With season opener set, Sacramento Republic revamps roster to prep for USL season

Sacramento Republic announced Thursday they will open the USL season at home with a game against El Paso Locomotive on March 12. The entire schedule is expected to be released soon.

The Quails are revamping their lineup as they try to return to the playoffs. Sacramento Republic appeared in the playoffs every year from 2014 to 2020 before missing the most recent postseason.

To that end, the team has announced a rash of recent moves. On Thursday, the team announced it signed veteran USL defender Conor Donovan for the 2022 season.

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

Donovan led OKC Energy in appearances (32), starts (32) and minutes last year. He had 120 clearances and 40 blocked shots, both team-bests.

On Wednesday, the team announced it added 30-year-old midfielder Nick Ross to the roster.

“Nick has anchored one of the best midfields in the league the past three seasons,” Republic general manager Todd Dunivant said in a news release. “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.”

Ross spent the past three years with El Paso, which will visit Sacramento for the season opener. Ross has the second-most all-time appearances (76) and minutes (5,869) for the West Texas club. He has also tallied six goals and eight assists.

Republic announced Tuesday they sent defender Mitchell Taintor to San Antonio. Taintor spent two and a half years with Sacramento.

Different USL format

Teams wil be returning to conference play for this USL season after a pair of COVID-19-effected seasons. Rather than play in eight-team divisions, Republic FC will play in the 13-team Western Conference. Each team will play two games against each of the 12 conference rivals, eight games against Eastern Conference teams, and two additional local rivalry games.

Training camp starts Feb. 1.

Think you can help Republic FC?

Sacramento Republic has an open tryout scheduled for Jan. 15 and 16. Each season, one player is guaranteed to joint he club for training camp through the tryouts. If they perform well, they can earn a professional contract. Four players have gone through the tryouts and earned a contract since 2014. Limited space remains and players are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible at SacRepublicFC.com/Tryouts.

This story was originally published January 6, 2022 at 12:34 PM.