Not When, But If?: How Sacramento Republic FC Rose From the Ashes of a Half Century of Failed Local Soccer Experiments to Win a Championship, Galvanize the City, and Become an MLS Expansion Favorite

In December of 2012, a group led by longtime minor league sports executives Warren Smith and Joe Wagoner announced its intention to bring professional soccer back to Sacramento and was met with almost no fanfare or media coverage. The assumption was that the latest attempt to establish the beautiful game in California's capital would fail quickly and spectacularly, just as every other men's pro team in the city had. Though the team would begin play in an obscure lower division, its ambitious executives aimed to one day earn an expansion bid into Major League Soccer, a far fetched dream considering Sacramento was in the midst of a battle to save its only top division sports franchise, the Sacramento Kings. But against all odds, Sacramento Republic FC debuted in style in 2014, captivating the city while setting attendance records and claiming an inaugural season title. In addition to delivering the success-starved city a professional championship, the Republic drew national headlines and became a frontrunner for MLS expansion, leading league commissioner Don Garber to tell The Sacramento Bee in 2015 that, "It's less about if and more about when the Republic joins MLS." Not When, But If? is the story of how a perfect combination of the correct timing, clairvoyant sports executives, and stellar branding helped Sacramento Republic FC defy the odds and become successful from day one. Award winning sports journalist Evan Ream, who covered the Republic during its first four seasons, tells the club's narrative from inception through the end of the 2014 USL season.
ASIN: B0D33XZML6
VSKU: GBV.B0D33XZML6.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Ream, Evan|Orendor, Kim|Peri, Dante
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: This book is in acceptable condition and may have highlighting and or writing throughout. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo, dust jacket may be damaged or missing. Book may show internal and or external wear on spine or cover and may be slightly skewed or have creased pages. This is a used book so codes may be invalid or accompanying media may be missing. May be an Ex library book with stickers and stamps.