Team News

Russell Cicerone Earns Second Team of the Week Selection This Season

Added a goal and an assist against Colorado Springs Switchbacks on March 22
In just two performances, has recorded a league-leading 2.41 expected goals mark

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, USL Championship announced the Week 3 Team of the Week. For the second time this season, Republic FC’s Russell Cicerone was named to the league’s weekly top squad. Building on his stellar opening night performance, the striker added a goal and an assist to the scoresheet against defending champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Sacramento’s first-half pressure was rewarded in the 24^th minute when Cicerone sent a perfectly weighted cross to an unmarked Jack Gurr on the back post. The Englishman headed the ball past a diving keeper to net his first goal of the year and registered Cicerone’s first assist on the campaign. Cicerone found the back of the net in the 74^th minute to give Republic FC a two-goal advantage. After a Colorado foul, Defender Michel Benítez sent the ball into the attacking third on the restart. Second-half substitute Sebastian Herrera won the aerial duel and flicked the ball into a sprinting Cicerone inside the 18-yard-box. With an eye toward goal, Cicerone kept his composure with a smooth touch around the Colorado keeper for an open shot into the back of the net. He would finish the night with three shots on target.

Through Republic FC’s first two games, Cicerone leads the team with three goal contributions – two goals and one assist – marking the first time in his career that he has opened the season with back-to-back scoring performances. Across the league, he has posted a leading 2.41 xG (expected goals).

This is Cicerone’s second Team of the Week selection of the 2025 season and eighth since joining Republic FC in 2023. He earned his first honor in Week 1 after converting a penalty for the Indomitable Club’s first goal of the year and setting up Lewis Jamieson’s game-winner in the second half. Jamieson was later named the league’s Player of the Week.

Republic FC continues the 2025 season with its first road test on Friday against FC Tulsa. Kickoff from ONEOK Field is at 5:00 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast on Antenna TV 40.2 in English and Spanish, as well as streaming on FOX40.com and ESPN+.

Republic FC and Mark Briggs Mutually Agree to Part Ways

Republic FC and Mark Briggs have mutually agreed to part ways after the conclusion of the 2024 season. The club will begin a search for a new head coach immediately.

“As always these are tough decisions. I can’t say enough about Mark, both in his coaching and his desire to win.,” said Republic FC Chairman and Owner Kevin Nagle. “I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors”

“Mark will always have a special place in Republic history, and in particular, by leading our team to unprecedented heights for the 2022 US Open Cup final,” said Republic FC General Manager & President Todd Dunivant. “We wish Mark and his family well in his next chapter. We will now turn our attention toward a comprehensive head coaching search and building a championship roster for 2025 and beyond.”

“Sacramento is a very special place, with a one-of-a-kind club and incredible fans. I’d like to thank the players who’ve been a part of the past five years, the front office who’ve been incredibly supportive, and the fans who welcomed me into the club with tremendous passion and vigor,” said Mark Briggs. “I’m grateful for my time here and it has been an honor to be a part of this community.”

After serving as the club’s academy director, Briggs was hired at the conclusion of the 2019 season as the fourth head coach in club history. Through five seasons, the club finished 74-49-47 through 170 matches with postseason appearances in four of five years. Republic FC would reach the Western Conference Finals in 2023, Conference Semifinals in 2022, and the opening round in 2020 and 2024. During his tenure as head coach, Republic FC made American soccer history as a U.S. Open Cup finalist in 2022 — the first time for a second-division club in nearly two decades would reach the national championship match. He is currently the longest tenured coach in club history and finishes his time in Sacramento with a 44% win percentage.

Republic FC Adds Goalkeeper Jared Mazzola

Appeared in all but one match for Greenville Triumph SC in 2023, posting six clean sheets
Among league leaders in saves, save percentage, and goals-against average

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Republic FC announced the club has signed goalkeeper Jared Mazzola ahead of the 2024 season. He will be added to the club’s roster pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Jared’s goalkeeping ability caught our attention, but his character and qualities as a teammate really set him apart,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re thrilled to have him join our goalkeeping corps and feel that he’ll be an impactful addition to our roster, on the field and in the locker room.”

