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Tracy Hamm has excelled on the field at seemingly every level and when the Moraga-native decided to get into coaching, she blazed a trail being just the second American women to earn her UEFA A Coaching License. 

Her feat was showcased in a documentary called “Coach” where cameras captured her over the course of the two-year commitment towards obtaining her license that – according to a 2020 Davis Enterprise article– only 1% of the 50,000 licenses earned were by women. 

She’s amassed a tremendous amount of individual success, but now she feels it’s her responsibility to help other women dream big and achieve the same level of success she has. 

“The responsibility I feel is focused on bringing people with me,” Hamm told the Davis Enterprise. “That propelled me to pursue licenses and degree that other people do not have and push myself to go above and beyond basic expectations to prove to myself that I am doing my best for my players and my friends. Then pursuing my UEFA A License challenged me to focus more on the tactical side of the game. The response I received from my players regarding their development, because they see how much they grew with a short period of time, also motivates me because I am helping them reach their full potential.”

Hamm was announced as the head coach for the women’s team at UC Davis in 2019 after guiding San Francisco State to four consecutive campaigns that culminated with a winning record. The year before in 2018, she led the Gators to the university’s first playoff appearance since 2010. 

Tracy Hamm has excelled on the field at seemingly every level and when the Moraga-native decided to get into coaching, she blazed a trail being just the second American women to earn her UEFA A Coaching License. 

Her feat was showcased in a documentary called “Coach” where cameras captured her over the course of the two-year commitment towards obtaining her license that – according to a 2020 Davis Enterprise article– only 1% of the 50,000 licenses earned were by women. 

She’s amassed a tremendous amount of individual success, but now she feels it’s her responsibility to help other women dream big and achieve the same level of success she has. 

“The responsibility I feel is focused on bringing people with me,” Hamm told the Davis Enterprise. “That propelled me to pursue licenses and degree that other people do not have and push myself to go above and beyond basic expectations to prove to myself that I am doing my best for my players and my friends. Then pursuing my UEFA A License challenged me to focus more on the tactical side of the game. The response I received from my players regarding their development, because they see how much they grew with a short period of time, also motivates me because I am helping them reach their full potential.”

Hamm was announced as the head coach for the women’s team at UC Davis in 2019 after guiding San Francisco State to four consecutive campaigns that culminated with a winning record. The year before in 2018, she led the Gators to the university’s first playoff appearance since 2010. 

When she graduated, at the time there wasn’t a professional women’s league to play in. But in 2009, three years after she donned the Bears’ kit for Cal, Hamm was drafted by FC Gold Pride prior to the inaugural campaign of WPS – Women’s Professional Soccer. She later joined the Atlanta Beat for her second professional season in the newly formed league. 

But the success Hamm has earned hasn’t just been coaching the game she’s committed herself to. 

She’s showed the world she’s a polished professional in every sense of the term. Not only does Hamm have a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, but she’s earned two graduate degrees as well – an Ed. M in counseling with a specialization in sport psychology and a master’s in coaching and athletic administration. 

It was during her college years in the East Bay where she recognized the unlimited amount of potential brewing inside of her. 

When she graduated, at the time there wasn’t a professional women’s league to play in. But in 2009, three years after she donned the Bears’ kit for Cal, Hamm was drafted by FC Gold Pride prior to the inaugural campaign of WPS – Women’s Professional Soccer. She later joined the Atlanta Beat for her second professional season in the newly formed league. 

But the success Hamm has earned hasn’t just been coaching the game she’s committed herself to. 

She’s showed the world she’s a polished professional in every sense of the term. Not only does Hamm have a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, but she’s earned two graduate degrees as well – an Ed. M in counseling with a specialization in sport psychology and a master’s in coaching and athletic administration. 

It was during her college years in the East Bay where she recognized the unlimited amount of potential brewing inside of her. 

It may have been in college where she discovered her potential, but it was long before that she learned strength and how a tireless work ethic was the key to success. The individuals who taught her that were none other than her parents. 

“The core group of people that shaped who I am include my parents,” the former Cal standout told the Davis Enterprise. “They are blue-collar workers – my mom is a nurse and my dad was a contractor. They never allowed me to cut corners and taught me to do everything the right way.”

And there’s something her father instilled in her when she was young that still lingers and drives her to this day. 

