Earlier this week, with the USL Championship soccer season winding down, in front of another sold-out crowd at Heart Health Park, Sacramento Republic FC extended its lead atop the Western Conference table with a 2-0 win over the Las Vegas Lights FC.

The Republic found the back of the net twice in the second half, with goals from Keko and Luther Archimede, and assists by Sebastian Herrera and Rodrigo Lopez.

While the win on Sunday, Oct. 1, secured the Republic home-field advantage for a Western Conference Quarterfinal match on Saturday, Oct. 21, history was made when Woodland native Da’vian Kimbrough made his professional debut in the 87th minute.

At 13 years, 7 months, and 13 days, Kimbrough became the youngest professional soccer player to step onto a professional field in the United States.

“Look behind, he is surrounded by people,” stated Republic FC head coach Mark Briggs after Sunday’s game. “Everyone wants his autograph, everybody is wanting to speak to him, which is fantastic and it shows the pride of our club, our community, in having local talent. So we’ve got to continue to drive our local talent, continue to develop our local talent, and Da’vian is obviously a special one that we’re fortunate to have for a long time. And I think you saw in glimpses today the ability the kid has. He is a special talent and we look forward to developing him.”

On Aug. 8, Kimbrough signed his first professional contract with Sacramento Republic FC.

Kimbrough joined SRFC’s academy team in 2021 at the age of 11, scoring an impressive 61 goals in 81 appearances over the last two seasons. At age 12, he shined as a forward on “the best U13 team in the country,” according to a Sacramento Republic FC press release.

“I was a bit nervous at first before I got subbed on,” Kimbrough stated after his debut. “But once I got on the field, at the end of the day, it’s just soccer. So just doing what I love. Simple stuff. Just soccer.”

Kimbrough was grateful for the support his Republic FC teammates have shown him during his time with the squad.

“They’re all very supportive,” he stated. “Always helping me out in practice, in this game, for example. It’s good having them around me to help me.”

SRFC now heads out for its final road game of the regular season, facing Rio Grande Valley FC on Saturday. Kickoff from H-E-B Park is set for 5:00 p.m. and the match will be broadcast in English & Spanish on FOX40.com, Antenna TV 40.2, and the FOX40 News Mobile App.

Fans can sign up for the insider list at SacRepublicFC.com/Playoffs to get exclusive access to presale before tickets for the Oct. 21 quarterfinal are available to the public.