Sacramento Native Blake Willey Selected to USL Championship Team of the Week

Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Blake Willey has been named to the league’s weekly top squad. Read more about the local product's big week.

BY SACTOWN SPORTS

Apr 8, 2026, 6:16 AM Updated: 11:24 am

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Sacramento Republic FC continues to build early-season momentum, and standout performances from its young core are quickly gaining league-wide recognition. Following a strong showing against a key Western Conference opponent, one of the club’s rising homegrown talents is now earning attention across the USL Championship.

The club’s latest result not only secured three points but also highlighted the continued development of its academy pipeline. With contributions coming from emerging players in big moments, Republic FC is reinforcing its identity as a team that blends youth development with competitive success.

Homegrown talent shining ⭐

After scoring his first professional goal and a strong team performance, Blake Willey has been named to the Week 5 @USLChampionship Team of the Week!

🔗 Full article – https://t.co/JtHNSd2l2V pic.twitter.com/458bKoXLj8

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 7, 2026

Sacramento Republic FC’s Blake Willey selected to USL Team of the Week

Release courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC

Today, USL Championship announced the Week 5 Team of the Week. For his performance in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Western Conference rival Phoenix Rising FC, Republic FC midfielder Blake Willey has been named to the league’s weekly top squad. Willey helped Republic FC capture an early lead in the 10th minute.

After Forster Ajago beat his defender, Willey kept his composure to put a one-touch shot past the keeper for his first career goal. The stellar strike was also nominated for the USL Championship Goal of the Week; fans can vote for the weekly honor now through Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. PT at USLChampionship.com.

This is 18-year-old Willey’s first Team of the Week selection of the 2026 campaign. Last year, he earned two weekly honors for his breakout performance. In 27 appearances and 1,590 minutes – both new club records for academy products – he became the first homegrown player to record three assists in First Team competition.

Scoring your first professional goal in front of your hometown crowd 🤩

🗳️ Vote Blake Willey for Goal of the Week! – https://t.co/tofsaOVb6n pic.twitter.com/C5yUBMFEgi

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) April 6, 2026

Willey first joined Republic FC’s youth academy in 2017 at age 10 and featured in every age group before signing a professional contract at age 16 in November 2023.

He is among a group of nine players to begin their pro career with the club’s First Team, and over 60 players who have earned First Team opportunities through USL Academy Contracts.

Republic FC is back in action on the road this Saturday against Las Vegas Lights. Kickoff from Cashman Field is at 7:30 p.m. and the match will be broadcast on FOX40, the FOX40+ streaming app, and ESPN+.

The club returns to Heart Health Park on Tuesday, April 14, hosting MLS side Minnesota United in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are now on sale today at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early as this match is expected to sell out.

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