Team News

Republic FC Signs Defender Danny Reynolds for 2022 Season

Sacramento Republic FC announced that the club has acquired defender Danny Reynolds, adding him to the roster for the 2022 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We like Danny’s versatility along the left side of the defense,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His ability to play through lines and make incisive passes will fit in well with the way we want to play.”

Reynolds joins the Indomitable Club after a season with National Premier Soccer League’s Southern States SC. Danny led the Stars with six goals in the club’s inaugural NPSL season and reached the quarterfinals in postseason play. In May, he was selected for the NPSL’s National Team of the Month.

In 2020, he was selected 35th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Seattle Sounders FC. He signed with Tacoma Defiance in February and made his USL Championship debut for the Pacific Northwest club. In the shortened 2020 season, Danny made 12 appearances – six starts, and contributed four assists, leading to a selection to the Week 15 USL Team of the Week.

Reynolds was born in Oxford, England, where he played for multiple youth programs including Cheltenham Town FC, Reading FC, and Oxford United. He moved to the U.S. to play college soccer, first at Louisville and later at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before transferring, he tallied three goals and six assists in 40 appearances with the Cardinals. At UNC Wilmington, he was named the 2019 Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his UNCW career with 61 starts in 73 appearances, 9 goals, and 14 assists. Following his college career, Danny joined USL League Two side Brazos Valley Cavalry FC (Bryan, Texas), where he posted one goal.

Registration for SRFC Open Tryouts is now open! At least one player in attendance will be invited to train with Emil and the team ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season with the chance to earn a professional contract. For more information on registration and requirements, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/Tryouts.

Republic FC Adds Forward Luther Archimede

Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with forward Luther Archimède, pending league and federation approval. He will be added to Republic FC’s 2022 roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Luther has all of the physical qualities we are looking for in a center forward, but more importantly we are excited to add his mentality and work ethic to our group,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We feel that he’s ready for a breakout year, and we’re excited to welcome him to Sacramento.”

Archimède comes to Sacramento after spending the 2021 season with USL Championship side New York Red Bulls II. He made his USL debut in August, and appeared in fourteen matches, with 7 starts. Luther served as a late season spark, tallying three scores and one assist for NYRB II. He was selected 13th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by New York Red Bulls, before signing with the club’s USL Championship affiliate.

Prior to being selected by New York, he featured for French Ligue 2 side FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, before moving to the U.S. to join the soccer program at Syracuse University. With the Orange, Archimède made 20 appearances from 2019-2020, netting five goals and helping Syracuse to the second round of the 2019 NCAA College Cup, where they fell to St. John’s University.

The forward also has logged valuable minutes at the international level. Last summer, he made two appearances for the Guadeloupe National Football Team in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In 2018, he featured for the Guadeloupe U-20 National Team in the 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, netting six goals in five contests.

Republic FC Re-Signs Midfielder Emil Cuello for 2022 Season

Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Emil Cuello, re-signing the midfielder for the 2022 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Cuello joined Republic FC on loan from San Antonio FC in August after signing with the Texas club during the 2020 offseason. His attacking style of play bolstered Sacramento’s front line, generating 19 scoring chances while tallying one goal and two assists in 14 appearances.

“Emil is a dynamic attacking player,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He showed glimpses of his ability during his loan stint, and we believe he has a lot more to offer.”

Cuello made his club debut against San Diego Loyal SC on August 28, logging three shots in 45 minutes. He became a regular in the starting XI shortly afterward, starting all but two contests after September 1. He netted the game-winning goal against Tacoma Defiance on October 2, his lone tally with Republic FC, and finished the season with two assists while completing 73% of his passing attempts.

Prior to 2021, Cuello featured for LA Galaxy, after being selected 19th overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. He started the 2019 season with USL Championship side LA Galaxy II, before earning a call up to the MLS squad and making four starts across 24 appearances in 2019 and 2020. He signed with San Antonio FC ahead of the 2021 season, where he added two goals and three assists in 16 appearances before being acquired by Sacramento.

