Roster Updates

Republic FC Adds Goalkeeper Jacob Randolph

Republic FC announced today the addition of goalkeeper Jacob Randolph. He will be added to the team’s roster, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Jacob is a great addition to our goalkeeping squad,” said Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins. “He knows what it takes to be a part of an elite defensive team and we feel that he’s going to add even more depth to our roster as we battle for multiple trophies.”

“I’m excited to join the Sacramento Republic organization and community,” added Randolph. “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and I’m ready to fight for trophies with this Indomitable club.”

The 6’5” shot stopper spent the first two seasons of his career with Eastern Conference club Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. In 11 appearances across all competitions, he recorded four clean sheets and from 2024-2025 was a part of the top defense in USL Championship with 28 clean sheets and just 56 goals conceded during the regular season. This past November, he and the Riverhounds won the first USL Championship title in club history.

Randolph was a standout during his five-year college career. He first attended Barton College from 2019 to 2021 and in 34 appearances recorded a 0.91 goals-against average and an 80% save success rate. His 10 clean sheets rank third in program history, earning him two All-Conference Carolinas selections and three Defensive Player of the Week honors. He spent his senior and graduate year at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington and in 17 games recorded seven clean sheets.

Season ticket memberships are now on sale for the 2026 season, offering a range of benefits including discounts on merchandise and access to exclusive fan experiences, as well as priority seat selection in the new Republic Stadium at The Railyards. As a special year-end incentive, fans who purchase a Season Ticket Membership between now and December 17 will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Republic FC Holiday Sweater. For more information, or to purchase a membership today, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Memberships.

Striker Forster Ajago Joins Republic FC Ahead of 2026 Campaign

Republic FC is continuing to build its roster for the upcoming 2026 season. Today the club announced the addition of striker Forster Ajago (pronunciation: ah-JAW-go). He will be added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC, and league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Adding to our attack has been a top priority and Forster is exactly the type of player that is going to help us score more goals in 2026,” said Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins. “He is a young, physical player who can be clinical in front of goal and we look forward to welcoming him to Sacramento.”

Ajago added, “I’m incredibly excited and honored to join Sacramento Republic and get to work with this talented group. I can’t wait to get on the pitch, score goals and give everything I have for the Indomitable City as we fight for another Championship.”

Ajago spent much of the 2025 season with USL Championship debutant Lexington SC on loan from Real Salt Lake. Across 22 appearances in league and USL Cup play, he led Lexington with seven goals and 18 shots on target. Earlier in the year, he joined Real Salt Lake and made eight appearances and scored two goals, including the team’s first goal of the 2025 campaign. He also made three appearances with RSL’s MLS NEXT Pro side Real Monarchs.

The 6’2” striker made his pro debut with Nashville SC in 2024 and recorded his first pro goal in 18 MLS appearances. In addition to a Leagues Cup appearance, he also bagged a brace in the First Round of the Concacaf Champions Cup. He then went on loan to MLS NEXT Pro team Huntsville SC where he had 10 goal contributions in 13 appearances.

Born in Kumasi, Ghana, 24-year-old Forster was a standout player in his home country’s youth ranks and in 2018 he featured for Ghana’s U17 National Team. In 2020, he moved to the United States for a college career that included stops at the University of Delaware and University of Dayton before a breakout senior year at Duke in 2023. That season he led the Blue Devils across all offensive categories with 32 points, 14 goals, 28 shots on target, and three game-winning goals. The performance earned him a slew of accolades, including Second Team All-America, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinals, and three ACC Offensive Player of the Week selections.

Season ticket memberships are now on sale for the 2026 season, offering a range of benefits including discounts on merchandise and access to exclusive fan experiences, as well as priority seats in the new Republic Stadium at The Railyards.

As a special year-end incentive, fans who purchase a Season Ticket Membership between now and December 17 will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Holiday Sweater. For more information, or to purchase a membership today, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Memberships.

Republic FC Adds 2021 MLS Cup Champion Danny Crisostomo to Central Midfield

Republic FC announced today that Daniel (Danny) Crisostomo will join the club ahead of the 2026 season. He will be added to the team’s roster, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Danny is a top number six that we feel is going to be a key contributor for the way we want to play going forward,” said Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins. “He’s coming in with plenty of experience and is going to be another fantastic leader in the locker room as we chase silverware.”

