Team News

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 29, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with Tyler Blackwood for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval.  Blackwood joins Republic FC after playing last season with Arizona United SC, now known as Phoenix Rising FC.

“Tyler is someone who we earmarked from last season and who we think can improve our front line,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “He is young and very good at attacking from wide areas, as we saw last year when he scored against us. We believe he can excel at our level and beyond.”

Blackwood made 26 appearances for Arizona United SC in 2016, starting 24.  He scored eight USL goals, including one against Republic FC, and added one assist.  Prior to joining Arizona, the English forward played with League Championship club, Queens Park Rangers and on loan with League Two club Newport County, scoring a goal in four appearances between the two clubs.  Blackwood played collegiately for the University of Tampa, racking up 24 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances before transferring to University of South Florida for his senior year. Blackwood scored four goals and tallied three assists in 18 appearances for the South Florida Bulls. 

Republic FC’s next round of open tryouts takes place Jan. 28-29, 2017, at Cosumnes River College.  Players interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com.  For more information on tryouts or to view full player biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Tyler Blackwood
Position: Forward
Height: 6-2
Born: 7/24/1991
Birthplace: London, England

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 29, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with Tyler Blackwood for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval.  Blackwood joins Republic FC after playing last season with Arizona United SC, now known as Phoenix Rising FC.

“Tyler is someone who we earmarked from last season and who we think can improve our front line,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “He is young and very good at attacking from wide areas, as we saw last year when he scored against us. We believe he can excel at our level and beyond.”

Blackwood made 26 appearances for Arizona United SC in 2016, starting 24.  He scored eight USL goals, including one against Republic FC, and added one assist.  Prior to joining Arizona, the English forward played with League Championship club, Queens Park Rangers and on loan with League Two club Newport County, scoring a goal in four appearances between the two clubs.  Blackwood played collegiately for the University of Tampa, racking up 24 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances before transferring to University of South Florida for his senior year. Blackwood scored four goals and tallied three assists in 18 appearances for the South Florida Bulls. 

Republic FC’s next round of open tryouts takes place Jan. 28-29, 2017, at Cosumnes River College.  Players interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com.  For more information on tryouts or to view full player biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Tyler Blackwood
Position: Forward
Height: 6-2
Born: 7/24/1991
Birthplace: London, England

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 28, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have signed a new contract with Mike da Fonte for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval. The defender will play his second USL season with Republic FC in 2017.

“Mike epitomizes what we stand for with his commitment on and off the field,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “Mike got better and better as the season went on. He is not only a good defender, but he also showed his offensive prowess, scoring key goals for us off set pieces. I enjoyed working with him this season and look forward to working with him once again next season.”

Da Fonte joined Republic FC prior to the start of the 2016 USL season. The defender appeared in 19 USL matches for Republic FC this season, compiling 1,658 minutes. Da Fonte was the second-leading USL scorer for Republic FC in 2016, scoring four goals. He also set a single-season record for most goals by a defender and is third in club history for goals by a defender, trailing Emrah Klimenta and Mickey Daly by a single goal.

Republic FC’s next round of open tryouts takes place Jan. 28-29, 2017, at Cosumnes River College. Players interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full player biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Mike da Fonte
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
Born: 4/18/1991
Birthplace: Ossining, New York

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 28, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have signed a new contract with Mike da Fonte for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval. The defender will play his second USL season with Republic FC in 2017.

“Mike epitomizes what we stand for with his commitment on and off the field,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “Mike got better and better as the season went on. He is not only a good defender, but he also showed his offensive prowess, scoring key goals for us off set pieces. I enjoyed working with him this season and look forward to working with him once again next season.”

Da Fonte joined Republic FC prior to the start of the 2016 USL season. The defender appeared in 19 USL matches for Republic FC this season, compiling 1,658 minutes. Da Fonte was the second-leading USL scorer for Republic FC in 2016, scoring four goals. He also set a single-season record for most goals by a defender and is third in club history for goals by a defender, trailing Emrah Klimenta and Mickey Daly by a single goal.

