Team News

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 11, 2017) – Republic FC has released Enrique Montano by mutual consent of the club and the player.  Montano made two appearances for Republic FC, playing 135 minutes.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 11, 2017) – Republic FC has released Enrique Montano by mutual consent of the club and the player.  Montano made two appearances for Republic FC, playing 135 minutes.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 5, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a USL contract with midfielder Hayden Partain for the remainder of the club’s 2017 season.

“Hayden is someone that has a very strong collegiate background and came highly recommended to us,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “We brought him in and I immediately liked what I saw. He brings pace to the midfield and fills a position where we are a little short on numbers.  He is being given a chance to impress us with his abilities, while also providing me another option as we continue into the second half of the season.”

Partain made 12 appearances with the Des Moines Menace in 2017.  The midfielder scored four goals and added two assists on the season, tied for second on the club in both categories.  Partain made over 60 appearances with Wake Forest over four college seasons.  He scored eight goals and recorded four assists as a Demon Deacon, including a career high three goals as a senior in 2017.  Partain also made an appearance as a sub against Stanford in the 2016 NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship match, although the Demon Deacons would fall in penalties to the Cardinal.

Partain has joined the club and will be available for selection in Republic FC’s match versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Saturday, Aug. 5.  Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park. Tickets are available at www.sacrepublicfc.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 5, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a USL contract with midfielder Hayden Partain for the remainder of the club’s 2017 season.

“Hayden is someone that has a very strong collegiate background and came highly recommended to us,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “We brought him in and I immediately liked what I saw. He brings pace to the midfield and fills a position where we are a little short on numbers.  He is being given a chance to impress us with his abilities, while also providing me another option as we continue into the second half of the season.”

Partain made 12 appearances with the Des Moines Menace in 2017.  The midfielder scored four goals and added two assists on the season, tied for second on the club in both categories.  Partain made over 60 appearances with Wake Forest over four college seasons.  He scored eight goals and recorded four assists as a Demon Deacon, including a career high three goals as a senior in 2017.  Partain also made an appearance as a sub against Stanford in the 2016 NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship match, although the Demon Deacons would fall in penalties to the Cardinal.

Partain has joined the club and will be available for selection in Republic FC’s match versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Saturday, Aug. 5.  Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park. Tickets are available at www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Hayden Partain
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 150
Born: 10/14/1994
Birthplace: Frisco, Texas

Hayden Partain
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 150
Born: 10/14/1994
Birthplace: Frisco, Texas

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 31, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC announced today that midfielder Harrison Heath has been recalled from his loan by Atlanta United FC (MLS). Heath made three appearances with Republic FC, including two in USL matches. 

Republic FC return to action when they host Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Saturday, Aug. 5.  Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park.  Tickets are available and on sale at www.sacrepublicfc.com. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 31, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC announced today that midfielder Harrison Heath has been recalled from his loan by Atlanta United FC (MLS). Heath made three appearances with Republic FC, including two in USL matches. 

Republic FC return to action when they host Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Saturday, Aug. 5.  Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park.  Tickets are available and on sale at www.sacrepublicfc.com. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 8, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Danny Barrera underwent successful surgery on Friday, July 7 to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. UC Davis Health and Republic FC team physician Eric Giza, M.D., performed the surgery with his team.

“Danny did great,” said Eric Giza, orthopedic surgeon at UC Davis Medical Center. “He underwent a successful surgery to fix a left mid-foot stress fracture. We are looking forward to a quick post op recovery, rehabilitation and return to play. Danny could return to the pitch as soon as 12 weeks, and we will assess his condition on an ongoing basis.”

Barrera has made 20 appearances this season, including 16 of Republic FC’s 17 USL matches.  He has scored two goals and added six assists on the season.  Barrera is the club leader in assists.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 8, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Danny Barrera underwent successful surgery on Friday, July 7 to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. UC Davis Health and Republic FC team physician Eric Giza, M.D., performed the surgery with his team.

