January 11, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Since 2014, Republic FC’s annual Open Tryouts have provided a unique opportunity for the region’s best players to forge their path to the professional ranks. Every year, at least one player has been invited to join the first team for training camp and five have gone on to sign professional contracts with the Indomitable Club, kickstarting careers in USL, MLS, and even international call-ups.
With the club hosting its 10th year of Open Tryouts taking place this weekend, let’s take a look back at some the of players who got their start right here in Sacramento.
Emrah Klimenta (2014)
Bay Area native Klimenta became Sacramento’s first-ever player signed from Open Tryouts in the club’s inaugural 2014 season and remained with Republic FC through 2018. In his four seasons in Sacramento, Klimenta made 115 appearances and logged nearly 10,000 minutes – both second-most all-time in the club’s history – and added 10 goals and five assists. Not only was Emrah a standout in USL, but he made a name for himself on the international level as well, earning several call-ups to the Montenegrin National Team – including World Cup Qualifiers and UEFA Nations League.
Since 2018, Klimenta has featured for MLS side LA Galaxy, as well as USL Championship clubs LA Galaxy II, Reno 1868 FC, San Diego Loyal SC, and Oakland Roots SC where he currently plays.
Max Alvarez (2014)
Following four years at Sac State, Alvarez joined fellow tryout participant Klimenta on Republic FC’s inaugural roster. From 2014-2016, Alvarez made 55 appearances for the Indomitable Club, adding two goals and three assists. He went on to sign with USL side Saint Louis FC before starting a new career as a coach – returning to his native Napa, California to serve as the Director of Boys Programs at Napa Sport SC and assistant coach at Napa Valley Community College. In 2022, Alvarez’s soccer career came full circle when he joined Sacramento State Men’s Soccer as an assistant coach.
Mackenzie Pridham (2016)
The signing of Canadian-born Pridham is a great example of how tryouts provide clubs the opportunity to bring standout players – even players that have already been in the league – directly in front of them for scouting. Prior to attending the 2016 Open Tryout, Pridham had already seen his share of professional experience. He was selected 58th overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC, before…