Mazzola joins Sacramento following two seasons with USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC. After signing with Greenville ahead of the 2022 season, he earned the starting spot in 2023 and would go on to appear in all but one match, with 33 appearances and nearly 3,000 minutes played across all competitions. He finished second in the league with 88 saves, while his save percentage (67.69) and goals-against average (1.23) were both in the top five for goalkeepers with more than 20 appearances. Behind Mazzola’s six clean sheets, Greenville made its fifth postseason appearance – the only club to play in every playoff tournament since League One’s inception.

Before signing his first professional contract with Greenville, the 24-year-old spent two seasons in USL League Two with AFC Ann Arbor and New York Red Bulls U21. He played collegiately at Quinnipiac University, where he amassed nearly 4,000 minutes, recording 9 shutouts and an overall goals-against average of 1.11. In his senior year, he was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year and earned selections to the All-MAAC Team and MAAC All-Academic Team.

Republic FC will continue to build its roster for the 2024 USL Championship season. In January, the club will host its annual Open Tryout, when the region’s best players get the opportunity to impress the team’s technical staff and earn an invitation to training camp. Registration will open early December.

Season ticket memberships for the 2024 season are now on sale. To learn more about membership benefits – including how to secure the best seats at the lowest price per match – visit SacRepbulicFC.com/memberships.

All-Around Performance Earns Cicerone 2023 Team MVP Honors

With a huge impact in his first season with Sacramento, Russell Cicerone is the 2023 Team MVP, as voted on by his teammates and coaches. He led the squad in appearances and minutes, putting together a campaign that resulted in new club records, highlight-worthy scores, and numerous league accolades.

Cicerone netted the club’s first goal of the season and went on to score 19 goals across all competitions, setting a new club record for goals scored in a single regular season (15). On May 13, he earned his 2^nd career hat trick against Indy Eleven, with two of his goals coming in the opening 10 minutes. He also bagged a brace on two occasions, including Republic FC’s thrilling back-and-forth 5-4 win over Crossfire Premier in the opening round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Between USL and Open Cup play, he led the club in minutes played (3,207) and was the only player to appear in every match (40). He also added four assists.

Led by Cicerone, Republic FC finished tied for sixth in the league in scoring with 51 regular season goals, a new club record and 10-place improvement from the 2022 season.

The Michigan-native not only became a quick fan-favorite among Republic FC fans, but also received recognition across the league, earning five Team of the Week Selections, and two Player of the Month nominations – finishing second in April and taking home the award in May. On November 7, he was selected to the USL Championship All-League Second Team, his first-ever career selection to an all-league squad and was named a finalist for Player of the Year.

Jack Gurr Voted Republic FC’s 2023 Defensive MVP

All season long, Republic FC’s defense was the best in USL Championship. Following the season, defender Jack Gurr was voted the club’s defensive MVP by his teammates and the club’s first-team staff – highlighting his contributions on both ends of the pitch.

A breakout season saw Gurr make Republic FC’s right flank a focal point for opponents’ week after week. He recorded career-bests in goals (5) and assists (6) and ranked fifth league wide in chances created with 61 – the highest total for a backline player league-wide since 2017. He was stellar on the defensive end, ranking third on the club in tackles won (28) and duels won (128).

Gurr’s performance earned him recognition as one of the league’s best throughout the campaign. He earned five selections to the Team of the Week – highlighting his attributes as both an offensive threat and defensive anchor. The Newcastle native was named to the All-League First Team, and alongside defensive teammate Conor Donovan was nominated for USL Championship Defender of the Year. His play was recognized by his peers throughout the league with a spot on the USLPA Best XI.

