Republic FC continued preparations for the fast-approaching 2022 season this week. In a change of scenery, the squad took to Palm Springs, CA, continuing their on-field work as a part of Training Camp, presented by Western Health Advantage.
Team chemistry was the theme of week two, with the squad hitting the pitch to begin setting their strategy and take part in a few unique team-building activities. Mark Briggs and the technical staff worked the team hard – running through two training sessions a day to get them acclimated with each other on the pitch, including an intra-squad match, and additional prep for their first closed-door action with an opposing side.
“It’s been really good so far. The group’s getting their fitness levels up, and we’re starting to implement who we are,” said head coach Mark Briggs. “Everyone looks to be enjoying one another and establishing a really strong connection between them.”
Off the pitch, the squad was able to get some fun in, taking part in a few special activities to allow each player to loosen up and get a grin on their face. Taking to the Southern California desert also provided a great opportunity to do some things you just can’t do in Sacramento in February.
Something to look forward to awaited the team at the end of the week; Friday, the club hit the road to Pasadena for a closed door meeting with Las Vegas Lights FC – their first action against players wearing a different-colored shirt. It turned into a successful afternoon; with every member of the squad seeing minutes in an exhibition victory, a satisfying end to an intense trip.
“We had a number of good performances. I don’t think anyone had an off day to be honest,” said Briggs. “Every person who stepped on the field did what was asked of them, and performed at a high level. I was happy with how we looked and the standard we played to was excellent.”
Sacramento will return home next week to continue training camp from Cosumnes River College, and will begin prep for possibly their most notable scrimmage contest of the preseason. A road exhibition with San Jose Earthquakes awaits them on the other side of next week, one that should be a great litmus test of where they stand.
Want to hear more about the Indomitable Club’s trip to Palm Springs? Check out the latest episode of The Breakaway with Connor Sutton:
