In this episode of State of the Republic, we break down Sacramento Republic FC’s 1–1 draw against Monterey Bay FC, highlighted by a huge late penalty kick save from Danny Vitiello against former Republic player Nick Ross to secure the point. We break down the key moments from the match and what stood out from the performance.

We also include post-match press conference comments from Neill Collins, Danny Crisostomo, and Arturo Rodríguez.

Plus, we talk about the latest stadium news, preview Sacramento’s upcoming U.S. Open Cup matchup against Valley 559 FC, and look ahead to the next USL Championship game vs El Paso Locomotive FC. We also go through our weekly Podcast Winner Dinner predictions and more!

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

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In this episode of State of the Republic, we break down Sacramento Republic FC’s dramatic 2–0 extra time win over El Farolito in the First Round of the U.S. Open Cup. We talk through the key moments from the match, how Republic FC finally broke through in extra time, and what the result means moving forward in the tournament.

We also discuss the post-match brawl and chaotic scenes, including the confrontation involving El Farolito players and fans, and share our thoughts on how everything unfolded. Plus, we go over this week’s Podcast Winner Dinner results, with plenty of points up for grabs in this Open Cup matchup, and more!

Image: Sac Republic FC

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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In this episode of State of the Republic, we recap Sacramento Republic FC’s 0–0 draw on the road against Lexington SC in the club’s second match of the season. While it was Republic’s first tie of the year, the match also marked another clean sheet for goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, continuing his impressive USL clean sheet record.

We also preview Sacramento’s upcoming U.S. Open Cup matchup against El Farolito, the NPSL side famously known as The Burrito Boys, and discuss what to expect from the cup clash. Plus, we look ahead to next Saturday’s USL Championship match when Republic returns home to face Monterey Bay FC.

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

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In this episode of State of the Republic, we’re joined by Lee Desmond, captain of Sacramento Republic FC, for a wide-ranging conversation about his career, leadership, and life in Sacramento. Lee talks about how the opportunity to join Republic came about, what it’s like leading a squad with many new players this season, and how he helps teammates adapt to both the club and the city.

We also look back at the club’s memorable run to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Final, hear Lee’s favorite moments from those matches, and get his perspective as a defender — from handling one-on-one situations to organizing one of the league’s top defensive groups. Plus, we wrap up the interview with some rapid-fire questions and a few fun topics off the pitch.

After the interview, the SOTR crew talks about Republic’s 2–0 home opener win over FC Tulsa, preview the upcoming match against Lexington SC, and make our weekly picks for Podcast Winner Dinner, the show’s Sacramento Republic prediction contest.

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

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We kick off this episode with a great interview featuring Marek Albert, Head Coach of Stockton Cargo, and Hannah Diaz, the club’s General Manager. They discuss the exciting “The Yard” announcement, reflect on Cargo’s strong season last year, and share what fans can expect from the team this season in USL W.

After the interview, the SOTR crew shifts focus to Sacramento Republic FC, breaking down the club’s final preseason match — a 1–0 loss against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC — and what it means heading into opening weekend. We also discuss the appointment of new Republic President & General Manager Tim Holt, and with a new season comes a new edition of Podcast Winner Dinner, our weekly Sac Republic prediction contest. We share our overall season predictions and give our picks for the home opener against FC Tulsa!

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Podcast Winner Dinner Music: The following music was used for this media project: Fliegen by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2936-fliegen License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Stockton Cargo Instagram

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In this episode of State of the Republic, we break down Sacramento Republic FC’s impressive 5–2 preseason win over the San Jose Earthquakes II side and what we learned from the performance heading into the 2026 season.

We also talk about the Meet the Team event that followed and the growing excitement surrounding this year’s squad.

Plus, we talk about Republic’s newest signings — two midfielders with extensive Major League Soccer experience:

• Mark-Anthony Kaye
• Memo Rodríguez

And Sharon shares insight into a possible new addition to the club’s front office.

All that and more as Sacramento continues its preparations for the upcoming season.

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

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In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Danzl, Board Member of the Tower Bridge Battalion, Sacramento Republic FC’s independent supporter group. Brian shares what’s ahead for TBB and Republic FC as we head into the 2026 season and looks forward to the club’s new stadium in 2027.

We also talk about Sac Republic’s new midfielder Pep Casas, give an update on the Modesto USL project, and cover the newly released schedules for Stockton Cargo and California Storm in USL W / WPSL, along with Academica’s USL League Two campaign, and more!

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Golazos of Gratitude Music: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Nice Light Of Happiness by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7421-nice-light-of-happiness License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Tower Bridge Battalion Facebook

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In this episode, we’re joined by Adam Smith, former Sacramento Republic FC Assistant Head Coach (2014–2017), current MLS scout for Charlotte FC, and part of the group working to bring a new USL team and stadium to Fresno. Adam shares the latest updates on the Fresno USL project, what’s happening behind the scenes, and why this moment is so important for soccer in the Central Valley.

We also look back at his time coaching Fresno FC, including stories from the sidelines and lessons learned during his years in USL. Adam talks about his experiences with Fresno FC and Central Valley Fuego, and shares insight into his current role as a scout for Charlotte FC. Plus, we take a look at Sacramento Republic’s newest signing, Kyle Edwards, who joins the club from Hartford Athletic, and discuss what he could add to the squad.

Intro/Outro Music: "The Descent" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Support State of the Republic by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/state-of-the-republic