Sunday Spotlight: Get to know forward Stefano Bonomo

Welcome to another installment of Sunday Spotlight. This week, we spoke with Republic FC forward Stefano Bonomo following his dramatic goal in the closing moments of extra time Wednesday to lift the Quails past a pesky Fresno FC side in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition.

Bonomo spoke about his first goal of the season and as a member of the Republic, how he is settling in with the club, what he does to wind down, and more.

Without any further delay, let’s jump in:

Congratulations on the game winner. Can you walk us through that final sequence?

Yeah...actually, not really [laughs]. I was pretty dizzy and pretty tired. I just remember a cross came in, it went back out wide, then Sam put it back in again...a great ball and I just re-directed it on target. That’s all I could do from that point on. It went into the back of the net and I was elated.

What has been the difference between the club getting results in the Open Cup, but struggling a bit in league play?

Nothing really. I think we’re really close as a team. Things [haven’t] really gone our way during the regular season, but I think things will start to change. Training has been a lot better and everyone’s mentality is a lot sharper in training and in games.

You’re new to the club this season. Do you feel like you’re finally settling in?

Yeah, definitely. From the coaching staff to the people in the front office, and most of all my teammates, it’s just been a great transition. It’s a great club. You can see that firsthand.

When you’re not on the field, how do you get away to decompress?

Hang out with teammates honestly. The more you hang out with your teammates, the more chemistry you build off the field, and that’s huge in a team. [Especially] if we want to win a championship and move on to the next level.