Crisostomo added, “I’m excited to be here and I can’t wait for this new challenge. I’m looking forward to playing for an organization that puts their all into winning trophies. I’m ready to give everything to the club, the city, and the fans. It’s an honor to wear the Sacramento Republic badge.”

Crisostomo returns to his native California following a two-year stint with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. During the 2024-25 seasons, he recorded three goals and four assists in league, playoff, and USL Cup play, and earned three Team of the Week selections. He led the Rowdies with an 87.7% passing accuracy, 86 tackles won, and 239 possessions won, and was among the team’s top five players in appearances and chances created.

The 28-year-old came up through some of the most notable youth systems on the West Coast including Chivas USA and LA Galaxy. After a standout four-year career at UC Irvine where he was named the 2018 Big West Conference Midfielder of the Year, Danny signed his first pro contract with USL Championship side Orange County SC in 2019. He went on to make 45 appearances across two seasons before joining the Las Vegas Lights in 2021.

After impressing at the USL level, Crisostomo was signed by the Lights’ MLS affiliate Los Angeles FC midway through the 2021 season and made 10 appearances to help LAFC win its first MLS Cup. When he returned to Vegas in 2022, he added three goals and a team-best seven assists to lead the squad to its best season in club history at the time. Danny rejoined LAFC in 2023 and spent the season between the first team and MLS NEXT Pro side LAFC2. Across all competitions – including regular season, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions League, he made 15 appearances.

Season ticket memberships are now on sale for the 2026 season, offering a range of benefits including discounts on merchandise and access to exclusive fan experiences, as well as priority seats in the new Republic Stadium at The Railyards.

As a special year-end incentive, fans who purchase a Season Ticket Membership between now and December 17 will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Holiday Sweater. For more information, or to purchase a membership today, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Memberships.

Republic FC Reinforces Roster with Defensive Depth, Emerging Young Players

Republic FC bolstered its 2025 roster with six additional players – Tyler Clegg, Jackson Martin, Jackson Montero, Diego Mellado, Jayden Fitzgerald Boes, and Tag Chalmers – ahead of its upcoming match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Each of the contracts are subject to league and federation approval. Clegg joins the club on a short-term, 25-day Contract. The club utilized USL Academy Contracts to add Martin, Montero, Mellado, Fitzgerald Boes, and Chalmers to the first team roster, while allowing them to retain their collegiate eligibility. Under the USL’s Young Player Sporting Initiative, clubs can utilize two additional roster spots on matchday for players who have either signed USL Academy Contracts or players on professional contracts who were under age 17 at the time of their signing.

“Every year, we look for an opportunity to adding talented young players from our academy and the surrounding region into our first team environment for valuable experience at the professional level,” said Republic FC President & General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Our region is full of talent and Jackson Martin, Diego, Jayden, and Jackson Montero have shown they are ready to compete and learn in a pro-environment. Adding Tag from Open Tryouts shows once again how important that pathway is to our club.”

Dunivant added, “Tyler has impressed us in a short period of time and has earned an opportunity to contribute to the club early in the season. With some early season injuries at center back, he’ll provide us with some much needed depth on the backline.”

Tyler Clegg spent the last two seasons with MLS NEXT Pro side Portland Timbers 2. He was selected by Portland Timbers in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Across 44 appearances with T2, the Virginia native scored three goals and maintained an 82.9% passing accuracy. In 2023, he was called up to the first team and made two appearances in the U.S. Open Cup, scoring his first professional goal against Orange County SC on April 26. Last year, was called into first team service again on a 25-day-contract with Portland Timbers. Before beginning his pro career, the 24-year-old centerback played five seasons at James Madison University. The three-year captain helped the Dukes win three consecutive Colonial Athletic Association titles.

Since 2017, 40 homegrown academy players have earned the opportunity to join the first team on USL Academy contracts. Since 2019, a minimum of two players have been signed each year following the club’s winter training camp. Martin, Montero, Mellado, and Fitzgerald Boes are all current players in Republic FC’s Youth Development Academy. Three of the four have committed to Division I colleges ahead of the 2025 NCAA soccer season.

