Veteran goalkeeper makes immediate contributions as Sacramento Republic wins second straight

They did it again.

Sacramento Republic narrowly found their way past newly-minted USL club Monterey Bay FC with two late penalties Saturday night, winning 2-1 at Heart Health Park. It’s Sacramento’s third straight home win this season.

The Republic dominated throughout the game but could not find a breakthrough until Duke Lacroix was pulled down inside the box at the 76th minute. Monterey defender Morey Doner was given a yellow card and Republic captain Rodrigo Lopez nailed the spot kick into the top corner of the net.

Again, Sacramento was awarded a penalty at the 85th minute. Substitute Luther Archimede converted the opportunity to put the Quails up 2-0. It was a special goal for Archimede, his first ever for the club. The goal also highlighted the leadership of 34-year-old midfielder Lopez, who stepped aside for Archimede to take the shot.

Another bright spot for Republic was in the back, with goalkeeper Danny Vitiello. Vitiello made five saves and was nearly perfect in earning his second win in two starts in the absence of starter Carlos Saldana. Vitiello won the USL Golden Glove in 2020 for his work with Pittsburgh, given to the keeper with the lowest goals-against average. He was third on the clean-sheet leaderboard in 2021 while playing for the Riverhounds.

Despite his impressive resume, Vitiello, a Long Island native, was not guaranteed the starting position at the Republic. Asked why he came to the Republic for a presumed backup role, he described the prestige of playing in Sacramento and sees this challenge only as an opportunity.

“This is an important job.” Vitiello said, “I’ve always heard that Sacramento is one of the best soccer clubs, regardless of a guarantee of the starting job.”

Vitiello constantly bounced around the field, moving up to the halfway line during attacks, directing his defenders passionately, and giving a no-nonsense approach when clearing the ball. His versatility is something he prides himself on. He practiced ball control and juggling pregame despite the fact that he is a goalkeeper.

He has played soccer since he can remember and has played all over the field at one point or another. He says that has clearly benefited him and made him a better goalkeeper.

Coach Mark Briggs said Vitiello can potentially be a longterm starter.

“Danny was just a goalkeeper that we always had interest in, and we knew he was a free agent,” Briggs said. “We spoke to him and wanted to bring him in. We’re fortunate in that we have both Danny and Carlos ... who are both two high-level goalkeepers and they are competing. Carlos was a little bit sick, which gave Danny an opportunity and now they’re both competing to see who’s going to be the number one long term.”

Lopez, the team captain, chimed in, saying that Vitiello can be another leader for the team.

“He’s a good leader, he’s been goalkeeper of the year for USL,” Lopez said. “They’re both really good. That’s a spot where I think we’re well covered. Carlos was doing a phenomenal job and he got sick and now, you know, now Danny stepped in and is doing the job.”

Lopez said his team can improve on helping their goalkeepers by helping to stop unfortunate goals like the late one given up to Monterey Bay on a corner kick headed by midfielder Chase Boone in the 90th minute.

“I think we have to do a little better job protecting them; I don’t blame the defense, it’s the whole team,” Lopez said. “Me in particular, I think maybe we could do a little better to prevent those crosses from coming because we can’t finish games like that.”

While the late goal was frustrated, Vitiello didn’t seem overly perturbed. Asked how long he’s content to stay in Sacramento, Vitiello was quick with an answer: “as long as they’ll have me.”

This story was originally published April 3, 2022 at 6:31 AM.