“Growing up, my dad always told me that the hardest part of anything is showing up because that is what people fear – showing up because that is where the fear of failure lives,” Hamm said in the 2020 interview. “People fear failure to such a degree, they do not give themselves a chance to succeed because they fail to even start. I think about that a lot when I face challenges and remind myself to just show up and give myself a chance. If I stick with it, embrace that challenge and do not shy away from it, I can accomplish anything.”

The Aggies’ head coach may only be entering her second full season at the helm, but it’s glaringly apparent that there are promising times ahead for the UC Davis Women’s soccer program and not only is the team on the path towards success, but it’s in extremely reliable and ambitious hands with Hamm.

It may have been in college where she discovered her potential, but it was long before that she learned strength and how a tireless work ethic was the key to success. The individuals who taught her that were none other than her parents. 

“The core group of people that shaped who I am include my parents,” the former Cal standout told the Davis Enterprise. “They are blue-collar workers – my mom is a nurse and my dad was a contractor. They never allowed me to cut corners and taught me to do everything the right way.”

And there’s something her father instilled in her when she was young that still lingers and drives her to this day. 

“Growing up, my dad always told me that the hardest part of anything is showing up because that is what people fear – showing up because that is where the fear of failure lives,” Hamm said in the 2020 interview. “People fear failure to such a degree, they do not give themselves a chance to succeed because they fail to even start. I think about that a lot when I face challenges and remind myself to just show up and give myself a chance. If I stick with it, embrace that challenge and do not shy away from it, I can accomplish anything.”

The Aggies’ head coach may only be entering her second full season at the helm, but it’s glaringly apparent that there are promising times ahead for the UC Davis Women’s soccer program and not only is the team on the path towards success, but it’s in extremely reliable and ambitious hands with Hamm.

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Earlier this week, Coach Hamm joined Connor Sutton on The Breakaway: A Republic FC podcast and supporters can listen to the full episode here where she talks about her story as a coach and player and the importance of having more women coaches in soccer.

Earlier this week, Coach Hamm joined Connor Sutton on The Breakaway: A Republic FC podcast and supporters can listen to the full episode here where she talks about her story as a coach and player and the importance of having more women coaches in soccer.

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Don't miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

Don’t miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

On Friday, March 3, The state of California announced last week that outdoor entertainment events, including live sports, could begin to allow a limited number of spectators starting on Apr. 1.

With the guidance and support from state and county officials, Republic FC is planning on allowing fans back at Papa Murphy’s Park for the start of the 2021 USL Championship season and preseason matches, set to begin in late April. 

On Friday, March 3, The state of California announced last week that outdoor entertainment events, including live sports, could begin to allow a limited number of spectators starting on Apr. 1.

With the guidance and support from state and county officials, Republic FC is planning on allowing fans back at Papa Murphy’s Park for the start of the 2021 USL Championship season and preseason matches, set to begin in late April. 

Republic FC issued the following statement after reviewing the California Department of Public Health’s new guidance:

“As we continue to prepare for our upcoming season, we’re excited about the opportunity to welcome our passionate fans back to matches. We applaud the efforts of our state and Sacramento County leadership to ensure community health remains a priority, while working to create a pathway for a safe return to game day. The support of our fans and community have even more meaning this year, as we work to solidify a new investor for our Major League Soccer expansion plans. We are ready for the return of the drums, chants, songs, and cheers from Republic FC fans.”

Beginning on April 1 – and contingent on county COVID tiers and guidance from local health officials, fans can be welcomed back into outdoor stadiums – red tier 20% of capacity, orange tier 33% of capacity, and yellow tier 67% of capacity.

As the team continues its preparations for the 2021 season, the team will announce its plans to bring fans back to the park in the near future.

Republic FC Members will be receiving exclusive first access to attend matches this season and new Memberships are now on sale HERE. Fans can join the priority list for single-game tickets if they are made available by clicking HERE.

Republic FC issued the following statement after reviewing the California Department of Public Health’s new guidance:

“As we continue to prepare for our upcoming season, we’re excited about the opportunity to welcome our passionate fans back to matches. We applaud the efforts of our state and Sacramento County leadership to ensure community health remains a priority, while working to create a pathway for a safe return to game day. The support of our fans and community have even more meaning this year, as we work to solidify a new investor for our Major League Soccer expansion plans. We are ready for the return of the drums, chants, songs, and cheers from Republic FC fans.”

Beginning on April 1 – and contingent on county COVID tiers and guidance from local health officials, fans can be welcomed back into outdoor stadiums – red tier 20% of capacity, orange tier 33% of capacity, and yellow tier 67% of capacity.

