All season long, Republic FC’s defense was the best in USL Championship. Following the season, defender Jack Gurr was voted the club’s defensive MVP by his teammates and the club’s first-team staff – highlighting his contributions on both ends of the pitch.
A breakout season saw Gurr make Republic FC’s right flank a focal point for opponents’ week after week. He recorded career-bests in goals (5) and assists (6) and ranked fifth league wide in chances created with 61 – the highest total for a backline player league-wide since 2017. He was stellar on the defensive end, ranking third on the club in tackles won (28) and duels won (128).
Gurr’s performance earned him recognition as one of the league’s best throughout the campaign. He earned five selections to the Team of the Week – highlighting his attributes as both an offensive threat and defensive anchor. The Newcastle native was named to the All-League First Team, and alongside defensive teammate Conor Donovan was nominated for USL Championship Defender of the Year. His play was recognized by his peers throughout the league with a spot on the USLPA Best XI.
Some of his top moments came in some of Sacramento’s biggest games of the year. Gurr was integral to the club’s win on June 24 against defending champion San Antonio FC, a 3-1 result. Early in the contest, he earned a penalty that led to the club’s opening score before netting a goal of his own later in the match. He tallied two assists on October 7 at Rio Grande Valley FC, helping fuel a comeback win that secured the club the Western Conference regular season crown.
