“To say Rodrigo Lopez is synonymous with Sacramento Republic is an understatement. From our title run in the inaugural year, to watching him try and lead us to another years later, it’s been an honor and pleasure,” said Republic FC Managing Partner Kevin Nagle. “Not only is RoRo an excellent athlete and leader of men, he’s an amazing person and the perfect example of what Sacramento is all about. There is no replacing him, and I certainly wish him all the best going forward. What a career.”
“RoRo has been a transformative force for this club time and time again and has been synonymous with many of the biggest moments in team history,” added Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “This is a special moment to celebrate RoRo and thank him for his impact on Sacramento, but at the same time we know his work is not done. His first year in Sacramento ended in a championship, and it will only be fitting to send him out the same way.”
As one of the few Sacramento sports icons to bring a trophy home to the Capital City, Lopez calls a close on a career that has traversed the United States and Mexico. In Sacramento, his accomplishments across seven seasons have elevated the club to national prominence, established new records and benchmarks, and turned miracles into realities.
Lopez’s other stops in the USL ecosystem include Ventura County Fusion, Portland Timbers, Orlando City, and Rio Grande Valley FC. His list of honors and achievements is extensive: two USL All-League First Team selections, an All-League Second Team selection, a USL League Two title and USL League Two Final MVP, and more than 20 Team of the Week selections. Earlier this year, he became the fourth player to surpass 40 goals and 50 assists in the USL Championship regular season.
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Lopez grew up in Santa Barbara and in 2003 joined the Chivas youth system. He signed his first professional contract with MLS side Chivas USA in 2005 and went on to make eight appearances. He signed another MLS contract with Portland Timbers in 2011.
In addition to his stints in American soccer, Lopez spent time playing in his native Mexico, featuring for Cuervos Negros de Zapotlanejo and Querétaro in 2008-2009. In 2016, he signed with Acenso MX side Celaya FC and across three seasons made 94 appearances. He also played three seasons in Liga MX, first with Toluca in 2017 and later with Veracruz in 2019 before returning to the United States for the final chapter of his career.
Fans are encouraged to share their favorite RoRo memories, photos, and videos on social media using the hashtag #OurC8ptain.
Republic FC will celebrate Lopez’s career this Saturday, when the club hosts Miami FC for its regular season finale at Heart Health Park. Every fan in attendance will receive a special cheer card to celebrate the night and a limited-edition shirt will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association and GiGi’s Playhouse, two organizations that are meaningful to the Lopez family.
The night will also feature several moments to honor and recognize #8, including a post-game ceremony, special appearances from former Republic FC players, and contests to win RoRo memorabilia. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT and tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com.