“Danny did great,” said Eric Giza, orthopedic surgeon at UC Davis Medical Center. “He underwent a successful surgery to fix a left mid-foot stress fracture. We are looking forward to a quick post op recovery, rehabilitation and return to play. Danny could return to the pitch as soon as 12 weeks, and we will assess his condition on an ongoing basis.”

Barrera has made 20 appearances this season, including 16 of Republic FC’s 17 USL matches.  He has scored two goals and added six assists on the season.  Barrera is the club leader in assists.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 1, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have completed arrangements by which the club will receive midfielder Harrison Heath on loan from Atlanta United FC (MLS).

Heath brings three years of MLS experience to Republic FC, spending time with Orlando City SC before being traded to Atlanta United FC in Dec. 2016.  The midfielder spent his first three professional years with Orlando City SC, joining the Lions on July 17, 2014 when they were still playing in the USL. Heath made six career MLS appearances while at Orlando City, including five starts, and has made two appearances with Atlanta this season.

A native of Newcastle-under-Lyme, England, Heath spent his youth career with the Houston Dynamo and Norwich City before signing with Orlando.

Heath will be available for selection in Republic FC’s match on Saturday, Jul. 1 against San Antonio FC.  Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park.  Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.­

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 1, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have completed arrangements by which the club will receive midfielder Harrison Heath on loan from Atlanta United FC (MLS).

Heath brings three years of MLS experience to Republic FC, spending time with Orlando City SC before being traded to Atlanta United FC in Dec. 2016.  The midfielder spent his first three professional years with Orlando City SC, joining the Lions on July 17, 2014 when they were still playing in the USL. Heath made six career MLS appearances while at Orlando City, including five starts, and has made two appearances with Atlanta this season.

A native of Newcastle-under-Lyme, England, Heath spent his youth career with the Houston Dynamo and Norwich City before signing with Orlando.

Heath will be available for selection in Republic FC’s match on Saturday, Jul. 1 against San Antonio FC.  Kickoff is 8 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park.  Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.­

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 19, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta has been called up to the Montenegro National Team.  Klimenta will join the team in Podgorica, Montenegro on Wednesday, May 24 and stay with the team through their World Cup Qualifying match against Armenia on Jun. 10. 

“We are delighted for Emrah,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “After coming back from a terrible injury, he has done well to get back in our team and has done incredibly well to earn another national call-up.  We are very proud of him and what we are doing here at Republic FC.”

This is the second time that Klimenta has been called up to the Montenegro National Team.  The defender previously joined the National Team from May 20 – 29, 2016 for a friendly match against Turkey.  Klimenta earned his first international cap when he substituted into the match in the 75th minute. 

Klimenta tore his ACL shortly after his previous call-up on Jul. 2, 2016 in a USL match against Seattle Sounders FC 2.  The defender returned to action eight months later, making his first USL appearance since the injury on Mar. 25, 2017 against S2.  This is Klimenta’s first call-up since his injury.

Klimenta and the Montenegro National Team will enter camp beginning May 24, which includes a friendly match against Iran on Jun. 4.  The camp will culminate in a World Cup Qualifying match against Armenia on Jun. 10 in Montenegro’s capital city of Podgorica.

Originally discovered during an open tryout prior to Republic FC’s inaugural season in 2014, Klimenta has appeared in 97 matches for Republic FC, including 75 USL matches.  Klimenta is Republic FC’s all-time leader in appearances, USL appearances, starts (90), USL starts (71), minutes (8,131) and USL minutes (6,411).  

The defender is available for selection for Republic FC’s match against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday, May 20.  Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park.  Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com.  The match will be broadcast on CW31 and Sports 1140 KHTK and streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide and the USL Match Center.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 19, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta has been called up to the Montenegro National Team.  Klimenta will join the team in Podgorica, Montenegro on Wednesday, May 24 and stay with the team through their World Cup Qualifying match against Armenia on Jun. 10. 