Republic FC’s next round of open tryouts takes place Jan. 28-29, 2017, at Cosumnes River College. Players interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full player biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Mike da Fonte
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
Born: 4/18/1991
Birthplace: Ossining, New York

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 16, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with utility player Peter McGlynn for the 2017 USL season pending league and federation approval. McGlynn played most recently with Longford Town FC of the Irish Premier Division.

“Peter is super-versatile and is someone that will fight to find his spot on the team,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “He is someone that Graham brought into training last season and I could see straight away why he was there. He has a lot of good attributes as a defender and as an attacker. He can play anywhere across the back four or in the midfield, and has all the qualities that we look for in a player.”

McGlynn spent the 2013 season with the San Jose Earthquakes after being selected in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft. McGlynn was a standout at UC Santa Barbara, appearing in 76 career matches, scoring two goals and recording six assists. He returned to his native Ireland following the 2013 MLS season, joining Drogheda United where he scored one goal in seven matches. McGlynn joined Bray Wanderers for the 2015 season, where he scored three goals in 21 appearances. Most recently, McGlynn made 19 appearances for Longford Town, scoring two goals.

Republic FC’s next round of open tryouts takes place Jan. 28-29, 2017, at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Peter McGlynn
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Born: 5/2/1989
Birthplace: Skerries, Ireland

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 16, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with utility player Peter McGlynn for the 2017 USL season pending league and federation approval. McGlynn played most recently with Longford Town FC of the Irish Premier Division.

“Peter is super-versatile and is someone that will fight to find his spot on the team,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “He is someone that Graham brought into training last season and I could see straight away why he was there. He has a lot of good attributes as a defender and as an attacker. He can play anywhere across the back four or in the midfield, and has all the qualities that we look for in a player.”

McGlynn spent the 2013 season with the San Jose Earthquakes after being selected in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft. McGlynn was a standout at UC Santa Barbara, appearing in 76 career matches, scoring two goals and recording six assists. He returned to his native Ireland following the 2013 MLS season, joining Drogheda United where he scored one goal in seven matches. McGlynn joined Bray Wanderers for the 2015 season, where he scored three goals in 21 appearances. Most recently, McGlynn made 19 appearances for Longford Town, scoring two goals.

Republic FC’s next round of open tryouts takes place Jan. 28-29, 2017, at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Peter McGlynn
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Born: 5/2/1989
Birthplace: Skerries, Ireland

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 10, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have exercised contract options on defenders Emrah Klimenta and Carlos Rodriguez, midfielder Agustin Cazarez and goalkeepers Evan Newton and Dominik Jakubek. All five players will return to Republic FC for the 2017 USL season.

“All of these players were important members of our team last season,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “Augie is a pleasure to work with, is a hard worker and can play a lot of different positions, making him a great option to pick up. Emrah brings a lot of talent and is a very good professional. We have watched his rehab and he will greatly impact the team because he is such a great player down the right side. Carlos is also a very exciting pick up. We rate him very highly and he is a big part of our plans moving forward because of his ability on the ball, as well as his potential.”

“Picking up Dominik and Evan gives us two great options in goal for next season,” continued Buckle. “Dominik is someone that keeps himself very fit and strong and is a great example to the other players on how to be a professional. That, and the fact that he played more than half the matches last year made it a no brainer. Evan’s character and his willingness to fight for his spot, as well as his ability when in games, showed us we wanted to bring him back.”

Klimenta, who is the all-time Republic FC leader in USL minutes and starts, will return for his fourth season with the club after originally signing with Republic FC after an open tryout in 2014. Klimenta appeared in 14 USL matches in 2016 before suffering a season-ending ACL tear on July 2. The defender has five goals and six assists in 66 career USL appearances for Republic FC.

Cazarez first signed with Republic FC before the roster freeze deadline at the end of the 2014 USL season. Cazarez has made 31 USL appearances, including 24 starts over the last three seasons, scoring a goal. Last season, the midfielder made 14 appearances, recording 12 starts and 912 USL minutes. Cazarez has shown the versatility to play both as a midfielder and a defender, appearing in both roles as a member of Republic FC.

Rodriguez made nine USL appearances in his rookie season, playing 422 minutes. In all competitions, Rodriguez made 13 appearances, including eight starts. He scored his first goal with Republic FC on May 18 in a U.S. Open Cup match against CD Aguiluchos USA.

Republic FC will return both of their goalkeepers from the 2016 USL season. Jakubek and Newton split time in goal in 2016, with Jakubek appearing in 16 of the club’s 30 USL regular season matches and Newton appearing in the other 14, as well as, in the club’s lone USL Cup Playoff match. Both keepers were impressive this season, each recording goals against averages under one, with Jakubek earning a 0.88 and Newton a 0.93. Both keepers recorded six shutouts on the season.

The 2017 season will be the second with Republic FC for Newton and the fourth for Jakubek, who leads the club in USL goalkeeper appearances and minutes all-time with 34 and 2,849 respectively. Jakubek has also recorded the most USL shutouts in Republic FC history, recording 12 over the last three seasons.

Republic FC’s second round of open tryouts takes place Nov. 26-27, at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 10, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have exercised contract options on defenders Emrah Klimenta and Carlos Rodriguez, midfielder Agustin Cazarez and goalkeepers Evan Newton and Dominik Jakubek. All five players will return to Republic FC for the 2017 USL season.

“All of these players were important members of our team last season,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “Augie is a pleasure to work with, is a hard worker and can play a lot of different positions, making him a great option to pick up. Emrah brings a lot of talent and is a very good professional. We have watched his rehab and he will greatly impact the team because he is such a great player down the right side. Carlos is also a very exciting pick up. We rate him very highly and he is a big part of our plans moving forward because of his ability on the ball, as well as his potential.”

“Picking up Dominik and Evan gives us two great options in goal for next season,” continued Buckle. “Dominik is someone that keeps himself very fit and strong and is a great example to the other players on how to be a professional. That, and the fact that he played more than half the matches last year made it a no brainer. Evan’s character and his willingness to fight for his spot, as well as his ability when in games, showed us we wanted to bring him back.”

Klimenta, who is the all-time Republic FC leader in USL minutes and starts, will return for his fourth season with the club after originally signing with Republic FC after an open tryout in 2014. Klimenta appeared in 14 USL matches in 2016 before suffering a season-ending ACL tear on July 2. The defender has five goals and six assists in 66 career USL appearances for Republic FC.

Cazarez first signed with Republic FC before the roster freeze deadline at the end of the 2014 USL season. Cazarez has made 31 USL appearances, including 24 starts over the last three seasons, scoring a goal. Last season, the midfielder made 14 appearances, recording 12 starts and 912 USL minutes. Cazarez has shown the versatility to play both as a midfielder and a defender, appearing in both roles as a member of Republic FC.

Rodriguez made nine USL appearances in his rookie season, playing 422 minutes. In all competitions, Rodriguez made 13 appearances, including eight starts. He scored his first goal with Republic FC on May 18 in a U.S. Open Cup match against CD Aguiluchos USA.

Republic FC will return both of their goalkeepers from the 2016 USL season. Jakubek and Newton split time in goal in 2016, with Jakubek appearing in 16 of the club’s 30 USL regular season matches and Newton appearing in the other 14, as well as, in the club’s lone USL Cup Playoff match. Both keepers were impressive this season, each recording goals against averages under one, with Jakubek earning a 0.88 and Newton a 0.93. Both keepers recorded six shutouts on the season.

The 2017 season will be the second with Republic FC for Newton and the fourth for Jakubek, who leads the club in USL goalkeeper appearances and minutes all-time with 34 and 2,849 respectively. Jakubek has also recorded the most USL shutouts in Republic FC history, recording 12 over the last three seasons.

Republic FC’s second round of open tryouts takes place Nov. 26-27, at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 9, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with defender Enrique Montano for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval. Montano joins Republic FC after playing his first two seasons with Louisville City FC.

