The Republic Roundup

It was another busy week for Sacramento Republic FC, or better know as, a typical week in the life of a USL franchise. In case you missed anything, here are the quick highlights of the week that was.

Republic played three times this week, posting a 1-1-1 record. They scratched a point at home versus Phoenix Rising FC, secured a 1-0 road win at Fresno, and dropped their match last night against San Antonio FC 0-1 — a game in which they outplayed San Antonio, but could not find the back of the net thanks to an outstanding individual effort from Diego Restrepo.

Overall, it was a pretty good week for the Republic. My biggest concern moving forward is their recent inability to score. In their last five USL matches, they’ve only managed to net three goals. That’s going to have to change if the Republic want to continue to be in the top four of the Western Conference table.

In Republic FC alumni news, LA Galaxy announced Thursday that they had released former Republic defender and standout Emrah Klimenta to make room for Sheanon Williams. As you know, Klimenta signed an MLS contract with the Galaxy in the off-season, after four brilliant years with the Republic. In his time with the Galaxy, he made two starts.

It’s anybody’s guess where Klimenta will land next, but given his skill level, I would expect he’ll sign somewhere soon. I am not sure Sacramento is a possibility, but you never know. The old glory red does fit him well.

As discussed previously here on Indomitable City Soccer, Cameron Iwasa is off to perhaps his best start as a professional. I had a chance to ask him this week what he thought of his performance so far this season. “I feel good”, said Iwasa. “Number one, my confidence is sky high. When you’re playing confident, everything is easier. I feel like my touch is good, I feel confident in front of the goal, so it’s just putting it out there every night. Consistency is key. Nobody cares about the last game...it’s how you do in the next one. [And] I’m always looking forward to the next game.”

Ryan Lillis of the Sacramento Bee published details this week on several discussions the Republic have had recently with potential investors to help bring MLS to Sacramento — including discussions with Ron Burkle and a separate conversion with an investor group that includes former Sacramento Kings forward Omri Casspi. There is also a rumor that the Columbus Crew, who are looking to relocate next season to Austin, might also be looking at Sacramento as an option in the event that deal falls apart.

Any news on this front is good news, so we’ll have to see how it plays out in the coming weeks and months.

Related, Republic also announced that they added to their ownership group Dr. Garth Fisher. It was an interesting announcement, given that Dr. Fisher’s net worth is half of what Kevin Nagle has invested, so it’s safe to say that the search for a whale continues.

Finally, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. My morning started with coffee and breakfast at home watching Germany versus Mexico with my family. It was glorious. They know me all too well.