News

Sacramento Republic FC will host CD Aguiluchos USA (NPSL) in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open CupSecond Round match on Wednesday, May 18. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field. The winner of the match will face the winner of Sounders FC U-23s vs Kitsap Pumas match in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup.

• BUY TICKETS >

CD Aguiluchos USA captured a 3-0 win over fellow bay-area club San Francisco City FC (PDL) on Wednesday night in the First Round of the U.S. Open Cup to advance to face Republic FC.

All three of Aguiluchos’ goals were scored in the second half, with forward Simon Rawsley starting the scoring rally, followed by late-match goals by midfielders Miguel Santiago and Ricardo Guerra to secure the win in Aguiluchos first-ever U.S. Open Cup win.

In Third Round Draw, which took place Thursday morning, U.S. Soccer announced the winner of Sacramento Republic FC vs CD Aguiluchos USA will advance to face the winner of Sounders FC U-23s vs Kitsap Pumas in a Third Round U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday, June 1.

Should Republic FC win their match against Aguiluchos, they will host the winner of Sounders FC U-23s vs Kitsap Pumas on June 1 at Bonney Field. However, should Aguiluchos win, they will travel to face the winner of Sounders FC U-23s vs Kitsap Pumas.

Tickets to Republic FC’s Second Round U.S. Open Cup match against Aguiluchos are included in the 2016 season ticket package. Season Ticket Holders may access their tickets by logging into their My Account Manager to print their tickets to the match or by contacting Republic FC at (916) 307-6100 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/sacrepublicfc.

• Season Ticket Holders: print tickets to the match > 

Fans wishing to purchase single match tickets may buy tickets online at Ticketmaster.com. Group tickets are also available for groups of 11 or more by calling (916) 307-6100. Single match U.S. Open Cup tickets start at $16 and group tickets start at just $13.

Republic FC’s Second Round U.S. Open Cup match against Aguiluchos on May 18 will be broadcast live on the radio on Sports 1140 KHTK. There will be no live stream of the match, but fans may listen to the radio broadcast online at KHTK.com. Live updates will also be provided on Twitter via @SacRepublicFC and #USOC2016.

In the club’s previous two seasons, Sacramento Republic FC advanced to the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup, but narrowly lost in both editions to their MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes. In 2014, Republic FC advanced to the Fourth Round by defeating Sonoma County Sol (NPSL) 4-2 on May 20, 2015, and Chula Vista FC (SoCal Premier League) 7-3 on May 27, 2015, but were knocked out of contention after suffering a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout defeat in the Fourth Round to the San Jose Earthquakes(MLS) on June 16, 2015.

Sacramento Republic FC will host CD Aguiluchos USA (NPSL) in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open CupSecond Round match on Wednesday, May 18. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field. The winner of the match will face the winner of Sounders FC U-23s vs Kitsap Pumas match in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup.

• BUY TICKETS >

CD Aguiluchos USA captured a 3-0 win over fellow bay-area club San Francisco City FC (PDL) on Wednesday night in the First Round of the U.S. Open Cup to advance to face Republic FC.

All three of Aguiluchos’ goals were scored in the second half, with forward Simon Rawsley starting the scoring rally, followed by late-match goals by midfielders Miguel Santiago and Ricardo Guerra to secure the win in Aguiluchos first-ever U.S. Open Cup win.

In Third Round Draw, which took place Thursday morning, U.S. Soccer announced the winner of Sacramento Republic FC vs CD Aguiluchos USA will advance to face the winner of Sounders FC U-23s vs Kitsap Pumas in a Third Round U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday, June 1.

Should Republic FC win their match against Aguiluchos, they will host the winner of Sounders FC U-23s vs Kitsap Pumas on June 1 at Bonney Field. However, should Aguiluchos win, they will travel to face the winner of Sounders FC U-23s vs Kitsap Pumas.

Tickets to Republic FC’s Second Round U.S. Open Cup match against Aguiluchos are included in the 2016 season ticket package. Season Ticket Holders may access their tickets by logging into their My Account Manager to print their tickets to the match or by contacting Republic FC at (916) 307-6100 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/sacrepublicfc.

• Season Ticket Holders: print tickets to the match > 

Fans wishing to purchase single match tickets may buy tickets online at Ticketmaster.com. Group tickets are also available for groups of 11 or more by calling (916) 307-6100. Single match U.S. Open Cup tickets start at $16 and group tickets start at just $13.

