Sacramento Republic FC scored its goal of making hospitalized children happy during their recent visit to UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Five players — forwards Russell Cicerone and Rodrigo “Roro” Lopez, defenders Johnny Fenwick and Jared Timmer and goalkeeper Danny Vitiello — spent the afternoon, visiting with pediatric patients and their families in the pediatrics playroom. For patients who weren’t well enough to go to the playroom, the players visited bedside, bringing cheer and signing autographs.

“UC Davis Children’s Hospital visits are the best,” said Lopez, who visited the hospital for the first time during Republic FC’s inaugural season in 2014.

Player visits take place monthly and are made possible by the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department and Hospital Administration.

“We so appreciate the players for sharing their enthusiasm and energy with our kids and staff here at the hospital,” said Katie MacDonald, Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department programming supervisor. “We are Republic FC fans through and through.”

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