Some of his top moments came in some of Sacramento’s biggest games of the year. Gurr was integral to the club’s win on June 24 against defending champion San Antonio FC, a 3-1 result. Early in the contest, he earned a penalty that led to the club’s opening score before netting a goal of his own later in the match. He tallied two assists on October 7 at Rio Grande Valley FC, helping fuel a comeback win that secured the club the Western Conference regular season crown.

Luis Felipe’s Perfect Set Piece Curler Against San Antonio Voted 2023 Play of the Year

Of Republic FC’s 11 regular-season wins at Heart Health Park this year, arguably none were as electric as the Indomitable Club’s commanding 3-1 regular season victory over defending league champion San Antonio FC on June 24. After going up two goals in the first half, midfielder Luis Felipe put the exclamation point on the night with a perfectly-placed set piece that sent the crowd (and Republic FC bench) into a frenzy.

The play was set up by a through ball that put Sebastian Herrera and San Antonio’s keeper Jordan Farr into a foot race 30 yards away from goal. Herrera got to the ball first and in a last-ditched effort, Farr came in with a hard challenge that resulted in a red card and ejection. With no subs remaining, San Antonio opted to put defender Fabian Garcia in goal.

Luis Felipe stepped up to take the free kick, sending his left-footed shot over the wall and curling into the upper 90. Garcia made his best attempt to keep the ball out, but Luis Felipe’s perfect shot was unreachable.

Republic FC Signs 16-year-old Academy Standouts Chibuike Ukaegbu and Blake Willey to Pro Contracts

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Republic FC announced that the club has signed two standout players from its Youth Development Academy to first team professional contracts. Midfielder Blake Willey (pronunciation: Will-ee), and defender Chibuike “Chibi” Ukaegbu (pronunciation: Chi-bee-Kay oo-Kay-boo) will be added to the club’s first team roster for the 2024 season pending league and federation approval. Willey and Ukaegbu become the seventh and eighth players to rise through the club’s youth system and sign a professional contract with their hometown club.

“Today is a very exciting day for youth soccer in our region,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “It’s important to us to advance local products through the ranks, and today’s signings are reflective of our Academy’s continuous hard work developing elite talent. Both Chibi and Blake have very bright futures ahead of them and will be important pieces as we complete for silverware in 2024 and beyond.”

“Blake and Chibi each worked incredibly hard on the field this past season and proved they fit in with our first team squad,” said Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs. “Their signing is a great example of the character and talent within our club and the Sacramento region, and it is exciting to see them take the next step to begin their professional careers.”

Both players, each Sacramento area natives, featured for locally-based youth clubs prior to joining Republic FC – Willey for Sacramento United and Ukaegbu for FC Sporting. Throughout the 2023 season, each earned opportunities in training with the club’s professional squad through the Academy’s High Potential Player program. In April, Willey signed an Academy Contract, making him eligible to compete in USL Championship matches, and was twice named to the matchday roster in the regular season.

Ukaegbu, 16, joins the club’s professional squad after two seasons in the club’s academy system. He appeared in 60 matches as a defender for the club’s youth sides since 2021, scored three goals, and helped the club’s U15 and U17 teams reach the 2022 and 2023 MLS NEXT Cup playoffs and this fall’s USL Academy U-20 side challenge for the NorCal Division title. After joining Republic FC’s academy, he was identified as one of the top youth players in Northern California, and earned an invitation to the Fall YNT Regional ID Center in San Jose. Throughout Republic FC’s 2023 USL Championship season, Ukaegbu earned opportunities to train with the club’s first team, including action in preseason friendlies against other professional clubs.

Willey, 16, has featured at every age level since joining Republic FC’s academy in 2017. The midfielder was voted the team MVP of Sacramento’s U-15 side for the 2021-22 Academy season when his squad advanced to the semifinals of MLS NEXT Cup, the only non-MLS club to reach that phase of the tournament. Since 2022, he has earned three call-ups to the United States Youth National Team – twice to the U-16’s, including a trip to Spain for an international tournament where he was the only representative from a USL-affiliated academy squad – and once to the U-17’s this past October. This season, he’s been a key contributor to his academy squad’s undefeated start to the season, which includes wins over MLS-affiliated opponents Seattle Sounders FC, San Jose Earthquakes, and Real Salt Lake.