Republic FC’s Second Round U.S. Open Cup match against Aguiluchos on May 18 will be broadcast live on the radio on Sports 1140 KHTK. There will be no live stream of the match, but fans may listen to the radio broadcast online at KHTK.com. Live updates will also be provided on Twitter via @SacRepublicFC and #USOC2016.

In the club’s previous two seasons, Sacramento Republic FC advanced to the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup, but narrowly lost in both editions to their MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes. In 2014, Republic FC advanced to the Fourth Round by defeating Sonoma County Sol (NPSL) 4-2 on May 20, 2015, and Chula Vista FC (SoCal Premier League) 7-3 on May 27, 2015, but were knocked out of contention after suffering a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout defeat in the Fourth Round to the San Jose Earthquakes(MLS) on June 16, 2015.

Sacramento Republic FC enter the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field.

Ahead of Republic FC’s Second Round match and as the First Round kicks off this week, get to learn more about one of the oldest soccer cup competitions in the world.

Sacramento Republic FC enter the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field.

Ahead of Republic FC’s Second Round match and as the First Round kicks off this week, get to learn more about one of the oldest soccer cup competitions in the world.

After a road win on May 7 against rivals LA Galaxy II, the month of May features a lengthy home stretch for Sacramento Republic FC, who have currently allowed the least goals per match in the USL.

As a Republic FC Season Ticket Holder, these are the key events and dates you need to know for the next two weeks in May:

1. Saturday, May 14: Prematch Chalk Talk with USWNT Player Christie Rampone

 U.S. Women’s National Team defender, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and three-time Olympic gold medalist Christie Rampone will host a prematch chalk talk at Republic FC’s match against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Saturday, May 14. The chalk talk, which is presented by Wells Fargo, will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the North Endline section at Bonney Field prior to the match kicking off later that evening at 7:30 p.m.

The chalk talk, which will include a Q&A session, is free and open to all Republic FC Season Ticket Holders and fans with a match ticket.

In addition to the chalk talk, Rampone will lead a private invite only soccer clinic for approximately 40 underserved youth on the day of the match. Groups of 25 or more will also receive an opportunity to take a photo with Rampone on the field prior to the match.

2. Wednesday, May 18: U.S. Open Cup match

Republic FC will enter the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in a Second Round match on Wednesday, May 18 at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. against the winner of the CD Aguiluchos USA vs SF City FC match, which will be played on Wednesday, May 11.

Tickets to Republic FC’s U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday, May 18 are included in your season ticket package. You will need to download and print your tickets from home via My Account Manager. You may also contact Republic FC at (916) 307-6100 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/sacrepublicfc if you wish to pick-up your tickets to the match at Republic FC Headquarters or at the Bonney Field Box Office on matchday.

Download and print my tickets > 

3. Saturday, May 21: Friendly against Liverpool FC U21s

 The action continues for fans on Saturday, May 21 when Republic FC welcomes Liverpool FC U21s to Bonney Field in an international friendly match. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to this friendly are included in your season ticket package. You will need to download and print your tickets from home via My Account Manager. You may also contact Republic FC at (916) 307-6100 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/sacrepublicfc if you wish to pick-up your tickets to the match at Republic FC Headquarters or at the Bonney Field Box Office on matchday.

After a road win on May 7 against rivals LA Galaxy II, the month of May features a lengthy home stretch for Sacramento Republic FC, who have currently allowed the least goals per match in the USL.

As a Republic FC Season Ticket Holder, these are the key events and dates you need to know for the next two weeks in May:

1. Saturday, May 14: Prematch Chalk Talk with USWNT Player Christie Rampone

 U.S. Women’s National Team defender, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and three-time Olympic gold medalist Christie Rampone will host a prematch chalk talk at Republic FC’s match against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Saturday, May 14. The chalk talk, which is presented by Wells Fargo, will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the North Endline section at Bonney Field prior to the match kicking off later that evening at 7:30 p.m.

The chalk talk, which will include a Q&A session, is free and open to all Republic FC Season Ticket Holders and fans with a match ticket.

In addition to the chalk talk, Rampone will lead a private invite only soccer clinic for approximately 40 underserved youth on the day of the match. Groups of 25 or more will also receive an opportunity to take a photo with Rampone on the field prior to the match.

