open Tryouts
Western Health Advantage
GALLERY: Open Tryouts
Scenes from our 2023 Open Tryouts.
A Look Back: From Republic FC Open Tryouts to the Pros
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Since 2014, Republic FC’s annual Open Tryouts have provided a unique opportunity for the region’s best players to forge their path to the professional ranks. Every year, at least one player has been invited to join the first team for training camp and five have gone on to sign professional contracts with the Indomitable Club, kickstarting careers in USL, MLS, and even international call-ups.
With the club hosting its 10th year of Open Tryouts taking place this weekend, let’s take a look back at some the of players who got their start right here in Sacramento.
Emrah Klimenta (2014)
Bay Area native Klimenta became Sacramento’s first-ever player signed from Open Tryouts in the club’s inaugural 2014 season and remained with Republic FC through 2018. In his four seasons in Sacramento, Klimenta made 115 appearances and logged nearly 10,000 minutes – both second-most all-time in the club’s history – and added 10 goals and five assists. Not only was Emrah a standout in USL, but he made a name for himself on the international level as well, earning several call-ups to the Montenegrin National Team – including World Cup Qualifiers and UEFA Nations League.
Since 2018, Klimenta has featured for MLS side LA Galaxy, as well as USL Championship clubs LA Galaxy II, Reno 1868 FC, San Diego Loyal SC, and Oakland Roots SC where he currently plays.
Max Alvarez (2014)
Following four years at Sac State, Alvarez joined fellow tryout participant Klimenta on Republic FC’s inaugural roster. From 2014-2016, Alvarez made 55 appearances for the Indomitable Club, adding two goals and three assists. He went on to sign with USL side Saint Louis FC before starting a new career as a coach – returning to his native Napa, California to serve as the Director of Boys Programs at Napa Sport SC and assistant coach at Napa Valley Community College. In 2022, Alvarez’s soccer career came full circle when he joined Sacramento State Men’s Soccer as an assistant coach.
Mackenzie Pridham (2016)
The signing of Canadian-born Pridham is a great example of how tryouts provide clubs the opportunity to bring standout players – even players that have already been in the league – directly in front of them for scouting. Prior to attending the 2016 Open Tryout, Pridham had already seen his share of professional experience. He was selected 58th overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC, before signing with then-NASL side Minnesota United and USL side Whitecaps FC 2, and also joining Pittsburgh Riverhounds on loan.
After his contract with Whitecaps 2 expired, Pridham made his way back to California and attended Republic FC’s open tryout. He clearly impressed the club’s technical staff and earned an invitation to training camp, and appearing in two preseason matches against MLS sides, he cemented his spot on the roster with an 8th-minute goal against San Jose Earthquakes. In 2016, he made 19 appearances for Sacramento and netted three goals.
Elliott Hord (2016)
UC Davis alum Hord had a very unique path from tryouts to the professional ranks. Fresh out of college, he attended Republic FC’s inaugural tryouts in 2014 and impressed the technical staff – but according to the club’s former Director of Football Graham Smith, “At the time, we were looking for a more experienced player.” Despite not signing Hord in 2014, Republic FC kept its eye on Hord as he played for PDL side Fresno Fuego and then went overseas to join Swedish third division club Yxhults IK.
When Hord returned to the states, Sacramento signed him midway through the 2016 season and he remained with the club until 2019. He made 61 appearances and added 9 assists, as well as a goal against MLS side LAFC in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. He finished out his career on loan to Harford Athletic, where he made eight appearances and notched two assists.
Ashkanov “Ash” Apollon (2020)
Following years in the pros in Thailand, Vietnam, and France, Apollon made his way onto the U.S. professional stage in 2020. After impressing Republic FC’s technical staff at Open Tryouts, the Boston native inked a contract with the club, making him the fifth tryout participant to join the first team since 2014. “Ash’s journey with us is a great story of what is possible when you take your opportunity,” said Republic FC President & General Manager Todd Dunivant.
In the abbreviated 2020 season, Apollon became a regular on Republic FC’s gameday roster, making 12 appearances and among the team’s leaders in tackle & duel success rate, earning him a USL Team of the Week selection. After joining NISA side San Diego 1904 FC in 2021, Ash made the move back to USL Championship later that year when he was acquired by Hartford Athletic, and has re-signed with the Connecticut club ahead of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Since 2020, Apollon has earned several call-ups to the Haitian National Team and made seven appearances across all competitions, including CONCACAF Nations League B and World Cup Qualifiers.
Register for this year’s Open Tryouts
Go for Goal: Republic FC Hosts Annual Tryouts Ahead of 2023 Season
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With preparations underway for the 2023 USL Championship season, Republic FC’s technical staff is hard at work developing the club’s next roster. For the 10th year in a row, the region’s best players will have the opportunity to impress the Indomitable Club’s staff – including President & General Manager Todd Dunivant and Head Coach Mark Briggs – and earn a spot on the roster 2023 roster.
Republic FC’s Open Tryouts will take place on Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15 at Hal Bartholomew Sports Park in Elk Grove. With limited spots available, soccer players with dreams of igniting a professional career are encouraged to sign up early. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Every year since its inception, Republic FC has hosted open tryouts and welcomed at least one player to training camp. Several players—including Ashkanov Apollon, Emrah Klimenta, and Elliot Hord—went on to sign full contracts with the Indomitable Club. The Indomitable Club will look to build on a strong 2022 season that saw Sacramento return to the USL Championship Playoffs and make a historic appearance in the U.S. Open Cup Final – the first time a lower division side reached U.S. Soccer’s National Championship in 14 years.
With eyes set on the 2023 season, the club has already begun building its roster. Including the 16 players that are set to return, Republic FC has also announced the addition of forward Russell Cicerone and defender Jared Timmer, as well as a new multi-year contract for Head Coach Mark Briggs.
For more information on registration and requirements, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Tryouts or e-mail Tryouts@SacRepublicFC.com.
Sunday, September 18: Youth Soccer Day at Heart Health Park
Sacramento’s bustling youth soccer community will be on full display this week when Republic FC welcomes in-state foe Orange County SC to Heart Health Park in front of a national audience. Sunday, the club will celebrate Youth Soccer Day, presented by Western Health Advantage.
Over 500 players from 25 different local clubs will be in attendance for the match, which aims to recognize the tremendous impact on the game made by local soccer organizations. The match regularly draws some of the club’s best crowds of the season and this year will be no different, with the added bonus of the match getting a national broadcast spot on ESPN2.
In addition to the match, youth players in attendance will be recognized on the pitch during a pre-match youth parade on the field, powered by SMUD. During pre-game warm ups, those participating will get a special opportunity to walk the pitch and take in cheers from indomitable fans ahead of kickoff.
Indomitable partner Crystal Creamery will also team with the club to raffle off a free VIP experience for the final home match of the season; Saturday October 15 against San Diego Loyal SC. Those interested in entering the raffle can do so at CrystalCreamery.com. Crystal is the presenting partner of the club’s Youth Club Partner program, which helps the club connect with local players throughout the year. Most recently, Republic FC teamed up with Land Park Soccer Club and Natomas FA as youth club partners to help provide more to their players and grow the game in the communities they serve. In addition to their work with Crystal, the club’s youth programming arm connects with local youth players on a continuous basis, putting on year-round camps and clinics for youth players and provide professional-level training to local soccer organizations.
Kickoff for Sunday’s match is set for 2:00 p.m. It’s a contest fans won’t want to miss as the club pushes for a playoff spot, and a victory against the defending 2021 USL Champions. Tickets are still available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match tickets, and following the final whistle, fans can get a special team poster as they exit.
