Few positional groups in the entire league performed as well as Republic FC’s backline in 2022. Mainly in part to a deep unit of center-backs, the club was among the best in preventing pressure on its goalkeepers and elite at breaking up opposing attacks. Ahead of 2023, the club plans to keep those areas a strength, fortifying the defensive unit this offseason. Get to know Sacramento’s center backs ahead of the club’s 10th season.
Conor Donovan
Donovan was one of the club’s leaders in 2022, pushing his teammates harder, setting an example, and executing at a high level more consistently than maybe no other player. He came to Sacramento following a stellar 2021 with Oklahoma City where he was one of just three individuals league-wide to play every minute, and delivered the City’s indomitable fans everything they expected they would get and more. His 2022 season started slow due to injury, logging just 11 minutes and appearing in only two of the club’s first five matches. But from April 23 to the end of the season, he appeared in 25 of the club’s remaining 29 games and was left off the starting XI just once. His name was in the lineup each time the club recorded a clean sheet.
His contributions led him to being voted Defensive MVP by his teammates following the season – a nod to his toughness, leadership, consistency and knack for the big time stop. In 2023, he’ll be relied upon to show the same poise, stable presence and strong leadership no matter the opponent.
Lee Desmond
Flanking Donovan on the left, returning from a heel injury and phenomenal debut year in North America, Desmond is aching to give his all in a sophomore effort. In his second year, he should be well adjusted to the style of play opponents bring on a weekly basis, and will without a doubt continue to be one of the club’s leaders on and off the pitch.
In 2022, the Irishman finished tied for the club lead in clearances (67), and second in interceptions (48). Even after being thrust into a starting role after a limited preseason, he excelled, fitting in perfectly alongside fellow countrymen Dan Casey and Conor Donovan. He was a stalwart for Mark Briggs when available for selection – starting all but one match he appeared in across 21 league games.
Jared Timmer
The first to join the returning center backs for the 2023 season was Timmer, coming from Eastern Conference club Indy Eleven. He brings a winning pedigree to his new club. Sacramento fans may recognize him from his time with former rival Reno 1868 FC in 2020, where his squad finished the season at the top of the table with him starting 15 of 16 contests. During his college career, he helped take the Butler Bulldogs to three NCAA DI College Cups from 2016 to 2019. He also won a League Two title as an amateur with the Flint City Bucks in 2019.He’s been an integral piece to every squad he’s played for, and, as a result, brings yet another player with experience in big games to Sacramento’s roster.
In 2022, Timmer was a central piece of Indy Eleven’s backline. He led his club in appearances (33) and minutes (2,586) – setting new career highs in each category – as well as interceptions (44). He contributed to the attack for his club as well, tallying 12 chances created and one assist that resulted in the opening score against Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 30.
Shane Wiedt
Wiedt brings a stellar track record to the River City through four professional seasons. He was one of Loudoun United FC’s top players in 2020 statistically, recording a team-leading 24 interceptions, ranking second by one with 46 successful duels and pacing the team in appearances and minutes. On Pittsburgh’s back line in 2021 and 2022, only four players appeared in more games (66), and only three logged more minutes than he did (5,345) as the Hounds conceded less pressure than all but a handful of others league-wide.
His attributes fit perfectly in Sacramento as a physical player with size, strength, and strong vision. He can push forward and put the ball in the net as well, scoring and assisting two times each in 2022 – including a last second game-winner on July 23 against Hartford Athletic. Republic FC fans will also notice his joining the club reunites him with two teammates from his time in Pittsburgh, Danny Vitiello and December signing Russell Cicerone, which will hopefully make for a more seamless transition to his new city and club.