2. Wednesday, May 18: U.S. Open Cup match

Republic FC will enter the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in a Second Round match on Wednesday, May 18 at Bonney Field. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. against the winner of the CD Aguiluchos USA vs SF City FC match, which will be played on Wednesday, May 11.

Tickets to Republic FC’s U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday, May 18 are included in your season ticket package. You will need to download and print your tickets from home via My Account Manager. You may also contact Republic FC at (916) 307-6100 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/sacrepublicfc if you wish to pick-up your tickets to the match at Republic FC Headquarters or at the Bonney Field Box Office on matchday.

Download and print my tickets > 

3. Saturday, May 21: Friendly against Liverpool FC U21s

 The action continues for fans on Saturday, May 21 when Republic FC welcomes Liverpool FC U21s to Bonney Field in an international friendly match. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to this friendly are included in your season ticket package. You will need to download and print your tickets from home via My Account Manager. You may also contact Republic FC at (916) 307-6100 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/sacrepublicfc if you wish to pick-up your tickets to the match at Republic FC Headquarters or at the Bonney Field Box Office on matchday.

Brooklyn Italians. Greek American AA. Maccabi Los Angeles. Philadelphia Ukrainians. These are just some of the often under-praised and unsung heroes that wrote the early days of American soccer history and culture. They are symbolic of the global reach of the beautiful game, United States immigration history and the American dream.

• RELATED: Republic FC to enter Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 18 in Second Round > 

In many ways, there is no sporting event in the United States that manages to be so paradoxically both American and global as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which kicks off this week.

The beautiful game is undoubtedly the world’s sport and in America, nowhere is that more apparent than in the diverse and unique history of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Indeed, the U.S. Open Cup represents not just critical moments in American soccer history, but also American history as a whole.

One of the oldest soccer tournaments in the world, the U.S. Open Cup is similar to England’s FA Cup, but also a distinctive and defining element of American soccer culture. Founded in 1913, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup pre-dates any modern American professional soccer teams or leagues, giving the tournament an unparalleled foothold in the country’s soccer history.

Originally called the National Challenge Cup, the U.S. Open Cup charged into the American sporting landscape during the 1913-1914 season, with Brooklyn Field Club winning the inaugural Cup on May 14, 1914. The tournament was later renamed to the U.S. Open Cup in 1990 and then dedicated to MLS owner Lamar Hunt by the United States Soccer Federation in 1999.

In the early years of the tournament, the U.S. Open Cup mimicked the immigration and socioeconomic movements of the early 20th century. By 1920, the majority of Americans lived in urban areas, particularly large metropolitan cities along the East Coast, such as New York City. The greatest source of the urban population was immigrants, with about 18 million new immigrants arriving in the United States between 1890 and 1920.

Meanwhile, the lasting effects of the industrial growth of the late 19th century—particularly the rise of the steel industry in states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio—combined with the automobile industry and demand for oil also resulted in an factory based economy in much of the Eastern United States.

Bethlehem Steel won their fifth Open Cup Championship during the 1926 National Challenge Cup, a feat matched only by Maccabi Los Angeles' five titles Photo courtesy of U.S. Soccer.

As a result of the immigration and economic patterns, the early decades of the U.S. Open Cup were dominated by two core groups of clubs: postwar immigrant teams such Elizabeth SC, which was founded by German immigrants, and teams comprised of industrial workers such as Bethlehem Steel and Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C., a Missouri based team comprised of brewery workers.

While many European Cups were put on hold during World War II, the U.S. Open Cup (still called the National Cup) was still played throughout the war. Following the end of World War II, the subsequent influx of immigration to the United States led to a resurgence of teams with immigrant ties, in addition to slow growth towards teams in rapidly growing cities in the West such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. During this post-war era teams such as the Philadelphia Ukrainians, New York Ukrainians and Greek American AC dominated the U.S. Open Cup up until the establishment of the NASL in 1968.

During the NASL era, the U.S. Open Cup was still dominated by amateur teams, as the NSAL declined to participate. Throughout the Cold War era, clubs based in inner city urban cores dominated the U.S. Open Cup. Despite the rise of suburban America, the urban centers were more diverse and had a greater interest in the sport. Among the more notable clubs to win the cup multiple times in the 1970s and 1980s was Maccabi Los Angeles, a team founded by Israeli expatriates amidst the background of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East with several former Israeli national team players joining the team.