“Enrique is a young player who, at just 23-years-old, is beyond his years technically with the ball at his feet,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “When he became available, we reached out. After speaking with him, we learned of his desire to return to California, and I feel that he is right for the club. He knows the area, knows the club and has a very good left foot. His ability to deliver the ball will be a great asset for us as we move into next season.”

Born and raised in Salinas, Montano played his college soccer at San José State University. He appeared in 53 matches, including 51 starts, scoring two goals and recording three assists in three seasons as a Spartan. Montano joined Louisville City FC following his senior season at San José State.

Montano appeared in 32 games over two seasons with Louisville City FC, playing 2,433 minutes. He recorded six assists, third-most of any Louisville player during that time period.

Republic FC’s next round of Open Tryouts presented by Western Health Advantage takes place Nov. 26-27, at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full player biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Enrique Montano
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175
Born: 5/28/1993
Birthplace: Salinas, California
College: San Jose State
Twitter: @enrim19
Instagram: @enriquemontanoc

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (November 9, 2016) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with defender Enrique Montano for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval. Montano joins Republic FC after playing his first two seasons with Louisville City FC.

“Enrique is a young player who, at just 23-years-old, is beyond his years technically with the ball at his feet,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “When he became available, we reached out. After speaking with him, we learned of his desire to return to California, and I feel that he is right for the club. He knows the area, knows the club and has a very good left foot. His ability to deliver the ball will be a great asset for us as we move into next season.”

Born and raised in Salinas, Montano played his college soccer at San José State University. He appeared in 53 matches, including 51 starts, scoring two goals and recording three assists in three seasons as a Spartan. Montano joined Louisville City FC following his senior season at San José State.

Montano appeared in 32 games over two seasons with Louisville City FC, playing 2,433 minutes. He recorded six assists, third-most of any Louisville player during that time period.

Republic FC’s next round of Open Tryouts presented by Western Health Advantage takes place Nov. 26-27, at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full player biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Enrique Montano
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175
Born: 5/28/1993
Birthplace: Salinas, California
College: San Jose State
Twitter: @enrim19
Instagram: @enriquemontanoc

Sacramento Republic FC have signed a new contract with Harry Williams for the 2017 USL season pending league and federation approval. The 20-year-old forward will play his second USL season with Republic FC in 2017.

“Finalizing arrangements with Harry for the 2017 season is a good start for us,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “He is young and very talented and I think he showed that last season. We saw enough last year to seal his return, and we believe that he will be even better next season.”

Williams originally signed with Republic FC in February 2016, joining the club after playing his previous three professional seasons in his native England. The young forward’s impressive debut with the club included scoring four USL goals in 980 minutes over 22 appearances. Williams added a goal and an assist in other competition, making 30 total appearances for Republic FC. His four USL goals were the most in a season by a Republic FC player under the age of 23.

Republic FC’s next round of Open Tryouts presented by Western Health Advantage takes place Nov. 26-27 at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full player biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

Sacramento Republic FC have signed a new contract with Harry Williams for the 2017 USL season pending league and federation approval. The 20-year-old forward will play his second USL season with Republic FC in 2017.

“Finalizing arrangements with Harry for the 2017 season is a good start for us,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “He is young and very talented and I think he showed that last season. We saw enough last year to seal his return, and we believe that he will be even better next season.”

Williams originally signed with Republic FC in February 2016, joining the club after playing his previous three professional seasons in his native England. The young forward’s impressive debut with the club included scoring four USL goals in 980 minutes over 22 appearances. Williams added a goal and an assist in other competition, making 30 total appearances for Republic FC. His four USL goals were the most in a season by a Republic FC player under the age of 23.

Republic FC’s next round of Open Tryouts presented by Western Health Advantage takes place Nov. 26-27 at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at www.sacrepublicfc.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full player biographies and statistics, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 5, 2015) – Sacramento Republic FC agreed on contracts with defender Bilal Duckett and midfielders Zev Taublieb, Gabe Gonzalez and Alfonso Motagalvan.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 5, 2015) – Sacramento Republic FC agreed on contracts with defender Bilal Duckett and midfielders Zev Taublieb, Gabe Gonzalez and Alfonso Motagalvan.

