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

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It’s playoff time! 🎉 In this episode, we recap Sacramento Republic’s 1-0 win over Charleston Battery, a huge result that secured 2nd place in the Western Conference and 4th overall in the USL. We also look back on the 1-0 loss to Miami FC in the regular season finale — a night that was all about celebrating club legend Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez and his incredible career (though he’s not done yet — RoRo’s ready for the playoffs!). Plus, we break down our Western Conference Quarterfinal matchup vs Orange County, go over the USL Playoff brackets, and more!

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