Luis Felipe Advances to Semifinals in USL 2021 Goal of the Year Bracket

Earlier today, USL Championship announced that Republic FC’s Luis Felipe has advanced to the next round in the league’s 2021 Fans’ Choice Goal of the Year. The Brazilian midfielder edged out teammate—and September Goal of the Month winner—Juju Chavez and will now faceoff with RGV Toros midfielder Rodrigo Lopez.

Voting is open now through December 20 at 9:00 a.m. PT at USLChampionship.com — be sure to click tab #2 to vote for Luis.

Felipe’s left footed banger against Tacoma Defiance not only won October’s fan vote, but earned a lot of praise on social media. After pushing the ball ahead, the midfielder surprised everyone when he rocketed a shot from 35 yards out and into the top-right corner of the goal, leaving the Tacoma goalkeeper with no time to react. Felipe’s Goal of the Month win secured back-to-back victories for the Indomitable Club, with Juju Chavez taking home the honor in September.

BE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BEFORE DECEMBER 20 AT 9:00 A.M. PT AT USLCHAMPIONSHIP.COM AND CHECK BACK FOR A FINALS UPDATE!

Luis Felipe & Juju Chavez Up for 2021 USL Goal of the Year

Earlier this week, USL Championship announced that Republic FC’s Luis Felipe and Juju Chavez are both finalists for the league’s 2021 Fans’ Choice Goal of the Year Competition. The midfielders will go head-to-head in the first round of the tournament-style competition. Voting is open now through December 13 at 9:00 a.m. PT at USLChampionship.com — be sure to click the third tab for the Chavez/Felipe faceoff. All voters will be entered to win a $100 Select gift card.

19-year-old Chavez—the youngest goalscorer in Republic FC history—took home the September Goal of the Month, after his left-footed curler sealed the win for the Indomitable Club in Las Vegas on September 7. The buildup started from the backline with a long forward pass, followed up by a cross that was beautifully brought down and laid off to Juju. The Elk Grove native shook off his opponent and sent a long-range shot to the top-left corner of the net.

Luis Felipe’s left footed banger against Tacoma Defiance not only won October’s fan vote, but earned a lot of praise on social media. After pushing the ball ahead, the Brazilian midfielder surprised everyone when he rocketed a shot from 35 yards out and into the top-right corner of the goal, leaving the Tacoma goalkeeper with no time to react. Felipe’s Goal of the Month win secured back-to-back victories for the Indomitable Club, with Chavez taking home the honor in September.

The Boys in Old Glory Red were well represented in the league’s Goal of the Week competitions in 2021. In total, they received six nominations and took home four wins – leading to Chavez and Felipe’s Goal of the Month victories.

Be sure to cast your vote before December 8 at 9:00 a.m. PT at USLChampionship.com and check back for a semifinals update!

Republic FC Re-sign Goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña for 2022 Season

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Vallejo, California native Carlos Saldaña, re-signing the goalkeeper for the 2022 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

2022 will mark Saldaña’s second season with Republic FC. He officially signed with the club in September 2021 after training with the team during the season, and made his Sacramento debut on October 2 against Tacoma Defiance.

“Carlos earned everything he got last season and really took his opportunities,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He earned a lot of respect amongst his teammates with not only his play on the field, but the way he carried himself off of it.”

Following his club debut, Saldaña went on to start each of the club’s remaining six matches, recording 28 saves and one clean sheet. He also led Republic FC’s goalkeeping squad with the most saves in a match (6) and highest save success rate (77.8%).

Prior to joining the Indomitable Club, Carlos logged minutes with Liga MX-side C.D. Guadalajara—including academy, reserve team, and first team. In 2019, he led Chivas to the reserve league finals, only to fall on aggregate. He has also appeared for Tepatitlán F.C. of Liga de Expansión MX

Mark Briggs to Return as Republic FC Head Coach for 2022 Season

Today, Republic FC announced that Head Coach Mark Briggs has agreed to a new contract that will return him to the sidelines for the Indomitable Club. The terms of the contract will not be disclosed, per club policy.

