USL Sacramento Republic FC

Ready for 2023: New Face Bolsters Returning Midfield Core

Published on January 31, 2023 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento's midfield brings back a number of familiar faces from 2022 with eyes on hitting the ground running; and just before the start of training camp, welcomed another veteran with top-flight experience to fortify the squad. In 2023, there will again be competition at every position in the middle of the pitch, elevating each player as Sacramento pushes for silverware.

Rafa Jauregui

In his second pro season and third with the first team, Jauregui made a jump in his development in 2022. He tripled his appearances total from a season ago - featuring 12 times as compared to four in 2021 - and logged over twice the minutes (526) he did in the previous two seasons combined (227). His most memorable moment came June 18, when he netted his first professional score against LA Galaxy II. The youngster earned a spot in the matchday roster in big games throughout the season, including the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match at home against the San Jose Earthquakes, Semifinal against Sporting Kansas City and first-round playoff match against New Mexico United.

Progress from the youngster is inevitable this coming season, especially as he continues to work hard and learn from his veteran teammates. Additional big moments like his first career score appear to be on the horizon. The coaching staff, and his teammates all see his immense potential for the future.

Keko

Keko made a great impression in his first season in the U.S. from Spain, ranking among the club's leaders in every offensive category. After tallying his first score on opening night, he followed with four more throughout the year, and finished the year second on the club in total shots (36) and assists (4). He created more scoring opportunities for his team (37) than only two other players.

His La Liga background translated well to the American game, where his poise on the ball helped him work through tight spaces and open up windows to pass or shoot few other players can. Because of those attributes, the Spaniard will again be a threat for the Boys in Old Glory Red this coming season. Especially having now adjusted to what he'll encounter, he's set for what could be a big campaign.

Arnold Lopez

Lopez officially signed on to join the club on January 25, bringing another midfield presence to the club for 2023. The Venezuelan joins Sacramento from his home country where he most recently featured at Mineros de Guayana. His addition brings another experienced player to the club - throughout his professional career, he's amassed nearly 10,000 minutes across 11 seasons in top flight leagues and South America's top competitions. In 2022, posted career highs in both minutes (2,000) and appearances (24).

He brings a strong array of attributes to complement the club's existing core. An ability to play in holding and attacking roles stands to benefit his new club and open up new tactical opportunities. His confidence on the ball will certainly help the club convert on scoring chances at a higher clip than last season, which that as a result could have his name on the starting XI each week.

Matt LaGrassa

Elk Grove native LaGrassa contributed in more ways than one in his first season back in Sacramento. He played a big part in the club's chance-creation and ability to threaten up top, as well as develop play in the middle of the pitch. He found the net three times in league play and once in the U.S. Open Cup to tie his 2018 career-high for goals in a single year (4), and ranked among the club's leaders in tackles won (39), duels won (114), and interceptions (34).

He'll surely play a big part in helping the club open more windows to move the ball and score in 2023. But perhaps more important to the squad will be his ability to lock down attackers looking for free space to take advantage of, shown throughout last season. Strong decision making, and the same comfort and poise no matter the stakes can be expected in 2023, just as they were during the club's 2022 postseason and Open Cup quests.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 31, 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