By Mauricio Segura May 14, 2025
Photo: GBT Graphics
If you’ve been following Sacramento Republic’s social media, articles, or even just driving by a banner on your commute, you’ve likely noticed one word that pops out again and again. It’s not subtle. It’s loud. It’s proud. That word? Indomitable. If you’ve caught it too, you may have asked yourself, what? Why? Is it just me? After seeing it everywhere, I decided to dig into what this word really means, where it comes from, and why it’s so closely tied to our beloved Sacramento soccer team.
At its core, indomitable means incapable of being subdued or unconquerable. The word itself comes from Latin roots: “in-” meaning “not,” and “domitare,” which means “to tame.” English adopted it from “indomitabilis” in the 1600s, essentially translating to “untameable.” Something indomitable cannot be defeated or broken, and it suggests a spirit that refuses to yield no matter what. As it turns out, this concept has long been woven into Sacramento’s identity.
The idea of indomitability is literally part of the city’s motto, Urbs Indomita, Latin for “Indomitable City.” Sacramento adopted this motto early on, a tribute to its resilience in the face of devastating floods, fires, and disease outbreaks in the 19th century. While these disasters might have crushed other cities, Sacramento raised its downtown by as much as ten feet and rerouted the American River to avoid flooding, embodying a spirit of defiance and tenacity. This character is also captured in the city’s seal, which features a California grizzly bear, a symbol of strength and unyielding resistance. Sacramento’s history of grit and resolve has earned it the right to proudly claim that title.
When Sacramento Republic FC was founded in 2013, it fully embraced this indomitable spirit as its own. The club’s crest features the California bear and a banner below that reads “Urbs Indomita,” connecting the team to the city’s rich past. At the unveiling of the club’s name and logo that summer, Republic FC’s founders made it clear that this wasn’t just a nod to local history, it was a declaration of identity. From the very start, the team pledged to carry that never-say-die ethos onto the pitch and into the community.
The use of the word Indomitable quickly moved beyond the badge and became a guiding principle in every aspect of the club’s identity. The inaugural 2014 jerseys had “Urbs Indomita” stitched onto the sleeve, and later kits placed the motto on the back collar, a subtle but constant reminder of the city’s fighting spirit. Visit the club’s official website and you’re greeted with the banner “Indomitable City. Indomitable Club.” It’s more than a catchy phrase, it’s a promise. Merchandise, scarves, and fan gear echo the same message, with some even bearing the word itself in bold letters.
Sacramento Republic FC has taken this idea and woven it into the fabric of their community outreach as well. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the club launched the Indomitable Hands initiative, providing meals to seniors in need across the region. The club’s President at the time, Ben Gumpert, praised the “indomitable spirit of this community” and how fans always rise to help others. In the stadium, the club also honors local heroes through the “Indomitable Educators” program, further extending this spirit of perseverance and pride beyond the pitch.
Of course, this all would ring hollow if the team itself didn’t live up to the word’s meaning. But Sacramento Republic FC has proven time and again that it isn’t just a slogan, it’s a mindset. In 2014, the club won the USL championship in its very first season, an unprecedented feat. In 2022, they reached the final of the U.S. Open Cup, toppling multiple MLS teams along the way. General Manager Todd Dunivant has said that “our core identity is Indomitable. It is the idea of perseverance, resilience, and overcoming adversity. It is in the city motto, Urbs Indomita, and is something very unique to Sacramento.” The club sees itself as a team that’s difficult to play against, one that doesn’t make excuses and keeps going no matter the challenge. That’s why, even in the face of setbacks, like missing out on an MLS expansion bid or tough playoff losses, Republic FC has never wavered.
After diving into this history, I’ve realized that “Indomitable” isn’t just a marketing slogan, it’s the heartbeat of both the club and the city. Every time I see the word splashed across a scarf or social media post, it’s a reminder of the community’s spirit, forged through decades of challenges and triumphs. Sacramento is the Indomitable City, and Republic FC is our indomitable club. This word captures who we are: proud, tough, and unbreakable. It’s not just what we chant at games, it’s the way we live.