“We are delighted for Emrah,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “After coming back from a terrible injury, he has done well to get back in our team and has done incredibly well to earn another national call-up.  We are very proud of him and what we are doing here at Republic FC.”

This is the second time that Klimenta has been called up to the Montenegro National Team.  The defender previously joined the National Team from May 20 – 29, 2016 for a friendly match against Turkey.  Klimenta earned his first international cap when he substituted into the match in the 75th minute. 

Klimenta tore his ACL shortly after his previous call-up on Jul. 2, 2016 in a USL match against Seattle Sounders FC 2.  The defender returned to action eight months later, making his first USL appearance since the injury on Mar. 25, 2017 against S2.  This is Klimenta’s first call-up since his injury.

Klimenta and the Montenegro National Team will enter camp beginning May 24, which includes a friendly match against Iran on Jun. 4.  The camp will culminate in a World Cup Qualifying match against Armenia on Jun. 10 in Montenegro’s capital city of Podgorica.

Originally discovered during an open tryout prior to Republic FC’s inaugural season in 2014, Klimenta has appeared in 97 matches for Republic FC, including 75 USL matches.  Klimenta is Republic FC’s all-time leader in appearances, USL appearances, starts (90), USL starts (71), minutes (8,131) and USL minutes (6,411).  

The defender is available for selection for Republic FC’s match against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday, May 20.  Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Papa Murphy’s Park.  Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com.  The match will be broadcast on CW31 and Sports 1140 KHTK and streamed live at www.sacrepublicfc.com/matchday-guide and the USL Match Center.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 25, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a one-season contract with defender Chris Christian, pending league and federation approval.  Christian will begin training with the club on Monday, Mar. 27 and will not be available for selection for Sunday’s match against Seattle Sounders FC 2.

“We are delighted to have Chris back for another season,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “There was total transparency at the end of last season for Chris to view other options in Europe, while we kept the door open for him to make the return.  This is a great move for us, especially with our situation at center back.  We welcome someone back who we know very, very well and who our fans know well.”

The defender made 28 USL appearances for Republic FC in 2016, all starts. Christian was one of only three Republic FC players to play over 2,500 USL minutes in 2016.  Prior to Republic FC, Christian played for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Atlanta Silverbacks FC (NASL), as well as Ghana Premier League club Liberty Professionals FC and Moto Lubin, a Polish team.

Christian will rejoin Republic FC on Monday, Mar. 27 and is anticipated to be available for selection beginning with Republic FC’s Opening Night match against Orange County SC on Saturday, Apr. 1 at Papa Murphy’s Park.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 25, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a one-season contract with defender Chris Christian, pending league and federation approval.  Christian will begin training with the club on Monday, Mar. 27 and will not be available for selection for Sunday’s match against Seattle Sounders FC 2.

“We are delighted to have Chris back for another season,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “There was total transparency at the end of last season for Chris to view other options in Europe, while we kept the door open for him to make the return.  This is a great move for us, especially with our situation at center back.  We welcome someone back who we know very, very well and who our fans know well.”

The defender made 28 USL appearances for Republic FC in 2016, all starts. Christian was one of only three Republic FC players to play over 2,500 USL minutes in 2016.  Prior to Republic FC, Christian played for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Atlanta Silverbacks FC (NASL), as well as Ghana Premier League club Liberty Professionals FC and Moto Lubin, a Polish team.

Christian will rejoin Republic FC on Monday, Mar. 27 and is anticipated to be available for selection beginning with Republic FC’s Opening Night match against Orange County SC on Saturday, Apr. 1 at Papa Murphy’s Park.

Chris Christian
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180
Born: 3/27/1989
Age: 27
Birthplace: New York, New York
Hometown: West Orange, New Jersey
Last Club: Atlanta Silverbacks FC
How Acquired: Signed on Mar. 24, 2017

Chris Christian
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180
Born: 3/27/1989
Age: 27
Birthplace: New York, New York
Hometown: West Orange, New Jersey
Last Club: Atlanta Silverbacks FC
How Acquired: Signed on Mar. 24, 2017

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 16, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with Julius James for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval.  James played the last four seasons in the NASL, winning the Soccer Bowl in 2014 with the San Antonio Scorpions.

