Sacramento Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello has played every match for two consecutive seasons, earning praise for his consistency and leadership as the team heads into the playoffs.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Sacramento Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello has played every match for two straight seasons, earning recognition for his consistency and leadership as the team prepares for the playoffs.
“Whatever it takes to win. That’s the guy I want to be,” Vitiello said.
Since signing with the Republic in 2022 the club has made the playoffs in every season, and Vitiello has played in 151 of 167 matches, including all 61 games over the last two seasons.
“I kind of pride myself in trying to be out there as much as I can,” Vitiello said. “I don’t like missing games. I think it’s important that the guys in front of me hear the same voice, and, you know, I try and be consistent with that too, making sure that they know that I’m there for them.”
Vitiello has done just that, being steady force in net.
“You just have confidence that if anything gets behind me and if you do make a mistake as a defender, you know, you got that security. It’s not the end of the world,” said Lee Desmond, a Sacramento Republic FC defender. “His performances have been strong, and he enters the playoffs in excellent form.”
For the fourth consecutive year, Vitiello ranks in the top three in the league for clean sheets with 10 this season, though he credits his teammates for the defensive success.
“Getting clean sheets is an every-man-on-the-field type of thing. You know, it takes all 11 to defend,” said Vitiello. “Credit goes to my teammates. You know, the goalkeeper is only as good as their team can make them.”
Head coach Neill Collins emphasized the importance of a goalkeeper like Vitiello.
“Yeah, I think it’s invaluable to have a goalkeeper and defense you don’t need to change too often,” Collins said. “That consistency is one of the reasons that you keep clean sheets and you don’t lose all our goals. And Danny’s been pivotal to that. His reliability, his robustness, he has proven to be the top keeper in the league. And I think he’s still got his best years ahead of him.”
Now in his fifth season with the club, Vitiello has become synonymous with Sacramento Republic FC and couldn’t imagine bringing success to any other club.
“I mean, this is my home,” Vitiello said. “I mean, I came here five years ago, you know, 25 years old, and now I’m 30 with two kids. You know, I mean, just a big family, great community, great organization. They treat me like I’ve been here my whole life. And yeah, I want to do whatever it takes to win here and to bring trophies to Sacramento.”
“I think he’s one of the most well-known faces in Sacramento Republic. You know, I think he’s like, you know, the beard and just everyone knows our goalkeeper. But that’s because of what he does on the pitch. And he’s, you know, really bought into what it means to be part of this club. And he’s definitely elevated this club. And as I say, we’re lucky to have him,” said Collins.
Vitiello and the Republic will begin their playoff run on Sunday, November 1, when the club hosts FC Tulsa at 6:00 p.m. at Heart Health Park.