Ahead of the season, follow along as we profile each positional group for some perspective on the faces taking the pitch in training camp. Click here to check out the last positional preview on the Goalkeepers in camp.
Behind the contributions of Dan Casey, Duke Lacroix, and more, Republic FC’s back line was a bright spot in 2021. Night in and night out, the unit gave the club a chance to win. This offseason, a few under the radar additions could push Sacramento from capable to fearsome on the backline, especially when you look at each member’s accolades. Ahead of the season, take a look at the center backs in training camp:
Dan Casey
Without question, Casey was Sacramento’s defensive anchor in 2021. After coming over from Ireland, he made his presence known by leading the club in clearances (98) and blocked shots (21), the latter of which made for a pretty impressive highlight reel upon being extended in December. Despite the challenges that could’ve come from his first taste of North America, he appeared comfortable immediately.
“This season the transition period is already out of the way,” he said. “I’m excited to get to playing again, and go one game at a time and keep working hard every day on the field.”
Paired with the remaining names on this list, Casey should help tie together a formidable backline that even after a strong 2021, has nowhere to go but up in terms of its impact.
Lee Desmond
Ahead of his North American debut, Desmond stands to bring a high level of skill on and off the ball to the Indomitable City. The Irishman signed on to join Sacramento this offseason after seven storied seasons in Ireland – his tenure saw him finish in the top-5 all-time in multiple statistical categories for his club regardless of position, and earned Man of the Match honors in 2021’s FAI Cup final. There may be an adjustment period as he gets his first taste of North America, but results play anywhere, and he’s proven able to perform at a high level regardless of the stage throughout his career.
Conor Donovan
Over the past two seasons, Donovan has been one of USL’s most reliable players. Signing on with Sacramento this offseason, his presence is sure to only strengthen an already strong core of defensive players, and should bring a ton of leadership off the pitch as well.
“I just want to do my best for the team in both performance and communication I can,” said Donovan. “We’ve got a super talented group with a lot of experience. “We’re moving in a great direction, with a lot of good camaraderie and togetherness that will benefit us as we open the season.”
Since the resumption of play in 2020, Donovan has started every contest for North Carolina FC and Oklahoma City Energy, and in 2021 captained the latter in all but one match. He also brings MLS experience, having spent time with Houston Dynamo and Orlando City SC earlier in his career.