Sacramento’s own Jackson Montero and Jackson Martin have been with the club since 2017 and have featured for every age group during their youth career. In 2022, they were members of the U15 academy team that reached the semifinal round of the MLS NEXT Cup – the only non-MLS academy to reach the late stages of the annual national tournament. Before joining Republic FC, local youth soccer organizations Sacramento United and San Juan United Soccer Club helped support their development. In the Fall, Montero will feature for University of the Pacific and Martin will join the roster at Princeton University.

Jayden Fitzgerald Boes joined Republic FC in 2024 and has quickly risen among the ranks of the system to feature for the U16, U17, and U19 teams. Across 30 appearances, he has recorded an impressive 22 goals and 15 assists. He has committed to play for Stanford University in 2026. Before joining Republic FC, Fitzgerald Boes featured for Association Football Club in Oakland.

Sacramento native Diego Mellado has been a part of Republic FC’s Academy since 2022 and has logged over 100 appearances with more than 10 goals and 30 assists. Along with Jackson Montero, he attends Elk Grove Charter School – Republic FC’s education partner to support academy and first team players – where students can continue their education with individualized programs that provide flexibility for training and travel schedules. Mellado joined Republic FC after spending time with Clovis Crossfire.

Tag Chalmers from El Dorado Hills was invited to join the first team during training camp following his performance at the club’s Open Tryout in January. The 18-year-old midfielder grew up playing for El Dorado Hills Soccer Club. Last year, he signed a USL Academy contract with League One club Central Valley Fuego. During the season he earned 15 gameday roster selections and made one appearance.

Republic FC is back in action this Saturday as the club hosts defending champions Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets. The match will also be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, as well as streaming on FOX40.com and CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Republic FC Signs San Jose Earthquakes Product Aaron Edwards

Republic FC announced today that the club has signed 22-year-old Aaron Edwards ahead of the 2025 season. He will be added to the team’s roster, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Aaron has been a standout player in his first two seasons, and we are confident he will add quality to our right side and to our overall group,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant.

A native of San Jose, California, Edwards came up through the San Jose Earthquakes youth development program and during the 2019-20 season scored five goals in 17 appearances. His standout performance earned him a No. 2 ranking in Top Drawer Soccer’s list of prospects Northern California before joining the UCLA Bruins. Across two collegiate seasons, he made 39 appearances and recorded two goals and five assists, while also earning several honors including Pac-12 Player of the Week (October 2021), College Soccer News National Player of the Week (October 2021), and 2021 Pac-12 All-Conference Team honorable mention.

In 2023, Edwards returned to San Jose to sign his first pro contract with its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, The Town FC. After a solid rookie season with three assists in 18 appearances and a berth in the MLS NEXT Pro Quarterfinals, he broke out in 2024 and led The Town with 11 scoring contributions (seven goals, team-best four assists). On August 18, he recorded his first career brace, highlighted by scoring the opening goal just 30 seconds into the match. He later was voted Team MVP.

Ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season, Republic FC will host Fan Fest on February 22 at Heart Health Park. In addition to a preseason match, fans can join the club for its inaugural Strive for 45 3K Fun Run & Walk at 11:30 a.m., as well as Meet the Team following the game. Family-friendly activities will take center stage throughout the day, including player autographs, soccer darts, and more. Visit SacRepublicFC.com/FanFest for additional details about match tickets, Fun Run & Walk Registration, and Meet the Team.

Republic FC’s 2025 regular season officially kicks off on Saturday, March 8 when the club hosts Western Conference foe New Mexico United at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available now at http://sacrepublicfc.com/Tickets.

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Republic FC Acquires Defender Rayan Djedje from Charlotte Independence

Republic FC announced today that the club has acquired Rayan Djedje (pronunciation: Rye-an Jay-Jay) via transfer from USL League One side Charlotte Independence. He will be added to Sacramento’s roster for the 2025 season pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC, as well as league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Rayan showed a lot of quality at Charlotte and will add versatility to our midfield and backline,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He can play as a 6 or as a centerback with the ability to break up plays and will add depth for us in multiple positions.”

