- Led team in tackles, duels, and interceptions in 2021 and 2022
- Scored three consecutive game winners in 2022 U.S. Open Cup, named Quarterfinal Player of the Round
- First joined Sacramento ahead of 2021 season and was named Team MVP and Defensive MVP in his first season
- Played three seasons with MLS side San Jose Earthquakes
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Luis Felipe, re-signing the midfielder to a multi-year deal, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“Luis Felipe has become an integral part of our club these past two seasons and has been an absolute workhorse in our midfield,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Luis’ tenacity is contagious, and he showed time and again that he shines brightest when the stakes are highest. We are delighted to bring him back to represent our badge.”
The 26-year-old midfielder first joined Republic FC ahead of the 2021 season. In his two seasons with the Indomitable Club, Luis Felipe has led the team across several stat categories in league play, including successful tackles, duels won, and interceptions. He also eclipsed 2,000 minutes both years, leading the team in appearances (33) and minutes played (2,608) in 2022. On the offensive end, he added seven goals and four assists and maintained a 78% passing accuracy.
His play not only made him one of the team’s most consistent players, but also earned him praise across the league and among his teammates and coaches. Over both seasons, he earned five selections to the USL Championship Team of the Week, won the three fan votes for Goal of the Week distinctions, and took home Goal of the Month honors twice. In 2021, he was named Republic FC’s Team MVP and Defensive MVP, and was awarded the team-voted Play of the Year.
Luis Felipe also had standout performances during Republic FC’s historic run to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Final. In his six tournament appearances, the New York native netted three goals – all game winners – in consecutive matches in the Round of 32, Round of 16, and most notably his 70th minute game winner against MLS side LA Galaxy in the Quarterfinals, punching Sacramento’s ticket to the Semifinal Round for the first time in club history and earning him the distinction of being voted TheCup.us Player of the Round. He also converted his penalty in the Semifinal shootout against Sporting Kansas City on July 27.
Republic FC returns 90% of the players that formed the central spine of the roster. Together, the team’s central midfielders and central defenders won 61% of tackles and 55% of duels, and the squad’s 36 goals conceded marked the team’s best defensive performance since 2018 and top 10 in the league. On the offensive end, the group maintained an overall 93% passing accuracy (66% accuracy in the final third), added 18 of the club’s 33 assists, and created 174 scoring opportunities.
Prior to joining Republic FC, Luis Felipe spent three seasons with MLS side San Jose Earthquakes and previously competed in USL Championship with Reno 1868 FC in its inaugural 2017 season.
He made his professional debut in 2016 with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL, where he was nominated for NASL Young Player of the Year. After coming up in the storied Brazilian Cruzeiro Esporte Clube academy in Belo Horizonte, he returned home and earned a call up to the U.S. U-20 National Team Camp in 2014.
Republic FC continues to build its roster for 2023, the club’s 10th season. The club will host its annual Open Tryouts on January 14-15, giving local players the opportunity to be evaluated by Republic FC’s first-team staff – and at least one player will be invited to join first team training camp in February for a chance to earn a professional contract. Interested players can learn more at SacRepublicFC.com/Tryouts.