Since 2015, Republic FC’s Academy has created a strong local pipeline of players ready for professional level competition. Thirty-seven elite players from the club’s youth ranks have featured for the club’s first team, including 34 on a USL Academy Contract. 23 players have gone on to sign professional contracts with Republic FC or other clubs after featuring in the club’s Academy system. In 2023, eight players that featured in the club’s academy system recorded minutes with Republic FC’s first team in USL Championship or U.S. Open Cup matches.

Both Willey and Ukaegbu are currently enrolled at Elk Grove Charter School, the club’s education partner. Since 2021, the partnership has allowed students the ability to continue to focus on their education, while continuing a pathway as elite athletes. Current and former members of Republic FC’s academy have attended Elk Grove Charter School to continue their education while pursuing their pathway to the professional ranks.

For more information, visit SacRepublicFC.com.

USL League One Player of the Year Trevor Amann Joins Republic FC

Today, Republic FC announced the club has signed 2023 USL League One Player of the Year Trevor Amann ahead of the 2024 season. The forward will be added to the club’s roster, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Trevor is coming off one of the greatest offensive seasons in all of USL, and we’re thrilled to have him make the move to Championship with us in 2024,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His natural instincts in the box will add another goal scoring threat to our attack.”

The 2023 campaign was a breakout year for Amann. The Westminster, Colorado native first signed with nearby USL League One Club Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in 2022, and in his second professional season, he set a new league record with 23 regular season goals – including seven braces – to earn the league’s Golden Boot award. He also added three assists, with scoring contributions in seven game-winning goals. His career year was capped off with a selection to the League One All-League First Team and being named the League One Player of the Year. In the postseason, he would add a hat trick in Hailstorm’s first-ever playoff match. In two seasons with Hailstorm FC, Amann made 63 appearances across all competitions, netting 32 goals and adding eight assists.

Prior to going pro, Amann played collegiately at Colorado School of Mines and Midwestern State University, scoring 49 goals and adding 18 assists. He also featured for then-NPSL side Detroit City FC in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup and won the 2021 NPSL Championship with Denton Diablos FC, earning the honor of Championship Man of the Match after bagging a brace in the contest.

All-League Players Danny Vitiello and Conor Donovan Agree to Multi-Year Contract Extensions

Contributors to the league’s best defense in 2023, conceding only 26 goals in the regular season
Both earned spots on 2023 USL Championship All-League First Team, with Vitiello winning the league’s Golden Glove award
Both joined Republic FC ahead of the 2022 season

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Republic FC announced that the club has signed multi-year contract extensions with goalkeeper Danny Vitiello and defender Conor Donovan. Per club policy, the terms of the agreements were not disclosed. Both players first joined Republic FC ahead of the 2022 season.

“Danny and Conor have established themselves as elite players at the top of USL Championship who embody our club values,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Their leadership in the locker room, on the field, and in the Sacramento community has been a key part of our success over the last two seasons, and we’re thrilled to have both back with us for years to come.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to come back and play for such an incredible club and city,” said Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello. “We have unfinished business to take care of next season and I am looking forward to doing everything in my power to giving the indomitable fans a year to remember. I’m counting down the days until we are back at Heart Health Park. The work starts now.”

“I’m humbled and excited to sign a new contract and continue to represent this great club, supporters, and city,” said Defender Conor Donovan. “I look forward to the 2024 season and playing in front of our great supporters.”