As the team continues its preparations for the 2021 season, the team will announce its plans to bring fans back to the park in the near future.

Republic FC Members will be receiving exclusive first access to attend matches this season and new Memberships are now on sale HERE. Fans can join the priority list for single-game tickets if they are made available by clicking HERE.

Sacramento, Calif. –  Republic FC’s commitment to serve and support Sacramento, continues with the next phase of Republic FC Kickstart voting opening today. The third-edition of the small-business grant program – in partnership with Suncrest Bank and the support of the Sacramento Metro Chamber – powered by fan and community nominations, will provide $10,500 in grants for five women-owned small businesses that support the community and continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic. 

Voting will run through March 16. Fans can vote for up to five businesses, casting one ballot daily. Forty businesses representing nine various industries were nominated by fans and the public. To view the nominees and cast a ballot, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/SuncrestBank. 

All nominated businesses will have the opportunity to receive additional resources and services through Suncrest Bank. Through fan voting, five finalists will be selected to present to a panel of community and business leaders, as well as representatives from Suncrest Bank and Republic FC. Metro Chamber President & CEO Amanda Blackwood, Clutch & BOLD Speaker Series co-founder Anne Descalzo, Sugar Coated Cupcakes co-owner LaQueanya Henry and KCRA’s Michelle Dapper will join Suncrest Bank’s Elizabeth Zennadi and Republic FC Controller and CPA Sarah Schubert on a panel to review the finalist pitch for the $5,000 grant. Each finalist will receive a share of the $10,500 grant pool — $5,000, $2,500 for second place, and three $1,000 grants. 

For additional information about Republic FC Kickstart, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/SuncrestBank.

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As Women’s History Month starts, the women that help shape and lead Republic FC have created a new council that aims to empower women to become leaders both in the office and community, while creating  an inclusive & diverse environment for all employees, fans, and the residents of the region. 

The Indomitable Women’s Network – a collective formed by the staff that are proud to serve this community through soccer – is focused on relationship building and networking, career development, equity and inclusion, and community outreach. 

As Women’s History Month starts, the women that help shape and lead Republic FC have created a new council that aims to empower women to become leaders both in the office and community, while creating  an inclusive & diverse environment for all employees, fans, and the residents of the region. 

The Indomitable Women’s Network – a collective formed by the staff that are proud to serve this community through soccer – is focused on relationship building and networking, career development, equity and inclusion, and community outreach. 

We’re going to look at issues that examine the whole picture – representation, community topics, mentorship, and developing pathways for women and girls to the boardroom and beyond. We’ll open up networking opportunities and seminars, and so much more. 

But we’re not stopping there. We are committed to making a lasting change on the organization and our community. We plan to work with local women-focused nonprofits and offer scholarships and intern programs for girls who are interested in working with sports. We want to grow the number of women in our office and fanbase, and find new ways to connect with women during the recruitment process. We hope to connect with women across USL/MLS, and other leagues and industries.

Change won’t be accomplished alone; the responsibility should not (and does not) fall solely on the shoulders of women. It’s going to take teamwork and collaboration between men and women to make an impact, and while IWN is women-focused, there will still be plenty of opportunities for men to get involved. 

We’re going to look at issues that examine the whole picture – representation, community topics, mentorship, and developing pathways for women and girls to the boardroom and beyond. We’ll open up networking opportunities and seminars, and so much more. 

But we’re not stopping there. We are committed to making a lasting change on the organization and our community. We plan to work with local women-focused nonprofits and offer scholarships and intern programs for girls who are interested in working with sports. We want to grow the number of women in our office and fanbase, and find new ways to connect with women during the recruitment process. We hope to connect with women across USL/MLS, and other leagues and industries.

Change won’t be accomplished alone; the responsibility should not (and does not) fall solely on the shoulders of women. It’s going to take teamwork and collaboration between men and women to make an impact, and while IWN is women-focused, there will still be plenty of opportunities for men to get involved. 

This month, you’ll see across our platforms the stories of women in Sacramento and beyond who are remarkable leaders, game changers and trailblazers. We hope to inspire you with their stories to join us along the way. Stay tuned for more and we can’t wait to share what’s coming. 

Want to connect? E-mail us at IWN@https://www.sacrepublicfc.com.

