Sacramento Republic FC had numerous new faces this season, as well as some veterans who came to the fore, but in spite of some early season struggles managed to maintain the standard that had been set in its first two seasons to finish top of the Western Conference in the regular season in Coach Paul Buckle’s first full season in charge.

The continued progression of players like leading scorer Cameron Iwasa, and the steadying hand of team assists leader Danny Barrera, saw the club jell together well as the season progressed. A second consecutive opening round exit in the USL Cup Playoffs was definitely disappointing, but Republic FC seems well set for continued success in 2017.

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 14-6-10, 52pts
Place: First in the Western Conference
Goals For: 43
Goals Against: 27
USL Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Quarterfinals (L 0-0 (4-5 PKs) vs. Orange County Blues FC)

2016 leaders: Cameron Iwasa (12 goals), Danny Barrera (9 assists), Evan Newton (35 saves)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

With the offseason departures of All-League performers like Rodrigo Lopez and Nemanja Vukovic, there were some big shoes to fill in the Republic FC lineup. The players tasked to come through definitely did so, as Cameron Iwasa (12 goals) and Danny Barrera (9 assists) both earned All-League honors, while new arrivals Mike Da Fonte and Chris Christian combined with holdovers such as James Kiffe to form a solid back four in front of the goalkeeping tandem of Evan Newton (1.00 GAA) and Dominik Jakubek (0.83 GAA).

WHAT WENT WRONG

Finishing top of a highly competitive Western Conference is a strong achievement, but Sacramento will likely want to get out to faster starts in the new season. Only 13 of the club’s 43 goals came in the first half this season, and the side scored multiple goals in a game 11 times in 30 regular-season contests. Greater production from the forward line outside of Iwasa should be expected, especially from the club’s younger forwards.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Cameron Iwasa’s career-high goals tally was marked by a number of outstanding finishes, including this strike against Orange County Blues FC that earned a 1-0 win on the road in late August.

Tommy Thompson’s time on loan with Republic FC from the San Jose Earthquakes brought about a number of memorable moments, including this individual effort against Seattle Sounders FC 2.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Veteran Dominik Jakubek continued to perform well in goal for Republic FC, and denied Seattle’s Mark O’Ojong well in this one-on-one showdown.

Evan Newton came on strong late in the season for Republic FC, and saved a victory late on against Orange County with this low stop of a long-range blast by Ivan Mirkovic.

HE SAID IT

“The supporters have been incredible. The challenge is to improve every year. We’re building on and off the field. These boys have done tremendous and we couldn’t have done it without the supporters. The supporters have been there for us. We’ve had supporters on the road as well which was unbelievable. We’ve had some brilliant times this season.” – Sacramento Republic FC Head Coach Paul Buckle