Academy

After opening the 2024-25 season with a combined record of 13 wins, three draws, and no losses, 10 players from Republic FC’s U-14 and U-15 squads will represent the Indomitable Club at an upcoming Talent ID Center hosted by U.S. Soccer.

U.S. Soccer Talent ID Centers (IDCs) serve as an opportunity for the country’s top talents to train and play games under the direction of U.S. Soccer Talent Identification Managers, and are designed to evaluate players for Youth National Team rosters. 

Sacramento’s homegrown players have earned two National Team selections this year. Just last month, Chibi Ukaegbu joined the U-19 Men’s Youth National Team for a training camp that included international friendlies. He was named to the Starting XI for the team’s 3-2 victory against Japan. Da’vian Kimbrough earned his first National Team selection, joining a domestic training camp in Fayetteville, Georgia after attending a Talent ID Center earlier in the year.

Republic FC academy players continue to earn youth national team program selections. Since the launch of the club’s Youth Academy in 2015, over 60 players have been selected to represent their respective nations on the international stage, showcase their talents in Youth National Team camps, or be invited to U.S. YNT Regional ID Center sessions alongside other top youth players.

With the start of the 2024/25 MLS NEXT season this weekend, the Republic FC Youth Academy will celebrate its 10^th year. Six squads will represent the Indomitable Club in the country’s top youth division, while the U19s will also play in USL Academy.

As the only youth amateur to pro pathway in Sacramento, the academy has always drawn the region’s top players, and this year is sure to be no different as the club continues to represent the Indomitable City in league play and on the national stage.

“We’re excited to get the season underway,” said Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “In our first nine years, we’ve already achieved so much success as a club and as a soccer community. We’re looking forward to continuing that tradition this year, helping our players to reach their full potential on and off the field.”

2023/24 Recap

Republic FC was one of the top youth clubs in the country last season, with all teams combining for an overall record of 127 wins, 13 losses, and 20 draws in MLS NEXT play. The U15, U16, and U17 all claimed the Northwest Division title in their respective age groups, making Sacramento one of just six clubs to secure three division titles and punching their ticket to the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

The younger teams closed out their seasons by lifting the U13 and U14 trophies at the Copa Rayados tournament in Las Vegas.

The Season Ahead

This year, the club will feature youth squads in the same age groups as last year – U13, U14, U15, U16, and U17. After skipping a season, the club will field a U19 team to compete in both MLS NEXT and USL Academy, the United Soccer League’s top youth competition.

Club Leadership

Republic FC’s coaching staff remains a key to its long-standing success. Academy Director Eder Quintanilla is back for his fifth season with the club and will coach the U20 squad in USL Academy action. He is joined by two returning coaches from the 2023 season: Brian Willey, who has been with the academy since its inception in 2015, will coach the U13s, while David Jimenez leads the U15 and U16 squads after serving in a variety of roles in the club.

In May, the club announced the addition of Juan Aguilar and Axel Duarte, who will coach the U17 & U19 and U14 teams, respectively. The technical staff is rounded out by Strength & Conditioning Coach Oscar Galvan and Academy Operations Manager Ben Kamm.  

The club’s academy continues to attract and develop the top coaches in youth and professional soccer. Most recently, U.S. Soccer announced Mikey Varas as the Interim Head Coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Varas spent time with Republic FC in the 2016/17 season. Others include Republic FC First Team Head Coach Mark Briggs and Las Vegas Lights FC Head Coach Dennis Sanchez, who have both previously served as Academy Director.

The MLS NEXT season kicks off this weekend as all six of Republic FC’s youth sides face off with Sacramento United. On Sunday, the U19s will match up against Academica in USL Academy.

Republic FC’s youth development academy has been the region’s strongest system at preparing players for the next step in their soccer careers. This season, four homegrowns represent the club’s first team – the most in a single season in club history – and over 25 others represent professional clubs at various levels around the world. 

But the club’s youth ranks have also made their mark on the collegiate level – including here in the Sacramento region at Sacramento State and UC Davis. Back in February of this year, Sacramento State Soccer announced five additions to its roster for 2024 – Midfielder Sean Battistessa, defenders Giovanni Ceja, Jonathan Dadzie, Angad Singh and forward Donovan Sessoms – each joining the Hornets after spending their developmental years in the Quails youth system. They are joined by freshman Ethan Kelly who has previously featured on the First Team as an academy player.