This month, you’ll see across our platforms the stories of women in Sacramento and beyond who are remarkable leaders, game changers and trailblazers. We hope to inspire you with their stories to join us along the way. Stay tuned for more and we can’t wait to share what’s coming. 

Want to connect? E-mail us at IWN@https://www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Republic FC issued the following statement after the California Department of Public Health released new guidance regarding fans at outdoor sporting events, beginning April 1:

“As we continue to prepare for our upcoming season, we’re excited about the opportunity to welcome our passionate fans back to matches. We applaud the efforts of our state and Sacramento County leadership to ensure community health remains a priority, while working to create a pathway for a safe return to game day. The support of our fans and community have even more meaning this year, as we work to solidify a new investor for our Major League Soccer expansion plans. We are ready for the return of the drums, chants, songs, and cheers from Republic FC fans.”

Republic FC will open training camp in two weeks and prepare for the season to begin in early May. 

Read the full California Department of Public Health guidelines media release.

Republic FC issued the following statement after the California Department of Public Health released new guidance regarding fans at outdoor sporting events, beginning April 1:

“As we continue to prepare for our upcoming season, we’re excited about the opportunity to welcome our passionate fans back to matches. We applaud the efforts of our state and Sacramento County leadership to ensure community health remains a priority, while working to create a pathway for a safe return to game day. The support of our fans and community have even more meaning this year, as we work to solidify a new investor for our Major League Soccer expansion plans. We are ready for the return of the drums, chants, songs, and cheers from Republic FC fans.”

Republic FC will open training camp in two weeks and prepare for the season to begin in early May. 

Read the full California Department of Public Health guidelines media release.

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2021 Indomitable Members will have exclusive first access to available seats and new Memberships are on sale now at https://www.sacrepublicfc.com.

2021 Indomitable Members will have exclusive first access to available seats and new Memberships are on sale now at https://www.sacrepublicfc.com.

On this week’s episode of The Breakaway Live podcast, Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs answered some fan questions live on Facebook as the club heads into training camp in the next few weeks.

On this week’s episode of The Breakaway Live podcast, Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs answered some fan questions live on Facebook as the club heads into training camp in the next few weeks.

Briggs talked about the expectations he has for the players coming into training camp and explained how to ensure players have the right mentality immediately starting at camp.

“We’ve had conversations with the players before they arrive, Briggs says, “You explain what you are looking for individually and collectively and then explain the standards are. It’s like anything, words only carry so much weight, I have to show it once they are here.”

Briggs talked about the expectations he has for the players coming into training camp and explained how to ensure players have the right mentality immediately starting at camp.

“We’ve had conversations with the players before they arrive, Briggs says, “You explain what you are looking for individually and collectively and then explain the standards are. It’s like anything, words only carry so much weight, I have to show it once they are here.”

The gaffer also touched on the roster and the various weapons he has in his arsenal that will provide a different dimension to the club’s gameplay in 2021.

“There’s a system that’s going to be in play and last year we played a lot of 4-3-3,” Briggs says. “You could see that or you could see something a bit different, a little bit more aggressive, and more on the front foot that’s going to excite people and utilize the strengths of the players we brought in.

After asking a few fan questions, Briggs gave his thoughts on the new division alignment that the league announced this week and how the talent in the division excites him for the club to have to bring their best every match.

“I love it. Out of all divisions, I would probably say ours is the hardest,” Briggs states. “It’s a difficult group, but after experiencing what we did last year, I’d prefer us to be in a difficult group. I’d prefer us to have a challenge every week. I’d prefer us to be against the best because when you are successful and you have played the best teams nobody can question you.”

The gaffer also touched on the roster and the various weapons he has in his arsenal that will provide a different dimension to the club’s gameplay in 2021.

“There’s a system that’s going to be in play and last year we played a lot of 4-3-3,” Briggs says. “You could see that or you could see something a bit different, a little bit more aggressive, and more on the front foot that’s going to excite people and utilize the strengths of the players we brought in.

After asking a few fan questions, Briggs gave his thoughts on the new division alignment that the league announced this week and how the talent in the division excites him for the club to have to bring their best every match.

“I love it. Out of all divisions, I would probably say ours is the hardest,” Briggs states. “It’s a difficult group, but after experiencing what we did last year, I’d prefer us to be in a difficult group. I’d prefer us to have a challenge every week. I’d prefer us to be against the best because when you are successful and you have played the best teams nobody can question you.”

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Don't miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

Don’t miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

Rafael Diaz was a brick wall in net for Republic FC in 2020. 