Djedje comes to the Capital City following a breakout 2024 campaign in Charlotte, where he eclipsed 1,500 minutes in 20 appearances. He led the Jacks with 30 interceptions – good for fourth best in the league – and was in the team’s top two for blocks (16), tackles won (27), and clearances (79). Of Charlotte’s seven clean sheets, five came after Djedje made the switch from defensive midfielder to centerback. The Frenchman also played a big role in the club’s standout run in the U.S. Open Cup, playing for all 120 minutes and converting his penalty in a Third Round upset over Rhode Island FC to make Charlotte just one of three League One teams to reach the Round of 32.

The 23-year-old originally joined the Independence midway through the 2023 campaign and had a quick impact, scoring two goals in his first four games. He would go on to make 12 appearances and add two assists before an injury sidelined him for much of the remainder of the season until he recovered and earned a spot on the roster for the USL League One Final.

Djedje got his start in his native France, joining the academy at FC Metz and rising through the ranks to sign a professional contract in 2019. He later spent time on loan with RFC Seraing of the Belgian Football League System, helping the team earn promotion to the top flight for the 2021-22 season.

Republic FC Bolsters Backline with Addition of Freddy Kleemann

Republic FC announced today that the club has signed defender Freddy Kleemann. He will be added to the roster for the 2025 season pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Freddy is a proven commodity in our league and has logged impressive minutes the past two seasons,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He brings a physical presence to our backline and fits with our style to win the ball back as quickly as possible.”

Kleeman has spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, originally joining the Eastern Conference club in 2023 to play for current Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins. With Tampa Bay, he featured for 4,208 minutes in 58 appearances, and was an anchor for the team’s backline, posting 181 clearances, 38 blocks, 48 interceptions, and 39 tackles won. In that time frame, he was dominant in the air, ranking seventh among league defenders with 155 aerial duels won. During his tenure, Kleemann featured in all but four of the Rowdies’ 21 shutouts.

The 6’4” California native was selected 11^th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC and signed his first professional contract with the club for its inaugural season before making three appearances. He also spent time in USL Championship on loan for Birmingham Legion in 2021 and 2022, where he made four appearances and recorded 15 clearances.

Kleemann had a standout collegiate career at the University of Washington. In his senior year, he appeared in every match en route to winning the 2019 Pac-12 Championship, while also earning conference academic honors. In 2018, Kleeman and the Huskies represented the United States in the FISU (International University Sports Federation) America Games in Brazil and brought home the gold medal.

Republic FC fans will have the opportunity to meet Kleemann and the entire 2025 team at Fan Fest on February 22. The day will begin with the inaugural Strive for 45 3K Fun Run & Walk at 11:30 a.m., followed by a preseason friendly against Ventura County FC at 2:00 p.m. Following the match, attendees can meet the team with autograph and photo opportunities throughout the stadium. Visit SacRepublicFC.com/FanFest for additional details about match tickets, Fun Run & Walk Registration, and Meet the Team.

Scottish Striker Lewis Jamieson Joins Republic FC

Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Scottish Premiership side St Mirren F.C. to transfer Lewis Jamieson to Sacramento, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC, as well as league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Lewis is a young, talented striker that will add to the depth of our front line,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Through his previous experience with Neill, we’ve seen his ability to make an impact across multiple attacking positions, and we look forward to incorporating his versatility to our team.”

The 22-year-old striker comes to Sacramento after spending the first five years of his career with St Mirren F.C. After joining St Mirren’s youth side at age 17, he rose through the ranks to sign his first pro contract with the club in 2019 and would go on to make 35 appearances, with one goal and one assist.

Jamieson spent several seasons on loan from his hometown club, with appearances across various levels of the Scottish Professional Football League, including the top-flight Scottish Premiership. He saw standout campaigns with eight goals in 18 appearances at Airdrieonians F.C. in 2022 and five goals in 13 appearances for Clyde FC in 2021. He also made 13 appearances for Inverness Caledonian Thistle (2021-22), the former club of Republic FC midfielder Nick Ross. Most recently, he featured on loan for Raith Rovers FC where he was managed by current Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins, scoring three goals in 18 appearances. Across all his loans, Jamieson recorded 23 goals and five assists in 78 appearances.

Republic FC’s 2025 regular season officially kicks off on Saturday, March 8 when the club hosts Western Conference foe New Mexico United at Heart Health Park. Fans can secure their spot for all the action this year – including February 22 festivities – by becoming an Indomitable Member today. For more information, or to purchase a membership today, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Memberships.

