Sports stats



USL Sacramento Republic FC

Ready for 2023: Key Contributors in Sacramento's Midfield

January 30, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Crucial to a successful squad is a strong midfield core. In 2022, Sacramento's depth in the middle of the pitch worked wonders, generating scoring chances at an impressive rate and helping the club become one of the most dangerous in transition and toughest on defense, no matter the opponent. Ahead of 2023, the club returns a bulk of last season's unit, bringing tremendous continuity and setting the stage for another successful campaign.

Rodrigo Lopez

When Lopez returned to Sacramento after spending 2021 with Rio Grande Valley FC, few could have expected what the club's talisman would bring to the pitch. Sacramento's captain had a strong campaign, earning All-League First Team designation, becoming the club's all-time assists leader, and creating the eighth-most chances in the entire league (65). His performances netted him the U.S. Open Cup Player of the Tournament honor from TheCup.US, Team MVP, and the league's August Player of the Month award. He led the way for the squad as they ventured through the highs and lows of the season.

2023 will bring more lofty expectations for the club's first ever signing. He'll continue to lead the midfield, with another weapon to dish opportunities to in Russell Cicerone up top. He'll be leaned on again throughout the season to deliver when the club needs it most, and continue supporting his teammates like he already does day-to-day.

Luis Felipe

Luis Felipe's return on a multi-year contract December 20 solidified the midfield, as well as returned one of the club's top all-around threats. He was the 2022 squad's leader in appearances (31) and minutes (2,409) in league play, netted three straight game-winners in the U.S. Open Cup, claimed July Goal of the Month, and continued the excellence he's showed in the game's less-glamorous aspects since he came to the River City.

His contributions outside the attacking third will be key to the club's success. The Brazilian breaks up plays at an outstanding clip, evidenced by his squad-leading 50 interceptions, a 56% tackle success rate, and 195 duels won from a season ago. His play connects the backline and forwards in a crucial way, allowing for Sacramento to build forward, play quickly, and feed the players on the flanks.

Mario Penagos

2023 will mark Penagos' fourth pro season since signing out of the club's academy. He spent part of 2022 on loan to FC Cincinnati 2, where he gained crucial experience in an MLS training environment.The 20-year old Academy product appeared 14 times for the Ohio side, logged 159 minutes and netted his second career goal on August 22 against Toronto FC II - then an equalizing score in the 79th minute.

He'll compete to be in the midfield in 2023, but the players that Sacramento possesses in that positional group stand to make him better. The homegrown product still has plenty of potential to make an impact with his hometown side - don't forget, he logged over 1,000 minutes and appeared in 20 contests for the club in 2021.

Nick Ross

Ross' contributions flew under the radar but had a big impact last season. With him in the starting XI, the club claimed points in 12 of 18 contests. He tallied one assist on the year, and was the Quails' most accurate passer, completing 88% of his passes. Without him as a stoppage time substitution in the Open Cup Semifinal, Sacramento may not have had a chance to win in penalties. His quick recognition, and stop of a speedy break by Sporting Kansas City in the final moments of stoppage time may have saved the game.

The Scotsman now enters his fifth year stateside. He's well acquainted with what the club will see from a stacked western conference, making him well equipped to help push the club forward. Fans may see him in a battle for minutes, but while on the pitch, can be counted on for strong play and valuable consistency.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...

United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 30, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central