Prior to joining the North Carolina State and Pacific, respectively, Ceja and Dadzie earned multiple opportunities with the club’s first team squad, signing Academy Contracts during the 2021 season. Battistessa played five years with the club’s academy, initially joining the Kentucky Wildcats in 2022. Singh was a part of SRFC’s academy program from 2017-23, during which he helped his U17 side to a berth in the MLS NEXT playoffs three years in a row. Sessoms represented Republic FC prior to joining the Men’s squad at UNLV. All five players represented Republic FC through 2022 – and four of them were members of the club’s 2021 U19 squad that challenged for national hardware and reached the MLS NEXT Cup semifinals in Dallas, Texas.

Kelly signed an Academy Contract with Republic FC’s first team in 2023 after joining the youth program in 2017 and helping his squad reach the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in back-to-back years. He made his first team debut on April 5, 2023 in a thrilling 5-4 a.e.t. win over Crossfire Premier in the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup.

The fresh faces join four other players already representing Republic FC on Hornets’ Men’s roster – the nine former Quails now making up over a third of the Hornets’ roster continuing to represent their hometown.

Now, the Quail alumni and the 2024 Hornet squad will kick off its season with a double-header matchup this week. Starting by hosting Utah Valley at Hornet Field on Thursday, August 22, the Hornets look to claim their third victory in the three-game series. Then on Sunday, Sacramento will be Berkely bound as they face the Golden Bears for the two clubs first match-up since 2018.

This Saturday is also Sacramento State College Night at Heart Health Park, where Republic FC will host Western Conference rival San Antonio FC for an 8:00 p.m.kick-off. The night will feature a special halftime performance from the Sac State Marching Band, Alumni vs Current Students Trivia, and more. Don’t miss the chance to see the beloved Herky, as he helps cheer on the crowd!

Since 2015, Republic FC has provided a top-tier training environment for youth players and the only youth-to-pro pathway in the Sacramento region. But it’s not just the players that are standing out on the American soccer team, but the technical staff that have gone on to reach the ranks of USL Championship, MLS, and the international stage – now including the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Stateside, several academy coaches have risen up to join the first team technical staff – including current Head Coach Mark Briggs, as well as 2018-19 Head Coach Simon Elliott and Assistant Coach Ben Ziemer. Others have moved up the professional ranks at different clubs. Former Academy Director Dennis Sanchez was named the Head Coach for USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights ahead of the 2024 season and added Mirkovic to his staff. Over in Oakland, former academy coaches Jordan Ferrell and Gavin Glinton have joined forces as Technical Director and Interim Head Coach, respectively.

In its first nine seasons, Republic FC’s academy has developed hundreds of young players, with 44 rising through the ranks and earning opportunities with the club’s professional squad. Over 70 players have gone on to feature at college soccer programs across the nation including at the NCAA Division I level, and 60 have earned an invitation to participate with youth national team programs, including Training and ID Camps and Regional ID Center sessions. This season, Republic FC’s first team boasts six homegrown players from its academy system on the first team roster.

The academy recently returned to play, beginning preparations for the upcoming 2024/2025 season. The MLS NEXT season will kick off in September.

• Second international call up for Sacramento Region native
• Now in its 10^th year, over 60 Republic FC Academy players have been called into national team programming 

Sacramento, Calif. – The Nicaraguan Football Federation (Fenifut) announced that Republic FC Academy midfielder Brighton Utush has been called up to its U17 National Team training camp. This is Utush’s second call-up for the Nicaraguan squad this season. The invite-only camp will run July 24^th through August 1^st inDiriamba, Nicaragua.

The 2024/2025 season marks Utush’s third season with the Republic FC Academy. The Roseville-native joined Republic FC after playing at local club, USA Stars Academy. During the most recent academy campaign, he featured for the club’s U15 side which claimed the Northwest Division title with a 23-1-3 regular season record and +75 goal differential. The season was capped off by a big win over MLS academy side Inter Miami CF in the opening round of the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

“Brighton has worked so hard since he’s been in the academy,” Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “His dedication and discipline are admirable, and this selection is fully deserved. We are proud to have him represent Republic FC at the national level once more.”