While the landscape of the U.S. Open Cup winners has dramatically changed since 1996 and the establishment MLS, to this day the tournament continues to be celebration of the diverse cultural landscape of the United States. Amateur teams such as CD Aguiluchos USA and New York Pancyprian-Freedoms continue to have deep cultural roots within their communities.

The modern era of the U.S. Open Cup continues to be a celebration and reflection of a changing and diverse American culture. For example, Republic FC’s roster, like the city of Sacramento itself, is one of the most diverse in the country. To-date, Republic FC players have come from 18 different countries around the world, including Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Northern Ireland and Montenegro.

The 103rd edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup kicks off on Wednesday, May 18 and features a record 92 teams. Sacramento Republic FC are set to make their third run in the historic tournament when they host a Second Round match on Wednesday, May 18 at Bonney Field at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Brooklyn Italians. Greek American AA. Maccabi Los Angeles. Philadelphia Ukrainians. These are just some of the often under-praised and unsung heroes that wrote the early days of American soccer history and culture. They are symbolic of the global reach of the beautiful game, United States immigration history and the American dream.

• RELATED: Republic FC to enter Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 18 in Second Round > 

In many ways, there is no sporting event in the United States that manages to be so paradoxically both American and global as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which kicks off this week.

The beautiful game is undoubtedly the world’s sport and in America, nowhere is that more apparent than in the diverse and unique history of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Indeed, the U.S. Open Cup represents not just critical moments in American soccer history, but also American history as a whole.

One of the oldest soccer tournaments in the world, the U.S. Open Cup is similar to England’s FA Cup, but also a distinctive and defining element of American soccer culture. Founded in 1913, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup pre-dates any modern American professional soccer teams or leagues, giving the tournament an unparalleled foothold in the country’s soccer history.

Originally called the National Challenge Cup, the U.S. Open Cup charged into the American sporting landscape during the 1913-1914 season, with Brooklyn Field Club winning the inaugural Cup on May 14, 1914. The tournament was later renamed to the U.S. Open Cup in 1990 and then dedicated to MLS owner Lamar Hunt by the United States Soccer Federation in 1999.

In the early years of the tournament, the U.S. Open Cup mimicked the immigration and socioeconomic movements of the early 20th century. By 1920, the majority of Americans lived in urban areas, particularly large metropolitan cities along the East Coast, such as New York City. The greatest source of the urban population was immigrants, with about 18 million new immigrants arriving in the United States between 1890 and 1920.

Meanwhile, the lasting effects of the industrial growth of the late 19th century—particularly the rise of the steel industry in states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio—combined with the automobile industry and demand for oil also resulted in an factory based economy in much of the Eastern United States.

Bethlehem Steel won their fifth Open Cup Championship during the 1926 National Challenge Cup, a feat matched only by Maccabi Los Angeles’ five titles Photo courtesy of U.S. Soccer.

As a result of the immigration and economic patterns, the early decades of the U.S. Open Cup were dominated by two core groups of clubs: postwar immigrant teams such Elizabeth SC, which was founded by German immigrants, and teams comprised of industrial workers such as Bethlehem Steel and Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C., a Missouri based team comprised of brewery workers.

While many European Cups were put on hold during World War II, the U.S. Open Cup (still called the National Cup) was still played throughout the war. Following the end of World War II, the subsequent influx of immigration to the United States led to a resurgence of teams with immigrant ties, in addition to slow growth towards teams in rapidly growing cities in the West such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. During this post-war era teams such as the Philadelphia Ukrainians, New York Ukrainians and Greek American AC dominated the U.S. Open Cup up until the establishment of the NASL in 1968.

During the NASL era, the U.S. Open Cup was still dominated by amateur teams, as the NSAL declined to participate. Throughout the Cold War era, clubs based in inner city urban cores dominated the U.S. Open Cup. Despite the rise of suburban America, the urban centers were more diverse and had a greater interest in the sport. Among the more notable clubs to win the cup multiple times in the 1970s and 1980s was Maccabi Los Angeles, a team founded by Israeli expatriates amidst the background of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East with several former Israeli national team players joining the team.