Republic FC 2025 Roster

Goalkeepers: Danny Vitiello, Jared Mazzola
Defenders: Jack Gurr, Ryan Spaulding, Lee Desmond, Jared Timmer, Dominik Wanner, Chibi Ukaegbu
Midfielders: Rodrigo Lopez, Nick Ross, Blake Willey, Justin Portillo, Luis Felipe, Michel Benitez
Forwards: Trevor Amann, Sebastian Herrera, Cristian Parano, Russell Cicerone, Da’vian Kimbrough, Lewis Jamieson

Republic FC Adds Defender Ryan Spaulding Ahead of 2025 Season

Republic FC announced today that the club has signed defender Ryan Spaulding ahead of the 2025 season. He will be added to the club’s roster pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Ryan is great addition to our left side,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He’s bringing a wealth of experience across various levels of American soccer, and we’re confident he will be an excellent fit in Sacramento.”

Spaulding has previously featured in USL Championship with Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan from MLS side New England Revolution. In 2023 under recently appointed Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins, the veteran defender made nine appearances for the Florida club. He scored two goals and recorded an assist in four consecutive matches to earn two Team of the Week selections and a Player of the Month nomination. He would return to the Rowdies for a short-term loan in 2024.

The 26-year-old first joined New England Revolution in 2020 as a part of the inaugural Revolution II roster and would go on to make 53 appearances across three seasons in USL League One and MLS NEXT Pro. In 2022, he was elevated to the first team and signed a new contract with the Revolution and made 36 total appearances in MLS, Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and the U.S. Open Cup.

Spaulding played collegiately at UNC Charlotte, where he helped the 49ers win the 2016 Conference USA regular-season title and a national seed in the 2016 College Cup and earned All-Conference USA Freshman Team honors. As a sophomore, he featured for North Carolina FC U23 of the USL League Two and led the team with five goals, before signing his first professional contract with third division French side Stade Briochin in 2018. He would later return stateside to join North Carolina FC in September 2019.

Republic FC will open the 2025 USL Championship season with a home contest against the 2024 Western Conference regular season winner New Mexico United on Saturday, March 8.

Fans can secure their spot for all the action in 2025, including the season opener, by becoming an Indomitable Member today. Members will have access to an exclusive benefits package that includes a commemorative scarf, flexibility to swap or re-sell tickets, access to private events, the lowest ticket prices per match, as well as priority seats in the new Republic Stadium at The Railyards. For more information, or to purchase a membership today, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Memberships.

Republic FC Adds Liga MX Veteran Michel Benítez

Republic FC announced today that the club has acquired left wingback Michel (Mi-CHell) Benítez ahead of the 2025 season. He will be added to the club’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC, and league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Michel has playing experience at a very high level, which will be valuable for our group,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He will be a threat down our left side, and his two-way ability is a big plus for us.”

Benítez began his career with Aguilas de la UAS, a youth club in his hometown of Sinaloa, Mexico, before joining the youth academy for Liga MX side C.D. Guadalajara in 2013. He continued to rise through the ranks of the Chivas system, scoring 10 goals in 61 appearances for the U-19 side before signing a contract with the first team in 2017. He would go on to make 24 appearances for the club, recording three goals and two assists across all competitions, winning the Liga MX championship and Copa MX tournament in 2017 before capturing the 2018 Concacaf Champions League title.

He then spent the next five years on various loan stints to Acenso MX sides Zacatepec and Celaya and Liga de Expansión MX club Tapatío. Across all clubs and competitions, he netted 10 goals and four assists in 87 appearances. In 2023, he signed with Club Atlético La Paz as a free agent and would score 13 goals in 53 Liga de Expansión MX appearances.

Season ticket memberships are now on sale for the 2025 season, offering a range of benefits including discounts on merchandise and access to exclusive fan experiences, as well as priority seats in the new Republic Stadium at The Railyards. For more information, or to purchase a membership today, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Memberships.

CHECK OUT REPUBLIC FC’S 2025 SCHEDULE

In January, the club will host its annual Open Tryout, when the region’s best players get the opportunity to impress the team’s technical staff and earn an invitation to training camp. Registration is open now at SacRepublicFC.com/Tryouts with special early bird pricing through December 31.