Earlier today, the USL Championship released the annual bracket poll for Goal and Save of the Year, asking fans to select the top plays of the 2022 season. Republic FC goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña has been nominated for Save of the Year for his all-out diving stop against Louisville City FC on September 3. Voting for the first round is open now at USLSoccer.com, and puts Saldaña up against New Mexico United goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.
Republic FC had a tough task ahead of them September 3 against Eastern Conference leader Louisville City FC. Down a score and under pressure early in the second half, Republic FC’s keeper stepped up in a big moment. In the 51st minute, the Vallejo native stopped a close-range attempt with an all-out diving save to keep his club within a score. The effort received league honors – winning Save of the Week for Week 26 – as well as September Save of the Month honor.
The nomination is the second top play from Republic FC to earn recognition as one of the best of the 2022 season. Luis Felipe’s July 9 goal against Oakland Roots SC has been nominated for the league’s annual top strike.
First-round voting for the honor is open now at USLSoccer.com. The new voting process requires a simple registration. Fans can vote for both Saldaña and Luis Felipe using the same link and registration.