While the landscape of the U.S. Open Cup winners has dramatically changed since 1996 and the establishment MLS, to this day the tournament continues to be celebration of the diverse cultural landscape of the United States. Amateur teams such as CD Aguiluchos USA and New York Pancyprian-Freedoms continue to have deep cultural roots within their communities.

The modern era of the U.S. Open Cup continues to be a celebration and reflection of a changing and diverse American culture. For example, Republic FC’s roster, like the city of Sacramento itself, is one of the most diverse in the country. To-date, Republic FC players have come from 18 different countries around the world, including Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Northern Ireland and Montenegro.

The 103rd edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup kicks off on Wednesday, May 18 and features a record 92 teams. Sacramento Republic FC are set to make their third run in the historic tournament when they host a Second Round match on Wednesday, May 18 at Bonney Field at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Danny Barrera

1. Pick one: DC or Marvel?

Marvel!

2. What song is your current jam?

Probably one of Drake’s new songs, like One Dance.

3. If you could have lunch with any person living or dead who would it be and why?

I’m going to have to pick Elvis Presley. We share the same birthday!

4. Who is your favorite actor or actress and why?

Sofía Vergara. She’s also Colombian [like me] and has a great personality.

5. How did you get your dog, Nala?

I adopted her from a shelter out in  Texas.

Danny Barrera

1. Pick one: DC or Marvel?

Marvel!

2. What song is your current jam?

Probably one of Drake’s new songs, like One Dance.

3. If you could have lunch with any person living or dead who would it be and why?

I’m going to have to pick Elvis Presley. We share the same birthday!

4. Who is your favorite actor or actress and why?

Sofía Vergara. She’s also Colombian [like me] and has a great personality.

5. How did you get your dog, Nala?

I adopted her from a shelter out in  Texas.

Alfonso Motagalvan

1. Where do you like to take your dogs for a walk?

On the American River trail.

2. What’s your favorite vacation spot?

I don’t really have a chance to vacation often, but through playing my favorite place has been Puerto Rico. The food was really the good, the people nice and the beaches amazing.

3. What is the most recent movie you watched?

San Andreas. My fiancé and I were home the other night…and we wanted to see how truthful it was.

4. What is one thing most fans don’t know about you?

Probably that my first name is Felix.

5. Who is your favorite superhero?

I didn’t grow up watching a ton of action movies or reading the comic books, but the one thing I did watch was Power Rangers. I’ll have to say Jason, the Red Ranger.

Alfonso Motagalvan

1. Where do you like to take your dogs for a walk?

On the American River trail.

2. What’s your favorite vacation spot?

I don’t really have a chance to vacation often, but through playing my favorite place has been Puerto Rico. The food was really the good, the people nice and the beaches amazing.

3. What is the most recent movie you watched?

San Andreas. My fiancé and I were home the other night…and we wanted to see how truthful it was.

4. What is one thing most fans don’t know about you?

Probably that my first name is Felix.

5. Who is your favorite superhero?

I didn’t grow up watching a ton of action movies or reading the comic books, but the one thing I did watch was Power Rangers. I’ll have to say Jason, the Red Ranger.

Sacramento Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta earned USL Team of the Week honors for Week Seven of the 2016 USL season after scoring the match-winning goal and helping set up another goal in Republic FC’s 2-0 win over LA Galaxy II on Saturday.

Klimenta was also a crucial member of Republic FC’s backline, who recorded their fourth shutout of the season in Saturday’s win.

In Saturday’s win over Galaxy II, Klimenta scored a goal in the 16th minute off a free kick. Later in the match, during the 62nd minute, Klimenta crossed the ball to forward Tommy Stewart, who backheeled the ball to forward Harry Williams for the club’s second goal of the night.

“He deserved it,” said Stewart of his roommate’s performance. “He’s been solid in the back and it was a great team performance. It was good free kick and the assist he played a big part of and that’s what we expect of him. Hopefully he keeps that going.”

“You’ve got to also give credit to Tommy, there was a good interchange between the two [leading up to that goal,” added Williams. “I was very happy for that and happy to see a teammate on Team of the Week.”

