Roster Updates

Today, Sacramento Republic FC announced that the club has reached an agreement with forward Douglas Martinez Jr., pending league and federation approval. He will be added to Republic FC’s 2022 roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Douglas is a game-changer who has all the tools along with a championship pedigree,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He provides a new dimension to our attack with his physical attributes and scoring prowess. His proven track record of success in USL, MLS and on the international stage will be a welcome addition to our club.”

Martinez joins Republic FC following three seasons with Real Salt Lake, where he appeared for both the USL Championship and MLS sides, as well as a brief loan in 2021 to San Diego Loyal SC. He debuted for Real Monarchs SLC in 2019, scoring a team-best 17 goals and adding seven assists, while also logging over 2,000 minutes and starting in each of his 25 appearances – resulting in a goal every 109 minutes. He was called up to the club’s MLS side midway through the season, where he made one appearance before rejoining Monarchs for their playoff run that ended with a USL Championship title. In addition to the team’s championship title, Martinez earned several individual honors in 2019 – including one Goal of the Week nomination, three consecutive Team of the Week selections, and one Player of the Week crown. He was also a finalist for the league’s Young Player of the Year award.

The Honduran international returned to RSL for the 2020 season. He made 19 appearances and scored three goals – one of which came in the MLS is Back Tournament Round of 16. Martinez started the 2021 season with RSL, making six appearances before returning to Monarchs. In seven appearances with the USL Championship side, he scored two goals and added two assists. In August, he joined San Diego Loyal SC on loan for the remainder of the season, where he scored two goals in 11 appearances.

The forward made his professional debut in his home country for CDS Vida in 2013 at just 16 years of age. In 2016, Martinez trialed for New York Red Bulls II before signing with the club on loan, eventually making the move to USL in 2017. He appeared 16 times and scored one goal for the New York club.

In addition to his club career, Martinez also has featured at the international level for Honduras at both the youth and senior levels. In 2017, he earned his first call-up to the Honduran U-20 team at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship during their second-place finish. He also added one goal at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He later joined the U-23 team, where he scored two goals and won the silver medal in the 2019 Pan American Games. That same year, he earned a spot on the senior national team for the CONCACAF Nations League, where he made three appearances and added one goal. In 2021, he was named to the roster for the 2020/21 Tokyo Olympics, where he started all three matches in group play.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with defender Ferrety Sousa on a contract for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Ferrety is an experienced defender that grew into a leadership role the past two seasons in Omaha,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He brings a winning mentality to the club and will be another strong veteran presence in our locker room.”

Sousa joins Republic FC after two seasons with Union Omaha, where he helped the club reach the USL League One Final in its inaugural season and claim the title the following season. In 2021, he netted one goal and tallied one assist, serving as captain in all but two matches. He logged just over 2,300 minutes on the league’s top defense – only conceding 23 goals, while completing 80% of his passing attempts as an anchor of the clubs backline with 49 interceptions – good for second on the roster.

Before featuring for Omaha, Sousa made his professional debut in 2012 for French club FCM Aubervilliers in Championnat National 2, the fourth tier of French football. He returned to the U.S. in 2013, featuring primarily for NASL side Atlanta Silverbacks, with a stint in Wilmington in 2016, where he played under Head Coach Mark Briggs. He jumped to USL in 2019 with Las Vegas Lights FC, appearing 14 times and netted one score in the club’s second season.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with defender Jack Gurr on a contract for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Jack is a talented defender who is capable of making an immediate impact on our backline,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His experiences in MLS, USL, and the Scottish Premier League will make him a valuable asset to our group.”

The Englishman comes to the Indomitable City after spending the previous two seasons in the Atlanta United FC system. He marked his professional debut with Atlanta United 2 in 2020 and started all 16 matches during the pandemic-shortened season. He signed on with MLS side Atlanta United for 2021, and logged one appearance, before preparing to move clubs. Last June, the defender joined former Atlanta United manager Stephen Glass at Aberdeen FC in Scotland. He logged 10 appearances with the club and amassed 550 minutes, including time in the Scottish Challenge Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying matches.

Prior to starting his professional career, Gurr was an academy product of English club Gateshead FC. He moved to the United States in 2014, joining the soccer program at Georgia Gwinnett College. As a Grizzly, he tallied 14 goals and 22 assists in four seasons and twice earned First Team All-Independent Institutions recognition. He featured for NPSL club Georgia Revolution from 2018 to 2019.

Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros to transfer Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez, pending league & federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros to transfer Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez, pending league & federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We’re very familiar with what RoRo can bring to our club and look forward to his integration in our revamped roster,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He can change a game with his ability on set pieces, and we expect him to bring the momentum and energy from last season into our locker room and onto the field.”

Lopez returns to Republic FC after spending the 2021 season with USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and helping the South Texas club reach the Western Conference Semifinals. With the Toros, he made 28 starts in 33 appearances, while adding six goals and six assists – top three among RGV players. The veteran earned league accolades with four Team of the Week selections and two Fans’ Choice Goal of the Week nominations in 2021.

The Guadalajara, Mexico native was Republic FC’s first-ever signing in 2013 and played with the Indomitable Club during its first two seasons in 2014 and 2015. In 2014, he was named the MVP of the 2014 USL Championship Final as Republic FC earned the league title in its inaugural season. After leaving Sacramento following the 2015 season, Lopez rejoined Republic FC in 2020. In 70 appearances across three seasons with Sacramento, RoRo has scored 28 goals and added 19 assists, both in the top three in all-time club history. Other accolades include being named as a finalist for the league’s 2014 Most Valuable Player, a 2014 First Team All-Championship selection, two Player of the Week honors, and multiple Team of the Week selections.

His professional career began in 2005 with MLS-side Chivas USA. After three seasons with the southern California club, he would move on to compete in NASL, USL PDL, MLS Reserve League, USL Championship and Mexico’s top leagues – Ascenso MX and Liga MX.  

Today, Sacramento Republic FC announced that the club has reached an agreement with midfielder Matt LaGrassa, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are delighted to bring Matt back home to Sacramento. He embodies what this city and this club is all about,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He is another example of the top tier talent developed out of our region, and the team will benefit from his experience and leadership.”

LaGrassa joins Republic FC following four seasons with Nashville SC – two with the USL Championship side and two with the MLS side. In 2018, as Nashville prepared to begin USL Championship play, he was one of the club’s first signings. Through two seasons, he made 71 appearances, tallying six goals and four assists – helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In 2020, Matt was one of just four of Nashville’s USL players who were signed to MLS contracts. Over two seasons, he maintained an 83% passing accuracy and created 15 scoring opportunities in 21 appearances, including a trip to the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Elk Grove, CA native began his professional career with his hometown club in 2016. He spent a majority of his rookie season in Sacramento, where he scored his first professional goal and logged 13 appearances, with two assists. In 2017, LaGrassa joined Reno 1868 FC and paired in the midfield with current teammate Luis Felipe. In his lone season in Reno, he logged 32 starts in 33 appearances, tallied a goal and three assists, and helped the team finish third in regular-season Western Conference play. Before logging his first professional minutes, Matt competed for USL Premier Development League sides Des Moines Menace (2012) and Ventura County Fusion (2013-15.)

LaGrassa is a graduate of Pleasant Grove High School (Elk Grove), where he earned All-Metro League honors after posting 26 goals and 10 assists in his senior season. During his junior and sophomore seasons, Matt led the Eagles in goals and assists, earning him an All-Delta Valley league recognition. While playing with local organization San Juan Soccer Club, he was selected to participate in Cal North’s Olympic Development Program three times.

At the collegiate level, he played for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he scored 18 goals and added eight assists in 77 career appearances. He remains in the top 10 for all-time points (44), goals, and appearances for the Mustangs. In addition to three All-Big West Conference Team honors, he was awarded the Big-West Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2015) and named to Top Drawer Soccer’s National Team of the Week (September 2017).

The full 2022 regular season schedule is out! Download it at www.sacrepublicfc.com/Club-Schedule.

Today, Sacramento Republic FC announced that the club has reached an agreement with midfielder Sergio Gontán Gallardo – “Keko”, pending league and federation approval. He will be added to Republic FC’s 2022 roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Keko brings a wealth of experience from his time in Spain and Italy,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His technical ability to find the right pass will be a big boost to our attack, and he will bring added veteran leadership both on and off the field.”