Duckett joins Republic FC on a one-season contract after spending last season with the Charlotte Eagles. Duckett appeared in all 28 of the Eagles’ USL matches in the 2014 season, starting 25. Vancouver Whitecaps FC drafted Duckett in the third round (37th overall) in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Duckett stayed with Vancouver for a year before joining the Harrisburg City Islanders in 2012. After a year, he left Harrisburg and joined the New England Revolution.

Taublieb joins Republic FC on a one-season contract. Taublieb will begin his first professional season after spending the last four years at Valparaiso University. At Valpo, Taublieb appeared in 65 matches, starting 59. He recorded five assists and scored three goals during his four-year college career. Taublieb also spent time with the Seattle Sounders U23 team in 2014.

Gonzalez joins Republic FC on a one-season contract with a club option for the 2016 season. Gonzalez spent the past two seasons with Orange County Blues FC. In 2014, he appeared in 24 of Orange County’s 28 USL matches, starting 15. Gonzalez recorded two assists and scored a goal in 1,349 total minutes. His two assists were tied for second most on the club. Gonzalez joins Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain, who also played with Orange County last season.

Motagalvan joins Republic FC on a two-season contract with a club option for the 2017 season. Motagalvan spent the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. He appeared in 27 USL matches for the Riverhounds last season, starting nine while recording a goal and an assist on the season. Motagalvan has also spent time with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL), Rochester Rhinos (USL) and Ventura County Fusion (PDL).

Duckett joins Republic FC on a one-season contract after spending last season with the Charlotte Eagles. Duckett appeared in all 28 of the Eagles’ USL matches in the 2014 season, starting 25. Vancouver Whitecaps FC drafted Duckett in the third round (37th overall) in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Duckett stayed with Vancouver for a year before joining the Harrisburg City Islanders in 2012. After a year, he left Harrisburg and joined the New England Revolution.

Taublieb joins Republic FC on a one-season contract. Taublieb will begin his first professional season after spending the last four years at Valparaiso University. At Valpo, Taublieb appeared in 65 matches, starting 59. He recorded five assists and scored three goals during his four-year college career. Taublieb also spent time with the Seattle Sounders U23 team in 2014.

Gonzalez joins Republic FC on a one-season contract with a club option for the 2016 season. Gonzalez spent the past two seasons with Orange County Blues FC. In 2014, he appeared in 24 of Orange County’s 28 USL matches, starting 15. Gonzalez recorded two assists and scored a goal in 1,349 total minutes. His two assists were tied for second most on the club. Gonzalez joins Republic FC goalkeeper Patrick McLain, who also played with Orange County last season.

Motagalvan joins Republic FC on a two-season contract with a club option for the 2017 season. Motagalvan spent the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. He appeared in 27 USL matches for the Riverhounds last season, starting nine while recording a goal and an assist on the season. Motagalvan has also spent time with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL), Rochester Rhinos (USL) and Ventura County Fusion (PDL).

Bilal Duckett
Position: Defender
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Born: 1/9/1989
Birthplace: Macon, GA
Twitter: @bilalduckett

Zev Taublieb
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-6
Weight: 140
Born: 6/26/1993
Birthplace: New York City, NY
Twitter: @zevfutbol

Gabe Gonzalez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
Born: 2/15/1988
Birthplace: Nayarit, Mexico
Twitter: @gabi_gol7

Alfonso Motagalvan
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170
Born: 2/11/1987
Birthplace: Santa Rosa, CA

Bilal Duckett
Position: Defender
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Born: 1/9/1989
Birthplace: Macon, GA
Twitter: @bilalduckett

Zev Taublieb
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-6
Weight: 140
Born: 6/26/1993
Birthplace: New York City, NY
Twitter: @zevfutbol

Gabe Gonzalez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205
Born: 2/15/1988
Birthplace: Nayarit, Mexico
Twitter: @gabi_gol7

Alfonso Motagalvan
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170
Born: 2/11/1987
Birthplace: Santa Rosa, CA