“Mark has done a lot of good work in his two and half years at the club, and we believe the best times are still ahead,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We have ambitious goals for 2022 and beyond, and Mark is going to be instrumental in achieving our objective of winning a championship.”

“Sacramento is a top-flight club with a tremendous fan base and dedicated staff. I’m not pleased with our performance this season, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to give this club, these fans, and this city a season they deserve,” said Briggs. “We’ve already begun the work to build a roster that will be better in front of both boxes and close out games, and get back to the postseason.”

Briggs joined the Indomitable Club in 2019 as its Academy Director. Following his appointment as Head Coach for the 2020 season, Briggs set a new standard involving young, local players in the club’s lineup. Since then, three players from the club’s youth development academy have signed first-team contracts, and 15 others have earned valuable first team opportunities on USL Academy Contracts. In his two seasons at the helm, the club has set new records for minutes (2020 – 1,507 minutes, 2021 – 3,953 minutes) and contributions for young players developed through the academy program.

Before joining Republic FC, Mark was named USL Coach of the Year for guiding Real Monarchs SLC to the 2017 USL Championship Regular Season title in record fashion, leading the club from an 11th place finish in 2016 to the top of the table. In five stints as serving as a USL Head Coach, Briggs holds a 51-35-36 record, only missing the postseason in two seasons – by one point (2016) and five points (2021).

Born in Wolverhampton, England, Briggs signed his first professional contract at age 17 as a product of the West Bromwich Albion youth system. In 1999, he captained the Baggies youth squad to a cup victory at Wembley Stadium and earned the club’s honor as Youth Team Player of the Year.

As a professional, Mark represented West Brom’s first team with 12 appearances, beginning in 2000, as well as 150 additional reserve team appearances. His career continued in Denmark, and at English League One and Northern League clubs, until 2008 when he began playing in America.

In 2009, he joined Wilmington Hammerheads where he was awarded with the team’s Player of the Year honor, for his efforts during the 2009 USL Second Division regular season title campaign. In 2012, he rejoined Wilmington as a player-coach in his final season on the pitch. He transitioned to an assistant coach until 2015 when he was selected to lead the Hammerheads.

His time in Wilmington includes the development and transfer of a player to a Bundesliga 2 team, signing the first former English Premier League (EPL) player to a USL contract, creating a reserve team for young player development, establishing a formal EPL partnership to groom talent, and leading the club to a fourth round US Open Cup appearance that took MLS side Real Salt Lake to a penalty shootout in 2016.

President & General Manager Todd Dunivant will continue to work alongside Mark Briggs to build a roster for the 2022 season. The club will announce new signings and roster developments in the coming weeks. Republic FC will also provide a pathway for local players to join the professional ranks by hosting Open Tryouts on January 15-16, 2022.

Players can register for Open Tryouts now and are encouraged to sign up early due to limited slots. At least one player in attendance will be invited to train with the team ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season with the chance to earn a professional contract. For more information on registration and requirements, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/Tryouts.

Republic FC Goalkeeper Coach Matt Glaeser Named Head Coach of Forward Madison FC

Earlier today, USL League 1 side Forward Madison FC named Matt Glaeser its new Head Coach and Technical Director. The Virginia native will lead the Wisconsin side that finished just four points removed from playoff position in its second-ever season.

Glaeser joined Republic FC’s technical staff ahead of the 2021 season to support goalkeeper development and direct the club’s set piece strategy. Before coming to Sacramento, he served in a dual role as an assistant coach and set piece specialist with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and its USL Championship affiliate, Real Monarchs SLC.

With Republic FC, Glaeser led a goalkeeping unit that conceded only 42 scores on the season- a mark among the lowest in the league, and saw three different keepers combine to record six clean sheets. Under Glaeser in 2021, Sacramento’s goalkeepers recorded 80 saves on 122 shots faced, good for a 66% save percentage.

The move to Madison will be Glaeser’s first head coaching role. “I would like to thank Sacramento Republic FC for the opportunity to work alongside tremendous players, coaches, staff and ownership. My experience at the club was first class and I wish everyone there the best success!”

