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

There’s a lot to catch up on as Sacramento Republic FC gears up for the 2026 season! In this episode, we break down the new SRFC player signings and talk about how they fit into the squad for the upcoming year. Sharon also shares her experience attending recent season ticket member events, including a conversation she had with Coach Collins.

We also take a look at the newly released 2026 USL Championship schedule for Sacramento Republic and give our thoughts on the current CBA situation within USL and what it could mean moving forward. Plenty to discuss as Republic FC gets ready for another big season!

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/

Image: Sac Republic FC

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Big changes are coming to Sacramento Republic FC. In this episode, we react to the news that President Todd Dunivant is leaving the club after seven years, taking on a new role as Sporting Director for New York City FC. We look back at his impact on the organization, what his departure means for Republic FC, and how the club moves forward from here.

We also go through the full list of players who will not be returning next season and talk about which players are set to come back to Sac Republic for the 2026 USL Championship season.

Intro/Outro Music:

The following music was used for this media project: Music: Blockbuster Atmosphere 8 (Action) by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/143-blockbuster-atmosphere-8-action Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

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We’re dedicating this special bonus episode to the one and only Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez, a true Sacramento Republic FC legend who recently retired. Sharon brings a treasure trove of photos and memories from RoRo’s early days all the way through his unforgettable years in Sacramento, while Luis and Jared jump in with their own favorite RoRo moments and stories. We also revisit the journey that shaped his incredible career — from the Chivas Academy, to multiple clubs across the U.S., to becoming Sac Republic’s first-ever signing in 2014, and later taking his talents to Ascenso MX and Liga MX. It’s a heartfelt celebration of a player who defined an era and left a permanent mark on the club and its fans.

Intro/Outro Music:

The following music was used for this media project: Music: Blockbuster Atmosphere 8 (Action) by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/143-blockbuster-atmosphere-8-action Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Image: Sac Republic FC

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Sacramento Republic’s 2025 season has officially come to an end after a 0-0 draw and penalty kick loss at home to Orange County in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. In this episode, we break down the match, talk through the key moments, and include post-match press conference comments from Coach Collins, Lee Desmond, and Nick Ross. We also take a look at how the USL Playoff Conference Finals are set, and reveal the final standings of our season-long prediction contest, Podcast Winner Dinner. Plus, a few closing thoughts as we wrap up another year of Republic FC soccer.

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

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: Sac Republic FC

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