Facing open heart surgery to repair an aortic valve, 10 year-old Roman Lopez had one wish – for his father, Sacramento Republic FC captain Rodrigo ‘RoRo’ Lopez, to play against the San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16 of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. In young Roman’s words, “I know your team needs you.”
And in true heroic fashion, Lopez laced up his boots knowing he wasn’t 100 percent. Ten minutes into the second half, he was subbed off with a left knee injury that would eventually be confirmed as an ACL tear. In a flash, his season – and maybe his career – was over.
On the ride home from the match, both father and son were in tears. Roman, feeling guilty about urging his dad to play, and Lopez from the weight of everything he was facing – his son’s complicated surgery, a season-ending injury and what was undoubtedly going to be a long road to recovery for both of them. Suddenly, the guy who’s known for always smiling and being a light for his friends, family and teammates found himself in a dark, dark place.
Lopez admitted he contemplated retirement.
“I don’t think a lot of people truly realize what I went through and how hard these last eleven months have been,” admitted Lopez. “But Roman said, ‘Dad, please just promise me you’re going to play again.’ That meant a lot to me. I had to do everything I could to get back. I fulfilled my promise, and now seeing him in the stands watching me, I think he gets a lot of joy out of it.”
In talking with Lopez, it’s clear the last year has been a major challenge. Despite the setbacks, he remains grateful for his doctor and the Republic performance and training staff who helped him get back on the pitch. While he acknowledges he’s not all the way there yet physically, he’s committed to continuing to work hard every day. “It’s definitely not an easy injury mentally or physically,” he said. “Sometimes the mental side is the hardest part and right now I’m just trying to get back where I want to be.”
Lopez made a huge stride in his recovery in the Third Round of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup versus amateur legends, El Farolito, where he made his first start in roughly a year. It took all of 29 minutes for him to make his presence known, when teammate Sebastian Herrera headed in a long looping cross from RoRo to propel the Republic to a hard fought 1-0 victory. With that one, Lopez now has 12 all-time assists in the Open Cup, which is the most in the tournament's Modern Era (beginning in 1995).
“El Farolito is a team that has a rich history in the Open Cup and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” he added. “We knew they were going to be physical and try to mentally get us off our game. On the goal, [Herrera] and I actually spoke about it before the game because in prior games, there had been instances where he was like, when you’re in that situation, look for me…I’ll be making a run. In one of the videos, you can actually hear him yelling [which Lopez shared with a laugh]. I told him I probably didn’t hear him, but I knew he was going to be there. He’s so good in the area, so good in the air and just makes clever runs.”
Lopez got another start and played 65 minutes last weekend against USL League 1 side AV Alta FC in the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup. It was another opportunity to log valuable minutes, increase his workload and contribute. Most importantly, he feels good.
It was just three years ago that the Republic made a historic run to the 2022 Open Cup Final, losing to Orlando City 3-0 in a match that was much closer than the final scoreline suggests. In the Sacramento side’s run up to the Final, they defeated three MLS teams – San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City (that ended in a thrilling 5-4 Semifinal shootout). Throughout the tournament, it was Lopez who was leading the way.
Behind a tournament-best four goals, four assists and the co-Golden Boot award, Lopez was absolutely sensational and was a key reason why the Republic made it to the Final. He was voted as theTheCup.US Overall Player of the Tournament and Lower Division Player of the Tournament, becoming only the second player ever to sweep both awards given out by the independent (and outstanding) Open Cup news and history outlet. (Note: Goalkeeper Chris Eylander earned the same double honor in 2008 with the Seattle Sounders, before they moved from the USL to MLS).
Now healthy and getting back to full strength, Lopez is hopeful for more special Open Cup moments for his team, the fans and, of course, the Indomitable City of Sacramento.
“Sacramento and I like to have a good time,” laughed Lopez. “Having lived through the 2022 year with our team and making it to the Final, for me, personally, that was one of my favorite moments in my career – one of my favorite memories playing and some of the best moments of my life, so I always just want to live those moments and recreate them.
“I want my teammates to witness it and live it too, because quite frankly, this is a great profession,” he added. “But some people don't get to play in these big games.”
Soon to be 38, Lopez acknowledges that he’s approaching the end of his playing career. Big games like the upcoming match against the Earthquakes in the Round of 32, coupled with last year’s injury, are reminders to make the most of the moments when they come.
“I remember not being able to play against Seattle and being in the stands, and it was terrible for me to watch,” continued Lopez, thinking back to the 2024 Open Cup Quarterfinal where the Republic lost out 2-1. “For me, I just want to enjoy it as much as I can. You win and you move on and if you lose, you’re done with the tournament. Playing an MLS team, being in the spotlight, on national television and having some of my teammates being seen and hopefully bettering their careers – it’s exciting. I just love playing in this tournament. It’s the easiest way to put it.”
Republic FC travel to San Jose to face the Earthquakes on May 7 (LIVE on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports Golazo Network) in what will be the sixth meeting between the two in Open Cup play. The Republic have bounced the Earthquakes out of the tournament in the past two editions, including last year in dramatic fashion in extra time (4-3).
Lopez knows it’s going to be challenging, but he says the boys will be ready.
“We’re both going to have busy weeks leading up to the match, but it’s going to be an interesting game because this time we’re going to San Jose and I feel they have a more rounded team,” continued Lopez, speaking about a Quakes side coached now by former USMNT legend Bruce Arena. “It’s also a rivalry and I think they are going to remember the last few years and how the results have gone.
“It’s now our turn to be the underdogs and go out there and perform,” Lopez said.
While he remains focused on getting to 100 percent fitness and playing in the Open Cup and the USL season, he knows that whenever retirement does come, he’ll continue to be connected to a game that he has given so much to and that has equally given back to him. From Chivas USA to Mexico’s top leagues (Ascenso MX and Liga MX) – and then becoming the Republic’s first signee ever and forever Club legend – Lopez knows he’s been fortunate to play the game at a high-level for 22 years.
“I definitely love coaching. I have my own youth academy now,” Lopez shared. “I did take my B license and want to continue my coaching career after playing, whether that’s professional or at the academy. I have friends that I have been fortunate to play with who are now GMs, technical directors or sporting directors. I just want to be involved in the game, somewhere connected on the field and with players would be ideal for me.”
Coaching can wait though. Republic FC and Lopez have another opportunity to create more magical moments. “These types of games are what you play for,” he concluded.
Hodges is a contributor at TheCup.US/@usopencup. He was formerly the editor of Indomitable City Soccer and you can follow him on Twitter@william_hodges