Following the 2015 campaign, which ended with a disappointing first-round playoff exit for the Republic, Lopez announced he wouldn’t return for a third season. Despite SacRep now occupying a special place in his heart (and vice versa) he pursued other opportunities that took him back to Mexico for the next four years, including stints with Celaya and Toluca.
In 2019, financial troubles at Veracruz – which led to the disaffiliation of the club from Liga MX – left Lopez without pay for seven months. He insists he enjoyed the playing experience, the relationship with fans, and the city of Veracruz itself – but it was clear that he needed to move on.
“I felt like my time was up in Mexico and I really wanted to be back in Sacramento,” Lopez remembered, feeling the pull of the city of his son’s birth and the most successful stretch of his own playing career. “I wanted my family to be back in California close to the rest of my family.”
So the stars aligned and he signed again with the Republic. But what was supposed to be an epic homecoming story became one of adversity and frustration.
Covid-19 Blues Strike
“2020 wasn’t the best of years for anyone,” Lopez said, recalling the impact of COVID-19 on his season. “We hit the pandemic and it was just a unique year. For me, mentally and physically, it was really tough.”
Lopez once again came close to hanging up his boots, but for a call from 2018 Open Cup-winning coach (with Houston Dynamo) Wilmer Cabrera, who convinced him to keep going. The destination this time was South Texas and fellow USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley FC.
The gamble paid off as Lopez netted five goals during the 2021 season. He regained his form, his confidence and, evidently, sparked the fresh interest of Sacramento Republic.
Lopez returned to SacRep for a third time ahead of the 2022 campaign. The move was a no-brainer. Over the years, he’d built an entire life there. He cherished having his friends and family close by. Lopez says it’s where he wants to continue to raise his kids and settle down with his family for the long term.