“Matt’s departure is bittersweet, as he will be missed, but he is certainly deserving of this opportunity,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re proud to have played a role in yet another SRFC coach’s promotion within the professional game. We wish him the best and remain thankful for his contributions to the club.”

Several Republic FC academy staff and first team coaches have taken a professional step forward following their time in Sacramento, including moves to MLS squads, joining USL first team staffs, and supporting US Men’s National Team development. Most recently, Mikey Varas, a coach for Republic FC’s academy during the 2016-2017 season, was named Head Coach of the U-20 U.S. Men’s National Team following three seasons on the first team staff at FC Dallas.

On behalf of the SRFC family, we wish Matt the best of luck as he embarks on the next step of his professional coaching career.

Building for 2022: Casey’s Confidence Bolsters the Back Line

In his first season of professional soccer across the Atlantic, Dan Casey stepped into Republic FC’s backline and made his mark – on the field and in the stat sheet. In 2021, he became one of Republic FC’s key contributors – from leading defensive actions and marking in the top two for goals added, appearing in all but three matches and shutting down opposing attackers with ease on a weekly basis.

From start to finish, Casey’s leadership and consistency on the back line were continuously visible. He missed just three matches, and logged the second-most minutes of any player who suited up for Mark Briggs this season. The Irishman performed admirably in one-on-one situations, and perhaps more importantly, was instrumental in keeping things clean in the penalty box for Sacramento’s goalkeepers. He finished the season with 41 intercepted passes, illustrating well his ability to disrupt the moves of opponents looking to break lines and create opportunities.

Statistically, Casey was one of Sacramento’s best on defense, something Mark Briggs and his staff will be counting on him to continue in 2022. He led Republic FC in clearances and blocked shots, and by wide margins. His 98 clearances were nearly three times that of the next man on the list, and his 21 blocked shots were more than double the next player on the leaderboard at nine.

The defender even contributed a few offensive highlights, regularly finding himself in the middle of the action in set piece situations. Casey ranked first on the squad in successful passes, and also finished with the second highest goals added rating (6.68) of any player on the team. He put nine great looks on target for the season, highlighted by his first goal in North America on June 26, and nearly put in a spectacular equalizer from beyond midfield against San Diego on July 3.

Looking ahead, the defender’s leadership and consistent dominance on the back line will be a big part of Sacramento’s quest for hardware in 2022. After all, he’ll be coming back to a squad returning a majority of its defensive core, which with a second season together should see tremendous benefits from Casey leading the way.

Building for 2022: Sargis Ready to Take Established Confidence into Third Pro Season

The 2020 season saw an 18-year old Hayden Sargis prove himself as a pro with Republic FC, starting all but one match in his first full season with the first team. This past year, the academy product made a statement with his reliability, showing he’s more than ready to remain a constant contributor to first-team success.

After signing a professional contract with Sacramento out of the club’s academy ranks, Sargis broke out in 2020, earning a nomination for USL Young Player of the Year. He started every match during the abbreviated 2020 regular season, logging 1,237 minutes and starting 14 contests.

Sargis’ second professional season saw him set career highs in appearances (18), starts (16), and minutes played (1,474), as well as tally his first career assist as a constant presence in Republic FC’s back line. En route to becoming the first Academy product to log 1,000 minutes in consecutive seasons, he also set a new record for starts in a season from a current or former academy player (16). He also finished second on the squad with 62 clearances, blocked eight shots, and emerged successful in just under half his one-on-one duels.

Alongside fellow returners Dan Casey and Duke Lacroix, the now third-year back looks to keep strong a Sacramento defensive unit that finished in the top half of the league in goals conceded (42) and logged six clean sheets. Even with part of his season spent recovering from an injury in September, his constant presence in 2022 should allow Sacramento to improve upon defensive excellence- Republic FC conceded more than one score just 12 times on the year.

As the calendar turns to 2022, Sargis appears set to continue proving the capability of both himself and other Academy products, who recorded record-setting success in 2021 by logging just under 4,000 first team minutes and combined for 121 selections. Looking forward to his second full season, his ceiling remains high.