When Rafa stepped in goal, he kicked off his campaign with a 320-minute scoreless streak – the second-longest in club history. 

He proceeded to post a 7-0-3 regular season record en route to guiding Sacramento to its seventh straight trip to the USL Championship postseason. 

But his stellar play between the pipes did more than just help his side make the playoffs, it earned Rafa a call from the coach of the Dominican Republic National Team. A moment and a memory the Indomitable Club’s goalkeeper will never forget. 

Rafael Diaz was a brick wall in net for Republic FC in 2020. 

When Rafa stepped in goal, he kicked off his campaign with a 320-minute scoreless streak – the second-longest in club history. 

He proceeded to post a 7-0-3 regular season record en route to guiding Sacramento to its seventh straight trip to the USL Championship postseason. 

But his stellar play between the pipes did more than just help his side make the playoffs, it earned Rafa a call from the coach of the Dominican Republic National Team. A moment and a memory the Indomitable Club’s goalkeeper will never forget. 

Was this the first time the Dominican Republic National Team reached out to you? 

Was this the first time the Dominican Republic National Team reached out to you? 

Rafa Diaz: “No, it hadn't been actually. They were calling me since 2014 but the Federation wasn't really in a place where I thought I was ready to come in and make a contribution. They wanted me to go play in Indonesia when was in Orlando City at the time, I think I just came off of an injury, so I told them no, I wasn’t ready. I didn't think it was the right time for me. It wasn’t until like two years ago when Coach [Jacques] Passy got hired and he's kind of changed the culture of the Dominican National Team and bringing in some quality guys and I just came off a decent season so when he gave me a call, I thought it was a good moment.”

Rafa Diaz: “No, it hadn’t been actually. They were calling me since 2014 but the Federation wasn’t really in a place where I thought I was ready to come in and make a contribution. They wanted me to go play in Indonesia when was in Orlando City at the time, I think I just came off of an injury, so I told them no, I wasn’t ready. I didn’t think it was the right time for me. It wasn’t until like two years ago when Coach [Jacques] Passy got hired and he’s kind of changed the culture of the Dominican National Team and bringing in some quality guys and I just came off a decent season so when he gave me a call, I thought it was a good moment.”

Had you spoken to Coach Passy previously?

Had you spoken to Coach Passy previously?

RD: “This was the first time I met him, but he had been in contact with me since I want to say sometime in March last year. He wanted to bring me in and then I had the year I had at Sacramento so he was very keen for me to come in and he was reassuring me that the culture of the national team was going to change and he was telling me the vision he had and what kind of players he was bringing in and in the past, it wasn't really like that. I was hearing from the national team through other third parties which I didn't really feel was really professional and it just wasn't the right moment. Then when he called me directly and he told me this vision and I was like, you know what, I think it's time to go. We have a lot of quality young players coming out. We have a couple guys in MLS, a couple guys in Europe, so I thought it’s time to get out there and give it a go.”

RD: “This was the first time I met him, but he had been in contact with me since I want to say sometime in March last year. He wanted to bring me in and then I had the year I had at Sacramento so he was very keen for me to come in and he was reassuring me that the culture of the national team was going to change and he was telling me the vision he had and what kind of players he was bringing in and in the past, it wasn’t really like that. I was hearing from the national team through other third parties which I didn’t really feel was really professional and it just wasn’t the right moment. Then when he called me directly and he told me this vision and I was like, you know what, I think it’s time to go. We have a lot of quality young players coming out. We have a couple guys in MLS, a couple guys in Europe, so I thought it’s time to get out there and give it a go.”

Based on how well you played last season, did you have a feeling that call was going to be coming in?

Based on how well you played last season, did you have a feeling that call was going to be coming in?

RD: “Yeah, I had a feeling. We had been in contact and he watched all my games. So, after every game, I got a message from him, so I knew that he was watching my games. I knew that I was on his radar. There was supposed to be a camp in November that got pushed back because of COVID. He wanted me in November, but because of everything that happened, that's kind of how it ended up.”

RD: “Yeah, I had a feeling. We had been in contact and he watched all my games. So, after every game, I got a message from him, so I knew that he was watching my games. I knew that I was on his radar. There was supposed to be a camp in November that got pushed back because of COVID. He wanted me in November, but because of everything that happened, that’s kind of how it ended up.”

What do you remember about the actual call from the national team? 

What do you remember about the actual call from the national team? 

