Photos: Flags Flying, Sacramento Revels As City Finally Achieves MLS Goal

Major League Soccer finally gave Sacramento soccer fans what they've been wanting for years when it awarded the city an expansion club Monday.

The top professional soccer league in the United States Sacramento and the Republic FC team would be the 29th MLS franchise. The team could start playing in 2022.

"We didn't give up," fan Spencer Busick said outside the announcement. "The front office, the fans, everybody, we never gave up. It shows the power of our community."

Here's how the day looked in photos, starting with the announcement at The Bank restaurant in the morning, and continuing at a celebratory block party that evening.

Sacramento Republic FC fans gather outside the Bank in downtown Sacramento before a press conference to announce the team becoming a Major League Soccer franchise on Oct. 21, 2019.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Fans crowd and cheer inside the Bank in downtown Sacramento as the Sacramento Republic FC is announced as the 29th Major League Soccer team.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg speaks after MLS awards Sacramento the league's 29th franchise.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Fans and media gather for the MLS franchise announcement.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Fans and media gather for the MLS franchise announcement.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

A crowd gathers in downtown Sacramento at a block party to celebrate the MLS announcement.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Kids play a velcro soccer ball game at the block party.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

The Tower Bridge Battalion celebrates at the block party.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Flags wave with the California Capitol in the distance at the block party.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio