Republic FC Open Preseason With Quiet Start to 2026 Campaign
Republic FC’s preseason stands in contrast to the busy schedules across California.
Preseason is officially underway for Sacramento Republic FC, but if you’re looking for a packed slate of friendlies or publicly streamed tune-ups, you may be out of luck.
As Republic FC prepare for their 13th season in 2026, just two preseason matches have been independently verified so far. Sacramento will host Northern California rivals Oakland Roots SC on January 31, before traveling east to face Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on February 28.
It’s a light public schedule — especially when stacked against other California clubs — but it’s also very much on brand for Sacramento.
A Quiet Preseason, Maybe by Design
Republic FC have only recently returned to training, and the focus right now appears to be squarely on building the group rather than showcasing it. Head Coach Neill Collins, entering his second season at the helm, made it clear during the club’s opening training sessions that the roster is still a work in progress.
“There’s a couple of pieces that we still need to address,” Collins said. “We’re still an attacking player short to give us the full compliment.”
That comment offers some insight into why Sacramento’s preseason calendar looks the way it does. With several new faces joining the squad this offseason — and more still to come — Collins may be prioritizing internal cohesion over early results. Closed-door matches, controlled training environments, and limited outside noise allow new signings time to settle into the system without the pressure of public scrutiny.
Historically, Republic FC have often kept preseason matches behind closed doors, with limited information released and results sometimes surfacing well after the fact. It’s also entirely possible that additional preseason games are already scheduled but simply haven’t been announced — a familiar pattern for the club.
How Sacramento Compares Across California
While Sacramento keep things close to the chest, other California-based USL Championship clubs have taken a far more open approach.
Oakland Roots SC currently have five preseason matches on the books, facing fourth-division sides FC Folsom and San Ramon FC, USL League One newcomers Athletic Club Boise, fellow USL Championship side Monterey Bay FC, and Sacramento themselves.
Monterey Bay FC have scheduled three notable preseason tests, including matches against MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, Oakland Roots SC, and Liga MX outfit Pachuca.
Further south, Orange County SC boast one of the most ambitious preseason schedules in the league. Their lineup includes MLS sides Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy, and Real Salt Lake, alongside El Paso Locomotive FC, USL League One side AV Alta FC, MLS Next Pro’s Ventura County FC, and collegiate powerhouse UCLA.
By comparison, Sacramento’s publicly known preseason is modest — but that doesn’t necessarily mean undercooked.
Integration Over Exposure
With significant roster turnover this offseason, the priority in Sacramento appears to be chemistry and clarity rather than volume. Fewer public matches can mean more repetition on the training ground, more tactical instruction, and more time for new players to understand expectations before competitive matches begin.
For a club that has historically valued structure and internal standards, the quiet approach feels intentional. Preseason, after all, is about being ready in March — not impressive in February.
Roster Changes So Far
For a deeper look at how Sacramento’s roster has evolved this offseason, Quail City Soccer’s Valor Nash breaks down the key additions, departures, and what they mean for the shape of the squad heading into 2026.
Republic’s 2026 Pre-Season Roster Review: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What Comes Next
Republic’s pursuit of new silverware took its first on-field steps this week as the club kicked off training camp on Monday. But those steps came with a host of personal changes - to date, Sacramento has had 12 player departures and 9 arrivals, with a few more new signings still on the way. Outside of the loss of …
The Bigger Picture
As Republic FC move through the early stages of preseason, there’s still plenty that remains unseen — and likely undisclosed. More matches may surface, new signings are expected, and the picture will sharpen as opening day approaches.
For now, Sacramento are doing what they’ve often done best in January: keeping things quiet, focused, and firmly under their own control.