“Julius brings us a great amount of experience,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “He has a strong voice and an opinion and he is not afraid of casting that opinion on the game and that is what we want. It will take him a little while to settle in, but he will bring vast experience and a lot of know-how to the back four.”

James played in 95 career MLS matches over five seasons. The defender was originally drafted 9th overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC.  James played with Toronto, Houston Dynamo, D.C. United and Columbus Crew in his MLS career before moving to the NASL in 2013.  He played with North Carolina FC (then the Carolina Railhawks), San Antonio Scorpions and in 2016 with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.  James helped the Scorpions win the 2014 Soccer Bowl. James made 68 NASL appearances in his four seasons in the league.

The defender has also featured for the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team.  James earned his first cap against Guyana on Sept. 3, 2008 and has since made 15 other appearances with his National Team. James is one of four Republic FC players to have capped with their national teams, joining Trevin Caesar (Trinidad and Tobago), Emrah Klimenta (Montenegro) and Jeremy Hall (Puerto Rico).

Republic FC will return to action on Saturday, Mar. 18 when they travel to San Francisco to take on the San Francisco Deltas in their final road friendly of the preseason.  Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Kezar Stadium. Republic FC will return to Papa Murphy’s Park on Wednesday, Mar. 22 when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes.  Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Sacramento Republic FC will kick off their 2017 season on April 1 vs. Orange County SC. Season Ticket packages are now available and start as low as $317.75 for 19 matches and include tickets to preseason friendlies such as San Jose Earthquakes (Mar. 22). Season Ticket Holders will also receive priority seating in an MLS stadium. To learn more, view maps and secure seats visit www.sacrepublicfc.com or call (916) 307-6100. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 16, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with Julius James for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval.  James played the last four seasons in the NASL, winning the Soccer Bowl in 2014 with the San Antonio Scorpions.

“Julius brings us a great amount of experience,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “He has a strong voice and an opinion and he is not afraid of casting that opinion on the game and that is what we want. It will take him a little while to settle in, but he will bring vast experience and a lot of know-how to the back four.”

James played in 95 career MLS matches over five seasons. The defender was originally drafted 9th overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC.  James played with Toronto, Houston Dynamo, D.C. United and Columbus Crew in his MLS career before moving to the NASL in 2013.  He played with North Carolina FC (then the Carolina Railhawks), San Antonio Scorpions and in 2016 with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.  James helped the Scorpions win the 2014 Soccer Bowl. James made 68 NASL appearances in his four seasons in the league.

The defender has also featured for the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team.  James earned his first cap against Guyana on Sept. 3, 2008 and has since made 15 other appearances with his National Team. James is one of four Republic FC players to have capped with their national teams, joining Trevin Caesar (Trinidad and Tobago), Emrah Klimenta (Montenegro) and Jeremy Hall (Puerto Rico).

Republic FC will return to action on Saturday, Mar. 18 when they travel to San Francisco to take on the San Francisco Deltas in their final road friendly of the preseason.  Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Kezar Stadium. Republic FC will return to Papa Murphy’s Park on Wednesday, Mar. 22 when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes.  Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Sacramento Republic FC will kick off their 2017 season on April 1 vs. Orange County SC. Season Ticket packages are now available and start as low as $317.75 for 19 matches and include tickets to preseason friendlies such as San Jose Earthquakes (Mar. 22). Season Ticket Holders will also receive priority seating in an MLS stadium. To learn more, view maps and secure seats visit www.sacrepublicfc.com or call (916) 307-6100. 

Julius James
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
Born: 7/9/1984
Birthplace: Maloney Gardens, Trinidad

Julius James
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
Born: 7/9/1984
Birthplace: Maloney Gardens, Trinidad

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 14, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have completed arrangements by which defender Mike da Fonte will be sent to MLS club, the Colorado Rapids for an undisclosed sum. 