RD: “I was at home [in New Jersey], I think I was at the mall. They just gave me a call and said that we have a camp starting from the 15thto the 26th, I think. The first half of the camp was U-23’s because they wanted those guys to get ready because they've qualified for the Olympics. So they want those guys to get ready and then they were like, well, there's a 10 day camp, you're more than welcome to come for 10 days if you want to come for the five days then you could do that and I was like, ‘You know what, I'm not really doing much for mine so just go out there and at least use this moment to kind of get fit and get a couple of get a game under me’.”

“So, I went to the first camp, which was the 15th, and it was good because it was the first time I had been back in like 20 years, to be honest. So, it was good to get settled, meet the staff, meet the players. They've all known each other but I didn't really know anyone, and not only that but kind of picking up the lingo, the different type of terminologies that is being used because everyone from the Dominican national team is speaking Spanish so it was good for me, the first five days, to kind of pick up names, pick up the lingo, because just isn't the same. It was good being able to do that and then [Coach Passy] had already mentioned to me that he wanted me to play against Serbia. That was another thing that we discussed when they called me. When I got invited in, they were like, ‘we're gonna play against Puerto Rico and then Serbia,’ I think there were 30th ranking at the time, so he was like ‘that's a huge moment’. So I said, ‘ok, cool’ and that’s kind of how it went.”

RD: “I was at home [in New Jersey], I think I was at the mall. They just gave me a call and said that we have a camp starting from the 15thto the 26th, I think. The first half of the camp was U-23’s because they wanted those guys to get ready because they’ve qualified for the Olympics. So they want those guys to get ready and then they were like, well, there’s a 10 day camp, you’re more than welcome to come for 10 days if you want to come for the five days then you could do that and I was like, ‘You know what, I’m not really doing much for mine so just go out there and at least use this moment to kind of get fit and get a couple of get a game under me’.”

“So, I went to the first camp, which was the 15th, and it was good because it was the first time I had been back in like 20 years, to be honest. So, it was good to get settled, meet the staff, meet the players. They’ve all known each other but I didn’t really know anyone, and not only that but kind of picking up the lingo, the different type of terminologies that is being used because everyone from the Dominican national team is speaking Spanish so it was good for me, the first five days, to kind of pick up names, pick up the lingo, because just isn’t the same. It was good being able to do that and then [Coach Passy] had already mentioned to me that he wanted me to play against Serbia. That was another thing that we discussed when they called me. When I got invited in, they were like, ‘we’re gonna play against Puerto Rico and then Serbia,’ I think there were 30th ranking at the time, so he was like ‘that’s a huge moment’. So I said, ‘ok, cool’ and that’s kind of how it went.”

Did knowing you were going to get the nod against Serbia factor into your decision to go to camp?

Did knowing you were going to get the nod against Serbia factor into your decision to go to camp?

You've left for camp and tournaments a number of times in your career, but did this one feel any different? 

You’ve left for camp and tournaments a number of times in your career, but did this one feel any different? 

RD: “It felt different after the Serbia game. In the beginning, it was good, like I said, I hadn't been back to the country for 20 years, so it was, it was really good to see where I was born, and it was really good to get that experience. But once I was there, it was business. I had to go in there and be professional, trained really well and, you know, show them the reason why I was selected and like anytime you’re playing, you’re proving yourself every time you're playing. So, I went there thinking I need to prove myself and just to work hard and that's kind of the mentality. It wasn't really anything that different until after the game.”

RD: “It felt different after the Serbia game. In the beginning, it was good, like I said, I hadn’t been back to the country for 20 years, so it was, it was really good to see where I was born, and it was really good to get that experience. But once I was there, it was business. I had to go in there and be professional, trained really well and, you know, show them the reason why I was selected and like anytime you’re playing, you’re proving yourself every time you’re playing. So, I went there thinking I need to prove myself and just to work hard and that’s kind of the mentality. It wasn’t really anything that different until after the game.”

How were you feeling the day of the game against Serbia? 

How were you feeling the day of the game against Serbia? 

RD: “I had a little bit of nerves going into it. I think the nerves are kind of more of the anticipation of the game. You know, you wake up, nine o'clock, you go to breakfast, you have team meals. So the timing is a little bit different, the anticipation kind of makes you a little bit nervous, the buildup in your head, and I just kind of took the time to visualize what I wanted to do. I had a really good camp prior to that, so I felt very confident in myself and once I went to the field, I didn’t really have any nerves, it was more like butterflies, a little jittery. But because I had such a good camp, I did really well, that I was really confident. Once I went to the stadium, I got dressed, I was just in full game mode. I had a really good warm up and once I had a really good warm up, I was very confident in myself.”

