Sacramento Republic FC appoint Dennis Sanchez as academy director

Sacramento Republic FC announced Thursday they have hired Dennis Sanchez to be their new academy director. He fills in the slot vacated by Mark Briggs when he assumed the head coaching position for the first team this offseason.

Sanchez had been academy general manager at Columbus Crew SC since 2016. He has previously served as an academy coach at English club Everton, and an assistant coach at San Diego State, his alma mater, where he captained in 2008-09.

“It is an honor to join the Indomitable Club during this exciting time for soccer in Sacramento,” said Sanchez in a team statement. “I was immediately sold on the vision of Republic FC and their ambition to be an elite MLS club and academy. We have a wonderful opportunity to build a culture and learning environment that maximizes each individual’s potential. I look forward to working with our staff and helping to build an integrated process that continually develops Homegrown players who contribute to our First Team winning championships.”

With that role filled, best of luck to Dennis in the coming years.

More news for your Friday:

• Free tickets for youth coaches: Sac Republic also announced on Thursday they are expanding their volunteer coaching initiative to invite youth coaches — in any sport — to take in a Sacramento Republic home game for free, as a thank you for their work in the community. Find more details here on the club’s website.
• Cohen is Man of the Match: Josh Cohen made the big move abroad last year, and he most recently came away with a Man of the Match performance for Israeli club Maccabi Haifa. Good to see the former SRFC man doing well.

• More reinforcements around the league: Reno 1868 signed veteran attacker Christiano Francois, while defender Brecc Evans made a loan move to Austin Bold from North Texas SC.

Today’s question: What’s your go-to pregame meal? Let’s chat in the comments below!