Sac Republic FC hungry for more success after historic run
Sacramento Republic FC went on a historic run in 2022, becoming just the third lower-league team outside of the MLS to reach the final of the U.S. Open Cup, an annual tournament featuring professional teams from all levels in the United States.
The Republic beat three MLS teams along the way before falling to Orlando City SC in the biggest game since the team won a United Soccer League championship title during its inaugural season of 2014. In the USL playoffs last fall, the Republic lost in the second round after earning the fourth seed in the Western
Conference, falling short of expectations created by the club’s run in the Open Cup.
The organization is celebrating its 10th season beginning Saturday night with a road game against the El Paso Locomotive. Expectations within the team are high, perhaps as optimistic as they’ve ever been, given goal-scoring additions to the roster, the success of last season and the bitter taste that lingers.
Manager Mark Briggs, back with Sacramento for his fourth season, made his message to players clear. The success they enjoyed last season will have no bearing on what they’ll accomplish in 2023.
“Listen, we can’t get away from things that happened last year,” Briggs told The Bee after a recent training camp practice. “They’re fantastic memories, fantastic achievements, but ultimately we didn’t get any silverware, so they’re nice stories and I’m sure they’ll be brought up in the future. But for us as a team, 2022 is in the past, and you can’t affect the past.”
Sacramento is bringing back franchise cornerstone Rodrigo Lopez, who tied for the team lead with seven goals in 2022. The 35-year-old co-captain will continue to control the midfield with the freedom to roam on the front line to set up teammates and create scoring chances for himself.
He sent Sacramento to the U.S. Open Cup final last summer with a dramatic goal in penalty kicks to beat MLS side Sporting Kansas City. Lopez, of course, was on Sacramento’s first roster and championship winner 2014.
“Our main goal, like Mark said, was to win titles and to win the cup. We fell short of that,” Lopez said Tuesday. “This year, we came in and one of the things that I saw was a lot of hunger from everyone who came in — a lot of hunger and a lot of desire to continue where we left off last year and build from that.
“And, hopefully this year, lift one of those trophies.”
Last year’s team was more known for its defending than goal scoring. Team president and general manager Todd Dunivant made it a priority to add more punch to the front line.
That came with the signings of forward Russell Cicerone and Columbian forward Sebastian Herrera. The Republic also added quality to the midfield with Venezuelan national Arnold Lopez, who played in his country’s top league for 11 seasons.