Soccer

Since signing his first professional soccer contract in early 2020, Turlock native Hayden Sargis has made a name for himself as a member of Sacramento Republic FC. Now, the 19-year-old is fighting through injury to continue that success as he returns to the pitch this weekend. 

Sargis picked up a soccer ball almost as soon as he could walk, starting at age four and advancing as far as the Olympic Development Program and the East Valley FC Earthquakes by age 13. Sargis became a member of the Republic FC Academy system at its inception in 2015 and became known as a reliable defender, notching 109 appearances, 92 starts and three goals in U.S. Development Academy action. 

His prowess on the pitch earned Sargis his first-ever contract, which he signed with Republic FC prior to the 2020 USL Championship season and viewed as a lifelong goal finally attained. Although currently playing as a USL team, Republic FC will make the move to MLS come 2022. 

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Semi-professional soccer returned to Turlock last weekend as Academica SC defeated FC Davis by a score of 2-1 in what was the team’s first match in over a year.

Academica’s return to their home field last Saturday night was a fan affair, with about 300 eager fans making their way out to the pitch to watch the team play for the first time since the coronavirus put a premature end to the 2020 season. It was well worth the wait, as Academica secured the exciting victory in the final minutes of the game. 

The team has developed a friendly rivalry with Davis and as the winner of the game, Academica earned the annual contest's Milk Can Trophy, which looks exactly like it sounds. 

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Jordyn Silva would like to have one more season with younger sibling Cameron and the rest of the Manteca girls soccer team.

If it doesn't happen because of the coronavirus pandemic, her junior campaign is not a bad way to go out.

Inside of one week, the Silva sisters helped the Buffaloes capture their second Sac-Joaquin Section Division III title on Feb. 29 and make their first-ever appearance in a California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Regional appearance three days later.

That wasn't all for Jordyn, who, in that first week of March, committed to continue playing beyond high school at Stanislaus State — her top choice. This past weekend, she made it official by signing her National Letter of Intent to compete for one of the top programs in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. 

Persistence paid off for Silva, who kept Stanislaus State coach Gabe Bolton updated on her club tournament schedule during the recruiting process. 

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Wednesday’s Central California Athletic League boys soccer game between rivals Pitman and Turlock had it all.

There were spectacular goals, plenty of yellow cards, and both teams carrying momentum with leads.

Who the top team in the league is will have to wait another day as the Bulldogs and Pride tied, 2-2, at Pitman High School.

Continue Reading on Modesto Bee