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+.
