"We're going to be ready," said Vitiello, who grew up playing in soccer-mad Massapequa, N.Y and won a national high school championship alongside current New York Red Bulls Dylan and Sean Nealis. "We're going to watch the film. We're going watch each individual to see what they do best, and we're going to try and play our best. When that time comes, we'll embrace it. We'll accept the challenge."
A keeper on the rise, Vitiello, who captained the University of Albany Great Danes to a pair of NCAA second-round appearances, has gained experience with seven teams since 2016. That includes the Westchester Flames, Jersey Express and Long Island Rough Riders (in what is now USL League Two), Nashville SC, New Mexico United, Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Sacramento (USL Championship).
"Honestly, if I told myself five years ago that I'd be the situation that we're in now I would tell you that you're kind of crazy," he said. "Nashville and Pittsburgh were very great places to be. I learned a lot."
It seemed that MLS, the country’s top pro tier, was the next step.
No Ceiling for Humble Vitiello
"The sky's the limit," Briggs insisted about his No1. "We're extremely happy to have him. If you perform well consistently, then clubs take an interest. He has the potential and the ability. He can perform at the highest level with the performances he's putting in against various MLS teams in the Open Cup."
"I want to play at the highest level possible, no matter what it is," Vitiello said. "Whenever I'm playing, I make the most of it. Sacramento Republic, I don't take that for granted. I try and step on the field every day to be the best Danny Vitiello I can be, whether that's a 3v3 small-sided game or the Open Cup Final.
"I'm just blessed to be playing soccer for a living and being able meet different people and have 22 best friends every single season. It's been great. I wouldn't want it any other way," said the beating heart of Sacramento’s backline.
A U.S. Open Cup crown would top it all off for this keeper who started out, all those years ago, shedding tears in Massapequa.
Michael Lewis can be reached at socwriter@aol.com and @Soccerwriter on Twitter. His book (ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers) is available for purchase.
