USL Sacramento Republic FC

Ten Republic FC Academy Players Invited to National Identification Center

Published on October 6, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Last Thursday, ten Republic FC academy players- Alex Cruz, Alexandre Lira, Zack Looney, Collin McNairy, Chibuike Ukaegbu, Jacob Balinsat, Alejandro Caracheo-Luna, Jose Ponce, Jordan Victor, and Ermais Yohannes were invited to the U.S. Soccer Federation's Youth National Team Regional Identification Center in San Jose, California.

Identification Centers, which are held in select markets across the country, are opportunities for top talents to train and play under the direction of U.S. Soccer Talent Identification Managers. They are a critical part of the U.S. Soccer Talent Identification Plan, designed to accelerate player development while also serving as a pathway to selection for Youth National Team service.

"The U.S. has a pretty advanced scouting network," said Academy Director Dennis Sanchez. "Those who were invited were in a good moment, and certainly deserved to be there. They continue to work each day and have a desire to improve, and I think it is a testament to them more than anything else."

Republic FC was one of just eight clubs represented at the session, and the only club from the Sacramento region whose players invited to participate. Back in May, the club had 14 players- making up nearly a quarter of the player pool- invited to the Spring IDC, also held in San Jose. "We take a lot of pride in our developmental process," Sanchez explained. "And as a club, the idea is finding a way for us to get more players there in the future. We believe we can do that."

Following the session, which was conducted while adhering to the strict U.S. Soccer Return to Play protocols regarding COVID-19, each player's performance will be evaluated, which could lead to a call-up to the Youth National Team for the player's respective age group.

The Republic FC Academy squads continue their 2021-22 season this week, when the U13, U14, and U19 squads take on Diablo Valley Wolves at Mather Sports Complex on October 9.

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