Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Whitecaps FC 2 of MLS Next Pro that will transfer Giovanni Aguilar to the Canadian club, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“We are happy for Gio to take the next step in his career and are proud to see another academy alum flourish in the pro ranks,” said Republic FC General Manager and President Todd Dunivant.
Aguilar joined Republic FC in 2015 as a member of the club’s youth development academy in its inaugural season. Before joining Republic FC, he was a member of local youth club Davis Legacy. During his time with Republic FC’s Academy, Gio helped the club’s first U18 team reach the USSDA quarterfinals in 2015. He was also later named to the U.S. Development Academy Western Conference Best XI.
At CSU Northridge, Gio would become one of the university’s most impactful players. He started 71 of 72 career matches for the Matadors, logging three goals and 11 assists in four seasons. He capped off his colligate career with a 2021 Big West First Team All-Conference selection, building on his 2017 and 2018 honors (Big West Honorable Mention All-Conference – 17 and 18, Big West Conference All-Freshman Team – 17., Top Drawer Soccer 100 Freshman list – 17.)
With his transfer to Vancouver, Aguilar becomes the seventh Republic FC Academy player to sign with an MLS-affiliated club. Since its inception in 2015, the club’s youth academy has created a top-tier environment to support the development of the region’s best players to advance toward a professional contract or continue on the collegiate path. Five players from Republic FC’s Academy have signed professional contracts with the first team, with 27 elite players taking advantage of a USL Academy contract that allows them to compete in USL Championship matches and retain their college eligibility. Over 50 players in the club’s development system, including Gio, have moved onto Division I college soccer programs.
Republic FC continue their season this Saturday on the road against San Diego Loyal SC. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and fans can watch the game on 40.2 Antenna TV, Fox40.com and through the Fox 40 News mobile app. The match is also available on ESPN+. Republic FC will return home the following weekend to kick off a three-game homestand that includes the club’s return to U.S. Open Cup play. Tickets for all three home matches are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