Klimenta is joined on Team of the Week by goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh (Louisville City FC), defenders Kadin Chung (Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2), Richard Dixon (Saint Louis FC), midfielders Yann Ekra (Charlotte Independence), Robbie Lovejoy (Rio Grande Valley FC), Kenardo Forbes (Rochester Rhinos), Kenney Walker (FC Cincinnati) and forwards Sammy Ochoa (Tulsa Roughnecks FC), Jack McBean (LA Galaxy II) and Neco Brett (Portland Timbers 2).

Read more about Team of the Week at at USLSoccer.com.

Sacramento Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta earned USL Team of the Week honors for Week Seven of the 2016 USL season after scoring the match-winning goal and helping set up another goal in Republic FC’s 2-0 win over LA Galaxy II on Saturday.

Klimenta was also a crucial member of Republic FC’s backline, who recorded their fourth shutout of the season in Saturday’s win.

In Saturday’s win over Galaxy II, Klimenta scored a goal in the 16th minute off a free kick. Later in the match, during the 62nd minute, Klimenta crossed the ball to forward Tommy Stewart, who backheeled the ball to forward Harry Williams for the club’s second goal of the night.

“He deserved it,” said Stewart of his roommate’s performance. “He’s been solid in the back and it was a great team performance. It was good free kick and the assist he played a big part of and that’s what we expect of him. Hopefully he keeps that going.”

“You’ve got to also give credit to Tommy, there was a good interchange between the two [leading up to that goal,” added Williams. “I was very happy for that and happy to see a teammate on Team of the Week.”

Klimenta is joined on Team of the Week by goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh (Louisville City FC), defenders Kadin Chung (Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2), Richard Dixon (Saint Louis FC), midfielders Yann Ekra (Charlotte Independence), Robbie Lovejoy (Rio Grande Valley FC), Kenardo Forbes (Rochester Rhinos), Kenney Walker (FC Cincinnati) and forwards Sammy Ochoa (Tulsa Roughnecks FC), Jack McBean (LA Galaxy II) and Neco Brett (Portland Timbers 2).

Read more about Team of the Week at at USLSoccer.com.

1. U.S. Open Cup tournament kicks off on Wednesday

With the preliminary rounds over, the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup kicks off this Wednesday across the country in 23 First Round matches. While Sacramento Republic FC do not enter the U.S. Open Cup until the Second Round on Wednesday, May 18, there are two notable matches for Sacramento Republic FC fans.

First, San Francisco City FC faces off against CD Aguiluchos USA on Wednesday, May 11 at the Beach Chalet fields in Golden Gate Park. Republic FC will face the winner of this match on Wednesday, May 18 in the Second Round of the Open Cup. Kickoff for the Second Round match is 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Meanwhile, local NPSL side Sacramento Gold FC will face Burlingame Dragons FC, the PDL affiliate of the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday in another First Round U.S. Open Cup match. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. at Capital Christian School. Admission is $10 for 13 and over, $5 for children ages 8-12 and free for children under age 8.

Republic FC goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek and midfielder Max Alvarez are Sacramento Gold FC alumni.

2. Republic FC Academy look to solidify playoff positioning

With just three matches left in the 2016-2017 U.S. Soccer Development Academy regular season, Republic FC’s Academy teams are busy preparing for the postseason.

The U-13/14s are gearing up for their summer showcase on June 20-23, 2016, at Toyota Park in in Frisco, Tex. With an 18-3-3 overall record, the U-13/14s have lost just one of their past 10 matches and have outscored their opponents 37-7.

Meanwhile, the U-15/16s are just out of playoff position, sitting in fifth place in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference with a 12-9-5 overall record. The U-15/16s ran away on Saturday with a 3-0 win against De Anza Force Academy.

Lastly, the U-17s/18s are ranked third in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference with a 15-8-6 overall record and currently sit in the 20th playoff spot. Both the U-17/18s and U-15/16s hope to qualify for their respective postseason tournaments, which start in early July.

All three Academy sides have home matches against Santa Cruz Breakers Academy this Saturday at the in Mather Sports Complex. The U-17/18 match kicks off at 10 a.m. followed by the U-15/16s at 12:30 p.m. and then the U-13/14 match at 3 p.m. All Republic FC Academy matches are free and open to the public to attend.