Republic FC’s homegrown players continue to earn youth national team program selections. Since the launch of the club’s Youth Academy in 2015, over 60 players have been selected to represent their respective nations on the international stage, showcase their talents in Youth National Team camps, or have been invited to U.S. YNT Regional ID Center sessions alongside other top youth players. Utush is among four homegrown Republic FC players to participate in national team programs, alongside first team signings Da’vian Kimbrough and Chibi Ukaegbu, and U14 academy goalkeeper Andy Castro.

The academy recently returned to play, beginning preparations for the upcoming 2024/2025 season. The MLS NEXT season will kick off in September.

Republic FC’s Summer of Soccer continues on Saturday, August 3 as the two top regular season teams from the 2023 season square off in Sacramento. The Indomitable Club will host Eastern Conference side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, who edged out Republic FC by just three points to claim last year’s Players’ Shield. Tickets to the 7:00 p.m. contest are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets and the match will be broadcast on ESPN2, one of Republic FC’s league-leading six national broadcasts this summer. 

After stellar regular seasons, Republic FC’s youth squads are gearing up for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in Nashville, Tennessee, the national championship of American youth soccer. Last week, the club’s U15, U16, and U17 teams learned their first-round opponents and path to the final – and will take the pitch starting this weekend to kick off their tournament runs. Each squad secured their spot in the tournament with a stellar regular season and claimed the Northwest Division title.

The Matchups: Round of 32

Republic FC’s squads have shined in the national spotlight all season. The U15 and U16 teams each won their group at MLS NEXT Flex in May, earning national recognition as a result. Sacramento’s U17s have been strong against MLS-affiliated opposition all season, besting the Seattle Sounders, San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the regular season. Sacramento was one of only six clubs in all of MLS NEXT to claim division titles in three age groups.

Sacramento has shown well in the tournament since its first edition. In 2021, the U17 and U19 teams each reached the semifinals, the only club to send two teams to the penultimate stage. In 2022, the U15 side reached the semis, and the U19s reached the Round of 16.

U13s, U14s to Wrap 2023/24 at Copa Rayados

Republic FC’s U13 and U14 squads wrap up their seasons this weekend as well, taking to the desert to participate in the Copa Rayados tournament in Las Vegas. Both sides will play a pair of matches on Friday and Saturday at one of the biggest youth soccer events of the year. Should either emerge atop their bracket, they’ll punch a ticket to Sunday’s semifinals.

Republic FC’s young players have shined in recent weeks, as they have represented the club on the national stage and in the Youth National Team ranks. After the U15, U16, and U17 squads showed strong at MLS NEXT Flex earlier in the month, U14 Goalkeeper Andy Castro and first team forward Da’vian Kimbrough each were invited to youth national team camps.

Republic FC’s homegrown players continue to earn youth national team program selections. Since the launch of the club’s Youth Academy in 2015, over 60 players have been selected to represent their respective nations on the international stage, showcase their talents in Youth National Team camps, or be invited to U.S. YNT Regional ID Center sessions alongside other top youth players. Kimbrough and Castro are among four homegrown Republic FC players to participate in national team programs this year, alongside U16 midfielder Brighton Utush, and first-team forward Chibi Ukaegbu.

This fall, Republic FC will welcome two new coaches to join its Youth Development Academy staff. Juan Aguilar and Axel Duarte each join Academy Director Eder Quintanilla on the sidelines for the club’s youth squads, ready to build on another stellar season developing the region’s top youth players. Sacramento’s youth sides are set to wrap another stellar campaign in the coming weeks, with three of three eligible squads – the U15s, U16s, and U17s – qualified for June’s MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and atop their regional divisions as the regular season wraps up.

Starting in August, Aguilar will lead the club’s U17 and U19 teams. He joins Republic FC’s youth ranks after serving players at both the college and club levels, most recently at William Jessup University and local club Sacramento United. With William Jessup in 2023, he helped lead the Men’s program to its first Conference Tournament appearance in five seasons, buoyed by a strong 5-2-3 home record. He previously served the Men’s program at Hold Names University in Oakland, California in a Graduate Assistant capacity, and has represented Republic FC’s youth ranks in the past – serving in an internship role in 2019.