Today, Sacramento Republic FC announced that the club has reached an agreement with midfielder Sergio Gontán Gallardo – “Keko”, pending league and federation approval. He will be added to Republic FC’s 2022 roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Keko brings a wealth of experience from his time in Spain and Italy,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His technical ability to find the right pass will be a big boost to our attack, and he will bring added veteran leadership both on and off the field.”

The 30-year-old Madrid native comes to Sacramento following a 13-year professional career in Spain and Italy at the highest levels of European football, as well as second and third divisions stops. A product of Atlético Madrid’s youth academy, Keko made his La Liga debut with the club in 2009 at the age of 17. Since then, he has amassed 112 appearances, five goals, 13 assists, and over 6,500 minutes in Spain’s top league, while representing multiple organizations – including Real Valladolid CF, SD Eibar, and Málaga CF.

Most recently, he spent two seasons with Deportivo La Coruña in Spain’s third-division where he logged 24 appearances across all competitions. Before joining Deportivo, he featured for Real Valladolid CF during the 2018-19 La Liga season, where he appeared 26 times, with 2 goals and an assist.

He also spent two seasons in Italy with Serie A side Calcio Catania, where he made 23 appearances, adding one goal and one assist. With Catania, Keko made three Coppa Italia appearances, helping his club reach the Round of 16 in back-to-back years (2013, 2014).

Beyond his extensive club career, Keko has featured at the youth level for Spain’s U17, U18, U19, and U20 squads. During the 2008 UEFA Under 17 Championship, Keko scored twice in six matches, including the eventual game winner in the final against France. During the 2010 UEFA Under 19 Championship, he netted another international goal in five appearances, with Spain falling short in the final to France, 2-1.

Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has reached an agreement with defender Conor Donovan on a contract for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Conor has been one of the league’s best defenders in each of the last two seasons,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “But beyond his playing ability, he is bringing leadership and a team-first mentality, which will only strengthen our locker room.”

Donovan joins Republic FC after spending the 2021 season with OKC Energy FC. He led his squad in appearances (32), starts (32), and minutes played (2,880) during his lone season with the club, while serving as captain in all but one match. His team-leading 120 clearances and 40 blocked shots helped Oklahoma City finish as one of just eight clubs in USL Championship play to concede fewer than 40 goals.

The seven-year USL veteran joined Oklahoma City after spending the 2020 season with North Carolina FC, where he made 14 appearances during the pandemic-shortened season. Donovan played collegiate soccer at North Carolina State University, making 15 appearances his freshman season for the Wolfpack. In 2015, he was selected 22nd overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City SC and was one of five players awarded a Generation Adidas contract, allowing him an early entrance to the pro ranks as one of the top amateur players in the U.S. Donovan suffered a knee injury in his professional debut and was then loaned to USL Affiliate, Orlando City B for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

The defender has also featured for the United States U17 and U20 National Teams, making seven appearances. He logged three caps for the U17 side in 2013, and following his collegiate career, he appeared four times for the U20’s including minutes in the 2015 CONCACAF U20 Championship and the 2015 U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Today, Sacramento Republic FC announced that the club has reached an agreement to add midfielder Nick Ross to the club’s 2022 roster, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Nick has anchored one of the best midfields in the league the past three seasons,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He is comfortable on the ball and has a calm and assured leadership style that will be an asset both on and off the field.”

The 30-year-old Scot joins Republic FC following three years with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC. One of Locomotive’s first signings ahead of its inaugural 2019 season, he played an integral role in helping lift the club to two consecutive Western Conference Final appearances (2019 and 2020). He is in the top two for all-time appearances (76) and minutes (5,869) for the West Texas club. He has also tallied six goals and eight assists, and created 71 total scoring opportunities with an overall average passing accuracy of 88.8%.

Before coming to the United States, Nick logged minutes in his native Scotland, climbing through ranks of the Scottish Professional Football League. He first rose out of the youth development program at Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.—then in the second-tier Scottish Championship—and made his debut with the first team in 2009, helping the club win the Inverness Cup and secure a promotion to the Scottish Premiership. He stayed with Inverness through 2015 when the club won the Scottish Cup, adding 14 goals and 16 assists in 175 appearances across all competitions. He then signed with Dundee F.C. of the Scottish Premiership, tallying one goal and one assist in 44 appearances and later returned to his homeland to join Highland League side Brora Rangers FC in 2018. Ross has also represented Scotland on the international stage with one goal in two caps with the U21 national team in 2010.