3. FC Dallas’ Ryan Hollingshead performs emergency goalkeeping duties.

FC Dallas defender and Sacramento native Ryan Hollingshead found himself in a unique position Saturday night. Late in their match against Toronto FC, FC Dallas found themselves down a goal and in trouble when goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez was forced off late after a heavy collision with Toronto midfielder Will Johnson in the 87th minute. With all FC Dallas substitutions already used, Hollingshead replaced Gonzalez in goal for the waning moments of the match and even made a save off a dangerous free kick opportunity for Toronto FC.

1. U.S. Open Cup tournament kicks off on Wednesday

With the preliminary rounds over, the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup kicks off this Wednesday across the country in 23 First Round matches. While Sacramento Republic FC do not enter the U.S. Open Cup until the Second Round on Wednesday, May 18, there are two notable matches for Sacramento Republic FC fans.

First, San Francisco City FC faces off against CD Aguiluchos USA on Wednesday, May 11 at the Beach Chalet fields in Golden Gate Park. Republic FC will face the winner of this match on Wednesday, May 18 in the Second Round of the Open Cup. Kickoff for the Second Round match is 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Meanwhile, local NPSL side Sacramento Gold FC will face Burlingame Dragons FC, the PDL affiliate of the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday in another First Round U.S. Open Cup match. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. at Capital Christian School. Admission is $10 for 13 and over, $5 for children ages 8-12 and free for children under age 8.

Republic FC goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek and midfielder Max Alvarez are Sacramento Gold FC alumni.

2. Republic FC Academy look to solidify playoff positioning

With just three matches left in the 2016-2017 U.S. Soccer Development Academy regular season, Republic FC’s Academy teams are busy preparing for the postseason.

The U-13/14s are gearing up for their summer showcase on June 20-23, 2016, at Toyota Park in in Frisco, Tex. With an 18-3-3 overall record, the U-13/14s have lost just one of their past 10 matches and have outscored their opponents 37-7.

Meanwhile, the U-15/16s are just out of playoff position, sitting in fifth place in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference with a 12-9-5 overall record. The U-15/16s ran away on Saturday with a 3-0 win against De Anza Force Academy.

Lastly, the U-17s/18s are ranked third in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference with a 15-8-6 overall record and currently sit in the 20th playoff spot. Both the U-17/18s and U-15/16s hope to qualify for their respective postseason tournaments, which start in early July.

All three Academy sides have home matches against Santa Cruz Breakers Academy this Saturday at the in Mather Sports Complex. The U-17/18 match kicks off at 10 a.m. followed by the U-15/16s at 12:30 p.m. and then the U-13/14 match at 3 p.m. All Republic FC Academy matches are free and open to the public to attend.

3. FC Dallas’ Ryan Hollingshead performs emergency goalkeeping duties.

FC Dallas defender and Sacramento native Ryan Hollingshead found himself in a unique position Saturday night. Late in their match against Toronto FC, FC Dallas found themselves down a goal and in trouble when goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez was forced off late after a heavy collision with Toronto midfielder Will Johnson in the 87th minute. With all FC Dallas substitutions already used, Hollingshead replaced Gonzalez in goal for the waning moments of the match and even made a save off a dangerous free kick opportunity for Toronto FC.

• Watch Hollingshead in goal > 

Hollingshead, who is in his third year with FC Dallas, is a Granite Bay High School and Placer United alum. The UCLA product was drafted by FC Dallas with the 20th overall selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, but chose to step away from soccer for a year to help his brother build a church in Sacramento and do humanitarian work in Haiti.

• Watch Hollingshead in goal > 

Hollingshead, who is in his third year with FC Dallas, is a Granite Bay High School and Placer United alum. The UCLA product was drafted by FC Dallas with the 20th overall selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, but chose to step away from soccer for a year to help his brother build a church in Sacramento and do humanitarian work in Haiti.

Sacramento Republic FC end their goalless drought as they earned a big win on Saturday night against rivals LA Galaxy II. The defense also secured their fourth shutout of the season in 2-0 victory.

From spending countless hours driving us to practice, being there at every match and cheering us on to success on and off the field, we wouldn't be where we are today without you. Thanks for all you do, moms. Happy Mother's Day!

From spending countless hours driving us to practice, being there at every match and cheering us on to success on and off the field, we wouldn’t be where we are today without you. Thanks for all you do, moms. Happy Mother’s Day!

Thank you to Shane Company for joining us in celebrating Mother's Day.

Thank you to Shane Company for joining us in celebrating Mother’s Day.