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Republic FC Plays First Home Preseason Game In Front Of Sold-Out Crowd

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Excited fans filed into Bonney Field – a sold-out crowd and a new attendance record set on Saturday's preseason home opener.

"It's like watching a professional team," said fan Oscar Amaya.

Nearly 10,000 fans attended the game against the Republic's Major League Soccer affiliate the San Jose Earthquakes. Among them, the team's rowdy cheerleaders known as the Tower Bridge Battalion.

With a seating expansion and new bleachers under their feet, the Battalion and other fans are ready for the second season to get underway.

"I'm super excited," said fan Hope Rodriguez.

Soccer fans from last year turned into season ticket holders this year, like Renea Garcia and his family.

As the family's sport of choice, Garcia's two daughters play soccer as well.

"Typically for our soccer Saturdays, we're at youth soccer with the kids. Since that's over, now we're joining the Republic," Garcia said.

With big announcements, like Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé and 49ers owner Jed York joining the list of investors, and Las Vegas out of the running, Garcia hopes Sacramento is one step closer to MLS.

"That's what we're really hoping for, to be tied in with MLS," Garcia said.

Owner Warren Smith says the city has proven it's a goal for the league from the start.

"We've always felt strong from the beginning, we knew we could compete," Smith said.

So what can fans expect this year? More music, food trucks, beer, and new Sac Republic gear.

"A lot of our gear has a nice championship star," said Republic's VP of Marking Erika Bjork.

And with its growth, continued success, and a USL Pro championship in the bag, it's hard to deny Sacramento's a die-hard soccer town.

"They're going to hear it all the way in New York," Bjork said.

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