“Axel and Juan each bring tremendous experience to our academy staff and will be key mentors to our players in their development,” said Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “Our club can benefit immediately from what they’ll bring on the sidelines as we aim to continue to serve our club and the region’s only professional pathway.”

“Republic FC always holds high standards in creating an elite academy environment dedicated to developing players for the pro pathway and college,” said Aguilar. “I’m excited to get started, work with talented staff and players, and help bring the club to new levels of success.”

Duarte will serve as head coach of Republic FC’s U14 squad. He joins Republic FC after serving youth club Lou Fusz Athletic in St. Louis, Missouri since 2021, where he was the head coach of its U13 and U14 MLS NEXT teams and developed the club’s training curriculum for young players. He brings professional experience to the club’s academy staff – prior to starting his coaching career, Duarte featured at Swedish fourth division side Gimo IF, Venezuelan second division club Estudiantes de Caracas, as well as stateside for the Major Arena Soccer League’s St. Louis Ambush from 2017-2021. 

“I would like to thank Eder Quintanilla and the entire staff for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity to be part of such a unique organization,” said Duarte. “I’m genuinely thrilled to join Sacramento Republic and committed to upholding the legacy of excellence they’ve established, striving to make meaningful contributions to guide players to their fullest potential both on the field and in their personal development.”

Republic FC’s youth squads remain among the top teams in the country entering the final weeks of the 2023/24 regular season. The U15 and U17 squads have each claimed the Northwest Division crown and locked up a first-place finish in the regular season. The U16 squad joined the U15s in winning their group at the annual MLS NEXT Flex tournament in Boyds, Maryland earlier in the month, and each earned nationwide praise ranking in the top ten of FootyAccess’ youth soccer power rankings released on May 15.

Last weekend, Republic FC’s U15 and U16 Academy squads impressed at the annual MLS NEXT Flex tournament in Boyds, Maryland, winning their respective groups. The stellar showing earned each squad a berth into the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs next month. But it was hardly a surprise as each squad has been one of the top teams in their respective age groups throughout the 2023/24 season.

Earlier this week, youth soccer blog FootyAccess released its latest national rankings, featuring the top 10 teams in each age group across the country.  Republic FC’s 16s took the top spot, while the U15s ranked fourth.

Republic FC’s U16 squad has lost just two contests this season, boasting 26 wins league play, the most of any team in its age group nationwide. Its remarkable campaign includes a run of 24 matches unbeaten from November to April 21, including an undefeated showing at the MLS NEXT Fest Showcase in December. In Maryland, the squad rebounded from a tight 2-1 opening match defeat to Indy Eleven by scoring ten goals in its final two games.

Both teams have their tickets punched for the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs – set for June 15 to 23 in Nashville, Tennessee. The tournament is the national championship of American youth soccer’s top level. Republic FC has qualified at least one team for the tournament every year and shown well – three squads have reached Semifinal round since 2021, and last season, Sacramento’s U17 side reached the Round of 32.

Since last Friday, Republic FC’s U15, U16, and U17 academy squads have been in action at the MLS NEXT Flex tournament in Boyds, Maryland, taking on top competition from around the country. After three matches apiece, the club’s teams are set to return home after a stellar showing at the annual tournament, and playoff berths in hand for the U15s and U16s. Sacramento came away with four wins and a draw in nine combined matches and as one of 13 clubs with a group winner in multiple age groups.  

The Results

The U15 side kicked off the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Southern Soccer Academy. On Day 2, the club played well against the Colorado Rapids in a 2-2 draw, eventually falling in penalties, 7-6. The squad wrapped up its trip with an offensive showcase in a 6-3 victory over Players Development Academy. The U16 side fell to Indy Eleven to open the tournament by a tight 2-1 scoreline but scored 10 goals across its next two games – 5-1 and 5-3 wins – to secure a pair of victories and the top spot in its group.

What’s Coming Up

After a stellar tournament showing, a full slate of regional derbies is on the docket this week as Republic FC visits local rival Sac United at Granite Regional Park. The two clubs met in all age groups just last week – with Republic FC winning all five games and conceding just a single goal on the day. It’ll mark the third matchup between the two club’s teams this season, Republic FC has dominated the matchups to this point securing six wins in nine contests across all age groups.