USL Sacramento Republic FC

Snap Shots: Dariusz Formella

Published on January 5, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Dariusz Formella adds more than just a sensational goalscoring touch to Republic FC's high-powered offensive attack.

After his second season in Sacramento, Darek finished 2020 with a team-high eight goals during a shortened campaign due to the pandemic. Not only did he find the back of the net while playing as the squad's lead striker at times, he also added a threatening element on either wing or from the central midfield in an attacking role.

His offensive versatility makes him the perfect weapon in Head Coach Mark Briggs' arsenal heading into the 2021 USL Championship season. Following a 3-1 win over Tacoma Defiance last season, the gaffer had nothing but glowing comments to say about his Polish playmaker.

"Darek is a player that can play in a number of positions and he brings something different in eachposition that he plays," Briggs said during a postgame press conference on August 15. "Tonight, you've seen him play as nine, you've seen him play as a 10, tonight he played as an 11, and he ended up getting two goals and he brought a lot to the team. You still haven't seen the best of Darek, you've seen glimpses of it, I think there's a lot more to come from him. But I was happy with him tonight playing as the 11 out wide on the left, and I thought he gave us a good dimensioning attack and he helps us retain possession a lot when we win the ball."

Next season will be the first time in Formella's Sacramento career he'll have a full season to showcase his goalscoring prowess. But before all eyes are on the 2021 campaign, it's time to take a look back at some of the unforgettable images from Darek's time in the Indomitable City.

First Appearance

It was on August 7, 2019 against Las Vegas Lights FC at home when Dariusz Formella first graced the pitch for Republic FC. The attacker entered the match as a second half substitute and logged 13 minutes during his sides' 0-0 draw against the Sin City club. He may not have scored on his debut, but his fancy footwork was enough to excite fans about the Indomitable Club's newest signing.

Emotional Game-Winner

During the 2019 USL Championship regular season, Formella bagged back-to-back game winning goals in the midst of SRFC's heated playoff push in September. Three days after netting the game-winner against Austin Bold FC to seal a 2-1 win, Darek came on as a second half sub against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros only to snag another winning strike.

Clinical Finisher

In 2020, Formella played a slew of offensive positions but made a positive impact in every single one. He showcased his goalscoring versatility from all over the pitch which speaks volumes to his overall quality on the pitch. With a full season to look forward to in 2021, Formella will be eyeing another promising campaign tormenting opposing defenses.

Fighting for Possession

Dariusz Formella definitely doesn't shy away from a challenge. In the image, Formella sacrifices himself to get the ball back against Reno 1868 FC during a 2019 USL Championship playoff match. Darek helped to guide his side to a 3-1 win and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals while contributing an assist to seal the postseason road victory in Nevada.

Always a Threat

Opposing defenses can't afford to give Formella an inch of space in the box or the Polish playmaker will conjure up a dangerous goalscoring chance. As a T2 defender closes down on Formella on the edge of the box during the 2020 season, the attacker still manages to get a right-footed shot off despite all the defensive pressure.

Driving to Score

Formella is probably best known for his eye for goal but when lining up on the wing, defenders should always be on their toes when the Polish playmaker drives forward. His delicate touches combined with his lightning-quick acceleration and impressive ball control makes Formella an extremely difficult player to defend in one-on-one situations.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 5, 2021


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