Sacramento Republic FC 2025 Season Preview: A New Era Begins
As Sacramento Republic FC gears up for the 2025 season, the club finds itself at a pivotal moment. After a frustrating end to 2024, which saw Republic tumble from a potential second-place finish to fifth in the Western Conference after a final-day loss to Colorado Springs, the team’s playoff run was cut short in the first round, falling to Las Vegas on penalties. The disappointment led to the departure of longtime head coach Mark Briggs, opening the door for a fresh start under Neill Collins.
A New Leader at the Helm
Neill Collins, a former USL Championship Coach of the Year, takes over as Republic FC’s head coach. Collins made his mark with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, leading them to back-to-back Eastern Conference titles in 2020 and 2021, as well as three consecutive conference finals appearances. After a stint managing Scotland’s Raith Rovers, Collins returned to the United States, calling the opportunity in Sacramento “too good to pass up.” With his track record of success and an aggressive tactical style, he aims to revitalize the squad and push for silverware.
Key Signings Bring Experience and Familiarity
Republic FC made a flurry of offseason moves, bringing in seven new players to reinforce the roster. Several of these signings have previously worked under Collins, adding continuity and familiarity to the squad.
• Dominik Wanner (Winger, 25) – A former Borussia Dortmund youth standout, Wanner arrives from Kickers Offenbach in Germany’s fourth tier.
• Michel Benitez (Defender, 29) – A Liga MX veteran, Benitez developed in Chivas’ academy before making first-team appearances and later playing for Tapatío in Liga de Expansión MX.
• Ryan Spaulding (Defender, 26) – A former Tampa Bay Rowdies and New England Revolution left back, Spaulding played under Collins in 2023.
• Lewis Jamieson (Forward, 22) – The Scottish attacker previously played under Collins at Raith Rovers while on loan from St. Mirren FC.
• Freddy Kleemann (Defender, 26) – A key defensive piece for Tampa Bay over the last two seasons, Kleemann adds strength to the backline.
• Rayan Djedje (Defender, 23) – Signed from USL League One’s Charlotte Independence, Djedje provides depth and defensive versatility.
• Aaron Edwards (Defender, 22) – A San Jose Earthquakes academy product, Edwards is a promising young defender looking to make an impact.
With an emphasis on defensive reinforcements and familiarity with Collins’ style of play, Republic FC’s roster has been shaped for a more structured and resilient approach heading into 2025.
A Historic Tournament Enters the Picture
One of the biggest changes this season will be Republic FC’s participation in three different competitions:
1. USL Championship – The league’s regular season and playoffs remain the primary focus.
2. U.S. Open Cup – The annual knockout competition will give Republic another chance to compete against teams from higher divisions, including MLS. Republic FC reached the Final in the 2022 season.
3. USL Jägermeister Cup – A brand-new, World Cup-style tournament featuring all 38 professional teams from both the USL Championship and USL League One. This marks the first time a U.S. soccer league has introduced its own interleague cup, adding another layer of excitement to the 2025 campaign.
Expectations for 2025
With a new coach, a retooled squad, and an additional cup competition, Republic FC enters 2025 with renewed optimism. Fans are eager to see how Collins’ leadership and the new signings will translate on the field. After last season’s disappointment, the expectation is clear: a deeper playoff run and a shot at silverware.
As the season kicks off on March 8th at home against New Mexico United, all eyes will be on Republic FC to see if this new era delivers the success that Sacramento fans have been waiting for.