“Based on our club values, we have always supported our players and do our best to provide them opportunities to play at a higher level,” said Republic FC Director of Football Graham Smith. “In this case, Mike da Fonte has been presented with an opportunity to play with an MLS club and we are excited for the opportunity this presents to him and his future by playing with Coach Mastroeni. Mike has developed tremendously in this past year under the guidance of Paul [Buckle] and his staff, and that development is seen in the offer to him from Colorado. But, this is an opportunity that also benefits Republic FC by receiving value back that we can use to invest in our roster and continue the development of talent going into the 2017 season.”

Da Fonte joined Republic FC prior to the 2016 season, after spending the 2015 season with New York Red Bulls II.  The defender made 19 USL appearances for Republic FC, including 18 starts and scored four USL goals.

Republic FC will return to action on Saturday, Mar. 18, when they travel to San Francisco to take on the San Francisco Deltas (NASL).  Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Kezar Stadium.  Republic FC will return home on Wednesday, Mar. 22 when they host MLS side the San Jose Earthquakes in a preseason friendly.  Tickets to the Earthquakes friendly are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 14, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC have completed arrangements by which defender Mike da Fonte will be sent to MLS club, the Colorado Rapids for an undisclosed sum. 

“Based on our club values, we have always supported our players and do our best to provide them opportunities to play at a higher level,” said Republic FC Director of Football Graham Smith. “In this case, Mike da Fonte has been presented with an opportunity to play with an MLS club and we are excited for the opportunity this presents to him and his future by playing with Coach Mastroeni. Mike has developed tremendously in this past year under the guidance of Paul [Buckle] and his staff, and that development is seen in the offer to him from Colorado. But, this is an opportunity that also benefits Republic FC by receiving value back that we can use to invest in our roster and continue the development of talent going into the 2017 season.”

Da Fonte joined Republic FC prior to the 2016 season, after spending the 2015 season with New York Red Bulls II.  The defender made 19 USL appearances for Republic FC, including 18 starts and scored four USL goals.

Republic FC will return to action on Saturday, Mar. 18, when they travel to San Francisco to take on the San Francisco Deltas (NASL).  Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Kezar Stadium.  Republic FC will return home on Wednesday, Mar. 22 when they host MLS side the San Jose Earthquakes in a preseason friendly.  Tickets to the Earthquakes friendly are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 2, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC defender Carlos Rodriguez underwent a successful surgery at UC Davis Health System’s Outpatient Surgery Center to repair the fracture in his left ankle on Wednesday, Mar. 1.

Dr. Eric Giza, Sacramento Republic FC head team physician and UC Davis Heath System Chief of Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery and his fellow Dr. Christopher Diefenbach performed the surgery on Rodriguez’ ankle.

“Carlos underwent a routine surgery to repair a left ankle fracture,” said Dr. Giza. “Everything went as planned and through physical therapy and proper rehab we look forward to seeing Carlos back on the pitch soon.”

Rodriguez injured his ankle while attempting to make a sliding tackle in the 30th minute of Republic FC’s match against the San Jose Earthquakes on Feb. 25.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 2, 2017) – Sacramento Republic FC defender Carlos Rodriguez underwent a successful surgery at UC Davis Health System’s Outpatient Surgery Center to repair the fracture in his left ankle on Wednesday, Mar. 1.

Dr. Eric Giza, Sacramento Republic FC head team physician and UC Davis Heath System Chief of Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery and his fellow Dr. Christopher Diefenbach performed the surgery on Rodriguez’ ankle.

“Carlos underwent a routine surgery to repair a left ankle fracture,” said Dr. Giza. “Everything went as planned and through physical therapy and proper rehab we look forward to seeing Carlos back on the pitch soon.”

Rodriguez injured his ankle while attempting to make a sliding tackle in the 30th minute of Republic FC’s match against the San Jose Earthquakes on Feb. 25.