RD: “I had a little bit of nerves going into it. I think the nerves are kind of more of the anticipation of the game. You know, you wake up, nine o’clock, you go to breakfast, you have team meals. So the timing is a little bit different, the anticipation kind of makes you a little bit nervous, the buildup in your head, and I just kind of took the time to visualize what I wanted to do. I had a really good camp prior to that, so I felt very confident in myself and once I went to the field, I didn’t really have any nerves, it was more like butterflies, a little jittery. But because I had such a good camp, I did really well, that I was really confident. Once I went to the stadium, I got dressed, I was just in full game mode. I had a really good warm up and once I had a really good warm up, I was very confident in myself.”

Was there anything a coach or fellow player told you that really stuck with you that day?

Was there anything a coach or fellow player told you that really stuck with you that day?

RD: “Actually, after my warmup, there is another ‘keeper, his name is Odalis [Baez]. After my warmup and I had a really good warmup, I think he said something like, ‘great warm up, do what you have to do,’ and he just looked at me he was like, ‘you're the best and you know it’. And then I went inside and once he said that to me I was like ‘alright, these are older guys about 36, he’s played for Dominican Republic for a while, he’s played in other countries and I guess this was the first time I kind of really met him with this camp, but after [the game] we got a good relationship. I don’t think I ever told him this, but that kind of stuff stuck out in my mind. He’s an older guy so he was trying to give me some advice and right before I left, he was like, ‘listen, you're the best and you know it, so just do it’. So, I said alright, and that was it!”

RD: “Actually, after my warmup, there is another ‘keeper, his name is Odalis [Baez]. After my warmup and I had a really good warmup, I think he said something like, ‘great warm up, do what you have to do,’ and he just looked at me he was like, ‘you’re the best and you know it’. And then I went inside and once he said that to me I was like ‘alright, these are older guys about 36, he’s played for Dominican Republic for a while, he’s played in other countries and I guess this was the first time I kind of really met him with this camp, but after [the game] we got a good relationship. I don’t think I ever told him this, but that kind of stuff stuck out in my mind. He’s an older guy so he was trying to give me some advice and right before I left, he was like, ‘listen, you’re the best and you know it, so just do it’. So, I said alright, and that was it!”

What do you remember about the match itself?

What do you remember about the match itself?

RD: “I remember they had a player, number 10, he was playing left mid. When I saw him, I was like, woah, we're in a serious game, because he was one of the best wingers I've seen in a while. And that was one of the first things when I was like, whoa, we're going to be in a battle! Sometimes you feel out a team and you think, okay, we're fine. But I saw this guy coming up the wing and I was like, well, we're in a battle – that was my first thought.”

“And then throughout the game, we had a chance and I was like, you know what, we can be okay if we stay compact and then I kind of took it in quarters. Once we went to the water break, I was like, let’s just get it to the half 0-0 and then the next half came, and I was thinking let’s just get to the next water break 0-0 and I just kind of took it like that.”

RD: “I remember they had a player, number 10, he was playing left mid. When I saw him, I was like, woah, we’re in a serious game, because he was one of the best wingers I’ve seen in a while. And that was one of the first things when I was like, whoa, we’re going to be in a battle! Sometimes you feel out a team and you think, okay, we’re fine. But I saw this guy coming up the wing and I was like, well, we’re in a battle – that was my first thought.”

“And then throughout the game, we had a chance and I was like, you know what, we can be okay if we stay compact and then I kind of took it in quarters. Once we went to the water break, I was like, let’s just get it to the half 0-0 and then the next half came, and I was thinking let’s just get to the next water break 0-0 and I just kind of took it like that.”

Was there anything special that a coach or player – or your fellow goalkeeper – told you after the match?

Was there anything special that a coach or player – or your fellow goalkeeper – told you after the match?

RD: “He just came up to me and said great match. I don’t think he was too surprised; he was just like, hey, you did great. I don't think he was really surprised I think he was just happy for the result. I think it was a big moment for D.R. I think this is the first time they played a European team actually in D.R. It felt like there was like a shift in culture I guess because, you know, the culture – it's a baseball country. So the culture in terms of taking soccer a little bit more serious, I think that kind of shifted a little bit.”

“In terms of him, we just exchanged ‘good game man, proud of you’, and that was that.”

RD: “He just came up to me and said great match. I don’t think he was too surprised; he was just like, hey, you did great. I don’t think he was really surprised I think he was just happy for the result. I think it was a big moment for D.R. I think this is the first time they played a European team actually in D.R. It felt like there was like a shift in culture I guess because, you know, the culture – it’s a baseball country. So the culture in terms of taking soccer a little bit more serious, I think that kind of shifted a little bit.”

“In terms of him, we just exchanged ‘good game man, proud of you’, and that was that.”

So, it was after the match that it became clear how big of a moment this was for soccer in the Dominican Republic?

So, it was after the match that it became clear how big of a moment this was for soccer in the Dominican Republic?

RD: “Yeah, I didn't realize until after, just like the Twitter coverage, the Facebook coverage, like I said, I was going out there to play. I was just going off to the play and see what we can do as a result and I didn't know the magnitude until after. And so after, Coach had called me and was like, ‘hey, you did really well, this is the first time someone else has started [in goal] different from those two guys’. There's a guy named Miguel and a guy named Odalis. They both have been starter for the DR National Team for 10 years so coach had mentioned this was the first time someone else had started in like 10 or so years, I didn't even realize that to begin with!”

RD: “Yeah, I didn’t realize until after, just like the Twitter coverage, the Facebook coverage, like I said, I was going out there to play. I was just going off to the play and see what we can do as a result and I didn’t know the magnitude until after. And so after, Coach had called me and was like, ‘hey, you did really well, this is the first time someone else has started [in goal] different from those two guys’. There’s a guy named Miguel and a guy named Odalis. They both have been starter for the DR National Team for 10 years so coach had mentioned this was the first time someone else had started in like 10 or so years, I didn’t even realize that to begin with!”

“So, I was like, well, I'm glad I did well because if not then they would have been looking at you like, what are you doing!? So we both kind of laughed in terms of that and then he was like, ‘yeah, it worked out well!’ And then I didn't realize that was the first time they played against a European team in the Dominican Republic and for them to be ranked that high. I guess it was kind of like an awakening moment. You know, there's something here more than just baseball.”

“So, I was like, well, I’m glad I did well because if not then they would have been looking at you like, what are you doing!? So we both kind of laughed in terms of that and then he was like, ‘yeah, it worked out well!’ And then I didn’t realize that was the first time they played against a European team in the Dominican Republic and for them to be ranked that high. I guess it was kind of like an awakening moment. You know, there’s something here more than just baseball.”

That's amazing that you got to be a part of that history. 

That’s amazing that you got to be a part of that history. 

RD: “And like I said, it's the first time I've been home for like 20 years, so my family hasn't even really seen me play in the Dominican Republic besides like pictures and like previous YouTube videos, nobody really saw me live in action. I guess when I went there and they were able to see me, because it was playing on TV, so they were able to watch it on TV and I think it was like a really proud moment. Everyone got to see me because the last time they saw me I was probably like eight years old. Now I'm like 29, and they’re now seeing me doing well on TV and it was a really proud moment for the family.”

RD: “And like I said, it’s the first time I’ve been home for like 20 years, so my family hasn’t even really seen me play in the Dominican Republic besides like pictures and like previous YouTube videos, nobody really saw me live in action. I guess when I went there and they were able to see me, because it was playing on TV, so they were able to watch it on TV and I think it was like a really proud moment. Everyone got to see me because the last time they saw me I was probably like eight years old. Now I’m like 29, and they’re now seeing me doing well on TV and it was a really proud moment for the family.”

Now that you've impressed the team, the coaches, and the entire country – do you think you're the Number One goalkeeper for D.R.?

Now that you’ve impressed the team, the coaches, and the entire country – do you think you’re the Number One goalkeeper for D.R.?

RD: “Yeah, I mean, I do, but I gotta continue to play well. I have to continue to train well. Nothing's ever given. We have World Cup qualifiers coming up in March so just like right now, I’m just trying to stay fit and then come into preseason and make sure I keep playing well and then see how that goes in March.”

RD: “Yeah, I mean, I do, but I gotta continue to play well. I have to continue to train well. Nothing’s ever given. We have World Cup qualifiers coming up in March so just like right now, I’m just trying to stay fit and then come into preseason and make sure I keep playing well and then see how that goes in March.”

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Don't miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

Don’t miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.