- Becomes sixth player signed to a professional contract after attending open tryouts
- Product of Portland Timbers Youth Academy, played collegiately at University of North Carolina and in USL League Two with PDX FC
- Featured in USL Championship in 2019 on Academy Contract for Portland Timbers 2
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, Sacramento Republic FC announced the club has signed defender Aldair Sanchez to a first-team contract for the 2023 season. The 20-year old joins the Quails on his first professional contract after earning an invitation to preseason training camp through the club’s 2023 Open Tryouts. He will be added to the club’s roster pending league and federation approval.
“Aldair impressed us at the open tryout and only got better throughout preseason with our first-team,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He has featured against three different MLS opponents and was up for the challenge each time. He plays with a fearlessness that will strengthen our depth at left wingback and fit seamlessly within our locker room.”
Sanchez joins Republic FC after two seasons with the Men’s Soccer program at the University of North Carolina. His career with the Tar Heels saw him log 769 minutes and tally one assist in 30 matches from 2020-2021. While in college, he also featured for USL League Two side PDX FC. A native of Vancouver, Washington, he played five years in the youth academy of Portland Timbers before his move to the college ranks. In 2019, he earned a call-up to USL Championship side Portland Timbers 2 on an Academy Contract, appearing in two games.
He is the sixth player since Republic FC’s debut season to earn a professional contract after attending open tryouts. Previously, Emrah Klimenta and Max Alvarez earned spots on the eventual 2014 title-winning roster, Mackenzie Pridham and Elliot Hord joined the club in 2016, and defender Ashkanov Apollon made the team in 2020. This past January, over 100 players attended the club’s 10th Open Tryout, and three were invited to preseason training camp.
Republic FC fans will get their first chance to see the 2023 squad in action Saturday, March 4, when the club hosts local rival Monterey Bay F.C. for a preseason friendly at Heart Health Park. Tickets to the match are on sale now at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets, and include access to Fan Fest after the final whistle – allowing Indomitable members, fans, and supporters alike the opportunity to meet and interact with players face to face, hear from the club’s coaching and technical staff at a special Q&A session, and take part in fun, exclusive on-field experiences with the team. The club’s 10th USL Championship campaign will kick off on the road the following Saturday, March 11, when the squad travels to Texas to take on El Paso Locomotive FC.
TRANSACTION: Republic FC signed defender Aldair Sanchez.
