Established
2012
City
Sacramento
League History
2014 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2014 – Present / Sacramento Republic FC
Nickname
Sacramento Republic FC – Sacramento Republic FC is one of the most beloved soccer teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). Since its inception, it has become a symbol of pride for the city and region. But what’s behind their name? What are the origins of Sacramento Republic FC's nickname?
The club was founded by Warren Smith and Joe Wagoner in 2012 with an ambitious goal: to bring MLS to Sacramento. The team held a fan vote on potential names, which was narrowed down to three finalists: City SC, Cal Expo, and Sac Republic. In April 2013, “Republic” won out as fans chose it because they felt it represented strength and unity within their community.
The name also pays homage to California's rich history as part of Mexico before becoming part of America during 1848-1850, when California became its republic briefly before joining forces with other states into what we now know today as The United States Of America. This historical reference gave rise to the team's logo and resonates deeply with all who call this place home, whether you're from here or have just moved here recently! It evokes feelings such as patriotism while still being unique enough so that people outside our area can recognize us too!
In addition, "Republic" speaks directly about how passionate Sacramentans are about supporting their local sports teams - whether they win or lose - because everyone knows that true loyalty comes from standing together through thick & thin! From day one until the present day, there has been an undeniable bond between players/fans/staff alike, making this organization truly special for those involved at any level...and why we proudly wear our colors every game without fail!!
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
2014 - Present / Papa Murphy's Park
2014 / Hughes Stadium
Owner
2012 - Present / Sac Soccer & Entertainment Holdings, LLC
- 2014
- 2015
- 2018
- 2000
- 2021
-
Republic FC Team Formation
On December 3, 2012, USL Pro announced that a Sacramento expansion team would join the league for the 2014 season. On July 15, 2013, Predrag “Preki” Radosavljević was announced as head coach of the new franchise. The official name of the team and team shield were decided by fan vote. On July 18, 2013, the franchise officially announced the team ... -
Rodrigo Lopez – team’s captain and leader
Rodrigo Lopez: The Mexican midfielder played for Sacramento Republic FC from 2014 to 2015 and again in 2020. He was the team’s captain and leader, scoring 20 goals and providing 18 assists in 64 appearances. He won the USL Pro Championship and the USL Pro MVP award in 2014. He also helped the team win the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 -
Sacramento Republic FC reached the USL Pro conference semifinals for the fourth time
In 2018: Sacramento Republic FC improves its performance in USL Pro, finishing second in the regular season and reaching the conference semifinals for the fourth time, where it loses to Phoenix Rising FC. -
Sacramento Republic FC plays a shortened season in USL Championship due to the COVID-19
In 2020: Sacramento Republic FC plays a shortened season in USL Championship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finishing fifth in Group A and losing to Reno 1868 FC in the first round of the playoffs. The team’s average attendance is not available due to limited capacity at Bonney Field. -
Sacramento Republic FC On Joining MLS
In 2021: The team also continues to work on its MLS bid, as it searches for a new lead investor and reaffirms its commitment to join the league as soon as possible
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Republic FC
Sacramento Republic FC is a professional soccer team based in Sacramento, California, competing in the United Soccer League (USL). The club was founded by Warren Smith and Joe Wagoner in 2012 and began play during the 2014 USL season. Since then, they have become one of the most successful teams in American soccer, with two USL Championships (2014 & 2019) under their belt.
The club has also had a long history with Major League Soccer (MLS), linked to an MLS expansion bid since 2015. In 2018, it seemed as though Sacramento's dream would come true when MLS announced its plans for an expansion franchise to be located there beginning in 2022; however, this plan fell through due to financial issues caused by COVID-19. Despite not joining MLS yet, Sacramento Republic FC remains dedicated to bringing top-flight professional soccer back home and continues working towards achieving this goal despite any setbacks.
Sacramento Republic FC is beloved throughout Northern California for their passionate support from fans who have stuck behind them through thick and thin over these past few years while waiting patiently for them to join Major League Soccer someday soon - whenever possible! With continued success on both sides of the field -- winning championships at lower levels while pushing forward on efforts off it -- SRFC looks poised to make its mark on the major league stage sooner rather than later!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history