In his first two seasons with Republic FC, Vitiello recorded 23 clean sheets in 65 appearances across all competitions – a new club record in shutouts. In league play, he had an overall save success rate of 74.5% and only conceded 51 goals – both the top mark among goalkeepers with at least 50 appearances in the same two-year period. In the 2022 U.S. Open Cup semifinal, a clutch, fifth penalty save helped send the club through to the National Championship – a first for a second division club in 14 years. Vitiello continued his success with the Indomitable Club in 2023, setting a new career high in save percentage (76.2%), as well as a new club record for clean sheets by a goalkeeper in a single regular season (11). With a Goals-Against Average of 0.83, Vitiello claimed the Golden Glove for the second time in his career and earned his first selection to the USL Championship All-League First Team. He was also named a finalist for the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year, to be announced next week.

North Carolina native Donovan has appeared in 73 of 83 matches across all competitions in two seasons, and appeared in each of the club’s 33 shutouts since coming West to Sacramento. He was named the Defensive MVP of the 2022 squad by his teammates. This season, he ranked first in the league in blocks (34), and first on Republic FC’s roster in clearances (119) and interceptions (40). His game winning header – and first goal of the season – over New Mexico United sent Republic FC to the Western Conference Quarterfinals. For his exemplary performance, Donovan was named to the All-League First Team – his first career selection.

By the Numbers: Republic FC’s 2023 Regular Season

Republic FC wrapped up the 2023 Regular season on Saturday night with a 1-0 victory over Miami FC at Heart Health Park. The 34^th and final regular season match closed out a tremendous campaign for the club that broke records, featured tremendous performances from the squad, and hosted passionate fans in the stands every week. Before the club turns its attention to the postseason – which begins next week as the squad hosts New Mexico United in the Conference Quarterfinal round, have a look back at the 2023 season, by the numbers:

180,000 Fans

Republic FC fans continued to be the best in the league – from the season opener in March to the final game in October, over 180,000 fans came through the gates, the top mark in the USL Championship. A remarkable night at Hughes Stadium saw 20,231 fans pack the stands at the site of the club’s first even home match to celebrate ten seasons in Sacramento. To close out the season, Republic FC fans bought every ticket available for each of the club’s last three home weekend fixtures.

64 Points

With 18 wins, six losses and ten draws on the season, Republic FC claimed 64 points in the standings – a total second in club history to the 2018 squad’s 65. 18 wins also ranked second to the 2018 squad, which won 19 games. The club claimed 28 points on the road, one of the best marks in club history.

51 Goals Scored

Russell Cicerone’s 69^th minute score on Saturday against Miami FC not only gave the club another win, but it also set a new mark for goals by the club in a single season. The Michigan native’s 15^th of the year was his team’s 51^st – surpassing the 2019 team’s record.

Defense Leads League

All season long, the club’s defense proved to be the best in the entire league. After setting the tone early in the season with just one goal allowed in its first seven games, the standard remained high the rest of the way. Mark Briggs Men allowed only 26 goals on the year – good for the lowest mark in the league and the lowest mark in club history. Only five times did the Quails concede more than one score in a match.

14 Clean Sheets

The club’s defensive efforts were often reflected in the scoreline – for the season, Republic FC recorded 14 shutouts, the most in club history. A 2-0 victory over Las Vegas Lights FC on October 1 set a new club record, as the squad recorded its 13^th shutout of the season. Danny Vitiello’s 11 clean sheets set a new single-season career high for the goalkeeper, propelling him to being the club’s all-time record holder with 22 shutouts and the USL Championship Golden Glove winner for the second time in his career. Carlos Saldaña added three of his own – recording a clean sheet all but one of his regular season appearances.

11 Home Wins

Heart Health Park continued to be one of the best home fields throughout the season. In 17 contests at home, Sacramento only lost twice. The club claimed 11 wins on its home ground – setting a new club record.

9 Games Unbeaten

A blistering start to the campaign earned the club recognition as the league’s best early on. From the season opener on March 11 to May 13 against Indy Eleven, the club went unbeaten with six wins and three draws. The run was just two short of the club’s all-time best unbeaten streak of 11 games a single season, set in 2016.